Okami (Wii)

Few video games can match, "Okami," when it comes to sheer beauty and elegance.  Designed by Clover Studio, "Okami," is set in classical Japan and combines Japanese myths, legends, and folklores to tell the story of the Shinto sun goddess, Amaterasu, attempting to save the land from darkness.  

In the game, Amaterasu takes the form of a white wolf to travel the countryside and free it from the nefarious clutches of Orochi, an eight-headed serpent that has cursed the land.  Amaterasu is joined on her mission by an inch-high artist named Issun, and it's up to them to restore Japan to its vibrant beauty.

"Okami," is visually stunning.  It looks like no other video game ever made.  The graphics are all done to resemble water color woodcuts, giving the game a dazzling, magical feel.  It literally plays like a water color painting come to life.  Wherever Amaterusa travels, she leaves behind a trial of grass blades and flower petals, rejuvenating the land.  While, "Okami," is breathtaking on any of the consoles, it seems to be even more magnificent on the Wii, where it is truly a work of art.  

The Wii controls are the ideal way to wield the Celestial Brush, which is the game's innovative weapon of choice.  For instance, a movement of the Wii controller will paint a corresponding line on the screen, creating gusts of wind, cutting down foes, or building needed objects like bridges.  

Between its spectacular visuals and innovative controls, "Okami" for the Wii is a unique experience every gamer will cherish.