Okami: Conquering New Game Plus - What Transfers?

Hey guys, have you finished the epic journey of Okami? Did you find yourself completely mesmerized by the art style, the gameplay, and the sheer length of the adventure? Well, if you're like me, you probably can't wait to jump back in and experience it all again! And that’s where New Game Plus (NG+) comes in. In this article, we'll dive deep into Okami's New Game Plus mode, exploring what carries over and what you'll be starting fresh with. So, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey through the Celestial Plain once more!

Understanding Okami's New Game Plus

Okami's NG+ is more than just a way to replay the game; it’s a celebration of your dedication and a chance to experience the adventure in a new light. It essentially allows you to start a fresh playthrough with certain advantages earned from your previous run. This mode isn't just about making the game easier, it also allows you to enjoy the game with the power of the end game and maybe try out a different play style early on. It is a fantastic way to extend the game's lifespan and for the completionists among us, it provides a second opportunity to track down those pesky collectibles you missed the first time around. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what carries over, let's take a moment to appreciate why NG+ is such a beloved feature in many games, including Okami. The ability to replay the story with a head start can make the experience feel fresh. You can explore different combat strategies, experiment with weapons and techniques you might have overlooked previously, and discover hidden areas or secrets that you missed the first time through. Moreover, NG+ often rewards your efforts, offering unique items, challenges, or even altered gameplay experiences. It's designed to make you feel like you've truly mastered the game and give you a reason to keep playing even after the credits roll.

Now, let's address the most burning question: what actually carries over when you start an Okami NG+? Let's break it down.

What Carries Over in Okami New Game Plus?

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? You've beaten the final boss, saved the world, and are itching for more. Here’s what you get to keep in Okami's New Game Plus:

• Weapons: Yes, your hard-earned weapons, the ones you spent time and effort upgrading, are yours to keep. This is a huge bonus! Starting the game with powerful weapons means you can slice through enemies with ease. Imagine starting the game with the Tundra Storm or the Divine Retribution, absolutely melting through early game foes. It opens up new strategies, like focusing on a specific weapon type throughout your playthrough or experimenting with weapons you might have ignored the first time. The game becomes more about strategic experimentation than simple survival in the beginning. It also allows you to focus on developing your skills with a preferred weapon from the get-go. No more waiting to get the good stuff; you're ready to dominate right away!
• Money (Yen): All those Yen you accumulated during your first playthrough? They come with you! This is incredibly helpful, allowing you to buy essential items, upgrades, and weapons early on, giving you a significant advantage. Yen is always useful, and having a head start allows for more strategic spending. Early access to upgrades and items can influence your combat style and your general approach to areas you previously struggled with. It makes the opening hours less of a grind, letting you focus on the story and combat without constantly worrying about your financial situation. So, buy those essential items that can turn the tide of battle, knowing you have a decent financial cushion.
• Techniques and Brush Techniques: All of your learned techniques and Celestial Brush techniques, allowing you to use those powerful skills from the very beginning. This is arguably the biggest advantage, since the Celestial Brush is at the heart of Okami's gameplay. Being able to use Sunrise, Bloom, and Rejuvenation right from the start is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the puzzles you can breeze through, the secrets you can unlock, and the enemies you can obliterate with your enhanced abilities. From a gameplay perspective, having all the brush techniques from the get-go changes how you approach the initial areas. You can experiment with different combinations, learn the timing, and master the techniques earlier in the game. From a storytelling perspective, starting with the abilities you've earned feels like you're playing a seasoned version of Amaterasu, ready to take on the world once more.
• Status/Progress: This includes your health, ink capacity, and the amount of Praise you've earned. This also means you can invest in these stats early on. Having a higher ink capacity, for instance, means you can unleash more brush techniques without running out, making combat and puzzle-solving much smoother. Starting with enhanced health gives you an edge in the early battles. This helps you to take on tougher opponents and survive longer in challenging encounters. The ability to invest Praise and increase your attributes from the start allows you to become a true powerhouse from the very beginning!
• Bestiary and Treasure Information: This is a nice quality of life improvement that will save you time if you wish to fill out your bestiary again. The game keeps track of the enemies you have fought, the treasure you found. This knowledge can also help you develop the best strategy when battling foes you already know.

What Doesn't Carry Over in Okami New Game Plus?

While NG+ gives you a significant head start, it's not a complete walk in the park. Here’s what you don't get to keep:

• Story Progress: You'll have to play through the main story again, though with your enhanced abilities, you'll be able to breeze through the areas. The story resets. You'll start from the beginning, in Kamiki Village, as if you're experiencing everything for the first time. But don't worry, you know how it ends, and this time, you're the master.
• Key Items: Important items like story-related keys and tools that unlock new areas and progress the story will not be carried over. That is because the game needs a way to track the story. So, you'll have to reacquire them as you progress through the narrative. This ensures that you still follow the intended progression, which feels a little counterintuitive, but keeps the flow of the game.
• Completions and Side Quests: All side quests and collectable progress are reset. You will have to do them all over again, if you want that sweet completion percentage. It can feel a bit repetitive if you're not into it. However, the advantage of the transfer items helps with the tedium.

Tips and Tricks for Okami New Game Plus

Alright, so you've decided to take the plunge into NG+. Here are some tips to make your second playthrough even more enjoyable:

• Experiment with Different Builds: Because you retain your weapons and abilities, NG+ is the perfect opportunity to try out a different playstyle. Maybe you focused on melee in your first run; try a brush-heavy build this time around. Try out new weapon combinations to keep things fresh and fun.
• Focus on Side Quests: Now that you have a head start, use NG+ as an opportunity to tackle side quests and explore areas you may have missed during your first playthrough. There are often hidden secrets and rewards. This will also give you an excuse to get more of that sweet Praise.
• Challenge Yourself: While you’re powerful, don't forget to push yourself. Try to complete the game faster, or experiment with different combat techniques. Take on challenges like defeating all bosses without taking damage or trying to beat the game at a certain level. NG+ offers a great opportunity to improve your skills and try some of the more advanced mechanics. Experiment and have fun.
• Enjoy the Story Again: Replaying the story with all of your power and abilities at your fingertips can make you appreciate the narrative even more. This time, you can really soak it all in.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, guys! Okami's New Game Plus is an amazing way to experience the game again. It gives you a chance to revisit the Celestial Plain with an extra edge. Remembering that you get to keep your weapons, your money, your brush techniques, and your character progress means that you are ready to jump into the action right from the beginning. You can blaze through the early areas and use the tools you have to explore and experiment.

Are you ready to dive back into the world of Okami? Remember to embrace the fun, explore different playstyles, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful experience all over again! Now go forth, and unleash your inner wolf! I hope this has been helpful. Have fun, and let me know if you have any other questions. Happy gaming, and may your brush always be ready! Until next time, keep gaming and stay awesome!