Okami New Game Plus: What Transfers Over?

So, you've finished Okami, huh? What a game, right? But wait, the adventure doesn't have to end there! Okami offers a New Game Plus mode, letting you jump back into the beautiful Nippon with some sweet bonuses. But what exactly carries over? That's what we're diving into today, so you can plan your next playthrough and become an even more powerful Amaterasu.

What Carries Over in Okami's New Game Plus?

Let's get straight to the good stuff. Knowing what you get to keep can really change how you approach your second playthrough. Here's a breakdown of the key items and upgrades that transfer over to New Game Plus in Okami:

Stray Beads: The Key to Ultimate Power

First and foremost, Stray Beads carry over! Yes, all those beads you painstakingly collected throughout your first playthrough will be there from the start. Why is this a big deal? Because collecting all 99 Stray Beads unlocks Amaterasu's ultimate form, granting you infinite ink. Infinite ink, guys! Imagine never having to worry about running out of ink for your Celestial Brush techniques. It's a game-changer, making combat and puzzle-solving way more fluid and enjoyable. Trust me, starting with infinite ink is like playing a completely different game. You can unleash your creativity and power without any restrictions. This alone makes New Game Plus worth it.

Techniques: Brush Skills at Your Fingertips

All the Celestial Brush Techniques you've learned will be available from the get-go. Forget having to relearn powers like Bloom, Power Slash, or Galestorm. You'll be able to use them right from the moment you regain control of Amaterasu. This drastically speeds up the early game. No more struggling with basic enemies or simple puzzles. You're a fully equipped goddess from the start. Experiment with different techniques and combos to discover new ways to defeat enemies and traverse the environment. The possibilities are endless!

Equipment: Weapons, Rosaries, and Mirrors

Your arsenal of weapons, rosaries, and mirrors makes the journey with you. All those powerful upgrades you purchased or found are ready for action. This gives you a significant advantage in combat, especially against early-game bosses. Feel like taking on Orochi with the Tsumugari? Go for it! Having access to your favorite gear right away lets you customize your playstyle and dominate the battlefield. It’s all about having fun and experimenting with different loadouts to find what works best for you. Plus, it's incredibly satisfying to see how much stronger you are compared to your first playthrough.

Upgrades: Maxed Stats for a Maxed Goddess

All your hard-earned upgrades to your stats (health, ink pots, and purse capacity) remain intact. This means you're starting with a much tankier and more versatile Amaterasu. More health means you can take more hits, more ink pots mean you can use your brush techniques more often, and a larger purse means you can buy more useful items. It's a trifecta of awesome that makes the game significantly easier and more enjoyable. You'll feel like an unstoppable force of nature, ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

Traveler's Charm: Keeping the Exploration Alive

If you had the Traveler's Charm in your inventory, that will transfer over too. This handy item prevents you from being warped back to a gate when you fall off a cliff, making exploration much less frustrating. No more annoying backtracking or having to redo tricky platforming sections. The Traveler's Charm lets you explore with confidence, knowing that a simple mistake won't set you back too far. It's a small but significant quality-of-life improvement that makes a big difference in the overall experience.

What Doesn't Carry Over?

Of course, not everything makes the jump to New Game Plus. Some things are reset to maintain the game's progression and challenge. Here's what you'll have to reacquire:

Story Progression: Relive the Adventure

Your story progression is reset. You'll start back at the beginning of the game, having to complete all the main quests and story events again. While this might sound tedious, it's a chance to experience the story from a new perspective, armed with all your skills and upgrades. You can focus on enjoying the narrative and characters without having to worry about struggling with difficult battles or puzzles. Plus, you might even discover new details or appreciate certain moments more now that you know what's coming.

Dojos and Divine Instruments: Reclaim Your Power

You'll need to reacquire Divine Instruments (weapons) from chests and re-learn techniques from the Dojos. This is a minor setback, as you'll quickly regain your favorite weapons and skills. Think of it as a way to re-familiarize yourself with your arsenal and discover new combinations. The Dojos also offer a chance to hone your skills and master new techniques. It's a fun way to stay engaged with the game's combat system and continue to improve your abilities.

Key Items and Quest-Related Items: A Fresh Start

Any key items or quest-related items are reset, as they are tied to specific points in the story. This ensures that the game's puzzles and challenges remain relevant. You'll need to gather these items again as you progress through the story. This is a standard New Game Plus mechanic that helps maintain the game's structure and prevent you from skipping important steps.

Sun Fragments: A New Canvas for Exploration

The Sun Fragments that are used to restore the Guardian Saplings are reset too. You'll need to collect them again to re-open the areas and side quests that are associated with them. This encourages you to re-explore the game world and discover new secrets. It's a great way to revisit familiar locations and see them in a new light. Plus, it gives you a reason to engage with the game's side content and complete any challenges you might have missed on your first playthrough.

Why Play New Game Plus?

So, why bother with New Game Plus in Okami? Here's why it's totally worth it:

Unleash Godlike Power: Experience True Dominance

With your upgrades and skills intact, you'll feel incredibly powerful from the start. This allows you to breeze through early sections and focus on enjoying the story and exploration. It's a fun way to experience the game without the initial challenges and frustrations. You can experiment with different strategies and playstyles, knowing that you have the power to overcome any obstacle.

Infinite Ink Fun: Unleash Your Creativity

The infinite ink from having all Stray Beads is a game-changer. It lets you use your Celestial Brush techniques without restraint, making combat and puzzle-solving a blast. Unleash your creativity and discover new ways to use your powers. It's like having a blank canvas and an unlimited supply of paint. You can create stunning works of art and defeat enemies in style.

Completionist's Dream: Unlock Everything

New Game Plus is perfect for completionists. You can focus on collecting any remaining items, completing side quests, and unlocking achievements. It's a chance to fully explore the game world and experience everything it has to offer. Plus, it's incredibly satisfying to see that 100% completion mark.

Story Re-Experience: A New Perspective

Reliving the story with a powerful Amaterasu offers a fresh perspective. You can appreciate the narrative and characters without being bogged down by the initial challenges. It's like watching your favorite movie again, but this time you know all the secrets and plot twists.

Practice for Hard Mode: Prep for the Ultimate Challenge

It is a great way to prepare for the hard mode if you want to unlock it in the game. In the game's New Game Plus you can have fun with less struggle. Getting to know the areas and enemies will help you in this new difficulty, as enemies hit harder, and life is more scarce.

Final Thoughts

Okami's New Game Plus mode offers a fantastic way to extend your adventure in Nippon. Carrying over your Stray Beads, techniques, equipment, and upgrades gives you a significant advantage and makes for a fun, empowering experience. While you'll have to replay the story and reacquire some items, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. So, go ahead and dive back into Okami – you won't regret it! Have fun, guys!