This extensive interview delves into the creation of FuRyu's action RPG, Reynatis, slated for Western release on September 27th by NIS America. The discussion covers various aspects of development, including inspiration, collaborations, and future plans.
The interview begins with TAKUMI, Director and Producer at FuRyu, who explains his role in conceptualizing and overseeing the entire Reynatis project. He expresses delight at the game's positive reception, particularly in the West, noting a strong response from fans familiar with Tetsuya Nomura's works, like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. The influence of Final Fantasy Versus XIII's initial trailer is acknowledged as a source of inspiration, but Reynatis is firmly established as a unique creation.
TAKUMI discusses the Japanese player response, highlighting the appreciation from fans of Nomura's style and their engagement with the game's narrative. He addresses the game's current state, acknowledging planned updates to address balancing and quality-of-life improvements. He assures Western players that the localized version will be a refined build.
The interview details TAKUMI's direct approach in collaborating with Yoko Shimomura (composer) and Kazushige Nojima (scenario writer), utilizing informal communication methods like Twitter and LINE. His personal fondness for their previous works, particularly Kingdom Hearts and the Final Fantasy series, is cited as the driving force behind these collaborations.
TAKUMI shares insights into the game's development process, including the challenges posed by the pandemic and the decision to release on multiple platforms (Switch, Steam, PS5, PS4). He explains the internal balancing act between maximizing sales across platforms and delivering a high-quality experience on each. The discussion touches upon FuRyu's internal PC development capabilities and the growing interest in PC versions in Japan.
The collaboration with Square Enix for the NEO: The World Ends With You crossover is explained, highlighting TAKUMI's direct approach and the rarity of such collaborations in the console game space. He also discusses his personal gaming influences and the development team's approach to balancing gameplay, story, and overall experience.
The interview continues with TAKUMI's reflections on the game's development timeline (approximately three years), the impact of the pandemic, and his excitement for the Western release. He emphasizes the planned post-launch DLC, designed to extend the player experience and avoid spoilers.
The conversation shifts to future plans, including the possibility of art books and soundtracks, and TAKUMI shares his personal gaming preferences, mentioning Tears of the Kingdom, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Jedi Survivor. He also reflects on his favorite projects, highlighting Reynatis as his most cherished work due to his involvement in all aspects of its production.
The interview concludes with TAKUMI's message to potential players unfamiliar with FuRyu games, emphasizing the strong themes within Reynatis and its potential resonance with players who feel stifled or marginalized. The email exchange with Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima offers further insight into their individual contributions and perspectives.
The interview also covers the lack of Xbox releases, the team's approach to smartphone ports, and the creators' coffee preferences. The final section includes comments from Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima regarding their involvement, creative processes, and personal gaming experiences.
