Is Spectrobes on the Wii going to be a direct sequel to the DS games, or more of a spinoff?
Kentaro Hisai: Spectrobes: Origins is an evolution of the series. It introduces a lot of new gameplay features, especially with the move to Wii and the graphical jump to the console from the handheld. The story picks up from the first two games while also revealing early moments in the fiction through flashbacks. A Spectrobes: Origins player would not need to have played either of the Nintendo DS games to enjoy this game, but experienced Spectrobes players will have a broader understanding. Naturally, our goal is to create a game that astonishes those who were devoted to exploring the worlds and uncovering the stories from either or both of the first two Spectrobes games, but also to expand the fan base with a game that thrills Wii owners who may be new to the series.
Is this going to be the same Spectrobes formula we know, or is the console version going in a different direction?
Hisai: Numerous key features from the Spectrobes franchise are in Spectrobes: Origins, including the two main characters, planetary patrol officers Rallen and Jeena; the abilities to explore, excavate, awaken and battle; and a story that takes the characters throughout the galaxy to unravel a plot and defeat the enemy scourge known as the Krawl. Also, in bringing the series to Wii, our goal is to create an engaging action adventure game and shift the focus away from the RPG genre while still using some beneficial RPG elements. Among the new features, we focused on creating more intense action in battle. The player directly controls Rallen, who now has a stronger presence with expanded combat abilities. Accompanying Rallen is a single Spectrobe, which the player can command to assist in battle. The player can also cycle through Spectrobes during combat and immediately switch the creature fighting alongside Rallen. Those are just a few new elements that expand on the core features.
Are all the current Spectrobes in the game?
Hisai: Most of the popular Spectrobes from Spectrobes and Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals are in Spectrobes: Origins for players to discover, excavate, awake and train. Just like the previous games, once the creatures have evolved beyond their child form, they'll be ready to fight enemies in faster, more intense battles.
Will we see any new Spectrobes?
Hisai: There are many new Spectrobes in the game. Each time we've worked on a new Spectrobes game, we really look forward to creating new creatures that we hope will excite players and add to the series' legacy. One new creature is Pegatinum, which Rallen can ride to rapidly travel across planets. This is the first Spectrobe with this ability and it changes the way you explore.
Any new characters?
Hisai: There will be many new characters introduced throughout the game that will play a crucial role in the story. Fans of the franchise will also recognize many characters, including Rallen, Jeena, Commander Grant and Krux, the villain introduced in Spectrobes: Beyond The Portals last year.
The DS versions utilize most of the DS' unique features, like touch screen control and microphone. How will the new game use the Wii's features?
Hisai: Spectrobes: Origins absolutely has to harness the Wii controls in a unique way while staying true to the series' roots. The player will use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to navigate vast planets; take on a variety of enemies in large-scale, intense battles; and excavate 3D fossils like never before. Battle and excavation were especially popular in the first two games on the DS so you can imagine how they will evolve for Wii. We've also added the ability for players to get a stronger connection to their creatures through the speaker in the Wii Remote.
Beyond the Portals offered online battling and a marketplace for trading and selling Spectrobes, will there be similar online features for the Wii?
Hisai: With the first two games, we feel like we created innovative titles that raised the bar with features that hadn't been achieved before on the Nintendo DS. As you mention, these included the robust Spectrobes online community and the marketplace as well as the code input trading cards and downloadable items. While we can't discuss the innovative new features like these for Spectrobes: Origins, we definitely set lofty goals for delivering a Wii game that continues to push the envelope of innovation. We'll look forward to sharing more details at a later time.
Will the Wii version have bigger cutscenes, similar to the downloadable webisodes?
Hisai: With the move to Wii and expansion in graphical capability, we were able to create cutscenes that are larger and more epic. We definitely set a target to replicate our popular webisodes -- not just with the cutscenes but throughout the entire game. For Spectrobes: Origins, we've tried to make players feel like they're actually playing the webisodes. We definitely set our goals high but we feel we can achieve them.
Previous games had players switch between the main characters, Rallen and Jeena. Is there any chance of co-op play for this one?
Hisai: I wish I could go into details right now, but unfortunately all I can confirm is that both Rallen and Jeena will have very important roles in this game. Regarding your question, our primary focus is to make Spectrobes: Origins fun for a single player. But if someone else happens to be in the same room, we hope that other person enjoys the Spectrobes universe as well.
