(continued from previous page) ...as three), which each allow the player to interact with the world in magical ways. Rejuvenate things such broken bridges or missing stars by just filling in where it respectively should be using rejuvenation. Slash monsters, trees, and almost anything else in the environment by using power slash. Dead trees can be bloomed using "blossom". The list goes on and on from drawing bombs to summoning gusts of wind. Almost all techniques can be used in multiple different ways, especially as one uncover secrets as they venture through the game. There is a limited amount of ink, but it rejuvenates quickly and never poses a large problem. Be aware that Okami does not possess all these skills as soon as you begin the game; they are obtained along the course of Okami's adventure. In fact one doesn't receive the final brush technique (blizzard) until about forty hours into the game!

Speaking of length - this game is long in that fantastic way where one hopes for it to never end. It's like a magical book whose 1,000 pages aren't enough. Expect a first play-through to last a solid fifty hours (assuming you don't rush through the game). It is at least a forty hour game minimum.

You get many weapons throughout the game; each one being original and beautiful. There are three classes of weapons, or as they are known in the game - “Divine Instruments.” Each class of "Divine Instrument" has a different play style. All weapons are upgradeable through the use of "Golden Powder," a rare and desired item. One can equip a second weapon as their sub weapon, and depending on which sub weapon is equipped its effect changes. For example, when a reflector is equipped as a main weapon it allows for short melee attack chains; but as a sub weapon, the reflector acts as a shield upon pressing triangle. This allows for many possibilities and combinations that are up to you to explore. Battle consists of combined brush strokes and weapon attacks, as well as finishing moves with the brush which can yield Demon Fangs. These valuable items can be traded in to certain merchants in order to receive specific charms and other goodies. The regular fighting is on the easy side (non-boss battles), which although might seem like a bad thing, isn't because of the game's pacing. Sometimes, it's just a wonder to admire the multitude of ways to defeat enemies.

The controls are intuitive and easy, fitting the celestial brush easily into the rest of the game. Besides battle there is so much to do. Different activities net "Praise" which can be used to upgrade stats. Praise is received by doing quests, feeding animals, and many other unique activities. Hidden throughout the game, Solar Shards net Okami greater maximum life every time three Shards are collected (similar to Zelda's heart system).

Even loading screens are interactive and fun. There are two minigames: Pressing X at the same time as footprints appear on screen, or rapidly pressing X fifty times before the loading is done. Each will net a Demon Fang. There are areas like forests, shrines, caves, and islands that remind us of dungeons from Zelda games, with puzzles, fighting, and bosses galore. They can vary in length from around 15 minutes to 2-3 hours, which is great on the first play-through because one doesn't know what to expect. None of the dungeons are incredibly hard; in fact a few are downright easy. Don’t get Okami expecting a huge challenge, as the game holds your hand for a while, and never truly pushes one to the limit. It’s still hard enough to be fun and play through, and I wouldn’t want it to be any other way. After you beat the game loads of extras are unlocked, as well as the ability to play a "New Game +", keeping all upgrades (minus brush techniques), all yen, and most of weapons and items that were collected by the end of your first play through.

To sum it all up, Okami is a truly amazing game that can be appreciated by everybody. Sandwiched between its compelling story, stellar graphics, and gorgeous musical scores Okami is one of the best game experiences this generation. Okami is a must-buy for ... (continued on next page)