Okami New Game Plus: What Carries Over?

So, you've finished Okami, huh? What a journey! But wait, there's more! Okami offers a New Game Plus mode, letting you experience the world again with some sweet bonuses. But what exactly carries over? Let's dive into the details, so you know what to expect when you embark on this new adventure.

What is New Game Plus in Okami?

New Game Plus (NG+) is a feature in many games, including Okami, that allows you to start a new playthrough with certain items, abilities, and stats from your previous playthrough. It's a fantastic way to re-experience the game, especially if you want to see how overpowered you can become or unlock everything you missed the first time around. In Okami, NG+ gives you a significant advantage, making the game feel fresh and exciting even if you know the story inside and out.

The beauty of New Game Plus lies in the ability to retain the progress you've made, allowing you to tackle challenges with a new perspective. For instance, having all your神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques) from the start can dramatically change how you approach battles and puzzles. This can lead to discovering new strategies and appreciating the game’s design on a deeper level. Moreover, playing through the story again with enhanced abilities lets you focus on other aspects of the game, such as exploring every nook and cranny or mastering the combat system.

Starting a New Game Plus in Okami is straightforward. After you defeat Yami and watch the credits roll, the game will prompt you to save your cleared data. This save file is what you'll use to start your NG+ adventure. Load this save, and you'll begin a new game, but with a considerable head start. It's like getting a supercharged boost at the beginning of a race, making the entire experience feel both familiar and refreshingly different. Get ready to unleash Amaterasu's full potential right from the get-go!

Things That Carry Over

Okay, let's get to the juicy details. Here's a breakdown of what you get to keep when starting a New Game Plus in Okami:

• 神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques): This is a big one! You'll retain all the 神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques) you've learned throughout your first playthrough. That means you can use powers like Rejuvenation, Power Slash, and Cherry Bomb right from the start. Imagine how much easier those early puzzles will be!
• Stray Beads: Did you spend hours collecting all 100 Stray Beads? Well, good news! They carry over. This means you can get the coveted String of Beads weapon right away, giving you a massive power boost early on.
• Godhood Level: All those hours spent increasing your神力 (Godhood Level) won't be wasted. Your神力 (Godhood Level), which includes your health, ink pots, and Astral Pouch capacity, remains the same.
• Equipment: Any equipment you had at the end of your first playthrough, such as rosaries, reflectors, and glaives, will be available from the beginning. This gives you a significant combat advantage right from the start.
• Items: Most of the consumable items that Amaterasu carries, such as healing items and stat-boosting items, will be available at the start of the new game. This can make the initial parts of the game much easier.

神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques)

Having all your 神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques) from the beginning dramatically changes the game. Imagine starting with abilities like Crescent and Inferno right from the get-go! Early puzzles that once stumped you become trivial, and combat encounters are a breeze. It's not just about power; it's about the freedom to experiment and use your creativity to solve problems in new and exciting ways. This makes the second playthrough feel less like a retread and more like an entirely new experience.

For example, the early boss fights, which can be challenging for new players, become much more manageable. You can use advanced techniques right away, allowing you to defeat enemies with style and efficiency. Moreover, having all the 神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques) opens up new possibilities for exploration. You can reach hidden areas and discover secrets that were previously inaccessible, adding depth and richness to the game world. This sense of newfound freedom and power is one of the most rewarding aspects of New Game Plus.

Furthermore, retaining your神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques) encourages you to master them. With all the abilities at your disposal, you can focus on perfecting your timing and execution, becoming a true 神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques) master. This can lead to discovering new combos and strategies that you might have overlooked during your first playthrough. The enhanced combat system, combined with your increased skill, makes every battle feel dynamic and engaging.

Stray Beads

Collecting all Stray Beads in Okami is a feat in itself, so it's fantastic that they carry over. The String of Beads, obtainable by collecting all 100, is one of the most powerful rosaries in the game, offering significant stat boosts. Having it from the start gives you a huge advantage in combat, making even the toughest enemies much easier to handle. It's a reward for your dedication and thorough exploration of the game world.

The String of Beads not only enhances your offensive capabilities but also provides valuable defensive benefits. This allows you to withstand more damage and survive longer in battles. Having this powerful weapon early on can completely change your approach to combat, allowing you to be more aggressive and take risks that you might have avoided in your first playthrough. It's a game-changer that makes the entire New Game Plus experience more enjoyable.

Moreover, knowing that you don't have to hunt for the Stray Beads again allows you to focus on other aspects of the game. You can spend more time exploring the world, engaging with the story, and mastering your神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques). This freedom to pursue your interests without the burden of collecting collectibles makes the second playthrough feel more relaxed and enjoyable. It's a testament to the game's design that it rewards your efforts and allows you to experience the world in new and exciting ways.

Godhood Level

Your 神力 (Godhood Level), representing Amaterasu's health, ink capacity, and Astral Pouch size, is crucial for survival and exploration. Retaining this progress means you're starting with a significant advantage. You won't have to worry about running out of ink constantly or being one-shotted by enemies. This allows you to focus on enjoying the story and experimenting with different combat strategies.

A higher神力 (Godhood Level) also enhances your ability to explore the world. With more ink, you can use your神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques) more frequently, allowing you to solve puzzles and access hidden areas. Increased health means you can withstand more damage, allowing you to venture into dangerous areas without fear. A larger Astral Pouch allows you to carry more items, giving you greater flexibility and preparedness.

Furthermore, maintaining your神力 (Godhood Level) provides a sense of continuity and progression. It reinforces the idea that your efforts in the first playthrough were not in vain and that you are building upon your previous accomplishments. This sense of progression can be incredibly motivating, encouraging you to delve deeper into the game world and uncover its secrets. It's a testament to the game's design that it rewards your dedication and allows you to experience the world in new and exciting ways.

Equipment and Items

Keeping your equipment and items from the first playthrough is a massive boon. Imagine starting with powerful rosaries, reflectors, and glaives! This not only makes combat easier but also opens up new strategies and possibilities. You can experiment with different weapon combinations and find the playstyle that suits you best. Plus, having a stockpile of healing items means you're always prepared for a tough fight.

The variety of equipment and items in Okami allows for a high degree of customization. You can tailor your loadout to suit your playstyle, whether you prefer to focus on offense, defense, or a balanced approach. Having access to a wide range of options from the beginning allows you to experiment and discover new strategies that you might have overlooked in your first playthrough. This adds depth and replayability to the game.

Moreover, retaining your equipment and items provides a sense of security and preparedness. You know that you have the tools you need to tackle any challenge, which can be incredibly comforting, especially in difficult areas. This sense of confidence allows you to explore the world with greater freedom and take on risks that you might have avoided in your first playthrough. It's a testament to the game's design that it rewards your efforts and allows you to experience the world in new and exciting ways.

What Doesn't Carry Over?

Now, let's talk about what doesn't carry over. This is important to know so you're not disappointed when you start your New Game Plus.

• Story Progression: You're starting the story from the beginning. That means you'll have to go through all the main story events again.
• Dojo Techniques: Any combat techniques you purchased at the dojo will need to be re-purchased.
• Treasure: Treasure chests will reset, so you can open them again and collect their contents.
• Quest Progress: Any incomplete quests and side-quests will be reset. You'll need to do them again if you want to complete them.

Story Progression

Starting the story progression from scratch is a key element of New Game Plus. While you retain your powers and abilities, the narrative journey begins anew. This allows you to experience the story with a fresh perspective, armed with the knowledge and skills you gained from your first playthrough. You can appreciate the nuances of the plot, understand the characters on a deeper level, and notice details that you might have missed the first time around.

The reset of story progression also provides an opportunity to make different choices and explore alternative paths. While the main storyline remains the same, you can approach situations differently and see how your actions impact the world around you. This adds a layer of replayability and encourages you to engage with the game in new and meaningful ways. It's a chance to refine your understanding of the narrative and uncover hidden layers of complexity.

Moreover, re-experiencing the story allows you to fully appreciate the emotional impact of key moments. Knowing what's coming allows you to connect with the characters on a deeper level and understand their motivations more clearly. This can enhance your overall enjoyment of the game and leave you with a greater appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the story.

Dojo Techniques

Having to re-purchase Dojo Techniques might seem like a drawback, but it actually adds a layer of progression to your New Game Plus experience. It gives you something to work towards and allows you to fine-tune your combat style. You can choose which techniques to prioritize based on your playstyle and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you. This adds depth and replayability to the combat system.

The process of re-acquiring Dojo Techniques also encourages you to engage with the game's economy and resource management. You'll need to earn praise and spend it wisely to unlock the techniques you want. This adds a strategic element to the game and requires you to think carefully about your priorities. It's a balancing act between upgrading your abilities and saving resources for other purposes.

Moreover, re-learning Dojo Techniques provides an opportunity to master them. As you progress through the game, you can focus on perfecting your timing and execution, becoming a true combat master. This can lead to discovering new combos and strategies that you might have overlooked during your first playthrough. The enhanced combat system, combined with your increased skill, makes every battle feel dynamic and engaging.

Treasure and Quest Progress

The reset of treasure and quest progress ensures that there's still a sense of discovery and accomplishment in your New Game Plus playthrough. Finding treasure chests again gives you a reason to explore every nook and cranny of the world. Completing quests again allows you to help the people of Nippon and earn valuable rewards.

The re-acquisition of treasure also provides an opportunity to acquire items that you might have missed in your first playthrough. This can lead to discovering new equipment, consumables, and other valuable resources that can enhance your abilities. It's a chance to fill in any gaps in your inventory and ensure that you're fully prepared for any challenge.

Moreover, re-doing quests allows you to deepen your understanding of the game's lore and characters. You can pay closer attention to the dialogue, explore different quest outcomes, and learn more about the history and culture of Nippon. This adds depth and richness to the game world and allows you to connect with the story on a deeper level.

Is New Game Plus Worth It?

Absolutely! Okami's New Game Plus is a fantastic way to extend your enjoyment of this amazing game. It offers a unique blend of familiarity and novelty, allowing you to experience the world of Nippon in a whole new way. With your 神力 (Celestial Brush Techniques), Stray Beads, and神力 (Godhood Level) intact, you'll feel like an unstoppable force. Plus, it's a great excuse to revisit one of the most beautiful and charming games ever made.

So, what are you waiting for? Load up that cleared save file and dive back into Okami! You won't regret it.