Jap. Developers Weigh in on PSP

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Japanese Developers Weigh in on Sony PSP

News by: Funky ZealotPosted: 05/07/04
Famitsu recently asked some of the top names in the Japanese gaming
industry their thoughts on the PSP, based on what was announced and
shown in the past. Asking questions such as "what kind of hardware
will the PSP be", "what kind of games will come out", "what kind of
games would you want to make", the developers weigh in on their
thoughts.

Ko Shibusawa: (Koei, creator of Nobunaga's Ambition, Romance of the
Three Kingdoms) The PSP is the first hand held console to be released
by Sony Computer Entertainment, and I have high hopes for it. Using
wireless LAN, to be able to create powerful battles like the one
between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin in the battle of
Kawanakajima ...if the PSP can recreate that with its wireless
technology, we think it can provide users with a new kind of fun.

Masahiro Sakurai: (Independent developer, known for Smash Brothers)
The PSP can be perceived as a hand-held game console, a pocket PC, a
portable audio video system, a mobile phone. It's a beautiful
Jack-of-all-trades. So with all the features, what will customers be
looking for in the PSP? That will depend on the software lineup and
how it's marketed. We will have to see SCE coming through in an area
besides technology. However, that doesn't mean that those who develop
games should just stand idly by and see how the console pans out.

Takanobu Terada: (Banpresto, known for Super Robot Battle series) The
thing that I'm most concerned about is how much the PSP will cost. If
the price of the PSP is going to be high because it has a robust array
of functions aside from gaming, it might be better to just focus on
the system being a handheld game console. I hope it'll be a strong
game system that will bring back users from the days of monochrome
handheld consoles and [the original] PlayStation.

Kazuma Kujo: (Irem, creator of R-Type) I think the PSP is a very
attractive piece of hardware. I'd aim to make a game that can only be
done on the PSP. On the graphics side it looks highly capable, but I'm
more interested in the wireless LAN functionality. Just between us,
I'd like to make a detective game catered toward handheld
consoles--making use of wireless LAN or Infrared communication to
build a villain developing system or a clue editor. I think that [the
PSP] will be an exciting game console.

Kouichi Nakamura: (Chun Soft President, known for Mysterious Dungeon
series) Since the PSP uses UMD, which can store large amounts of data,
I'm thinking the console is capable of doing some of our video and
sound-heavy games such as our Sound Novel series. On top of that,
since it has network capabilities it can record player data for
ladders and player rankings with ease, making network games a
realistic possibility. Although we can't say whether or not we'll
enter [that market], it'd be nice if the innovative features of the
PSP allow users to contribute to a new type entertainment.

Toshihiro Nagoshi: (Amusement Vision president, known for Virtua
Striker series) The images seen at GDC were very pretty, and shows
that this is the type of hardware that shows that "graphics sell." In
terms of PSP specs, network functions and related features are pretty
attractive--but I think the market will be more genuinely pleased by
having games that showcase the fact that it's a handheld console with
high-end graphical capabilities. I would take advantage of the
high-end specs and create a new type of adventure game that has
players soak in the visuals and think intensely to play.

Hideyuki Yokoyama: (Atlus producer, known for Shin Megami Tensei)
Looking at the polygon count and processing speed numbers, the PSP
will have games that are closer to the PlayStation 2 than the original
PlayStation. Also, I see potential for the UMD being used for video
media, providing images clearer than DVDs in a compact size. As a
video playback system there's no equivalent. I expect downloads and
fees to be the primary business model, but I think there will be other
effective means as well.

Satoshi Kanematsu: (Tecmo general manager, known for Monster Farm
series) I really look forward to it. Well, even though it's called a
game console, since we're talking about SCE, or more broadly Sony,
they're probably shooting for the second Walkman phenomena or
something beyond that. I hope they do create a new culture and spread
that entertainment to the world. For me, I'd like to make something
that breaks convention by crossing over its functionality as a game
console and its other features. When we find out the specific features
[of the PSP], I'd like to realize that vision. I'd like to see people
of various nationalities playing my game, in airport waiting rooms
across the world, and say to them 'Rock You.'