Okami New Game Plus: What Keepsakes Can You Carry Over?

So, you've wrapped up Okami, huh? What a journey! But wait, the adventure doesn't have to end there, guys. Okami offers a New Game Plus mode that lets you jump back into the beautiful, ink- Wash style world with some sweet advantages. But what exactly makes the trip with you? Let's dive into everything you need to know about what carries over in Okami's New Game Plus.

What Carries Over in Okami New Game Plus?

Alright, 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 the breakdown:

Stray Beads

Stray Beads are probably the most coveted item to carry over. These little collectibles are scattered throughout Nippon, and collecting them all unlocks some seriously cool rewards. Thankfully, all the Stray Beads you painstakingly gathered in your first playthrough will be waiting for you when you start New Game Plus. This means you can immediately enjoy the benefits they provide without having to hunt them down all over again.

Godhood

Your Godhood level, which affects your ink capacity, health, and other stats, remains intact. This is a massive boon, especially if you maxed out your stats in your initial playthrough. Starting with enhanced abilities makes the early game much smoother and allows you to tackle challenges with greater confidence. It’s like being a super-powered god from the get-go!

Techniques

All those hard-earned techniques you bought from the dojo? Yep, they're coming with you! This includes combat moves and other helpful abilities that make traversing the world and battling enemies a lot easier. Imagine starting the game with advanced combat skills right off the bat. You’ll be slicing and dicing through demons like a true celestial brush master.

Traveler's Charms

Traveler's Charms are key items that make traveling through the game easier. These charms are such as the Golden Lucky Cat which prevents fiend encounters. Any Traveler's Charms you obtained during your first playthrough will carry over, giving you a significant advantage in exploration and combat.

What Doesn't Carry Over?

Now that we've covered the goodies you get to keep, let's talk about the stuff that stays behind. Knowing what resets can help you plan your New Game Plus adventure more strategically.

Story Progression

Unsurprisingly, your story progression is reset. You'll start back at the beginning of the game, ready to experience the narrative from scratch. This is essential for the New Game Plus to function properly, allowing you to relive the story with your enhanced abilities and items.

Inventory Items

Most of your inventory items, such as healing herbs, equipment, and treasures, will be reset. This means you'll need to gather resources and find new gear as you progress through the game. While it might seem like a setback, it adds a layer of challenge and encourages you to re-engage with the game's exploration and resource management aspects.

Unlocked Areas

Even though you'll have all your techniques, previously unlocked areas will be locked again. This ensures that you still need to progress through the story to access different parts of the world. It keeps the sense of discovery alive and prevents you from sequence-breaking the game too much.

Maximizing Your New Game Plus Experience

Okay, so you know what carries over and what doesn't. How can you make the most of your New Game Plus run? Here are a few tips:

Focus on Completion

Since you're keeping your Stray Beads and Godhood, use this run to focus on completing any side quests or activities you missed the first time around. With your enhanced abilities, you'll be able to tackle challenges more efficiently.

Experiment with Combat

Having all your techniques from the start means you can experiment with different combat strategies and combos. Try out new moves and see how they synergize with your playstyle. This can add a fresh layer of excitement to battles.

Enjoy the Story

With the pressure of grinding and collecting somewhat alleviated, take the time to truly enjoy the story and characters. Pay attention to details you might have missed the first time around, and immerse yourself in the world of Nippon.

Increase the Difficulty

While Okami does not have selectable difficulty levels, by forgoing equipment and using weaker weapons, you can artificially raise the difficulty.

Why Bother with New Game Plus?

You might be wondering, “Why should I even bother with New Game Plus?” Well, there are several compelling reasons:

Enhanced Gameplay

Starting with powerful abilities and items makes the game feel fresh and exciting. It's a chance to experience the world of Okami from a new perspective, with a greater sense of power and freedom.

Completionist Goals

If you're a completionist, New Game Plus is the perfect opportunity to check off any remaining boxes. Whether it's finding every Stray Bead or completing every side quest, you'll have the tools and abilities to achieve your goals.

Reliving the Story

Okami's story is rich and engaging, and New Game Plus allows you to relive it with a deeper understanding and appreciation. It's a chance to reconnect with beloved characters and experience the emotional moments all over again.

Bragging Rights

Let's be honest, there's a certain satisfaction in knowing you've conquered Okami not once, but twice, with all the bells and whistles. It's a testament to your dedication and skill as a player.

Conclusion

Okami's New Game Plus mode offers a fantastic way to extend your enjoyment of this classic game. By carrying over your Stray Beads, Godhood, and techniques, it provides a unique and rewarding experience that encourages exploration, experimentation, and a deeper appreciation of the game's world and story. So, what are you waiting for? Dive back into Nippon and unleash your celestial brush once more!