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C3 Exclusive Interview | Namco's Toshinori Sone Talks Dig Dug, Nintendo & More!

on 09.08.2006 at 20:24 User Icon

Posted by Adam Riley (Adam Riley) Number of Comments

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Guild 02 Details and First Artwork

Toshinori Sone, Bandai Namco Japan
Conducted by Adam Riley :: Wednesday, 9th August, 2006

Namco has so many classic games from its past, such as Pole Position, Galaga and Pac-Man. But it also has the highly addictive Dig Dug under its belt and recently decided to update the game for the Nintendo DS, with the game due out in Europe on 25th August. Cubed3 got chance to chat with the game's Assistant Producer, Toshinori Sone. Read the outcome of the interview below...

Cubed3: Could you please tell our readers a little about your background in the videogame industry?

Toshinori Sone, Assistant Producer of Dig Dug: Digging Strike: I started out as a game designer and participated in the arcade version of 500GP, MotoGP for the PlayStation 2, as well as Smash Court Pro Tournament for the PlayStation 2. Then, I went on to become a director for Hachiemon, (released only for Japan) for the Game Boy Advance. I also assisted with the development of MotoGP 2 and 3 as a test rider.

C3: Where did the decision come from to resurrect the classic Dig Dug for the Nintendo DS?

TS: With the dual screens of the Nintendo DS, I thought it would be an interesting way to combine Dig Dug 1 and Dig Dug 2. This idea led me to come up with the proposal for Dig Dug Digging Strike. Since I grew up in a generation playing Dig Dug 1, I wanted those in my generation who also enjoyed the game to relive and rediscover the game all over again.

C3: Was anybody from the original Dig Dug team involved in making this new DS version, or was it an entirely new set of people?

TS: The team who worked on Dig Dug Digging Strike this time were completely different and new members.

C3: Dig Dug: Digging Strike manages to remain faithful to the original, with most of the action taking place underground, but adding a new element in the disposing of the gigantic creatures on the surface above. Was it difficult to maintain this balance between old and new elements so as to not entirely change the game?

TS: It was indeed a difficult task. Due to the time constraints there were also features we simply were not able to incorporate into the final product. However, we did the best we could with the time we were given. I believe you will find that the balance is quite satisfying.

C3: What has been added to Digging Strike to make sure gamers feel like they are getting a good deal from their purchase?

TS: We added a second round to the game. After completing all the stages, you will find that the number of enemies dramatically increases as you go through the game a second time. I definitely want you to experience this for yourself as I believe this is quite challenging and worthwhile.

C3: How faithful in this to the original game and did any thought go into including that original as a bonus for gamers?

TS: While the original Dig Dug is an action game, it also requires the player to think strategically. In order to attain a high score, the player will have to think carefully about what moves to make in a short amount of time. We believe we were faithful in keeping this factor in Digging Strike this time. We did not have plans to include the original as a bonus.

C3: Were there any aspects that had to be left out due to hardware restrictions or time constraints? And would you consider working on another Dig Dug game on the DS in the future, possibly taking advantage of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for online multiplayer fun?

TS: While there were no restrictions in terms of hardware, the time constraint was a factor for not being able to include some of the features we originally planned on including. We certainly hope that we will be able to include these in our next title. We will keep these stocked for the future.

(Regarding working on another Dig Dug game for the DS): It's a secret.

C3: Now that the development of Digging Strike has finished, what are your plans? Will Nintendo development remain a priority for the moment, or are you looking elsewhere at other platforms?

TS: This is also a secret. However, there is a certain appeal to Nintendo's consoles.

C3: Are there any other classic IPs that you would like to refresh for Nintendo DS or Wii?

TS: I will keep this a secret as well.

C3: Has any thought gone into working on the Nintendo Wii? And how do you think the unique control system and other features (such as the WiiConnect24 service) could be used?

TS: I think anyone would agree that a huge amount of potential exists in working with the Nintendo Wii. It would probably not require a whole lot of imagination to realise what the Nintendo Wii can accomplish. I think the fact that anyone can easily imagine the possibilities is one key factor. That is the reason why working with the Nintendo Wii would seem so fun. However, I think we need to do something different to what everyone is thinking of. Exactly what that "something" is will have to remain a secret for now.

C3: Nintendo has worked with many companies lately and is talking about how it actively wants to work with more developers. Would you consider working alongside the company on one of its properties, what would your ideal project be and how do you think you could make it better than ever before?

TS: It would be an honour to work with Nintendo since I grew up in the "Famicom" era. If possible, I would love to have a chance to bring back all the fun games from the "Famicom" generation and to remake them. Having families enjoy these games together would be a dream come true.

C3: Considering Nintendo has been firmly held in third place behind Sony and Microsoft so far, do you think that the company's fortunes are going to change with the release of the Nintendo Wii, just as the DS has been a major success in the face of the PSP?

TS: One cannot doubt the possibility of this happening. However, to be honest, I do not believe that things will change a whole lot with the release of the Wii. Indeed, I think the Wii will be more successful than the GameCube, but I do not believe it will surpass the success of the DS. As far as personal preference goes, I do hope that the Wii will become a huge success.

The team at Cubed3, and I personally, would like to wholeheartedly thank Toshinori Sone-san for this interview and wish him and the rest of the team a very bright future! Many thanks as well to Rachel Lee and Erica Bannerman for setting up the interview.

Do not forget to check out the following links for previous exclusive interviews:

Monolith Soft About the Baten Kaitos series

Skip Ltd About Chibi-Robo, GiFTPiA & Beyond!

Nikoli, Creators of Sudoku

Matt Bozon of WayForward Technologies (Sigma Star Saga, Shantae)

TOSE Co., Ltd (co-creators of Nintendo's Starfy games)

Mitchell Corp. (Magentica, Polarium and more)

Tuna Technologies, Developer of Alien Hominid GBA

Wii Interview with Robert Saunders, Nintendo UK

Brooke Burgess, Ex-EA & Creator of Broken Saints

Namco Tales Studio

Interactive Brains, Deep Labyrinth RPG on DS

Martin Kitts, Editor of NGC Magazine

Wil Overton, Former Super Play / N64 Mag, now at Rare UK

Steve Jarratt, Group Senior Editor at Future Publishing

Charlotte Martyn, Production Editor at Official Nintendo Magazine

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Adam Riley

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Well...he certainly likes his secrets!! Smilie

Adam Riley [ Operations Director :: Senior Editor :: Cubed3 Limited ]

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on 09.08.2006 at 21:59

Azuardo

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Place smells like a ripe distillery, with a whiff of halitosis and urine.

3874

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Indeed. Great work on getting these exclusive interviews so often lately, too.

Looking forward to what they have in store for Nintendo consoles, and good to see they are fans of Nintendo.