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Blinx Creator Talks Independent Development In Japan

Thanks to 1UP for its interview with Japanese game developer Naoto Ohshima, who "gained notoriety at Sega's Sonic Team for creating characters and playing integral roles in the development of games like Phantasy Star, Nights, and Sonic Adventure", and now "heads up developer Artoon." Ohshima discusses topics such as being a Japanese developer making Xbox titles (the Blinx series) for Microsoft ("I basically like challenges. If there's something hard or difficult to do, it's something that gets me excited"), how the Blinx sequel will differentiate itself from other Xbox games ("In Blinx 2, that's what I'm trying to do, to get the full range [from kids to adults], whereas when I look at Conker I think it's targeted at an adult -- a more hardcore audience"), and licensed games ("I look at that as almost a new genre of games -- these licensed games or movie games or whatever. When I see that they're selling well or that they are hits, it's really hard to evaluate whether or not it means it's a good game.")

2 of 11 comments (clear)

  1. Nintendo DS by cujo_1111 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    From article: "As somebody who likes and enjoys a challenge, I'd want to find a way to utilize the two screens."

    I get the feeling that DS game designers are trying to fit games to the touch creen, rather than designing a game that may end up using the touch screen. Seems like gimmick led devlopment to me...

    --
    If I point out that you are incorrect, making me a foe does not make you any more correct.
  2. Re:Here's what I'd ask Ohshima... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Sonic CD was, is, and may ever be his only directorial success. It's not like game direction or production was ever his major role at Sonic Team, so I can't see why you'd expect more from a character designer, talented as he may be in that role.