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C3 Exclusive Interview | Toshio Iwai on Nintendo, Wii...& Musical Fish!

on 17.08.2006 at 17:32 User Icon

Posted by Adam Riley (jesusraz) Number of Comments

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Toshio Iwai, Creator of Electroplankton
Interview by Adam Riley :: Thursday, 17th August, 2006

Toshio Iwai is a man qualified enough in his field to be able to create a masterpiece product that not only takes advantage of all the Nintendo DS functions, but is packed full of wonderful charm at the same time. Cubed3 was lucky enough to get time to interview the man himself. Read on for this fantastic chat...

Do not forget to check out the exclusive report from Iwai-san's live performance at Futuresonic, as well as the two reviews of Electroplankton on Cubed3, the Japanese import review by myself and the European one by Mike Mason!

Cubed3: Please could you tell our readers a little bit about your background and how you became involved in the gaming Industry?

Toshio Iwai, Creator of Electroplankton: The first game I created was OTOCKY, for NES, released in 1987. I myself have acted as a media artist for a long time, and always wanted to create creative software played on the game platforms other than game software. This concept has not changed since OTOCKY right through to Electroplankton.

C3: Where did the idea for Electroplankton come from? Was it Nintendo that approached you or did the idea stem solely from you?

TI: I was originally creating art works that can create music and video pictures interactively, which became the basic idea of Electroplankton. It started when Mr. Iwata, the president of Nintendo, and Mr. Miyamoto, invited me to create some software for NINTENDO DS. However, the idea was what I came up with myself.

C3: What makes the Nintendo DS so ideal for such a project and were there any restrictions caused by the hardware or time constraints (such as other modes or different plankton)?

TI: NINTENDO DS's unprecedented interface as a game machine, such as touch screen, microphone, stereo speakers was essential to Electroplankton. In this matter, I cannot imagine other platforms for Electroplankton except for NINTENDO DS.

Electroplankton is software especially designed for the NINTENDO DS's functions. Therefore, there is not anything I could not put into it.

C3: Electroplankton unfortunately did not receive the high sales it deserved in Japan, but was met with much more popularity via its online-only sales outlets in the USA. Considering the amount of positive feedback received across Europe, especially from top DJs, do you believe your game to be more suited to this Western audience?

TI: There have been cases where my personal art works were appreciated more in Europe than Japan, so I hope Electroplankton will be received well.

C3: Having played the game extensively and listened to the feedback of other gamers, it seems to be the general consensus that the lack of a save function is very restrictive. Was there any particular reason why this was left out?

TI: We have discussed a save function many times, and finally concluded not to included it. There are following 2 reasons:

The first reason is that I wanted players to enjoy Electroplankton extemporarily and viscerally, and I thought if the save function was added, the software would become more like a tool. I did not want a play style where players have to open additional menus or windows, or have to input file names to save.

The second reason is that it would require large volume of flush ROM and it would take a lot of time to save and read the data in order to save many voice files for Volvoice and Rec-Rec. I thought players could play the software without stress if I got rid of the save function, rather than incorporating the save function and letting players wait for a long time before it's saved or being told that only little amount can be saved.

C3: Each of the plankton is so much fun to play with, but everyone has their particular favourite(s). Which is your favourite plankton from the game and why?

TI: I feel attached to all my work, so it is difficult to tell, but if I choose one from them, it would be Volvoice. It is because you can play this in various ways depending on the means used for sound recording. And also because my 6-year-old daughter was in charge of the voice for the audience mode, as far as Japanese version is concerned. Unfortunately, for the US and European versions, we needed to choose other child's voice, though.

C3: Would you consider doing another Electroplankton title in the future? Possibly expanding on the idea for a system such as the Nintendo Wii, with its unique features being used (such as the WiConnect24 for downloading new pieces of music or instruments and the control system being utilised for music creation)?

TI: If I have a chance sometime I want to create the sequel or something totally different with the same concept. Yet, I have not come up with a concrete idea.

C3: What are your thoughts on the free online Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service? Do you have any plans to use it for any future titles? The idea of being able to share musical creations with friends around the world certainly is a very appealing one!

TI: I think it would be attractive if people around the world could collaborate through network, although I have not thought about the future expansion.

C3: Considering the power of the Nintendo Wii, could you see something like your Tenori-on adapted to the platform to provide users with a fantastic audio and visual experience?

TI: I do not think about it at this point in time. For TENORI-ON the unique interface is the most important point. So, it would be totally different thing, if it is realised on Wii.

C3: You have previously worked on Nintendo systems dating as far back as the NES with Otocky, however the very intriguing Sound Fantasy for the SNES was never released. Is there any main reason for this and is it true the game was re-worked and released as SimTunes via Maxis?

TI: I do not know the reason why "Sound Fantasy" was not released, since it was decided by Nintendo at the time. It might be because music or creative software was, unfortunately, not appreciated at that time compared to the situation now.

Sound Fantasy contained 4 types of the software, and SimTunes by Maxis was created by recreating one of the pieces of Sound Fantasy software with added various functions. I only created the one for PC.

C3: After seeing people using Electroplankton for more than just casual use (for example at E3 2005 when DJ Dave Hollands played a song he created using the game), how does this make you feel? And will you be doing similar things, perhaps at the Futuresonic event that takes place on 21st July in Manchester?

TI: I am very pleased that Electroplankton is used by professional musicians or DJs.

I myself performed using 2 pieces of Electroplankton software at the SONAR Live Event in Barcelona. It is planned that I am going to do the similar thing at Futuresonic event.

C3: Could you please tell us what people can expect from your performance at Futuresonic Live? Will this be your first visit to England or Manchester? And do you have any thoughts on the other acts playing there (Christian Fennesz and Battles)?

TI: At the Futuresonic, I will conduct a live show where light and sound are fused together using TENORI-ON and my another creation, SOUNDLENS. I have been to England many times, but it will be my first trip to Manchester. I am delighted to perform live on the same stage with other professional musicians.

C3: Currently you are working on a new venture with the Yamaha Corporation, Tenori-on. Could you please provide us with some information on what exactly this is, and its potential for the future? And can any parallels be drawn between Tenori-on and Electroplankton?

TI: As for me, TENORI-ON and Electroplankton are created based on the same concept. Both of them are just like instruments that you can manipulate - video pictures and music, as well as light and sound - by yourself. However, Electroplankton is software operated on NINTENDO DS, while TENORI-ON is the system, whose hardware itself is created from scratch. I can say that TENORI-ON is something more like an original instrument.

C3: What do you think about the amazing success the Nintendo DS has seen in Japan so far? Considering Electroplankton has already become one of the most imported games ever, would you like to see the game re-released in Japan now to have it take advantage of the current sales boom?

TI: I myself have always believed that interface is very important, and I think NINTENDO DS has precisely proved it. Electroplankton was released at the early stage of NINTENDO DS and many non-gamers have since purchased NINTENDO DS. I assume many of them may like Electroplankton. I hope the software can reach out to them.

C3: If you were given the chance to work with one of Nintendo's extensive line of characters, which one would it be, why would you choose it and what unique aspect do you think you would bring to such a project? And would you consider working with an internal Nintendo team on a more 'traditional' style game, for instance a music-based platform title?

TI: I do not particularly think I would like to use Nintendo characters because I think it is more unique and interesting if I create totally new thing by myself.

The team at Cubed3, and I personally, would like to wholeheartedly thank Toshio Iwai for this interview and wish him a very bright future!

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

Toshinori Sone, Assistant Producer of Dig Dug Digging Strike

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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Negatio

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I can feel the originality flowing in this guy.

Silence is the loudest noise we could possibly hear.

on 17.08.2006 at 18:58

Reply Quote #2

Star system fixed - sorry about that - thanks guys! J

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Superb interview Adam! Another top notch exclusive Smilie

They guy seems great, really creative. I so have to give Electroplankton a go sometimes, everyone's raving about it ! Smilie

on 17.08.2006 at 19:04

jesusraz

Reply Quote #3

Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!

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Thanks Jorge Smilie

Nintendo really should have released Sound Fantasy. It was nearly 100% complete for a Japanese and US release, but dropped at the last second it seems...

And hurrah, he's interested in either an Electroplankton follow-up or something completely new on the Wii! Smilie

Cubed3 Senior Editor :: Lead Writer :: News & Interviews Editor

Follow AdamC3 on Twitter!

on 18.08.2006 at 01:44

MGE

Reply Quote #4

is wanting you to keep an eye out for Legend of Kage 2

9538

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Someone making games for Nintendo systems who DOESN't want to work on a Nintendo franchise? I am impressed.

Matthew Evans [ Gastrian :: Writer :: Moderator :: King of Impartiality :: Lord of the 15min Thread ]

As the wind blows the sand to cover the camel's tracks so does time move to cover the Lord's.
Rejoice for the Lord will taketh his quarter and give much back to his followers.

on 18.08.2006 at 02:11

Bastardman

Reply Quote #5

Amazingly amazing.

4880

L98 Mario

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Yeah, luckily these people are still around.
Best exclusive yet Cubed3, it's just a matter of weeks now before you'll interview Miyamoto and Iwata. Smilie

on 18.08.2006 at 03:44

Cheesing it up

Reply Quote #6

The cheese is a lie.

5926

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Online!

One day I'll pick up Electroplankton I swear, I just think that

Smallest sig ever?

on 18.08.2006 at 07:20

The Croft

Reply Quote #7

Who the fuck are you when you take that mask away ?

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jb said:
Superb interview Adam! Another top notch exclusive Smilie

They guy seems great, really creative. I so have to give Electroplankton a go sometimes, everyones raving about it ! Smilie

Same here i need it bad

[quote]fenno2001 said:
One day Ill pick up Electroplankton I swear, I just think that

Mike Gee of iZINE said, "...The Verve, as he [Richard Ashcroft] promised, had become the greatest band in the world. Most of the critics agreed with him. Most paid due homage. The Verve were no longer the question mark or the clich�. They were the statement and the definition."

on 18.08.2006 at 07:46

Reply Quote #8

Star system fixed - sorry about that - thanks guys! J

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Hmm, it's going for about

on 18.08.2006 at 08:00

jesusraz

Reply Quote #9

Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!

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I've seen it around for

Cubed3 Senior Editor :: Lead Writer :: News & Interviews Editor

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on 18.08.2006 at 15:08

James2t3

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Sex is bad. Sex is a Sin. Sins are forgiven so stick it in!

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You could always record it onto the computer if you really really want to save a tune. Just eed to get a 3.5mm Male Stereo JACK to JACK Audio Cable Gold 5m Lead first.

XBL Gamertag: James2t3

on 18.08.2006 at 15:18

jesusraz

Reply Quote #11

Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!

12189

News Editor

Online!

That's what I mean about understanding his choice from an artistic viewpoint. He using a sequencer to record samples and then loop them, eventually mixing them with other plankton tunes.

It all works really well...and yet for casual users each time is a new experience.

Just try explaining that to my 12 year old little brother! Smilie

Cubed3 Senior Editor :: Lead Writer :: News & Interviews Editor

Follow AdamC3 on Twitter!

on 18.08.2006 at 15:34

tiamat1990

Reply Quote #12

About to board my plane. Merry Christmas everyone!

3129

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Nice interview by the way!

on 18.08.2006 at 17:32

The Croft

Reply Quote #13

Who the fuck are you when you take that mask away ?

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Blade2t3 said:
You could always record it onto the computer if you really really want to save a tune. Just eed to get a 3.5mm Male Stereo JACK to JACK Audio Cable Gold 5m Lead first.

[quote]jesusraz said:
Just try explaining that to my 12 year old little brother! Smilie

Try explaining it to a 17year old

on 18.08.2006 at 18:35

Cheesing it up

Reply Quote #14

The cheese is a lie.

5926

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Online!

Mr.Ashcroft said:

Blade2t3 said:You could always record it onto the computer if you really really want to save a tune. Just eed to get a 3.5mm Male Stereo JACK to JACK Audio Cable Gold 5m Lead first.

I think that just means a cable that you can put into the headphone socket and plug into the computer so you can record the sounds being amde onto a computer Smilie

Smallest sig ever?

on 18.08.2006 at 18:46

Raff

Reply Quote #15

Retired Quote Tower Engineer

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Like this:

ebay

It's going to be shit and you jolly well know it.
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on 18.08.2006 at 19:09

Mason

Reply Quote #16

get reading about my trip to London to see EA, Nintendo and Eurogamer Expo!

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I need to get one of those cables so that I can get game music over from my DS...

Great work setting this up Adam, some nice answers. Let's keep those interviews flowing!

Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor

Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike

on 19.08.2006 at 12:43

jesusraz

Reply Quote #17

Endless Ocean 2 Adventures of the Deep - review now live!

12189

News Editor

Online!

I think I'll be getting one of those cables as well. I normally hook my DS up to my speakers so the games sound much better...Electroplankton worked wonders through it.

Cubed3 Senior Editor :: Lead Writer :: News & Interviews Editor

Follow AdamC3 on Twitter!

on 21.08.2006 at 09:06

Mason

Reply Quote #18

get reading about my trip to London to see EA, Nintendo and Eurogamer Expo!

9266

Reviews Editor

Online!

Yeah, I like plugging my decentish PC speakers into my DS as well. Nanostray, Ouendan and Electroplankton sound particularly nice through them...

Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor

Xbox Live/Twitter :: C3Mike

on 21.08.2006 at 12:05

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