One of the best surprises to have come out of The Game Awards 2024 was the reveal of Okami 2, the sequel, 19 years after the first game graced the world with its presence. Not only was Capcom bringing the series back, but it is doing so with the help of Hideki Kamiya and his new studio, CLOVERS. Details are relatively scarce, but thanks to an IGN interview, we know Okami 2 will be developed using RE Engine.
This comes alongside the news that another studio, Machine Head Works, will assist CLOVERS. Producer Kiyohiko Sakata then confirmed the use of RE Engine beneath the hood.
“Machine Head Works comes in by having the experience of both working with Capcom previously on several titles, so we know what Capcom needs to create the game. We also have the experience of working with Kamiya-san before as well. So we have both experience of Capcom and CLOVERS, and we’re acting sort of like a bridge between Clovers and Capcom,” explained Sakata.
“We also have the experience of working with the game engine that we are using for this project, RE Engine. So CLOVERS’ developers haven’t had any experiences with using this engine, but Machine Head Works have experience of using it. So we’re aiding them. Also under us, Machine Head Works, we have people who have actually had experience of working with the original Okami game.”
The very use of RE Engine, also known as the Reach for the Moon engine, is crucial to the existence of Okami 2. The leads being interviewed couldn’t share too many details, but pointed to certain ideas that were only possible using Capcom’s proprietary engine and the general level of quality it provides.
Just knowing that Okami 2 is in the works is exciting enough, and with the track record of games using RE Engine, we can be more assured about how the game will perform and look. There is no release date set for the game, but other Capcom revivals like Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny remaster will keep players busy until 2026.
