Friday 24 January 2014

Famitsu interview with Kenichiro Takaki


During an interview with Famitsu, Senran Kagura producer Kenichiro Takaki talks about the upcoming Vocaloid rhythm game, titled IA/VT Colorful for the PlayStation Vita that he is currently working on -

Famitsu starts by asking Takaki if he could share his thoughts on how the project came about.
Sure. Well, there were several ideas, but the simplest one came from the thought of ‘I want to do something new’,” says Takaki. “Again, I spend every single day thinking about all the different amusing things this world has to offer, and how to express them through games, and this time, I decided to go with Vocaloids. I personally also like the trend of the Vocaloids, too.”

Next, Famitsu asks Takaki to share some more of his thoughts on the Vocaloid trend
As the Vocaloid trend continues to grow with Hatsune Miku at the center, the appearance of IA, who sings softly, really had an impact on me,” elaborates Takaki. “Her colors also gave her quite the different image. As a creator, I can now say that recording songs is actually very difficult.

[The songs] all have their own charms, and we’re choosing the ones that suit the game best, so it’s not quite as simple as just picking whatever,” he continues. “I also believe it’s easier to make detailed adjustments for Vocaloids, and they also have the advantage of being able to sing impossibly fast compared to humans. With all that in mind, I believe that it leaves us with many possibilities.

  • Takaki briefly mentions that the game’s title of IA/VT Colorful comes from its emphasis that it will have on the different colors throughout the game. His idea is to have the background colors represent the feelings that match the player’s control as they play through the songs on the game.

Famitsu asks if that means that it could be a different experience depending on the player.
That’s right, there will be more feedback to the action instead of your usual ‘Good’ and ‘Nice’,” says Takaki. “The results will be different each time, as I want to have something that represents the ups and downs of the player’s feelings.

In other words, it’ll follow the basic elements of a rhythm game; for example, you’ll ‘catch’ a sound with your controls. Then the voices and sounds you catch will be released in the end, which will be met with a climax.”

We’re still in a stage of trial-and-error, so I can’t share too many details, but all I can say for now is that it won’t simply be about pressing buttons to match the flowing icons in a timely manner.

An interesting release for those rythmn fans, like myself, within our readership. IA/VT Colorful will be launched in Japan on July 31, No announcement yet of a western release - but with how much traction the Vocaloid trend seems to be gaining on our shores we may see at least a digital release eventually. Does the game have your interest?

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