Okami New Game Plus: What Carries Over?

So, you've conquered Orochi, restored Nippon to its former glory, and guided Amaterasu through her epic adventure in Okami. Awesome! But what happens after the credits roll? Well, that's where New Game Plus (NG+) comes in, and if you're anything like me, you're probably wondering exactly what goodies you get to bring along for the ride. Let's dive into Okami New Game Plus and break down exactly what carries over, so you can plan your second playthrough like a true god (or goddess!).

What is New Game Plus in Okami?

First things first, let's make sure we're all on the same page. New Game Plus is a feature in many games, including Okami, that allows you to start a fresh game with some of the progress and items you earned in your previous playthrough. Think of it as a victory lap, where you get to show off all your hard-earned skills and equipment while experiencing the story again. It's a fantastic way to re-experience the game with a new perspective, tackle challenges you might have missed the first time around, and generally just have more fun with a character you've already invested a lot of time in. Now, Okami's New Game Plus is a bit unique, and knowing what carries over can seriously affect how you approach your second playthrough. Are you aiming for 100% completion? Do you want to breeze through the early game with all your fancy abilities? Knowing the specifics is key, guys.

Think about it: Imagine starting the game with all your神力 (celestial brush techniques) already unlocked. You could solve puzzles in entirely new ways, access areas you couldn't reach before, and generally mess with the game's progression in hilarious and creative ways. Or, what if you could use all those beads you painstakingly collected to boost your stats right from the get-go? That kind of power can make even the toughest enemies feel like mere annoyances. But not everything carries over, and that's where the strategy comes in. You need to think about what you really want for your next playthrough and focus on maximizing those aspects during your first run. For example, if you're dying to use a particular weapon from the very beginning, you'll want to make sure you've purchased it before finishing the game. This forethought can make your New Game Plus experience significantly more enjoyable and rewarding. Plus, let's be honest, there's a certain satisfaction in knowing you're playing the game in a way that most people don't, using your accumulated knowledge and resources to dominate the challenges ahead. That's the real appeal of New Game Plus – it's not just about replaying the game, it's about replaying it your way.

What Carries Over to New Game Plus?

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a breakdown of what you get to keep when you start your Okami New Game Plus adventure:

• Stray Beads: These little collectibles are perhaps the most exciting thing to carry over. All the Stray Beads you've found will be waiting for you, meaning you can unlock those powerful stat boosts right away by visiting Mr. Orange. This is a huge advantage, especially in the early game. Finding all 100 Stray Beads in your first playthrough will make you very strong at the start of NG+.
• Techniques: All those juicy combat techniques you purchased from the Dojo? Yep, they're coming with you. This means you can unleash devastating combos and brush techniques from the very beginning, making combat a breeze. It's incredibly satisfying to start the game with moves like Power Slash and Cherry Bomb at your disposal.
• Divine Instruments (Weapons): This is where it gets interesting. You keep all the Divine Instruments you purchased from the merchants throughout the game. So, if you want to start with a specific weapon, make sure you buy it before finishing your first playthrough. Any weapons you found in chests or received as part of the story will not carry over, so plan accordingly.
• Bestiary Entries: All the enemies you've defeated and added to your Bestiary will remain unlocked. This is more of a completionist bonus than anything else, but it's still nice to have all that information at your fingertips.
• Fish Tome: Similar to the Bestiary, your completed Fish Tome will also carry over. If you're a completionist aiming to catch every fish, this saves you a lot of time and effort.

Basically, focusing on collecting Stray Beads and purchasing all the weapons and combat techniques is a great strategy to power up your character. Divine Instruments (Weapons) can give you a serious edge in combat, and they can be customized to suit your play style. This allows you to experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you. Remember, the key to a successful New Game Plus run in Okami is preparation. Think about what aspects of the game you want to focus on, and then make sure you've acquired the necessary items and skills before starting your new adventure.

What Doesn't Carry Over?

Now, for the things you won't be bringing with you:

• Story Progression: Obviously, you'll be starting the story from the beginning. This means re-doing all the dungeons, boss fights, and narrative sequences.
• Inventory Items: Consumables like healing items, ink pots, and other miscellaneous items will be reset.
• Quest Items: Any quest-specific items you've acquired will be removed from your inventory.
• Celestial Brush Techniques (Story Related): While you keep the techniques you purchased, you'll still need to re-learn the story-related Celestial Brush techniques as you progress through the game. This is essential for solving puzzles and advancing the plot.
• Money (Yen): Your hard-earned Yen will be reset, so spend it wisely before finishing your first playthrough!

Knowing what doesn't carry over is just as important as knowing what does. For example, the loss of your Yen means you'll want to stock up on any essential items you might need before starting New Game Plus, such as ink pots or food for feeding animals. The fact that you need to re-learn the Celestial Brush techniques might seem like a drag, but it's actually a good thing. It forces you to re-engage with the game's core mechanics and appreciate how Amaterasu grows and develops throughout the story. Plus, it gives you a chance to practice those techniques and master them even further. And while it might be tempting to hoard all your money, remember that it's better to spend it on things that will carry over, like weapons and combat techniques. A little bit of strategic spending can go a long way in making your New Game Plus experience more enjoyable.

Tips for Your Okami New Game Plus Run

Okay, you're armed with the knowledge of what carries over. Here are a few tips to make your Okami New Game Plus run even smoother:

• Collect All Stray Beads: Seriously, this is the most important thing you can do. The stat boosts you get from Mr. Orange will make a huge difference, especially in the early game.
• Buy All Combat Techniques: Having access to all the combat techniques from the start is a game-changer. It makes combat more fun and allows you to experiment with different strategies.
• Purchase Your Favorite Weapons: Decide which weapons you enjoy using the most and buy them before finishing your first playthrough. This will allow you to start with your preferred playstyle right away.
• Complete the Bestiary and Fish Tome (If You're a Completionist): These are nice bonuses to have, but they're not essential. If you're aiming for 100% completion, then go for it.
• Enjoy the Story: Don't just rush through the game. Take your time to appreciate the story, characters, and beautiful world of Okami.

Think of it like this: Your first playthrough is about discovery and exploration, while your New Game Plus run is about mastery and refinement. You already know the story, the characters, and the challenges that lie ahead. Now it's time to use that knowledge to your advantage and experience the game in a whole new way. Experiment with different combat techniques, explore areas you might have missed the first time around, and generally just have fun with the power and abilities you've earned. Remember, the point of New Game Plus is to let you feel like a badass, and Okami definitely delivers on that promise.

Is Okami New Game Plus Worth It?

Absolutely! Okami New Game Plus offers a fantastic way to re-experience a beloved game with a fresh perspective. The ability to carry over your Stray Beads, techniques, and purchased weapons gives you a significant advantage, allowing you to tackle challenges in new and exciting ways. Whether you're a completionist aiming for 100% or simply want to enjoy the story again with a powered-up Amaterasu, New Game Plus is definitely worth checking out.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive back into the beautiful world of Nippon and embark on another epic adventure! With your knowledge and skills, you'll be unstoppable.