This week’s GTKYD featured guest is Taichi Inuzuka, from Square Enix. He’s a seasoned producer in the Dragon Quest series of games and recently worked on the DSiWare release from Square Enix, Dragon Quest Wars (official Japanese website here). It is our first DSiWare game (and first game developer from Japan) we’ve had featured in GTKYD. There is some good insight on developing on the downloadable Nintendo DSi platform. Read on and learn more about Taichi Inuzuka, which game claimed 500 of his hours, and
learn more about Dragon Quest Wars from Square Enix!
Who are you and what do you do in the gaming industry?
My name is Taichi Inuzuka. I’m the producer for DRAGON QUEST WARS at Square Enix. Since joining Enix, I have been involved in DQ series related titles.
What are you currently working on or have recently released?
I cannot say details, but I am currently working on a new DRAGON QUEST related title. Previously, I worked on DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker.
How was it different in developing for DSiWare than a regular DS cartridge?
The biggest advantage was that it is absolutely clear that the users are in an environment able to access Wi-Fi (If users cannot access to the Wi-Fi, they cannot download this game to begin with). To make good use of this advantage, we could create a game focused on Wi-Fi battle as a main element. I would say the capacity limitation was the only disadvantage. But we just needed to do things we could do within the limitation, so it did not become a big problem.
How is the learning curve to playing Dragon Quest Wars?
I saw a child around 5 years old who was playing the demo version at TGS, but it seems like he was playing without any problem. There is not much you need to remember to play, so I bet it is easy to remember the rules.
What is one of your favorite things about Dragon Quest Wars?
I would say, Wi-Fi battle. Because it became the outline to create this game.
How did you get into the games industry?
The company I joined after I graduated from university was Enix.
What is your favorite game you have every played on any console and why?
This is not promotion or anything, and it comes from the bottom of my heart, but I think DRAGON QUEST IX is the best and favorite game I’ve ever played. I’ve played around 500 hours so far. Reasons are because I could play such a long time and haven’t felt almost any stress while I play.
What game(s) are you currently playing?
I recently played Pokemon SoulSilver. But since I finished everything that I could do, I am back to playing DRAGON QUEST IX now.
Which games are you looking forward to playing in the next year and why?
I do not know when it will release, but I am looking forward to playing "Okamiden: Chisaki Taiyo." I am strongly attracted to the point that it builds and establishes its own world completely.
What is next for you?
Regarding a sequel and additional contents [Dragon Quest Wars], we would like to consider it if we receive as much demand from users.
Anything else you’re itching to tell us?
DQ Wars is created only after the fun element of "think and play." At first, you sort of just have a "win and lose" feeling, but you’ll be able to battle against foes with reading into the next step and next next step after repeating the battle. From that time, the true point of this game starts.
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Thanks to Taichi Inuzuka, Brandon Smith and Square Enix for making this interview possible! See more details on Dragon Quest Monsters here on at the official website. Dragon Quest Monsters is now available for $5 (500 DSiWare Points) from the DSi Shop.
See more of our GTKYD interviews here.
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