Long have I awaited your coming, O descendant of Nagi.

It's kind-of amazing just how up-to-date Ōkami HD feels, despite the original game's age. It still has some flaws, but is nevertheless distinctly refreshing.

Going back to what I wrote about it on PS2:

[...] intricately woven into the fabric of ancient tales. This manner of storytelling, combined with the game's infamous and extremely distinctive aesthetics, make for a really unique experience.

The Celestial Brush is a really cool gameplay mechanic - but controlling it is still a pain.

[...] a very big part of the game (I don't hesitate to say a majority of it) is in "optional" content.

This seems like an intentional choice on the part of the game's director to give the player a godlike feeling: you've got to take care of the little things, too.

[...] while combat and dungeon play isn't nearly as good as an actual Zelda, there is a lot of fun to be had in Ōkami.

A decade later, this is still how I'd sum the game up: the narrative and aesthetics are unique and breathtaking, the brush controls are fairly imperfect, the optional activities make the world feel alive, and the combat and puzzles are a little on the meh side.

And most of the time, the strengths more than make up for the shortcomings. It's all just so charming, from the beautiful art style to Issun's irreverent attitude.

Progress: Just finished the sunken ship.