With the amount of Okami related posts as of late, you’d think someone close held stock in some mystical Okami-producing machinery. In the effort of full disclosure: no one around here owns stock in companies that produce Okami-producing machines.

With that out of the way, Capcom has finally confirmed that Okami, the PS2 cult classic, is indeed making its way to the Wii, replete with motion controls. Developed by Ready at Dawn, it currently sounds as though motion controls will be the only enhancement with no changes made to the story or visual aesthetics. While this doesn’t rule out the game running in a widescreen compatible resolution, by the wording of the official press release and Ready at Dawn’s own comments, the odds appear pretty slim. The game looks to be nearly a straight port (think RE4).

Price was not announced, though the game will be released in the Spring of 2008. Hit the break to read the official press release.

SAN MATEO, Calif. — October 17, 2007 — It’s finally time to experience the magic of Okami™ as it was always meant to be played. Capcom’s award winning game — hailed as “Game of the Year”for 2006 by multiple magazines and websites including Associated Press, PSM, Village Voice, IGN.com, Game Revolution and more — is set for release on the Wii™ home video game system in Spring 2008. Featuring a re-imagined control scheme built around the intuitive Wii Remote™, Okami offers players an unparalleled level of control and an opportunity to rediscover a critically-acclaimed and beautifully crafted adventure.

Okami tells the story of a mythical sun god who sets out to restore a dismal world, decimating the forces of evil who stand in the way by commanding the elements and mythical abilities the deity possesses. Mixing Japanese folklore and a stunning traditional Japanese art style, players must utilize an inventive control scheme to overcome the challenges and evil that await. By enhancing the unique gameplay, visual style and story line of Okami with the control of the Wii Remote, it is sure to be the ultimate version of the game.

Originally designed for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and released in 2006, Okami now comes alive in an entirely new way on the Wii with its visually stunning art style and beautiful scenic 3D levels that have the appearance and texture of paper scrolls brushed with watercolor-like calligraphy art. Throughout the vibrant and distinctive surroundings, players must use the Wii remote to interact with a dynamic world and cast of characters. The blend of stylized graphics, movements and unique gameplay will result in a rich and dynamic experience never seen before.

Okami includes the following features:
• Innovative gameplay and control scheme optimized for the Wii – Defeating monsters requires both motion-controlled physical attacks, but also use of the Wii Remote as Amaterasu’s ‘Celestial Brush’ to paint the desired powers for decimating enemies and solving puzzles.
• Create and destroy at will – Play as a god to re-establish order and beauty to a world laid barren by evil.
• Intense action-packed battles – Rooted in Japanese folklore, fight against a diverse line-up of demons and monsters.
• Utilize various gameplay styles – In addition to the Celestial Brush, Amaterasu can wield three types of offensive weaponry, each with their own unique abilities and effects. Depending on how a weapon is equipped, it can be used as the main or sub weapon:
o Reflectors – These well-balanced weapons are suited for close range combat
o Rosaries– Sacred magatama beads are great for quick long range attacks
o Glaives – These can be charged up to unleash powerful close range attacks
• Intriguing main character – Assume the role of the sun god, Amaterasu, who descends upon the earth in the form of a wolf. The Japanese translation of the word wolf is “Okami”.
• Original visuals and revolutionary design– Vibrant and inspiring graphics, reminiscent of traditional Japanese art created on paper scrolls, produce a large variety of stages with a watercolor-esque appearance.
• Interact with a unique and dynamic cast of characters.