We have at all times been large followers of Vanillaware right here at Push Sq.. The proficient Japanese developer has been crafting bangers for many years now, and its newest launch, a stunning technique RPG known as Unicorn Overlord, is arguably considered one of its finest video games up to now.
So, once we have been handed the chance to interview somebody who’s labored intently with the studio for fairly a while, we merely could not refuse. We requested producer Akiyasu Yamamoto concerning the long-term relationship between writer Atlus and Vanillaware, the developer’s interior workings, and Unicorn Overlord itself.
Push Sq.: To begin with, are you able to inform us about your function at Atlus and Vanillaware? The 2 corporations have partnered on a whole lot of video games at this level.
Akiyasu Yamamoto, Producer: Good day, Push Sq. readers! I’m honored that you’re taking an curiosity in Unicorn Overlord. I’ve been the producer and undertaking supervisor for ATLUS x Vanillaware titles since Odin Sphere for the PlayStation 2, along with Dragon’s Crown, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, Dragon’s Crown Professional, and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.
It seems like Vanillaware is an extremely constant studio, at all times releasing prime quality video games. How do you assume the crew has maintained this stage of high quality through the years?
Vanillaware is a superb studio and I’m proud to work intently with them. To your query, I believe the passion of Vanillaware’s workers is mirrored within the sport itself. As a writer, we concentrate on ensuring that their passionate creativity is mirrored within the sport and the outcomes of that zeal is handed alongside to the gamers. We assist present help in quite a few methods akin to high quality management, debugging, monitoring, and in any approach we will because the writer.
Unicorn Overlord has clearly launched and it has been very effectively acquired. As a producer, how does it really feel to see your sport garner such constructive reactions?
We’re grateful for the constructive suggestions we’ve acquired. We’re joyful to see our distinctive sport system resonated with many individuals around the globe.
Unicorn Overlord is one other instance of Vanillaware attempting one thing new. It is a a lot completely different sport to Dragon’s Crown, or 13 Sentinels, for instance — and that type of flexibility is one thing that a whole lot of builders do not try. Are you able to supply any perception into why Vanillaware hardly ever sticks to 1 style?
As a writer, I can not converse concerning the insurance policies and manufacturing strategies of the event crew, however I can say from my viewpoint that [Unicorn Overlord] was created by way of love, persistence, and willpower of the director, Mr. Noma, and the primary planner, Mr. Nakanishi, to create the “perfect simulation RPG”.
It’s not tough to think about that creating a sport system that doesn’t exist, as a brand new IP, is a steady grasp at midnight and isn’t primarily based on a technique or framework that’s streamlined. The mindset is being open to challenges, not fearing trial and error, and to have the ability to pursue “a sport value displaying to the world” is what’s widespread in our attitudes in direction of all ATLUS x Vanillaware titles.
What was it prefer to work on Unicorn Overlord? Did the undertaking differ in any respect from what you have completed previously?
One distinction is that the director of the earlier ATLUS X Vanillaware titles, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Dragon’s Crown, and Odin Sphere was Moriharu Kamiya. The director of Unicorn Overlord is Takafumi Noma, and I believe it is very important word that the director of Unicorn Overlord is completely different from the director of the earlier video games.
Additionally, as talked about in your earlier query, the idea of every ATLUS x Vanillaware product is clearly completely different. This title was a take a look at to the simulation RPG style, so in that sense it was a problem placing it collectively from scratch with plenty of trial and error. I personally assume it was a really thrilling manufacturing course of, unchanged from different works.
Are there any plans to broaden Unicorn Overlord with updates or further content material?
There are presently no plans to create further downloadable content material. As well as, ATLUS started improvement of this title with Vanillaware in 2016, and the preliminary improvement platforms have been PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. The sport market has modified dramatically previously 8 years, and we requested Vanillaware to help twice as many platforms as initially deliberate (PS4 / PS5 / Nintendo Swap / Xbox X|S) and to launch the sport concurrently all around the world.
The choice to pick the present platform was made by the writer, ATLUS, and we sincerely admire the dedication and help from Vanillaware. With this in thoughts, there are presently no plans to port the sport to the PC.
We now have to ask, do you might have any favorite characters in Unicorn Overlord? Are there any unit combos you at all times end up utilizing?
The enchantment of characters in simulation RPGs shouldn’t be solely the dramatic facet, but additionally the room for customers to complement and picture their very own characterization from the unit’s efficiency. I bear in mind taking part in a whole lot of simulation RPGs within the 90s. On the time, I had private recollections of elevating my characters in order that I might do no matter I wished, akin to rising my bandit right into a sturdy one and breaking into treasure chest rooms alone or rising the mobility of my knight in shining armour to defeat enemies early and destroying them with long-range assaults.
Once I take into consideration that private reminiscence, I desire Hoplite and Thief. Additionally, Lex’s phrases and actions are lovely, and I really feel that he and Travis kind an excellent friendship. Chloe’s skill to cope with the assorted conditions in battle is extraordinarily good… The listing is infinite once I begin speaking concerning the enchantment of the characters within the crew, so I am going to cease right here [laughs].
And eventually, is there something you’d prefer to say to Western Unicorn Overlord and Vanillaware followers?
We wish to take this chance to thank all those that have bought our merchandise. We’re very honoured and happy to listen to that we have now acquired large help from folks within the West. It’s much more than we had initially anticipated. Thanks a lot.
This work is a “jewel” created by individuals who have been astonished by the creation of simulation RPGs of 30 years in the past, and who’ve a burning longing and want for these genres. That is the “perfect” that Mr. Noma, the director, and Mr. Nakanishi, the primary planner, have devoted their lives to provide, and we might be joyful if these studying this text and have an interest within the sport and haven’t checked it out but, would try the free demo model as we speak and try it out.
Enormous due to Yamamoto-san for taking the time to reply our questions. Particular due to Ash Harvey and the crew at SEGA for making this interview attainable.
Have you ever tried Unicorn Overlord for your self? Are you a fan of Vanillaware’s video games? What are your hopes for the developer’s future? Gawk at some brilliantly drawn characters within the feedback part beneath.