OKAMI Level Analysis by: Joanna Rodriguez

This blog will discuss gating mechanisms of the video game Okami.

 Okami is an adventure based game where you play as a sun goddess. In order to move on forward, the player will need to solve small puzzles, or defeat enemies. To break down the design of the game, I have analyzed the first level locations in the game. Below is a simple breakdown of the level design.

When the player begins, they start out in front of the River of the Heavens. This area enables the player to understand controls, surroundings, and goals. One of the first obstacles- or gating mechanisms, is jumping. The player cannot proceed unless they are able to jump high enough to reach a platform. One of few core mechanics in this game is using the celestial brush  (using the wii controller), or retrieving lost items/people.

The gating mechanisms are able to affect the level layout due to the amount of gates versus playable area. Though the level design is simple and small, the game incorporate many gating mechanisms which require the player to explore the places numerous times without causing annoyance. For example, below you will see the level design. I have marked major gates in the image with a star, though I have excluded a few smaller gates for the sake of space. In the lower bottom of the design, we can see a few stars marked. One of the key elements is for the player to use the celestial brush (use the wii controller). We will see this gate again throughout the game all the time. However, this affects the layout because the developers allow the player to use the mechanic multiple times in a small area. The player will complete tasks that will also open up to the next level.

If players are able to surpass the gates, they are greeted with praise points, or relationship points towards people. For example, one of the main tasks the player needs to complete at the start of the game is to remove darkness from Kamiki Village where you reside. In order to do that, the player must learn to use a celestial brush move that will help cut down a fruit to give the village life. When the player completes this, relationship points and praise points are received. Should the player not pass the gates, they will be visited with retries or helpful hints.

Kamiki Village. Arrow Pointing towards Task.

In this level design, the player is given more help than other levels. For example, half of the level design is allowing the player to understand the controls. The player is helped with what buttons to press and where to jump. However, should the player need to use the celestial brush, they will need to use their knowledge of what they just learned to finish the task. For example, at the bottom of the level design, there is a purple star. The player must use their celestial technique (which is to draw on something broken to repair it) to repair a sculpture in order to use it in the real world. When the player is faced with the time to use it, the computer will not show the player HOW to do it, only when the player cannot get it right the first 3 times.

River of the Heavens. First Main Gating Mechanism.

The whole story is integrated in the gating mechanisms. The character the player plays as has the ability to create anything at her will. Therefore, she must use that power to open these gates to proceed onto the next level.

Okami Level Design Gating Mechanisms. River of the Heavens & Kamiki Village