Interview | P.N.03

What was the original concept behind P.N.03 and can you describe the type of experience you've attempted to convey?

Kobayashi: Bringing the excitement of a traditional action game to a whole new level; that's the concept. Visuals, sound, action and speed are the key elements of this original game. The right mix of tension experienced on the battlefield and the exhilaration of taking out the enemies makes this game an intense experience. Overall, we strive to create games that are fun to watch and fun to play.

What's the basic premise of P.N.03, and can you give us a hint as to what the title of the game is referring to?

Kobayashi: In the future, where the colonization of planets has become the norm and military defence is dependent on CAMS (Computer Arms Management System), something goes wrong. CAMS goes haywire on the planet killing all of the colonists. In an effort to bring the situation under control the military send down to the planet's surface one soldier with a longstanding vendetta - a female soldier whose parents were assassinated by the mechanical terror.
The title was abbreviated from the original name 'Product Number 03' to 'P.N. 03'. To find out more about this you will need to clear the game.

And what was your inspiration for the heroine, Vanessa?

Kobayashi: When creating Vanessa our remit was to make a character who was cool and sexy.

Vanessa's moves seem very dance influenced and highly stylish. Can you tell us more?

Kobayashi: The secret of the combat system is all hidden in her suits.

How is each level structured? Is P.N.03 a straight all-out blast from A to B?

Kobayashi: There are nine different stages with three big set pieces. Each stage is mission based and will feature 11 missions.

What do you feel you are bringing to the third-person action genre that we've never seen before?

Kobayashi
: The gameplay is essentially reminiscent of a tough, old school arcade shooter. However, with the visual effects we've created something very new for this genre. Add to this her cool dancing action and we have something that we believe will attract the gamer's eye.

What are your general thoughts on GameCube in terms of your experience of developing on it and how it fares alongside PS2 and Xbox?

Kobayashi: Right now I am also developing a game for Xbox and while the two systems provide different challenges we have no real problems or issues when developing a game with GC. As a personal opinion, GC is a very good console though it is regrettable that it has not performed as well globally as it has in certain territories.

Do you see P.N.03 as an evolving franchise? Is the character of Vanessa something you plan to grow above and beyond this single game?

Kobayashi: Since this is brand new, original title, we just hope this game will sell well and will grow big so that it can become a franchise. I guess the real answer for this question is that it is all down to the support of gamers to make this happen.