Okami is one of my favorite games of all time. You play Amaterasu, a goddess in the form of a wolf. The world has been destroyed by an evil monster, and your job is to restore life to the world and defeat the monster (and some other monsters who happen along later). You accomplish this by traveling around and unlocking puzzles with your celestial brush, which allows you to paint your way to a goal. You will fight enemies with a combination of upgradable weapons, power-ups, and celestial brush. Some of the brush strokes are tricky at first, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of them. There are numerous mini-games, too. In this respect, Okami has been likened to some of the Legend of Zelda games. The graphics are absolutely beautiful, and some of the effects are breathtaking. I enjoyed the music, for the most part. Many of the characters may seem annoying at first (especially since their voices are gibberish), but they grow on you. The gameplay is fun, though it can get repetitive (it gets a lot more fun once you unlock the fire brushstroke). Many enemy types are recycled, including the bosses. Power-ups are plentiful, so you will rarely die, yet when I played I still felt there was sufficient challenge and satisfaction from a battle well fought or a puzzle finally unlocked. Battles are pitched, so in many cases you can avoid them or seek them out as needed. There is a lot of land to traverse, but your character Amaterasu can run very fast at top speed (with flowers springing up in her wake), and there are numerous portals you can unlock to warp from place to place. I set the age at ten because it may be too difficult for younger players, and there is some very mild sexual innuendo and scatological humor. There is a lot of fighting, and a lot of enemies are sliced in two. Blood is minimal, usually limited to highly stylized cutscenes. If your children are used to bloodless cartoons and/or fairly young they may find it off putting. Despite the violence, I recommend this game as an alternative to the usual fare. In Okami the player will derive pleasure and satisfaction from restoring the world rather than destroying it. I felt good after playing Okami. If you are considering this game for younger kids, I recommend renting it and either playing it yourself, or watching another gamer play so you can see for yourself if it's appropriate for your children.

By far my favorite game. Maybe that's just because I love wolves. But theres no doubt that the unique graphics played a good part of my liking to Okami. I play a lot of violent games (to be honest, most games have it), and the violence level in Okami really isn't that bad. I mean, honestly, the bodies turn into flowers and sparkles. Yes the progression of the game is based on smacking funny looking creatures around wih a blade, string of beads, or flaming shield, it gives the player excitement within this long adventure game. There is some blood, but only in a few artworks within the cut scenes. I also love this game because of the humor. At first, I felt the game was intended for the younger crowd, until I payed closer attention to the text. The only downside was a LOT of reading text during the game. Other than that, love it. As for age group, I'd say 12 and up, depending on if the kid understands the humor or not. I guess in a game like this, maturity is what counts most.

Sometimes, I go in my room and eat walnuts with peantu butter while watching video tapes of my potty training. Then I debate with my cat Romano if Jason Bates has too many freckles. See 'ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very few times can a game be considered a work of art, but this is one of those times. The game is simply beautiful, colorful, and artistic. It is also very educational about japanese culture/mythology and the shinto religion. The violence is very tame, and what would you expect from a Zelda game. There are a few inenuendos, but none of them are very graphic (most of them are the kind of jokes or dialogue you would expect in a PG movie)There is one scene where according to a japanese ceremony a beautiful woman bathes in a lake, but the water covers her and all the player sees is a silohette of her form. Sake (a japanese alcoholic beverage) is featured in several aspects of the game, but usually just as a power-up. Over-all I would say any kids 12 and up should have a lot of fun with this game, and mom and dad may try to steal the controller on this one because it is pretty fun!

This is by far one of the best games ive ever played!!! The graphics are absolutly AMAZING the controls are FANTASTIC, and the story line is GREAT!!! I highly reccomend this game!!!

TRULY THE BEST GAME EVER!! it is based off of the mythology of japan so some parts some pepol might not get but it is not needed at all to play the game. there are some bloody seens but its nothing too graphic. the game is 5 games in one. well its not five games in one but it takes up that amount of time to play unless you ar skilled at gaming. the first time i played it (i rented it) i beat it in about 20 somthing days. but the seccond time i played it i beat in in a week....

Three words: I LOVE IT. I believe that Okami is the greatest adventure game ever. It has spectacular graphics and awesome, fantasy-related powers & controls!! I have actually cried too! (when Ammy had to board the Ark of Yamoto & leave Issun) because they are the greatest of friends! I am a pro at okami (I've beat it 3 times :) and i will never stop loving it! I also hope there's a number two where Issun and Amaterasu re-unite and have to go on an even GREATER adventure!

If you're a fan of the Japanese culture, you'll love this game! I know I did! Based on a real legend, this game lets you play as Omikami Amaterasu, a Japanese Goddess who uses a paintbrush as a weapon. The educational part is that you'll learn a bit about the Japanese culture. You'll laugh and cry at certain parts of this game. Okami is a must for every gamer!

What clicks you when you hear the name of the game 'Okami'.....obviously some Japanese crap. But after reading the online reviews.....I blowed up my pocket money to run and buy this one. Okami is a charming game with beatiful graphics. You play a Goddess turned wolf with a magic paintbrush which can be used to make anything. With your nutty friend Issun you explore the worlds and save the people. This also allows you to roam around freely. If you love challenging adventure games......BUY IT!!!!

The best game ever!