Capcom's Revival of Classic IPs: Okami, Onimusha, and Beyond

Capcom has announced a renewed focus on reviving classic intellectual properties (IPs), beginning with the highly anticipated returns of Okami and Onimusha. This strategy signals a commitment to leveraging Capcom's extensive game library to deliver high-quality titles to its players.

Okami and Onimusha Lead the Charge

A December 13th press release confirmed Capcom's intention to continue reactivating dormant IPs. Onimusha, set in Edo-period Kyoto, is slated for release in 2026. A new Okami sequel is also in development, with the original game's director and development team returning. The release date for the Okami sequel remains undisclosed.

Capcom explicitly stated its aim to create "highly efficient, high-quality titles" by leveraging its rich content library. This strategy complements ongoing projects like Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom Fighting Collection 2, both scheduled for release in 2025. This doesn't preclude new IP development, as evidenced by recent releases like Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Exoprimal.

Fan Favorites in the Spotlight: Hints from the "Super Elections"

Capcom's February 2024 "Super Elections" provided valuable insight into player preferences. The results revealed strong demand for sequels and remakes of several dormant franchises, including Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, Onimusha, and Breath of Fire. The significant time elapsed since the last installments of Dino Crisis (1997) and Darkstalkers (2003), coupled with the closure of Breath of Fire 6 (2017), highlights the potential for these franchises' revival.

While Capcom remains discreet about its future plans, the "Super Elections" results offer a compelling indication of which dormant IPs might be resurrected, especially considering the high demand for Onimusha and Okami which were also voted for.