Tough match up here again. Okami, like Ico, is one of those games that transcends gaming and can be taken seriously as a true work of art. Absolutely stunning and breathtaking every time you play it.
Unfortunately though it's up against GTA3, and I'm predicting a slaughter in GTA's favor here. By far the most popular gaming franchise of the new millenium, and it all started with part three. Gripping story, and the first mainstream sandbox-style game ever made. I remember just how revolutionary it was to everyone when it came out and people would tell you "You can just walk around and do whatever you want, you don't have to do missions or anything!" and it just sounded like the most alien and wonderful concept ever.
However it wasn't revolutionary to me, as I had already been a big fan of Shenmue, which had more or less captured the same sandbox stlye of gameplay a few years prior to GTA 3's release. Still though...I, like everyone else, was glued to that game for monthes and monthes. It seemed like there were just endless things to do. Never has a game excited me as much as GTA 3 did when I finally learned how to fly the car over the bridge and make it to the 2nd island without having to beat the missions. I was absolutely GIDDY with joy, the happiest I've probably ever been from a game.
GTA 3...well, it just can't be argued with here. I love Okami, but it's a pimple on the butt of GTA 3's greatness.