Exclusive: Reynatis Interview with Game Creators

This extensive interview delves into the creation of FuRyu's action RPG, Reynatis, set for Western release on September 27th by NIS America. We hear from Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura.

TAKUMI discusses his role in Reynatis' conception, production, and direction, highlighting the game's unexpectedly strong international reception. He notes the positive feedback from Japanese players, particularly those familiar with Tetsuya Nomura's works, and acknowledges the Final Fantasy Versus XIII comparisons, stating it served as inspiration but Reynatis is wholly original.

TAKUMI addresses planned updates to refine gameplay balancing and quality-of-life features, assuring Western players will receive an improved version. He details his informal communication with Nojima and Shimomura, initiated via social media, emphasizing their individual contributions and his personal admiration for their prior works. He also explains the game's development process during the pandemic, emphasizing the strong communication with the development team.

The interview explores the NEO: The World Ends With You collaboration, initiated through a direct approach to Square Enix, and TAKUMI's influences from various action games. He discusses the platform choices, explaining the Switch as the lead platform while acknowledging its limitations and the challenges of balancing multiple platforms. He reveals FuRyu's internal exploration of PC development and comments on the differing perceptions of console and PC gaming markets in Japan.

TAKUMI clarifies FuRyu's approach to smartphone ports, emphasizing their console-centric focus. The possibility of future Xbox releases is addressed, with TAKUMI expressing personal interest but acknowledging the current lack of market demand in Japan. He expresses excitement for the Western release, highlighting the planned DLC releases to enhance player engagement and avoid spoilers.

The email exchanges with Nojima and Shimomura offer further insight. Shimomura discusses her creative process and the inspiration behind the Reynatis soundtrack, while Nojima reflects on his evolving approach to game narratives and his personal experience with Reynatis. The interview concludes with a lighthearted section on coffee preferences from all participants.