While Okami was released all the way back in 2006, the recent release of Okami HD on Nintendo Switch has shown that its remarkable visuals and unique gameplay mechanics have stood the test of time, and now Switch owners will have the chance to experience one of the most acclaimed titles of the past decade.
That being said, the Switch is currently home to plenty of games that are visually and mechanically similar to Okami HD, so if you happen to finish the game and are looking for more experiences like it, here are a few recommendations of other games to suit your Okami-loving needs.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
This is perhaps the biggest no-brainer of the entire list, and at this point there's little reason to own a Switch and NOT have played Breath of the Wild, the system's arguable killer app and one of the best games to release in 2017.
That being said, if you have yet to dive in or play Breath of the Wild, it would certainly serve as an interesting counterpoint to Okami HD given that it draws so heavily from The Legend of Zelda series, gameplay-wise. While Okami plays more like the past 3D installments in the series such as Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess, Breath of the Wild still nonetheless should captivate you with its breathtaking visuals and a world that truly redefines the series' gameplay.
2. Bayonetta 1 & 2 Collection
Stylistically and mechanically, the Bayonetta games are almost nothing like Okami HD whatsoever, though the two games do share a common thread through their developers that make them an interesting pair.
As Okami HD was developed by the late and great Clover Studio (which also made the Viewtiful Joe series), the remnants of Clover would then move on after to form PlatinumGames, the developer that would not only craft the Bayonetta series, but numerous other distinct, action-packed games such as NieR: Automata, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, The Wonderful 101, and numerous others.
So while Bayonetta 1 & 2--which were released as a collection earlier this year on Nintendo Switch--are a bit of a departure from the colorful and vibrant world of Okami, the shared historical connection between the two should make for an interesting experience. If that's not enough, then at least you'll be prepared for the forthcoming Bayonetta 3.
3. Shape of the World
Released earlier this year, Shape of the World is not only a great companion to the luscious visuals and incredible landscapes that players will find in Okami HD, but will also provide one of the most serene and calming gameplay experiences you can find out there.
Developed by the Canadian studio Hollow Tree Games, Shape of the World envelopes players inside various procedurally-generated worlds full of life, color, and sound. Though the game lacks a more traditional narrative like what you might find in Okami, Shape of the World will still deliver an incredibly unique visual experience that will have you coming back to see more of what's in store from its world.
4. Gorogoa
Coming from developer Jason Roberts and publisher Annapurna Interactive, Gorogoa is a short interactive puzzle game where players interact and control the action in a unique way, one that certainly shares some of the qualities that Okami's Celestial Brush provides.
Taking place over a series of environments and panels, Gorogoa eschews some of the more traditional setups for puzzle games in that players will have to use the Switch touchscreen to interact and move objects, zoom in to panels, and more to find the different solution to each challenge.
Though the game is a brief experience compared to the lengthy adventure of Okami, Gorogoa shares the same sort of curious relationship between the player and their environment with the unconventional ways that it asks the player to think of challenges and puzzles, and should be a natural fit for those looking for unique touchscreen-driven mechanics and puzzles.
5. Yoku's Island Express
Aside from being one of the most recent games on this list, Yoku's Island Express is perhaps the hardest to properly explain. In short, Yoku's Island Express is presented as a sort of open-world, Metroidvania pinball game, and if that description already lost you, then I'd probably recommend that you watch the game's trailer for a clearer picture of how it plays.
But more importantly, Yoku's Island Express is a title that I would recommend after Okami HD in that it's a unique melding of genres in a beautifully-crafted and vibrant world. Whether you're coming into the game for its unconventional blend of genres or its colorful island visuals and gameplay, Yoku's Island Express should serve the needs of those looking for a one of the more unique gameplay experiences that Switch owners can play, at the moment.
While Okami is a title that is now over twelve years old since its first release on PS2, Okami HD is a testament to the fact that the game has aged so remarkably well, and Switch owners for sure are getting an unforgettable experience with the recently-released Switch version. However, hopefully these suggestions above will help you find a few other distinctive titles among the Switch's current library of games to enjoy.
If I missed anything or you have suggestions of your own, feel free to mention them in the comments below.