Okami: before and after cel-shading

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Aug 14th 2006 at 10:25PM }

Notably the only upcoming PS2 game to feature magical wolves, aggressive painting and beautiful cel-shaded surroundings, Okami has come a long way since its original inception. Dubbed Ohkami, the early version presents quite a different experience to the one currently preparing to hit US shores. A comparison clip over at GameVideos (embedded in the second part of the post) puts the more realistic art style of the old version in stark contrast to the cel-shaded update.

It seems that the PS2 was simply not deemed powerful enough to render Clover Studios' original vision and so the shift was made to a different and more feasible art style. It's interesting that the decision marks one of the few occasions where technical limitations actually (and arguably) lead to a more visually striking game. If you had a choice in the matter, would you rather have the realistic (erm, as far as magical wolves go) Okami or the cel-shaded one? Comments from the "Zelda more like Celda" crowd are welcomed, of course.

[Thanks Demian!]

Tags: Amaterisu, Capcom, Cel-shading, Celda, Clover Studios, Jet Set Radio, JetSetRadio, Okami, Painting, Wolf, Zelda

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

eialba @ Aug 14th 2006 10:33PM

can't WAIT for okami! cel-shaded, of course.

T-Bag @ Aug 14th 2006 10:35PM

I would have bought a PS2 just to play this game if it had been non-cell-shaded.

ACE @ Aug 14th 2006 10:39PM

I love wolves. this game looks pretty nice I have to say. And this may be a little off topic but speaking of wolves, i am very, very dissapointed that werewolves did not make it into oblivion.Back on topic, i cant wait for the cell-shaded Okami. Does anyone know what gameplay will be like?

Scott @ Aug 14th 2006 10:39PM

Cel-shading is the greatest thing to happen to videogames since the transition to polygons. I love it, it makes the DBZ Budokai/Tenkaichi games look oh so much better, Wind Waker was an amazing game, and if it had looked like Ocarina of Time, people would have been more dissapointed with the length of the game due to its visual style looking like the much-longer OOT. I love cel shading, i think it should be used in moderation of course, but in the right game with the right team behind it, it looks amazing. I hope they continue the Wind Waker style of Zelda on the Wii as well as the DS. No reason why they cant have 2 different types of zelda games on the same machine...then again i would think it may be hard for the Wind Waker team to keep coming up the fresh stuff. Recycling the Zelda formula works wonders, but recycling the world of Wind Waker....i am not so sure.

Jeff @ Aug 14th 2006 10:50PM

Another game that was the beneficiary of such technical limitations was Rez. It 'twarn't wireframes for nothin'.

When I went to film school, it was well known that technical limitations helped enhance raw creativity. It just forces you into doing things in new ways that nobody has thought of in order to overcome problems that you wouldn't have with more money or power. That's what "ingenuity" is all about.

Is it coincidence that as both PC's and game consoles increase in power, we're seeing so many cookie-cutter FPS's and sports titles that try for nothing other than looking as "realistic" as possible? The more real you can make things look, the less incentive - and the less need - to make anything imaginative (or interesting).

ACE @ Aug 14th 2006 10:50PM

I hope i dont sound too stupid, but im new to joystiq. How and who awards stars for comments? This info would be greatly appreciated.Thanks guys.

T-Bag @ Aug 14th 2006 10:51PM

@ Ace,

I heard it would be a fps where the wolf will have to kill the Japanese emperor to appease the the holy American president. It'll take place in a time where Canada was completely sacked the the Alaskans, and the world is in utter chaos. Ironically enough flowers from France and Sweden will carry a new type of disease that causes weapon to have hair armpits and saggy tits. Whilst leaving men with Asian-syndrome if you catch my drift. The wolf won't help though, it's just a stupid animal that some people praise because they were high the day they released it from a science lab.

T-Bag @ Aug 14th 2006 10:51PM

Edit: What the hell do you think the gameplay will be like?!

T-Bag @ Aug 14th 2006 10:53PM

Edit # 2: Women to have hairy armpits... I need some sleep.

thecactusman17 @ Aug 14th 2006 10:54PM

I think that the cel-shaded version seems to compliment the art-as-gameplay cencept of the game a lot better than the non-cel version. Though that is quite nice looking, to be absolutely sure. If it is due to hardware limitations, then it's nothing to be ashamed of. As at least one person stated above, limitation has been the driving force of creativity in big-money enterprises like film and games for years now.

lordroba @ Aug 14th 2006 10:55PM

Personally after seeing both 'realistic' and cell shaded versions, I would much rather prefer the realistic version. To me it makes the game seem much more exciting and alive, especially since it has the larger vegetion and all that detail (forest sprouting up instead of little shrubs). Anyways as long as the gameplay is good, I'm sure this game won't dissapiont. (could be another hit like katamari damacy)

Logan @ Aug 14th 2006 10:55PM

When I watch those, I would love to play okami cell shaded, I don't have a ps2 and might at a friends house, But the other one, I would consider buying a sony death machine to play it, beat it, play it again, and smash the ps2 and give to a friend.

Ian @ Aug 14th 2006 11:13PM

Even when I was very anti DS (about a year ago) I thought this would work so much better on it. It should come to the DS in some way but its one of the last PS2 games I want. If I have any extra cash this holiday after my PSP, 360, and possibly DS games then I'll be sure to pick this up. I love cel-shading despite that fact that so much ppl hate it.

Tatticus @ Aug 14th 2006 11:15PM

I definitely prefer the cel-shaded version. It seems the traditional ink on parchment style fits the traditional japanese mythology story better. No doubt they probably would've made it really nice realistically too, but with how the gameplay mechanics have been built up (what with the brush and all) I wouldn't have it any other way than the way it's come up.

deft @ Aug 14th 2006 11:16PM

I for one am glad that Clover Studios decided to make Okami celshaded. It captures that Oriental theme it has.
Not to say the gameplay. I can't wait for it to be released.

Probot @ Aug 14th 2006 11:20PM

According to an interview with the developers on the 1up Show the cel-shaded version is more technologically difficult for the PS2, not the realistic version.

1up Show (8/11/2006): http://the1upshow.1up.com/

The realistic version doesn't look bad, but the style in the cel version is just too cool to pass up. I'm glad they went with that. Too many games lack bold visual style, opting instead for bland realism.

Crazylink @ Aug 14th 2006 11:25PM

It looks more mystical cel-shaded but still visually pleasing in the original.

Danno @ Aug 14th 2006 11:50PM

While I like the Cel-Shaded look, there are two things from the non-cell shaded demo that I wish had made it to the game:

1) Get that stupid Red thing off Okami's back. It looks retarded.

2) More foliage as she runs around. Seeing flowers pop up wherever Okami runs is cool. Seeing whole forrests grow is frickin' sweet.

DEBASER @ Aug 14th 2006 11:52PM

This just makes me even more curious why this game wasn't developed for Gamecube as well as (or even instead of) PS2, especially since Clover Studios saw success on cube with their cel-shaded Viewtiful Joe series.

Paul P. @ Aug 14th 2006 11:56PM

Okami? More like... Origami? Am I right?

Andrew Yoon @ Aug 15th 2006 12:00AM

Uh... what are you saying Paul P.?
Okami is a play on the Japanese words for god and wolf. Considering how it's about a wolf god, the title seems appropriate.

Paul P. @ Aug 15th 2006 12:08AM

It's a (purposefully) weak cel-shading joke.

kc @ Aug 15th 2006 12:10AM

yeah after watching this vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwfQ7HVYH2E
i am certain it would work great on a ds

GSI @ Aug 15th 2006 12:19AM

Wow...even though it was changed to cel-shading, I still would have bought it had it stayed the more realistic style. I played the game at E3 this year and WOW the cel-shading makes it really stand out.

It is indeed visually striking now as the cel-shading style and is quite fun.

Is it just me or does the non-cel shading style kind of resemble the same look Shadow of the Colossus had?

Twist @ Aug 15th 2006 12:53AM

Okami is one of the better example of cel-shaded gaming but I have to say the original vision looked pretty hot.

dvnt @ Aug 15th 2006 1:02AM

Both versions have their merits but I have to say, the realistic version is hugely impressive seeing entire forests sprout up in your wake. So I would pick the realistic one if I had a choice. The cel shaded one is pretty cool and I may consider dusting off the PS2 that's been gathering dust for about 2 years now should it be received well.

Matt Z @ Aug 15th 2006 1:58AM

I think the Cel Shaded version works better because it makes it look more like ancient japanese Ukiyo painting and caligraphy.

The real style looks really solid as well, but I think it would take away from the gameplay, not to mention the slowdown that would be caused by attempting to render a forest like that and have it affect enemies and such in real time.

Claumoe @ Aug 15th 2006 3:37AM

It's not so much the realistic style of the old version that appeals to me but the fact that the green that grows behind the wolf stays and does not fade as in the actual version of the game.

ChrisRX @ Aug 15th 2006 4:09AM

I actually much prefer the textured version to the cel shaded version. I think it looks a lot nicer but it's just a shame that the ps2 isn't strong enough to run it.

I'm personally hoping they'll port it to the wii, mainly because of that paintbrush feature and then revert to the original style too.

That paintbrush feature would be a pretty cool feature for the game if done correctly on the wii

Leto @ Aug 15th 2006 4:35AM

Both look awesome but I would have preferred the realistic version. PS2 can't handle it, but PS3 sure could ;p

Silver R. Wolfe @ Aug 15th 2006 7:09AM

@Debaser

The PS2 has a bigger audience than the cube, and eventually Viewtiful Joe was ported to the PS2 as well. I think Clover Studios saw that if they released it on the PS2 they would see a better profit.

I love the cel-shaded version. The realistic one is beautiful too, but I imagine that the game would feel alot more bland overall. It would be pretty sure, but the more stylized look gives it a fresh look and makes it unique.

Tiago @ Aug 15th 2006 7:31AM

I think there is an abuse of cel shading nowadays, every other games seems to want to implement that and it's got nothing to do with the game itself. I can understand cel shading in Jet Set Radio, in DBZ, but Mercury Meltdown? Oo

THat said, I think Okami has a great cel shading thing going on, it's very watercolor like, and very original, and is a technique that relates to the game itself.

Freelance @ Aug 15th 2006 8:23AM

Let me get this right. Instead of complaining about a ps2 being technically insufficient the creators of the game just got more creative to make the game, they didn't just cop out and port it over to a more capable machine. They actually made it work. Hmmmmm!
Well I guess we won't know until we actually play it.

Kyoji @ Aug 15th 2006 8:44AM

The only thing the realistic version has over the cel shaded version was the forest sprouting up. However, I highly doubt this would have made it into final gameplay, as logically, it makes no sense. It'd be a pain to run back anywhere since you've got massive dense forest behind you. Its also easier to let small grasses and flowers dissapear; entire tress sinking into the ground after a period of time seems kind of weird.

Jibaro009 @ Aug 15th 2006 9:44AM

I know we are talking about the visuals but the sound score in the clip is amazing. It adds a lot of depth to what I'm watching.

Chris @ Aug 15th 2006 10:13AM

The PS2 has a much larger install base than the 'Cube, yes, yet the Gamecube has a more specific type of consumer. This is why certain games outsell their PS2 counterparts (Tales of Symphonia, Soul Calibur II, and I believe the first Viewtiful, as well). The other reason to put a game on the Gamecube as well as or instead of the PS2 is that it is a more powerful machine, and some consumers realize this.

Viewtiful Joe and Killer 7 (both Clover games) were terrible on the PS2.

Marty @ Aug 15th 2006 10:24AM

PS2 is TEH KIDDYZ!!!!!! ZOMG!!!! WIILISTIC GRAFXI FTW!!!!

that is all I have to say about that. I think Zelda Cell Shaded was great for the Windwaker. it really fit the story that they were trying to tell!!!! And it seems that it goes the same with this game.

Tush @ Aug 15th 2006 10:38AM

limitation creates creativity...

D-6 @ Aug 15th 2006 11:04AM

#15: Finally, a gamer like me. Style > Hi-res generic realistic graphics.

I'm already have my copy pre-order and paid for. But I'm not really expecting this game to do well at all and will be lost in the shuffle...Probably will do just as poorly as the great ("Double Trouble" notwithstanding) "Viewtiful Joe" series did, which is unfortunate.

D-6 @ Aug 15th 2006 11:08AM

#34: killer7 (Another underrated title) was a Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. game, not a Clover game.

Aldyn @ Aug 15th 2006 11:27AM

blar, am i the only one that hates cellshaded games? after watching the comparison video, i would have bought the realistic looking one, but there's no chance in hell i'll get the cell'd one.

i wish they would just develop the realistic version of ps3 or x360 or something.

TheDave @ Aug 15th 2006 12:20PM

For my part (and yes I was one of those people that said "Zelda more like Celda") I think the cel-shaded worked better with the theme that they were going for. It was sort of an other-worldly feel that I got from the first trailer. I was planning on "borrowing" my friend's PS2 and renting this game but with new consoles on the horizon, methinks I'm going to sadly pass and probably miss out on a great story.

Ry @ Aug 15th 2006 3:28PM

I feel like the realistic version wouldn't be as beautiful as the cel-shaded version. Just wait till you play the game and see when the dead places get their forest and lively look in cel-shaded. I doubt they can even pull off the gameplay and other characters like in the final product.

What was also missing from the realistic verison was the leaves that came out of the cel-shaded when Amaterasu was leaping on the mountain. Realistic has just faint light blurry "grass." Not really artistic there.

rockintom99 @ Aug 15th 2006 8:11PM

Damn it, why did I have to see that? I was eagerly looking forward to a cel-shaded Okami, but now i want the realistic one. It was amazing, how the forest and grass grew as he ran, and everything looked so detailed, and amazing.

Oh well. Still will be good.

jeff @ Aug 15th 2006 9:12PM

argh, i just traded in my ps2!

Bertie242 @ Aug 15th 2006 10:10PM

Cel-shading is better.

I probably wouldn't have noticed it if not for the different art style. It just looks so kick-ass.

Mark W @ Aug 15th 2006 11:56PM

"one of the few occasions where technical limitations actually (and arguably) lead to a more visually striking game"

Infocom developers often considered the miniscule memory of the C64 (the lowest platform they ran on, and therefore the one they had to develop for), as a limitation that lead to better & more creative games.

boo @ Aug 16th 2006 7:36AM

"It seems that the PS2 was simply not deemed powerful enough to render Clover Studios' original vision and so the shift was made to a different and more feasible art style."

You say it SEEMS, so Joystiq doesn't know just like we don't really know if the realistic version was actual gameplay footage. The realistic version didn't look visualy any better than Shadow of the Colossus.

Every time I come here Joystiq have their heads up their ass, they always asume everything. And they're anti-Sony