The “Outer Gear” – or, Arsenals – in this game are more closely aligned with exoskeletons or power suits, so we felt that “mech” or “mecha” was more appropriate than “robot.”ĤGamer: I see. Tsukuda: And that’s correct in some cases – and not necessarily incorrect in this case. What it primarily indicates is something that operates or moves automatically.ĤGamer: For a lot of Japanese people the word conjures up images of something that you can board and fight in too – something not unlike a human-shaped weapon. The word “robot” can have a wide range of meanings to Japanese people, and isn’t necessarily related to humanoid robots like androids, or something like that. Tsukuda: It’s difficult to explain, but one reason would be that the word “robot” has different connotations in Japan and abroad. Since the game’s reveal, the word “mech” has been used in relation to the game rather than the word “robot.” Why the distinction? And I can say with certainty that it makes the end product better.ĤGamer: It sounds like you two really trust each other! I’d like to talk to you both about the game’s mechanical design, but before that there’s one other thing I’d like to discuss. Tsukuda: And I’m grateful for that! Basically, if I think something would make for an interesting mechanic, I’ll go to Kawamori-san for his advice. I try to steer clear of saying things like “that won’t work,” though – it’s more fun for both of us if we approach ideas with the question: “How can we make this work?” Kawamori: Making his proposals more definite, mostly he’ll run an idea that pops into his head by me and I’ll immediately get to work scrutinizing it. This might not sound great or be the best way to say it, but I’m definitely the person with the easy job. Tsukuda: More so how the game plays, rather than the game’s world. We have lots of nice back-and-forths like that.ĤGamer: Is that the case for things outside of the mechs’ concepts – story and world-building, for instance – as well? If I say, “I want to do this,” he’ll say, “if you’re wanting to do that, then you could do this, too!” Tsukuda: Nothing has changed, really every time we meet we come up with a lot of great ideas! Do you remember much about the first time the two of you worked together? I had been involved in the development of the first Armored Core, but I remember being told I could be even more detailed with my designs for the second game!ĤGamer: As development moved from the PS1 to the PS2, the scope of what you were able to express must’ve really increased. Kawamori: Aw, come on! (laughs) It really is nostalgic, though – we were at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku. I remember being extremely nervous the first time I met you – I’m still nervous! (laughs) Tsukuda: Right, it was Armored Core 2 (released in August of 2000 for the PS2). Tsukuda: I can’t remember exactly how long it’s been, but it was almost 20 years ago now that the two of us first worked together.
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