Marukatsu PC Engine Vol. 43 (Jul. 1992) - Snatcher CD-ROMantic interview
Breaking News! Konami joins the Super CD-ROM² Market
It was a bright day in Kobe... sort-of! Anyway, upon hearing the rumor of Konami joining the Super CD-ROM² market, we the news crew of Marukatsu PC Engine magazine enthusiastically set out to Konami's technical research institute in Kobe. We were greeted by the deputy director of the institute Mr. Akihiko Nagata, senior staff member Mr. Hideo Kojima, and our beautiful public relationist Ms. Taeko Hayasaka. Since we're all in good company here (whatever that means), let's begin with our interview.
So, let's start with the reason why Konami decided to join the Super CD-ROM² market.
Hayasaka: Ever since we've entered the PC Engine market last year, we've been receiving many letters asking us when are we going to put out a game on the Super CD-ROM² format. Those frank opinions were the reasons [for joining the Super CD-ROM² market]. Not just Super CD, but we at Konami wish to be a manufacturer that reflects the wishes of our customers into our products.
Was the decision to make Snatcher your company's first Super CD-ROM² release was also a reflection of your users wishes?
Hayasaka: That's right. It was a frequently requested title on survey cards submitted by our customers.
Nagata: We were undecided whether we wanted to do a port of an existing game or a completely new one, but there was a strong desire from our developers to do Snatcher. (He glances at Kojima while stating this. What secret is he hiding? He's none other than the original author for Snatcher.)
Kojima: This new Super CD version of Snatcher surpasses the old one. Please look forward to it.
By surpassing the previous version, you mean it won't be just a simple port, but it'll have new things to experience...?
Nagata: Well, it is a Super CD after all. Unlike the original home computer version, the characters now speak their lines. We had a splendid cast for our voice actors.
Hayasaka: Let me introduce some of them. The game's protagonist, Gillian Seed, is voiced by Yusaku Yara, who played the dad in Chibi Maruko-chan. His wife Jaime is voiced by Kikuko Inoue, who played Electra in Nadia and the Secret of Blue Water. And then there's Metal Gear, who is voiced by Mami Koyama, the voice of Arale from Dr. Slump. Isn't that an amazing lineup?
We're looking forward to hearing them. So that means a lot of effort is going to be put into the animation side as well?
Kojima: That's right. We're employing full use of the CD-ROM media capacity and put lots of new features in the game that were not possible in the old home computer versions. Even the story will have additions that will greatly increase its sense of completeness, so as a member of the game's staff, I would like to consider it to be the most definitive version. Of course, all the mysteries that were left lingering in the old PC versions will be answered in this new Super CD version.
In other words, there will be a concluding act?
Kojima: That's right. The Super CD-ROM² version will be divided into three acts, an exciting ending has been prepared for Act 3. I think newcomers, as well as players already familiar with the PC version will enjoy it.
I see. It sounds more and more exciting! By the way, are there any other plans for the Super CD-ROM² format?
Hayasaka: We're planning on doing ports, as well as all-new games. We are going to try to put out software that everyone will enjoy to the best of our abilities. We're also considering making an all-new game for the Hu-Card format. We will eventually reveal them to everyone interested. (smile)