Capcom Revives Nostalgic Past IPs

Capcom's Revival of Classic IPs Continues: Okami and Onimusha Lead the Charge

Capcom has confirmed its ongoing commitment to revitalizing its classic intellectual properties (IPs), with the Okami and Onimusha franchises spearheading this initiative. This article delves into Capcom's plans and explores potential candidates for future revivals.

Capcom's Strategy: Rekindling Dormant IPs

In a December 13th press release announcing new entries in the Onimusha and Okami series, Capcom explicitly stated its intention to continue leveraging its extensive catalog of dormant IPs. The upcoming Onimusha title, set in Edo-period Kyoto, is slated for a 2026 release. A new Okami sequel is also in development, helmed by the original game's director and development team, though a release date remains undisclosed. Capcom emphasized its focus on creating "highly efficient, high-quality titles" by reviving these beloved franchises. Concurrent projects include Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom Fighting Collection 2, both targeting a 2025 launch. This strategy doesn't preclude new IP development, as evidenced by recent releases such as Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Exoprimal.

Fan Input and Future Prospects: The "Super Elections"

Capcom's February 2024 "Super Elections," a fan vote on desired sequels and remakes, offers valuable insight into potential future projects. The results highlighted strong demand for titles such as Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, and Breath of Fire, all of which have seen extended periods of inactivity. While Capcom remains discreet about its specific plans, the "Super Elections" data, coupled with the renewed focus on Onimusha and Okami, strongly suggests that these long-dormant franchises are prime candidates for future revivals or remasters.

The significant time elapsed since the last installments of Dino Crisis (1997) and Darkstalkers (2003), along with the short lifespan of Breath of Fire 6 (2016-2017), underscores the potential for these franchises to be reintroduced to a new generation of gamers. The success of the Okami and Onimusha revivals will likely influence Capcom's decision-making process regarding which dormant IPs receive the spotlight next.