Capcom's Revival of Classic IPs: Okami, Onimusha, and Beyond
Capcom has announced its continued focus on reviving classic intellectual properties (IPs), beginning with the highly anticipated returns of Okami and Onimusha. This strategy aims to leverage Capcom's extensive game library to deliver high-quality titles for its players.
Okami and Onimusha: A New Dawn
A December 13th press release confirmed the development of new entries in both the Onimusha and Okami franchises. Onimusha, set in Edo-period Kyoto, is slated for a 2026 release. A new Okami sequel is also in the works, with the original game's director and development team returning, though a release date remains unannounced.
Capcom explicitly stated its commitment to reactivating underutilized IPs, aiming to create "highly efficient, high-quality titles" and enhance its overall corporate value. This strategy complements ongoing projects like Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom Fighting Collection 2, both scheduled for release in 2025, alongside recent releases such as Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Exoprimal.
Fan Favorites and Future Possibilities: The "Super Elections"
Capcom's February 2024 "Super Elections," where fans voted for their most desired sequels and remakes, offer valuable insight into potential future projects. The results highlighted strong interest in Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, Onimusha, and Breath of Fire.
While Capcom remains discreet about specific plans, the "Super Elections" suggest a strong possibility of future releases for these long-dormant franchises. The high demand for Onimusha and Okami, further validated by their inclusion in the current revival initiative, underscores the potential for other fan favorites to receive similar treatment. The long periods of inactivity for titles like Dino Crisis and Darkstalkers (last installments released in 1997 and 2003, respectively) make them prime candidates for remasters or sequels. Even Breath of Fire, despite a short-lived online iteration, retains significant fan interest.
