Ōkami 2 Readies for RE Engine Reboot

Following the announcement of an Ōkami sequel at The Game Awards, speculation immediately arose regarding its game engine. IGN exclusively confirms that the game will utilize Capcom's RE Engine, based on interviews with key project leads.

Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata confirmed the use of RE Engine, explaining their role as a bridge between Capcom (IP holder and director of the game's overall vision) and Clover (lead developer). Machine Head Works' experience with Capcom, the RE Engine, and the original Ōkami game makes them uniquely suited to this role, particularly given Clover's lack of prior RE Engine experience. Sakata highlighted Machine Head Works' ability to assist Clover in leveraging the engine's capabilities.

Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi succinctly stated that the RE Engine was essential to realizing director Hideki Kamiya's artistic vision for the sequel. Kamiya himself emphasized the engine's renowned expressive capabilities and the high expectations for its use in the Ōkami sequel.

Sakata further hinted that the RE Engine allows the team to achieve goals unattainable during the original Ōkami's development, exceeding even their initial ambitions. This is particularly intriguing given the distinctive art style of Ōkami, contrasting with the generally realistic aesthetic of most RE Engine titles.

The article notes that Capcom is developing a successor engine, REX, with technology gradually being integrated into the RE Engine. This suggests the Ōkami sequel may incorporate some REX elements. A full Q&A with the development leads is linked for further details.