Kiloo are known for their experience with iPhone applications, but alongside this output they have been working on a Nintendo DS title: Zoonies – Escape from Makatu. The puzzler, starring Leo the Lion in his attempt to escape an evil tribe after crash landing in the jungle, was recently released on DSiWare after years in development, scoring an impressive 8/10 on this very website. Cubed3 posed some questions to Kiloo producer Jeppe Bisbjerg on the games development.
Cubed3s Mike Mason: How did Zoonies begin life, and how did the idea evolve throughout development? Were there ever plans for a DS retail release?
Kiloos Jeppe Bisbjerg, Producer: Zoonies started out as an early prototype when the Nintendo DS was just released. The first concept was based on the unique gameplay and the story evolved from there. We saw great potential in the device and when DSiWare came around, it was an obvious choice as the company has a lot of experience with digital distribution. Our focus was definitely on digital distribution. However, weve been quite close to retail several times during the development process, due to the scope and depth of the gameplay.
MM: Kiloo have quite a lot of experience with iPhone development. What made you choose to go with DSiWare for Zoonies?
JB: Well, we wanted to explore the – at that time – new, exciting platform. Zoonies was made specifically with the stylus interaction in mind and DSiWare offered the kind of digital distribution that we generally prefer. Thus, a perfect match.
MM: What do you believe sets Zoonies apart from other games on the service?
JB: The quality and depth of the gameplay. At many times during development, we thought about going retail because the game was growing in complexity and scope. Zoonies is a 2D platformer, but in a large and living 3D world with dynamic physics. There arent a lot of games with this kind of magnitude on DSiWare.
MM: The scope is quite ambitious with the every tap changes the world ideal. Just how many different ways are there to complete the levels?
JB: A lot! Each level has different paths to choose. Most objects can be manipulated and most puzzles have several solutions. Our level designers were given a selection of tools, physics and objects, and basically created the gameplay from there. This also gives Zoonies a lot of replay value, as the player can explore each level many times and still find new hidden collectibles.
MM: Was the intent always to create a character-based mascot game?
JB: Yes. When I think of Nintendo games, I always think of the great character games from the last twenty years. Initially, we had a collection of animal characters, but from there we chose to focus on Leo as our main protagonist.
MM: Was there any influence from other games where you do not have full control over your primary character, such as Kirbys Power Paintbrush?
JB: Well of course weve played other Nintendo games, and there are a couple of great games to be inspired from. Nintendo has an amazing history of quality platform games.
MM: What is your favourite memory of Zoonies development process, and what are you most proud of?
JB: I believe one of my favourite memories was when we first started user testing. Its a magnificent feeling to see someone play the game that youve worked on for so long. The sheer quality of the game is probably the thing Im most proud of. Zoonies plays like a retail game and that is just amazing, Im thrilled that we managed to do so much with the original premise.
MM: Do Kiloo currently have any interest in pursuing opportunities on Nintendo 3DS?
JB: Definitely, and Zoonies came quite close as well. Right now we are evaluating our future projects and the platform in general.
MM: Thanks for your time. Is there anything else youd like to say to our readers?
JB: My pleasure. I hope you enjoy our game. Its been an entertaining journey and I hope that our love of games is shown in the attention to detail and overall finish of Zoonies.
Zoonies – Escape from Makatu is available on Nintendo DSiWare now for 500 Nintendo Points. You can read why Cubed3 awarded the game an 8/10 in our review.
