Okami
So basically I've been playing this game a lot, something I need to watch out for. It's one thing if I play a video game, but it's another thing entirely if I get hooked. It happened a little with Kingdom Hearts II, and it's starting to happen with Okami.
For one thing, Okami's visuals are just oozing (if you'll pardon the expression) with style. To be honest, I feel like this game's style is what Wind Waker was ultimately trying for - it's stylized, it's gorgeous, and it works.
It also plays like Zelda, in some ways...and sometimes it has an incredibly eerie similarity to it. A minute, somewhat annoying sidekick? Bombable walls? A Running Man? I guess the best way to put it is a cross between Zelda and...damn it, some other adventure game where you can jump on command. Arg. Anyway, the brush as a mechanic is great fun to play with, especially when you get some interesting effects and abilities. Nothing is more amusing than making a bomb appear out of nowhere in front of a poor unsuspecting NPC.
Speaking of...NPC's react to your presence. If you jump in front of them, they flinch. If you headbutt them, they get pissed (some even take a whack back at you). If you make flowers in front of them, they'll send off little hearts. It's enough to make someone like me goof off for hours.
The battle system is okay, but they don't explain it well (compared to other game mechanics which are practically explained to death), and I'm not a big fan of the 'speed and health bonuses,' it makes me feel rushed. Some of the special combos are pretty sweet, but I try not to question how a thumbless quadruped can wield a giant sword - whatever, it looks cool.
If you manage to find the game, I suggest giving it a try if you like Zelda-ish games. It also comes with a free Buddha Board, yay.
For one thing, Okami's visuals are just oozing (if you'll pardon the expression) with style. To be honest, I feel like this game's style is what Wind Waker was ultimately trying for - it's stylized, it's gorgeous, and it works.
It also plays like Zelda, in some ways...and sometimes it has an incredibly eerie similarity to it. A minute, somewhat annoying sidekick? Bombable walls? A Running Man? I guess the best way to put it is a cross between Zelda and...damn it, some other adventure game where you can jump on command. Arg. Anyway, the brush as a mechanic is great fun to play with, especially when you get some interesting effects and abilities. Nothing is more amusing than making a bomb appear out of nowhere in front of a poor unsuspecting NPC.
Speaking of...NPC's react to your presence. If you jump in front of them, they flinch. If you headbutt them, they get pissed (some even take a whack back at you). If you make flowers in front of them, they'll send off little hearts. It's enough to make someone like me goof off for hours.
The battle system is okay, but they don't explain it well (compared to other game mechanics which are practically explained to death), and I'm not a big fan of the 'speed and health bonuses,' it makes me feel rushed. Some of the special combos are pretty sweet, but I try not to question how a thumbless quadruped can wield a giant sword - whatever, it looks cool.
If you manage to find the game, I suggest giving it a try if you like Zelda-ish games. It also comes with a free Buddha Board, yay.