Here is an awesome interview with Atsushi Inaba of the Viewtiful Joe team. He discusses things like why he chose GCN to host Joe, what "viewtiful" truly means, sequels to Joe, etc.
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IGNcube: What inspired you to create Viewtiful Joe?
Atsushi Inaba: When the idea started, I wanted a mixture of Japanese animation and American comic books. That was the basis, but we wanted to make a cool action game; something people haven't played before. That's how we started.
Why was GameCube your platform of choice?
Inaba-san: Actually, the GameCube was able to create the look we were really going after. It had just the right amount of flexibility to do everything we wanted to do with effects, all the particles on the screen, etc. Also we figured for Japan, as well as America, that GameCube had the kind of hardcore action gamers that would want to play the game, so it fit the target.
Why did you choose to make it 2D-style action instead of full 3D, when so many shy away from that these days?
Inaba-san: Well, when the project began we said we wanted to do a superhero game. Where do you see superheroes? Comic books. They're not 3D. They're 2D. They're pieces of paper. So with the 2D art, it was really the style we were going after. When you think about how people view 2D out there, especially on consoles, Viewtiful Joe is fresh and original.
So do you think there's a future for 2D games?
Inaba-san: I don't think 2D games will ever disappear 100%. But it's been around for a long time, and if you want people to play your game, you're going to have to do something original and new. A hook, something that makes it different, to make them say, "Man! I want that game." Because if it's the same as everything we've had up until now, they won't buy it.
Because it is so focused and stylized in the way of Japanese animation, do you think it has a good future in the United States?
Inaba-san: That's actually a really easy question! When we began making this game, we didn't think it was something that Americans would dislike. We made it in a way we hope it could sell anywhere. And we figured it was something the Americans can embrace. What it comes down to is if it's something they like, they'll buy it, and if they don't, they won't buy it and we can't make a second one. It's quite simple math! [laughs]
Are you making a second Viewtiful Joe?
Inaba-san: Of course, we are thinking it's the kind of game that's very good to do a sequel for. However, personally, I am very busy; even if I did want to make it I'm not sure I'd be able to right now. But I'll say this, that if it's the kind of game that sells no company would ever refuse to make a sequel to that game.
As a possible way to bolster sales, are you thinking of releasing it on other platforms?
Inaba-san: That hasn't been decided. Sales are key and we have to see how it does in America. If it's a stinker, we wouldn't release it for other platforms. We'll have to wait a while longer and find out what happens.
What does it mean to be Viewtiful? Is it just about the pink, or is there more?
Inaba-san: [laughs] Viewtiful symbolizes everything that Joe has. So, his moves are cool, he's cool -- he's viewtiful. I mean that not in a feminine way but a masculine way. Even with the pink as his color, it's viewtiful, and he can stand out and get the job done.
Do you think this pink will start a fashion trend?
Inaba-san: If it was really so popular that people were going to start a fashion trend based on my game, that would be great! But, honestly, I don't think American men or Japanese men are interested in dressing in more pink!
What other projects are you working on?
Inaba-san: Actually, I am working on other projects. I'm doing Gyakuten Saiban 3 for the Game Boy Advance. It's a courtroom game and it's been released in Japan before. It's actually doing really well at the show, but unfortunately I don't know if we'll ever bring it to a foreign market. As for new projects, well ... I can only tell you there is one in the works and to look for the announcement. It's fantastic. It's going to be great. Trust me, the Steel Battalion guy, to bring you something original and great. [smiles]
What's the status of Dead Phoenix?
Inaba-san: [stalls] Project Dead Phoenix? Hmm.
[covers mouth and begins to mutter]
Actually, the project I was talking about is not Dead Phoenix, and when you asked me what happened with Dead Phoenix my mouth closed shut, and I couldn't speak anymore! [covers mouth and laughs]
Is your new project for GameCube?
Inaba-san: Actually right now we're only in the planning phase. It really is going to be fantastic. Right now, though, we don't have any plans for which platform it will end up on.
Okay, they tell us that was our last question. Thanks for your time. We're big fans of Viewtiful Joe; thanks for creating something so original.
Inaba-san: Thank you.
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I think it is interesting to note that whether or not it is released as multiplatform depends on how it sells in America. Normally, I'd want every game possible to be exclusive to GCN
, but this game is just so cool that everyone should get a chance to play it...
I really wish I could get my hands on one of those bobbleheads though. Maybe I can find one cheap on ebay or something.
