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Cubed³ Exclusive Interview | Rygar: Battle of Argus (Nintendo Wii)

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on 18.11.2007 at 02:15 User Icon Posted by Jorge Ba-oh (jb)
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Tecmo Talks Rygar: Battle of Argus on Wii
Interview by Adam Riley :: Sunday 18th November 2007


Following success on Wii with its Pangya golf title, Tecmo is now hard at work resurrecting the old Rygar franchise on Nintendo's innovative, multi-million selling console. Cubed3 was lucky enough to catch up with the project lead, Keisuke Kikuchi, to discuss the game in more detail.

Cubed3's Adam Riley: To start with, why did you choose to update Rygar from the PS2 on Nintendo's Wii?

Keisuke Kikuchi: Last year I developed "Pangya! Golf with Style" for Wii and what I felt during its development was that it is quite fun but difficult to design a game for the Wii remote. When I was thinking what sort of game would be the best for the Wii remote, I came up with Diskarmor from Rygar. It is not a sword, nor a gun. You use it like a Yo-yo to defeat enemies and conquer various stages. I thought that would enhance the action performance of Rygar progressively, so I decided to develop it.

AR: When are you aiming to release the game, and is Tecmo likely to team with Nintendo again as it did with Pangya for a European release?

KK: I cannot tell you the release date until I see the completion of satisfactory swing actions in sight. We are negotiating with several European publishers that are very much interested in this title and can also maximise the sales potential. It would be great if Nintendo would be the one.

AR: What sort of feedback have you received from the recent showing of the game at the Tokyo Games Show?

KK: I heard the same comment from various people including editors from North America after they saw the trailer. They all said, "It looks really cool and fun. I want to try the playable now!" I believe you will never understand the appeal of Wii games unless you actually swing the Wii remote, so I would like to complete the playable version as soon as possible.

AR: How long has the project been in development and have there been any particular problems faced during the development process? Or even any positive surprises from working with Wii?

KK: I started developing Rygar half a year ago. It has been taking time to build the graphic system for Wii. It happens to me every time I develop a Wii game, but, a new idea of a game comes into my mind while I'm swinging the Wii remote. Actually I came up with the idea of Rygar while I was developing Pangya, and then I hit on another action game during the development of Rygar.

AR: How will the Wii's motion control set-up be used in Battle of Argus and will players be able to use the Classic Controller or a GameCube pad if they prefer more traditional controls?

KK: Rygar is compatible only with the Wii remote because the Wii remote is indispensable to achieve the concept of Rygar that is "to feel action". Players need to change the way they swing, depending on the game mode. By swinging the Wii remote horizontally, vertically, or pushing a button while swinging it, player can change the way of an attack. In Gladiator Mode, swing speed is directly reflected to the power of an attack. Therefore powerful play is required.

AR: Can you please clarify for our readers just how in-depth this remake will be? Many are worried that if they have played the PS2 version they will not need to buy the Wii edition.

[KK: We evolved the game by updating the design of the main character, adding new characters and adjusting the location of enemies while the stages and the story line are taken over from the prequel. Those changes are made to revive Rygar as a more powerful game and now every element is designed for players to enjoy Wii remote actions the most comfortably.

For example, main character's colour in the previous title was orange to match with the background in order to highlight its world-view. This time we have chosen white and silver so that people can distinguish him easily from the background. Moreover, players can see the direct effect of their Wii remote operation with the character's actions clearly.

In the prequel, lots of small enemies come at you. This time, we have prepared human-shaped enemies and larger enemies for players to enjoy the feel of attacks and the impact visually. I want anyone who has complaints about the actions of the PS2 version to try this one.

AR: Can you explain what Gladiator Mode is all about, please?

KK: It is a game mode that focuses on battles that are the essence of this game. The rule is players beat enemies in each stage and move on to another stage. That sounds pretty simple but since players' swing speed directly affects the power of attacks, their physical energy will be tested. Players compete with their scores obtained by fighting battles skilfully.

AR: How long is the game likely to last and will there be anything included in terms of extras to unlock?

KK: While we have cut down the travel time between maps and assigned more time for battles because Wii remote is used. So, the total time including Conquest Mode, where you follow the storyline, is same as the prequel, so consequently, it will get longer by the time for Gladiator Mode. We have not determined about the unlockable elements yet.

AR: For all those fans eager for more Rygar on their Nintendo systems, would you consider bringing a new sequel to Wii or even a potential remake of the NES game?

KK: The series of Rygar is one of the most important games for TECMO. Therefore, there might be other variations for them later on, but right now I would like to develop it one by one carefully.

AR: We have already seen other Tecmo classics appear on the Virtual Console, but how about Rygar from the NES – is it something we are likely to see in the future?

KK: There is a possibility, but nothing is decided yet.

AR: And what are your thoughts on developing something new for the WiiWare download service?

KK: I am totally excited about it because I think I can provide you many challenging games through it. Right now, I am occupied with various new titles, yet personally I would like to do it sometime.

AR: Off-topic, can you tell us when we are likely to hear more details about the Fatal Frame Wii project?

KK: Regarding Fatal Frame, I've been receiving many requests for the sequel from people in various countries. I appreciate such voices. However, I have no information to tell you now. To me, this series is very important and precious. I hope you guys will give me some time.

AR: Finally, what games have caught your attention recently?

KK: Mario Galaxy and Resident Evil 5. In the case of Mario Galaxy, I'm interested in how they utilised the functions of the Wii remote in the game. As for Resident Evil 5, I'm interested in how they utilise the uniqueness of PS3 and Xbox 360 in terms of expression. I'm looking forward to their release because both of them are great titles.

* * *

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Developer: Tecmo

Publisher: Tecmo

Genre: Action

Players: 0

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tiamat1990 Reply Quote #1 

tiamat1990

 L79 Iron Knuckle

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Number of comments 2997 66 Number of comments 29.10.2004 Wi-Fi Name tiamat or tiamat1990

I saw videos of the PS2 game. It looks quite good.



on 18.11.2007 at 06:47 Games | Blog | Wii Codes | Message Me

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Linkyshinks Reply Quote #2 

Linkyshinks

 L100 Eternal Master
Completed Braid

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Number of comments 7280 773 Number of comments 15.02.2007 Wi-Fi Name Linkyshinks

If they nail the DiskArmor controls it could be very fun. Thanks for the interview Adam.

on 18.11.2007 at 07:46 Games | Blog | Wii Codes | Message Me

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charwiimario Reply Quote #3 

charwiimario

 L12 Kremling Guard
El perro se comió mis pantalones, por eso estoy desnudo.

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Number of comments 114 21 Number of comments 01.05.2007 Wi-Fi Name Char

This game has a lot of Wii potential. It could be really fun. Personally, I don't mind swinging the remote like crazy, it just makes it more fun.
----
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Top games:
5-The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
4-Super Mario Galaxy
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2-Super Mario Bros 3
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on 18.11.2007 at 13:06 Games | Blog | Wii Codes | Message Me

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Elrinth Reply Quote #4 

Elrinth

 L21 Shy Guy Trooper

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Number of comments 208 22 Number of comments 06.01.2004 Wi-Fi Name none

I wonder if the music will be remade... the ps2 game has awesome music Smilie
on 18.11.2007 at 19:03 Games | Blog | Wii Codes | Message Me

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Laurelin Reply Quote #5 

Laurelin

 L62 Metal Sonic
Don't pay the ferryman!

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Number of comments 1516 81 Number of comments 08.05.2006 Wi-Fi Name none

Quite frankly: I would appreciate it if you would play this game and advance more easily depending on your stamina.
It's kind of building your puny arms a little and not only train your button fingers.
Wii Sport's tennis get's easier if you got some stamina, too.
People shouldn't complain about exhausting themselves with these games.
So apart from the awkward artwork of this game - see above - I like the approach to it. I hope it turns out well.
I find your lack of faith disturbing!
on 18.11.2007 at 22:44 Games | Blog | Wii Codes | Message Me

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jesusraz Reply Quote #6 

jesusraz

 News Editor
The Interviews Wizard...

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Number of comments 10739 434 Number of comments 22.01.2003 Wi-Fi Name none

Great to hear he definitely wants to do something on WiiWare. If Nintendo can get big names onto the service, alongside those already on-board like Bandai Namco, Hudson and Square Enix, then it'll no doubt be a huge success!

Cubed³ Senior Editor :: Lead Writer :: News & Interviews Editor
on 18.11.2007 at 23:38 Games | Blog | Wii Codes | Message Me

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Grumbro Reply Quote #7 

Grumbro

 L100 Eternal Master
Umbro

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Number of comments 11601 1480 Number of comments 11.07.2005 Wi-Fi Name none

Every single developer ever asked about Wiiware/XBLa/PSN ever says they'd like to do something if they had the time, if they're not doing something on them already.
It's going to be shit and you jolly well know it.
on 19.11.2007 at 00:01 Games | Blog | Wii Codes | Message Me

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