Industry Legend Hideki Kamiya Still Enthused to Continue Okami and Viewtiful Joe Series
Hideki Kamiya, a well-known figure in the industry who departed from PlatinumGames last year, has expressed his ongoing interest in developing new installments in both the Okami and Viewtiful Joe franchises. Kamiya cited the incomplete nature of both series’ narratives as the driving force behind his desire to revisit them.
In a recent segment of Unseen’s “Memories unblocked with Ikumi Nakamura”, Kamiya revealed that he took the initiative to complete a survey conducted by Capcom. Noticing that the survey did not include an option for a new Viewtiful Joe game, he personally requested its inclusion, emphasizing that only a limited number of players had experienced the original, leaving the story unfinished. He expressed a strong desire to see the series through to its conclusion.
“I’d be more than happy. It’s only because 8 people have played Viewtiful Joe that people aren’t going wild. That game also ended mid-way. So I need to finish it. I want to finish it.”
“That survey that Capcom did last time, it didn’t have Viewtiful Joe as an option. So I sent a response saying, ‘I am Hideki Kamiya, let me make Viewtiful Joe’s sequel. I wrote that and sent it, it didn’t even get put up on the survey results. The director himself is asking to make the game again but they won’t even talk about it. What the hell, Capcom?”
Kamiya also expressed his concerns about the unresolved story in Okami, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the expectations of fans by completing the narrative. He pleaded with Capcom to collaborate with him in bringing these projects to fruition.
“You know that the story ended mid-way, so leaving it as it is, I feel bad…creators, I think have the duty to create sequels fans are wanting to see. Although I sound all high and mighty, it’s been a while since I’ve moved on from Okami. But I still feel like I haven’t fulfilled my duty, so Capcom, please – let’s do it together.”
These recent statements from Kamiya echo his persistent desire to revive these beloved series, signaling to Capcom and fans alike his unwavering commitment to seeing them through to completion. The ball is now in Capcom’s court – will they answer the call?