Okamiden for Nintendo DS Reviews by Gamers

With consistently satisfying gamepley including an exciting battle system and fun puzzles, delightful music and visuals, and a seemingly endless supply of charm, Okamiden is a rare gem that should be enjoyable to just about anyone.

It's not perfect. As a sequel, it has some shortcoming. Okamiden mostly takes place in the same areas as its prequel; combine that with a similar moveset and soundtrack, and it's hard to shake the feeling that you're playing the same game, despite the fact that Okamiden has all-new dungeons and enemies and adds a completely new partners system to the gameplay. In addition to this, Okamiden doesn't always fare well against its prequel in a head-to-head. The first Okami included more areas and, I think, a better storyline, and feels to me to be better rounded. On the bright side, the sequel eliminates a few of the rare annoying elements such as mark-defeating sidequests, and I found the controls on the DS to be easier to use than on the Wii.

Due to these issues when comparing Okamiden to its prequel, this may be a case where you can get the most enjoyment out of it if you have not already played the first Okami - though if you did that you'd have some catching up to do regarding some of the plot elements. I have played Okami and I still wasn't remembering everything the sequel references.

Even though my biggest complaint is that this game is more of the same, the game's ending leaves the door wide open for more - and that's just what I want. Because this game pushes the pedal of fun from the very beginning, rarely letting up before the end credits roll while sprinkling charm all over the place like it's confetti on New Years. Whether or not you've played the prequel, you'll want to experience Okamiden.

Disclaimer: More enjoyment is taken from the game if you are familiar with Okami, but it is NOT necessary.

The good:

-The graphics: For a DS game, the Zelda games have already shown us that a cell-shaded-esque style can still look beautiful. And this game adds to the beauty.

-The celestial brush: That's the actual drawing that Okami is known for. The DS is the ONE console that Okami could work for flawlessly in this aspect, and like guessed it did.

- Chibiterasu: I'm a guy. And even I find myself laughing and d'aaaww-ing at how cute Chibiterasu is.

-The humor: has some cute chibi humor. Pretty much Zelda but with more humor.

The size: for a DS game, this is pretty big.

-The length: I'm a good 8 hours into the game and still believe I have a way to go before ending. This is GREAT for a handheld game.

-The partner system: Since Chibi is young, he actually requires a partner to be able to succeed in temples. This is awesome as every partner is likable in their own way. Plus there's a shtick in the game where every one gives Chibi an insulting-like name [like mutt, pooch, and squiddie for example].

The Bad:

-Not as epic as the first one: while the game is freaking awesome, it is true what they say that when compared to the original, it doesn't shine as bright. Again, it doesn't mean by any means that it's bad.

The Ugly:

-Engrish: Once in a while there is an error in the speech bubbles that those who usually spell horribly might not notice, but those with an above average understanding of grammar will. Nothing big, and it's a rare occurrence.

tl;dr: The game is great, the best third party action adventure I have played in the DS, and definitely deserves at the least a rent.

Final Score: 9/10

Buy/Rent- Personally with games of this style I just give them a rent as once they are beaten I don't tend to play them again. But if you're someone who buys the Zelda games, this is definitely a buy.