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I purchased this book for my son who loves Japanese art and Okami. The book is what he expected, a fine collection of Okami art. Very satisfied with the purchase.
A lot of this was already used in the game - particularly the large pieces - but not all of it, and it's nice to have it printed out. After perpetual delays in the English translation, Udon did finally get around to releasing the (300-page, full color) "Okami" art book in June 2008. The biggest disappointment here is actually that more of the pieces didn't get full page treatment, particularly some of the "leftover" pieces in the back. They got a number of different people to do the commentary on the early art - generally, whoever worked on it - and it's often informative (and occasionally very odd, in a "Only in Japan." kind of way) on the development of some the material. There are, interestingly, musical cues to match parts of the art book, but as I don't have the soundtrack CD I can't check them. It was mostly worth the wait.As with most art books, the "Okami: Official Complete Works" is a series of game and concept artwork with commentary from people involved - both in the creative process of the art and the game itself. The (English) commentary is marked with what I presume to be kanji noting the author of the commentary; I can't read the language, but the English version of the names is given early on, so it still works as a marker.Since Okami got a great deal of praise for it's art direction, you'd expect the concept art to be beautiful, and it is. Okami was a unique game; a browse through the art is well worth it.****1/2
I collect a lot of art books, and this is easily one of the best I've picked up. Tons of designs, notes on the artists' process, finished pieces, it's really got everything. The art style for the game is so interesting and unique, and this art book so thorough and well-done, that you really can't go wrong with it.
I'm also very glad that Udon kept the original Japanese right-to-left alignment. I don't mind at all that the spine creases. Not to mention there are thick pages glued together at the beginning and end of the book, so nothing will be falling out any time soon. With 288 huge full-color pages and shiny gold FOIL on the cover, this book is most certainly worth $40, even $50. and is spelled differently each time.
There would be lots of flipped images and confusing things if they had flopped it.There are actually quite a few disappointing things about the book, but they didn't dishearten me enough to drop a star in my rating. Thankfully it's all kept together by tough string, and about half the pages are still attached. However, just a few flips through it caused a few segments of pages to come loose of the binding glue. mistakes happen, I guess.Also, the binding isn't terribly great. I love reading all the artists' and game creators' notes. A truly stunning book. and funny.
:) They're so fun. In fact, that adds to the book's old beat-up look. Not only are they big, they're super high quality. These inconsistencies were a bit saddening, but not too sad.
For one thing, there are a few poorly translated things, and I was a bit sad that some of the translations that are supposed to use in-game text are simply translated and not written in accordance to the English version of the game. Big full-page spreads of the brush gods, characters, divine instruments, bosses, etc. Also, 'Takamagahara' appears in the book three times. Life is good.
This book is full of the most amazing artwork - it's both inspiring and humbling. Every page is chock-full of gorgeous imagery and for the price it's incredible.
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