Interview: Square Enix’s New Studio - Thoughts on New RPG Project [Page2]

Project SETSUNA

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―You spoke about holding the fundamental essence of the game with the utmost importance. We’d like to inquire about the origins of that awareness, “Project SETSUNA,” which is being launched at TRF. First of all, what is the story behind the naming of the project as “SETSUNA”?

Hashimoto(H): It’s a codename that came from the game’s concept. For this project, we had the concept, “Let’s make a game that portrays heartrending sorrow (setsunai),” and that became the determining factor for the name of the project.

―Thank you. On this topic though, humans have a lot of different emotions; why is it that “heartrending sorrow” was chosen?

H: Many RPGs have been released abroad as well. One of the most important points of “Project SETSUNA” is the concept of creating something that only Japanese people are capable of creating. And so, a story that highlights the emotions and consciousness that only Japanese people can express, such as the wabi-sabi of tea culture, became one of the key points of TRF. Based on that, everyone on the team decided upon the keyword setsunai.

―Speaking of “heartrending stories” reminds me of Aerith who was stabbed by Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII. That was a heartrending scene.

H: The fact that those sorts of heartrending scenes and stories occur often in Japanese RPGs might be another reason why it became the theme for the project this time.

Matsuda(M): Setsunai-ness is an emotion that is difficult to translate into other languages. Even so, being able to express this emotion is one of the special characteristics of Japanese game creators, and I believe that that is one thing that people throughout the world look forward to as well.

―So the name of the company, Tokyo RPG Factory, holds the meaning of “transmitting from Tokyo, Japan” the unique culture and subtle emotions of Japan.

M: Yes. Subtlety - that is a figure of speech that seems untranslatable. That is precisely what JRPG expresses, and that is precisely the forte of JRPG.

―After “Project SETSUNA,” what sort of prospects are you sketching out?

M: Before anything, making sure that this project is a success is our number one concern. We’d really love for everyone to play our game. Every last one of the staff involved are excellent creators. I hope that this project can cause a sensational stir in the present day game market, and that afterward new works can continue to come into existence. We would like to create the rich soil for that sort of creative spirit.

H: This is only my own desire, but I’d like to create a game that can make people’s hearts race like in the days of Super Nintendo(Super NES®). That being said, I plan to create it using modern graphics. I’ve actually wanted to take on this challenge for a long time now. And because I’ve been thinking that, I want to first make “Project SETSUNA” a success, and then connect that to our next move. I think that our staff are also sprouting weird ideas left and right. At least personally, I hope that we can create an outstanding, pioneering game. Please remember that these are just things that I am thinking (laughs).

―So, how far you can go depends on the future.

H: That’s right. Along with the oudou game, we’d like to be involved with various other games, but that is just me daydreaming (laughs). With our strength, we’d like to create a brand new oudou RPG.

―Finally, a message please for all the RPG fans abroad.

M: This is a simple message, but I believe that TRF will surely deliver a game that is fun to play and that will leave a deep imprint in everyone’s memories. I hope that you will all look forward to it.

H: This project has truly gathered a variety of creators. Our team is a gathering of members who, in the old days, beat JRPGs, and from that were inspired to take on the aspiration, “I wanna make games!” With this team, we are creating something that will make people say, “This is fun!” “I wanted to create an RPG like this!” I believe that this is precisely the kind of game RPG fans throughout the world desire. Finally, if all the players were to play it and say “Bravo,” that would be perfection.

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This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.