Takuya Matsumoto has worked on some high quality SEGA titles in the past, such as NiGHTS and Sonic Adventure on Dreamcast, and was the development lead on The Last Story, the excellent Wii RPG that finally arrives in North America on 10th July.
In an interview with Gamasutra, Matsumoto discussed the development processes and design choices that were put into the adventure. He also shared insight into the work of the famous Mario Club, Nintendo's testing team, and how it demanded high standards from the developers.
There were a whole lot of requests from Mario Club. All the requests that we got were spot on. They really know what they’re talking about, because they have a lot of skill and knowledge.
In a way, what we created was fine, but it was still rough around the edges. But I think by going through Nintendo, it really took out the unnecessary parts and refined it as a game.
Refinement is one of the most important aspects. The Nintendo influence was big, in a good way; at the same time it gave me confidence that if I really pushed my boundaries harder, then I can get to this level on my own.
It's not uncommon to hear third-parties that have collaborated with Nintendo discuss the exacting standards that are placed upon them. Takuya Matsumoto, for one, clearly thinks that it helped to deliver a stronger game, so are any of you North American gamers planning to track this down for another Wii RPG hurrah?
[source gamasutra.com]
Comments 23
I really hope there's a sequel one day,as this game was amazing.
Thats all good that Nintendo Club helped make this game awesome... BUT WHY IS SYRENNE'S VOICE SO GOD AWFUL!?!?
@bulby1994 I didn't have a problem with it.
She had a lot of personality and was the most interesting character in the game.
I just hope that means this'll be the first of his games that doesn't disappoint me...
The way the article is written seems to imply NiGHTS was on the Dreamcast. If NiGHTS was on the Dreamcast, the console would have never folded and would have sold 160 million units and ended world hunger at the same time.
Nintendo's quality control is unrivaled.
Sonic Adventure = High Quality?
That game was so glitchy.
And there's still game like those:
https://www.nintendolife.com/games/wii/kidz_bop_dance_party_the_video_game
https://www.nintendolife.com/games/3ds/hidden
Looks like a cool game
I have been interested in trying this game out for quite some time. I'll get it at some point, hopefully sooner than later.
Got it on preorder...
Nintendo of America didn't give two about this game thus refusing to localize and published it. If it wasn't for XSeed, this game wouldn't even consider for an NA release.
I got this on pre-order also! I can;t wait to get it.
Nintendo knows how to make games. I wonder if the same effort went into Pandora's Tower. If not maybe this is way they don't feel confident to release it in North America.
@BenAV I agree, her voice acting was fine and she was my favourite character too. I also like SyrennexLowell much more than ZaelxCalista in terms of couples from this game.
@SBOY That has nothing to do with this as Nintendo had no involvement in those games.
@SBOY
If Nintendo's Mario Club were involved in 3rd party games, we'd get a lot of quality titles. Even games that were never thought to be a success lol
I thought it was coming here on the 31.
@3DS Supporter
That is precisely what my preorder says. The one that debuts on July 10th in the US is Rhythm Thief, but not this one.
Oh hell yes, day 1 purchase, thank you very much! This is the only reason I joined Operation Rainfall
I don't think XSEED has announced a release date yet. I think the dates retailers are using are just placeholders. I could be wrong, of course.
It explains a lot, really. Nintendo hasn't got a clue how to put an RPG together, and this game plays like it was made by people who have no clue how to put an RPG together.
@LollipopChoSaw - Paper Mario & Earthbound say hi.
As for Last Story, I'm about 30 hours in, and I'm enjoying it immensely (and this is coming from someone who usually avoids JRPGs). Oh, and according to the reviews, I think a lot of people will disagree with you, LollipopChoSaw.
I'm glad Mistwalker dared to innovate the battle system, as well as streamlining (not 'dumbing down') the genre's normally-fiddly features.
Oh, and the visuals are great (both in terms of art style and tech).
Personally, I'd give this game a 7 or 8 out of 10.
Oh, and the game IS pretty easy...but meh, I'm still having fun.
I think XSEED is prepping this to be the last Wii game released (in NA).
are you sure its coming that release date? because amazon.ca lists it as july 31st as well as eb games?
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