Ever since I began my journey down the path of video game journalism, my taste in games has broadened. By playing games that I normally would not have played, I have been treated to a new array of tastes. And when it came to previewing games, I would have immediately written off titles such as Death Jr or any other of those fun kinds of simple games, and not giving them a chance in hell. Until now. This change is good though, as my newfound interest in fun and innovative games has lead me to E3 2005's sleeper hit Okami.

Okami is Clover Studio's latest creation, coming hot off the heels of two excellent Viewtiful Joe games. In Okami you take on the role of Amaterasu, a Japanese god who has been reawakened in the form of a white wolf. Your goal as Amaterasu is to rid Japan of its plaguing evils and return the country to its former glory. The graphical world of Okami is very similar to Viewtiful Joe's cell-shaded graphics. However, Okami does differ and takes a giant leap into artistic vision by way of watercolor paintings on a paper-textured background. It may sound a bit like a cop out to creating a full 3D world, but it is quite a brave leap to ask for the gaming masses to accept what may seem like a simple graphic vision. Once you see the art direction in Okami you will hopefully appreciate just how gorgeous this game looks.

The beautiful watercolor graphics featured in Okami tie into the game play in the most unique way. Amaterasu wouldn't be much of a god if he/she (apparently some gods in Japanese culture were represented as both males and females depending on what time period they are depicted in) didn't have abilities in magic. This is where Clover Studio steps away from the familiar feel of the action RPG. To cast magic, such as a creation spell where you can create a bridge (common tasks like this will be handed down to you quite often in game) or stars in the sky (for puzzles), you will enter calligraphy mode with the touch of a button. The screen turns to a sepia tone, a brown tone if you will, and a calligraphy brush comes on screen. With the left analog stick, and the square button to apply pressure onto the paper, you will be able to draw calligraphy characters which will represent spells. This mode can also be used in combat as a regular attack or a finishing move of sorts. To do so, simply enter calligraphy mode and draw a slash across your target or targets and voila, calligraphy death. The pen must truly be mightier than the sword.

Okami is only about 30% done, which is surprising due to how much hype this game has received since E3, with many sources giving Okami the "Game of Show" title. The graphics and artistic style are unparalleled, which are some of the most beautiful I have seen, and will hopefully blow away even the "realism" hardened gamer. The addition of the calligraphy brush as a tool/weapon is one of the coolest features I've seen in a long time. Clover Studio has opened up the floodgates with this title, creating both art and game play that will not only draw in new players, like myself, but also keep gamers coming back for more.