Whilst the Nintendo DS has seen two high-selling fighting titles launch in Japan, in the form of Nintendo’s own Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars, neither game has been released in the Western world, nor have there been many other games hitting the system in that genre. Success gave it a whirl, though, with Windy x Windam, featuring a character many should recognise: Izuna. Previously looking like forever remaining Japanese-only (it was released in July 2008!), French publisher DHM Interactive is giving the game a chance in Europe, and Cubed3 had to chance to quiz the developer in preparation for its release. Many thanks go to Edwige Moisan, PR Manager, and David Muhlbach, Executive Director, at DHM Interactive for arranging the interview and working with Success on getting Cubed3’s questions answered.
Cubed3’s Adam Riley: How long did it take to complete the project and what sort of problems did you encounter during development?
Success Corporation’s Esteban Jose Salazar, Producer at Ninja Studio, Developer of Windy x Windam: The project took about 8 months. The goal of Ninja Studio was to create a fighting game that was only possible on the DS, but keep it accessible to new players. One problem the game had was balancing it so that anyone could play, but pro players could also exploit the extra space afforded by the upper screen.
AR: What sort of one-player features are included to keep gamers occupied?
Ninja Studio: Each character has a full story with dialogue before and after every fight. In addition, clearing the story mode in single player unlocks secret characters.
AR: Why does the game not feature any online modes or four-player local wireless?
Ninja Studio: Servers for online play are cost prohibitive. We simply cannot afford them. As for no four player wireless, the game itself isn’t conducive to matches of over two participants.
AR: Will you be including extra features like these in a sequel?
Ninja Studio: If we make one, we will certainly consider it!
AR: If you make a sequel, would you prefer to make it on Wii or do another DS game?
Ninja Studio: We would love to do both. The Wii would certainly offer some creative options for fighting games.
AR: Do you think it is important to include a story mode in fighting games so that players can learn more about the characters?
Ninja Studio: Absolutely. It’s much more interesting as a player to find out the back-story to a character you enjoy playing with. It makes you want to play even more.
AR: Considering Jump Ultimate Stars on DS was so popular, why do you think your DS fighter did not sell very well in Japan?
Ninja Studio: Unfortunately, we had a limited marketing budget and it was very hard for us to get noticed among the mass of titles that are released for the Nintendo DS.
AR: Are you hoping that the game will sell better in Europe (with DHM Interactive) and in the US (with Graffiti Entertainment)?
Ninja Studio: Yes, we hope so. The DS is lacking in fighting games, so we think there’s a chance that once gamers get to play it, they will tell their friends about it.
AR: There are not many fighting games on DS in general. Why do you think this is and what made you make a fighting game on the system?
Ninja Studio: Both the lack of fighters on the platform and the interesting options afforded by the extra screen. Windy x Windam is the only fighting game in which you can fly vertically without panning the screen to keep track of one character. This makes for some interesting strategy.
AR: Why did you choose to include Izuna as a playable character? Are there any other famous characters included?
Ninja Studio: Ninja Studio is the birthplace of Izuna, so it was a no-brainer. There is one other character you might recognise if you like the Izuna series.
AR: Did you consider including other Success characters, such as interesting characters like Funghi or Cromwell from the Mystery Detective DS games?
Ninja Studio: That would have been cool. Maybe in the sequel!
AR: It has been nearly two years since Mystery Detective 2 1/2. In 2007 Success told Cubed3 that it would be interested in making Mystery Detective for Wii. Will this still happen, maybe on the WiiWare download service? Or will Mystery Detective 3 be on DS instead?
Ninja Studio: If we see a demand for it, we’ll definitely make the game. What platform would gamers like to see it on? [ ED: Readers, let us know your thoughts! ]
