Okami New Game Plus: Everything You Need To Know
Hey guys! Ever finished a game and just didn't want it to end? Well, Okami's got you covered with its New Game Plus (NG+) mode! It's like a victory lap through the beautiful world of Nippon, letting you experience the adventure all over again but with a little extra oomph. But what exactly carries over when you start a new game plus? Let's dive in and break down what you get to keep, what you lose, and how to make the most of this awesome feature.
What Exactly Transfers to Okami New Game Plus?
So, you've conquered Orochi, saved the world (again!), and now you're staring at that "New Game Plus" option. Before you hit that button, you're probably wondering, "Okami New Game Plus: What Stays with You?" and that's a great question! You don't want to lose all your hard-earned progress, right? Here's the lowdown on what carries over, making your second (or third, or tenth!) playthrough even more enjoyable:
- Weapons and Reflector/Glaive/Rosary Techniques: This is the big one! All the weapons you painstakingly collected during your first run? They're yours to keep! This means you can start the game with some seriously powerful gear, making early encounters a breeze. Imagine slashing through enemies with the Tundra Storm right from the get-go! Plus, all the techniques you've learned for each weapon type also come along for the ride. Mastering those combos and special moves will feel even more rewarding when you can unleash them early in the game.
 - Combat Skills: Speaking of techniques, any combat skills you've unlocked, like the various brush techniques, will also carry over. This allows you to chain together devastating combos from the start, making you feel like a total badass. You won't have to wait to start painting the sun, drawing a wind, or creating a bloom. All those skills are at your fingertips from the very beginning. This is a huge advantage, allowing you to dominate battles and solve puzzles with ease.
 - Money (Yen): All that hard-earned cash you've been hoarding? It stays with you! You can use it to buy powerful weapons, items, or upgrades right from the start. That means you can equip your favorite weapon and stock up on healing items to make sure you're ready for any challenge the world of Nippon throws your way.
 - Health, Ink, and Godhood Upgrades: The investments you've made in your health, ink capacity, and godhood (the meter that fuels your celestial brush) are all preserved. This means you'll start your New Game Plus with a significant advantage in survivability and brush technique usage. You can take more hits, cast more spells, and generally feel much more powerful.
 - All Collected Treasures, including all the Beads and Treasures: All your hard work to get every bead and treasure is not for naught, the game makes sure it's kept safe. This makes it easier for you to just play the game again. You can skip the tediousness of looking for beads and treasures.
 
Basically, the game wants you to feel like the powerful god, Amaterasu, right from the start. It's all about letting you experience the story again with a boost, so you can focus on enjoying the journey without the grind.
What Doesn't Carry Over in Okami New Game Plus?
Okay, so we've covered the good stuff, but what about the things you'll have to say goodbye to? It's important to know what you'll be starting fresh with so you aren't caught off guard. Here's a list of what you'll lose when you start a New Game Plus:
- Story Progression: This one's a no-brainer. You'll have to replay the story from the beginning. You'll meet all the same characters, go through the same areas, and experience the same plot beats. But hey, it's worth it for another trip through Nippon!
 - Key Items: While you keep your weapons, combat skills, and upgrades, the key items that are necessary to progress in the game will not carry over. This includes things like the Solar Flare, the Waterspout, and the various other essential items. You'll have to find them again as you progress through the game. This ensures you still experience the game as it was originally designed, with a gradual unlocking of abilities.
 - Sub-Weapons: This includes your ink pots, sun fragments and the like. It's a fresh start for them.
 - Certain side quests and collectibles: Some side quests and collectibles that are directly tied to the main story might not carry over. This is to ensure that the story flows correctly. However, you can still collect any treasure or beads found outside the side quest.
 
So, while you retain a lot of power and abilities, the core progression of the game, including the main plot and your acquisition of essential items, will be reset. This allows the game to present a sense of progression and challenge, and prevents the game from getting too easy. Think of it as a chance to relive the adventure, armed with the knowledge and skills you gained in your previous playthrough.
Tips for Making the Most of Okami New Game Plus
Alright, you're ready to dive into New Game Plus! Here are some tips to maximize your enjoyment of this mode:
- Experiment with Different Weapons: Since you have all your weapons from the start, this is the perfect opportunity to try out weapons you may not have used extensively in your first playthrough. You might discover a new favorite! Try using a Glaive or Rosary if you haven't already and see if you enjoy it more than the Reflector you primarily used.
 - Focus on the Story: Now that you're powerful, don't feel pressured to grind for upgrades. Focus on enjoying the beautiful story, characters, and world. The main quests should be a breeze because of the skills you already have. Maybe take the time to notice details you missed the first time around.
 - Challenge Yourself: Even though you're powerful, try to find ways to challenge yourself. Maybe set restrictions on how often you use healing items or try to complete battles without taking damage. Try to beat the game as fast as you can. This will definitely be fun and challenging.
 - Try Different Difficulty Modes: If you played on the normal difficulty, you can try to up the difficulty by one. Otherwise, you can try for a lower difficulty if you're feeling less challenged. Change it up and find what fits you the most!
 - Look for Secrets and Easter Eggs: Now that you're familiar with the game, you can focus on finding hidden areas, secrets, and easter eggs you might have missed before. The world of Okami is filled with surprises, and New Game Plus is the perfect time to explore them!
 
Is Okami New Game Plus Worth It?
Absolutely! Okami New Game Plus is a fantastic way to extend your enjoyment of this masterpiece. It lets you experience the game's beautiful world and engaging story all over again, but with the added satisfaction of being a powerful, near-unstoppable god. It's a great opportunity to experiment with different weapons and playstyles, and to really appreciate all the details that make Okami so special. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Nippon, the New Game Plus mode is a must-try. So, go forth, unleash your brush techniques, and save the world once more!
I hope this guide has been helpful, guys! Happy gaming!