Nippon Ichi Interview

 

The Wiire: Back in August of last year, you said that Nippon Ichi was considering Wii development. Has your status on that changed at all?

Niida: No, that has not changed and we definitely look forward to Wii as well as 360, DS and other consoles as well as handheld consoles.

The Wiire: At this time, can you say whether or not you are developing a game for Wii? Have you obtained development hardware or had discussions with Nintendo about developing games for the system?

Niida: At the current moment, we are not developing a title for the Nintendo Wii, since we have another title that has been under works for a while. We simply do not have the man power yet to carry out multiple projects at the same time. Therefore, if we were to release a Wii title, it will be in the future.

The Wiire: As a developer, what are your personal opinions of the Wii hardware and its functions?

Niida: It’s exciting. Before the Wii, game controllers were all similar in function, despite manufacturer differences. Nintendo took a bold step and they did a great job. However, the enormous potential of the competing next-generation consoles are just as exciting, if not more so in regards to hardware power. So, as a developer, the coming years are going to be extremely exciting.

The Wiire: Nippon has traditionally developed games with an anime-stylized 2-dimensional look. But with the next-generation approaching, is there pressure on your developers to go fully 3D in your games?

Niida: That’s a question I can’t answer too much, it’s more of a developer-side question. But from my impressions from what I hear, they don’t seem to mind it too much; they still feel that 2D is well and alive. It’s just that they might change the expressions a little different according to the next-generations consoles, but the 2D will definitely be there.