Okami's New Game Plus: What Stays With You?
Hey there, fellow gamers! Ever finished a game and just didn't want it to end? Well, Okami has you covered with its New Game Plus (NG+) mode, allowing you to relive the epic journey of Amaterasu. But before you dive back in, you might be wondering: "Okami New Game Plus what carries over?" Don't worry, we're here to break down what you get to keep and what you'll have to earn all over again. Buckle up, and let's explore the mystical world of Okami's NG+!
Diving into Okami's New Game Plus: The Essentials
First off, Okami's New Game Plus isn't just a simple restart; it's a celebration of your previous playthrough. It's designed to let you experience the game with a bit of a power trip, letting you cut through enemies like butter while still enjoying the story. This mode is unlocked after you've rolled credits on the main story. Once you've beaten the final boss, the game will prompt you to save a clear data file. When you start a new game using this file, you'll be able to access the NG+ mode. This is your ticket to a second (or third, or tenth!) round of divine intervention. It allows you to carry over a selection of items and abilities, making your journey through Nippon a bit easier. It's perfect for those who want to experience the story again without all the grind or for those who want to try different weapon combinations or Celestial Brush techniques from the get-go. So, what exactly carries over? Let’s get into the specifics, shall we?
The Goodies You Get to Keep in Okami's NG+
Now, for the juicy details: what treasures do you get to bring to the next round? Thankfully, Okami is generous with its NG+ features. Here's a rundown of the key items and abilities you retain:
- Weapons and Tools: All the weapons, such as the Divine Retribution, Tundra Storm, and the rosaries you've collected in your first playthrough, will be available right from the start. That means you can unleash your favorite combos and decimate enemies without having to wait to find them again. This is a massive boon, allowing you to customize your combat style from the start.
 - Solar Coins: These are your currency for buying items and upgrades, and you get to keep all of them. This means you can immediately purchase essential items or even splurge on some of the more expensive techniques early on, giving you a significant advantage in combat and exploration. This also helps mitigate any concerns you might have about resource scarcity.
 - Celestial Brush Techniques: This is probably one of the most exciting aspects of NG+. You get to start with all the Celestial Brush techniques you've learned. From the mighty Power Slash to the life-giving Rejuvenation, your creative arsenal is ready from the very beginning. This gives you a lot of freedom in your combat and puzzle-solving approaches. Just imagine the possibilities when you combine all of these techniques from the get-go.
 - Status and Stats: Your health, ink, and attack stats carry over, making Amaterasu a force to be reckoned with from the start. This includes your total health and ink capacity. You'll feel like a true goddess right from the beginning, ready to take on any challenge Nippon throws your way. The stats carryover means you won't have to spend as much time grinding to gain power, letting you focus on the story and combat.
 
With all these carryovers, you're essentially starting a new game with a fully upgraded Amaterasu. The game becomes less about the initial struggle for survival and more about experiencing the story and enjoying the gameplay with all of your favorite tools at your disposal.
What Doesn't Carry Over in Okami's New Game Plus
While Okami is generous with its carry-over features, not everything makes the jump. There are a few things that you'll need to re-earn in your NG+ playthrough. Here's what gets left behind in your previous save file:
- Story Progression: This is a given, but it’s worth mentioning. You'll start the game from the beginning of the story. While you have your weapons and techniques, the narrative journey and all of the cutscenes will be replayed. It will be like reliving a legend.
 - Certain Story-Related Items: Some of the items, like the Sun Fragments or specific key items tied to the story, do not carry over. The game makes sure that you're still forced to experience the game as intended. However, this is just a minor setback since you'll be well-equipped to get through these sections.
 - Enemy Data and Bestiary: The bestiary will reset. You'll get to re-encounter all of the enemies and bosses. However, since you can take them out with ease this time, the process is rather enjoyable.
 - Some Side Quests: You'll have to complete the side quests from scratch. However, if you are looking for more gameplay content, this is a great thing since it extends the replayability of the title.
 
Even though some things don't carry over, the core experience remains intact. You still have access to all your tools, which is more than enough to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Maximizing Your Okami New Game Plus Experience
To make the most of Okami's NG+, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Experiment with Different Playstyles: With all your weapons and techniques available, try out different combat approaches. Use weapons or brush techniques that you didn't use in your first playthrough. The flexibility will keep the gameplay fresh.
 - Focus on Story and Exploration: With your enhanced abilities, you can focus more on enjoying the narrative, exploring the world, and completing side quests. Since the combat isn’t as challenging this time around, you can soak in the details and appreciate the stunning visuals.
 - Collect Everything: Since you have the upper hand this time, use the opportunity to collect everything you may have missed during your first playthrough. Fill out your bestiary, complete all the side quests, and find every hidden item. NG+ is the perfect opportunity to go for 100% completion.
 - Challenge Yourself: Even though you're overpowered, try setting challenges for yourself. Limit your use of certain techniques, or try to defeat bosses using only specific weapons. This can add a new layer of enjoyment to the game.
 
Remember, Okami's NG+ is all about having fun and experiencing the game in a new way. There are no right or wrong ways to play, so have fun with it!
Conclusion: Reliving the Legend with Okami's New Game Plus
So, there you have it, guys! Okami's New Game Plus is a fantastic way to extend your adventure through Nippon. With your weapons, techniques, stats, and currency intact, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy the story all over again. While some items and the story progression are reset, the benefits far outweigh the minor inconveniences. Now, go forth and explore, experiment, and have a blast reliving the legendary tale of Amaterasu in Okami! Happy gaming!