| |
4) In its most basic terms, what is DOA
Ultimate?
Ans: Same as the above.
5) What was the main reason that you decided to produce a
compilation of DOA titles for Xbox?
Ans: I wanted to rid my AV rack of the Sega
Saturn, PS2, and Dreamcast. I don't consider antique collecting to
be one of my hobbies (laughs). This way, any DOA fan with an Xbox
can enjoy all of Team NINJA’s games. This lineup is excluding a few
games that I don’t care for, however.
6) And what improvements or changes have you made to the DOA
games to bring them to Xbox?
Ans: If you play them, you will understand.
Actually, to go a step further, if you are a hardcore gamer, you
should be able to tell just by looking at them (laughs).
7) What have been the major challenges in making the DOA titles
playable over Xbox Live?
Ans: Let me tell you the absolute truth. The fact
of the matter is that it is not all that difficult to create a
speedy, precise algorithm for 1-on-1 online fighting. Some fighting
game developers shy away from including support for online
competition, citing lag as a reason, but that is simply them
unwillingly admitting that they do not have the ability to design a
game that is able to take the factor of lag into account. Now, the
main point that we had difficulty with was the Virtual Arcade.
Basically, we wanted to recreate the thrill that existed 10 years
ago or so, when everyone would gather at the arcade and enjoy
playing with a large group of people. In order to do this, we had
to implement a very complicated host management system. We wanted
it to feel like 8 people were playing together, taking turns
sharing a single game cabinet. If a game session ends because the
host has lost their connection, how do you think the remaining 7
players will feel? We spent the greater part of our efforts on
developing and testing back-up systems in that area.
8) When are we going to see DOA4?!
Ans: Do you really want to know?
9) What can you tell us about the improvements to the fighting
system -specifically the 'reversals'?
Ans: I'm assuming you would like to know about the
reversal system in DOA2: Ultimate? I have specifically tuned and
improved DOA2:U's reversal system to bring fairness, the spirit of
challenge, and a narcotic-like pleasure to the game.
10) What have you remade from the previous DOA?
Ans: Everything.
11) What was your biggest challenge to make DOA Ultimate
Live-enabled?
Ans: Same as Question 7 above.
12) Do you still program yourself or are you just responsible
for the design?
Ans: In regards to the game that I am working on
right now, I am focusing purely on game design, acting as single
Ninja, just like the other 100 Ninjas on our staff. However, don't
misconstrue what I am saying. What we create are "video games".
That is to say, game design is not only about the various game
systems, but also visuals, audio, and interactivity; in other words
the process of design work in all fields. It is truly enjoyable.
Regarding programming: I think the last game for which I wrote code
directly was Dead or Alive 1 for Sega's Model 2 system board.
13) Who as a programmer or designer do you admire
yourself?
Ans: As a programmer, Mr. David Cutler. He is a
man whom I have the utmost respect for, a "fighting programmer" who
developed Windows NT, the OS that is running the PC that you use to
view my words. As for designers? That would be the very talented
members of my staff.
14) What features of DOA Ultimate wouldn’t have been possible
on say PS2?
Ans: Take a look and compare it with the best of
what's being done on PS2. There's no big mystery here
(laughs).
15) You already explain a lot on the new (excellent!) website.
But any characters, features or unlockables in DOA Ultimate that
haven't been mentioned in interviews before?
Ans: "Out of these 20 questions that you have
asked me, this is the most challenging query (laughs). This has
nothing to do with you; it could be said that this is a question
that I personally find quite interesting. On my own personal pride,
let me try to remember some sort of exclusive information for you.
Ahh yes, there it is. This is regarding the evaluation system for
online matches in DOAU.
In the celebration of fighting that occurs every day and night,
players from all around the world hone their skills, wavering
between joy and sadness based on their rank and class. DOATEC (Dead
or Alive Tournament Executive Committee) is constantly monitoring,
and evaluating, your hard-fought battles. If you win, you are
rewarded. If you lose, you are penalized. Amid the thousands upon
thousands of matches that have been fought, thankfully there has
not yet been a single complaint filed in regards to this reward and
penalty system, carried out exclusively by DOATEC. Now, I just said
""thankfully"", but it is important to note that the game has been
released with the preparations necessary to flexibly adapt the
DOATEC evaluation system at any time. Any fighter with complaints
about how DOATEC presides over this system has the right to express
those opinions. If such an opinion has validity, and if I am
sufficiently inclined, I can instantly issue an order to DOATEC to
modify the system. In such a case, one minute after the change a
whirlwind of elated shouts and angered roars would no doubt sweep
throughout DOA Online (laughs)."
16) Did you manage to improve graphics even further on
DOA3/DOAX? You talk about a reworked engine. Poly's/textures for
example?
Ans: I'm sorry you guys, but I have become so
tired of constantly answering this question.
17) How do you feel about the reception DOA Ultimate has gained
throughout America and Japan?
Ans: I am thankful to the fans in both North
America and Japan for their warm reception of DOAU, and now my
European fans have joined them in enjoying the game. I have
provided the best possible forum for people from around the world
to fight it out and see who is best, so everyone please try to
impress me! (laughs)
18) How do you feel about the next generation consoles and in
what ways do you think they will revolutionise gaming?
Ans: "Aren't I always saying that power is all
that is needed? Anything else is completely unnecessary. Video game
consoles are simply one example of a practical implementation of
computer technology. In other words, they are a form of ""play"",
made possible with the tool that is computers. There is no value in
the existence of computers with cheap capabilities.
Revolutionise? What an unfortunate thing you have asked. By the
way, revolutions can only be brought about by the exertion of
power. You know this, right?"
19) How do you feel about the next Xbox? Do you have any ideas
you would like to develop for the platform?
Ans: Even putting it lightly, I don't think there
is anyone who likes the next-generation machine more than I do.
Ideas? Oh, you mean my newest model bomb. I am planning to conduct
a test drop of this cute new bomb very soon. If you want to know
what it is, you should come and see the power of its explosion from
a safe distance (laughs). Remember, from a distance. No matter what
you do, don't come near the area of the ocean where it will be
dropped. It will be very dangerous there (laughs).
20) What can you tell us about your next project?
Ans: The name of the title that I am making right
now is "Dead or Alive 4" (laughs). Gee, I wonder what sort of game
it will be?
|
