Reynatis Interview: Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura discuss the game, coffee, and more

This extensive interview delves into the creation of FuRyu's action RPG, Reynatis, slated for Western release on September 27th via NIS America. The discussion covers various aspects of development, including inspiration, collaborations, and future plans.

The interview begins with TAKUMI, Director and Producer at FuRyu, who details his role in conceptualizing and overseeing Reynatis. He expresses his delight at the game's positive reception, particularly the significant international buzz exceeding expectations within Japan. TAKUMI notes that fans of Tetsuya Nomura's works (like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts) seem to connect strongly with Reynatis.

The conversation then touches upon the influence of Final Fantasy Versus XIII's trailer, which TAKUMI acknowledges as a source of inspiration, emphasizing that Reynatis is a wholly original creation. He discusses planned updates to address feedback and refine the game experience for Western audiences. The interview highlights the informal communication methods used to collaborate with Yoko Shimomura (composer) and Kazushige Nojima (scenario writer), primarily through direct messaging on platforms like Twitter and LINE.

TAKUMI shares his personal gaming influences, including his love for Kingdom Hearts, and explains his approach to balancing budgetary constraints with creating a fun and engaging overall experience. He discusses the three-year development period, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and the collaborative process with Square Enix for the NEO: The World Ends With You crossover.

The interview also explores FuRyu's internal development processes, including the recent shift towards internal PC development in Japan. TAKUMI shares his perspective on the differences between the console and PC gaming markets in Japan, and the company's current focus on console development, with smartphone ports considered on a case-by-case basis. He addresses the lack of Xbox releases, citing low consumer demand in Japan as a primary factor.

TAKUMI expresses his excitement for the Western release, highlighting the planned post-launch DLC content, which will be released simultaneously globally. He discusses potential future plans for an art book and soundtrack release. The interview concludes with TAKUMI sharing his recent gaming experiences, his favorite past projects, and his message to players anticipating Reynatis.

The email portion of the interview features Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima, who share their perspectives on their involvement in the project, their creative processes, and their favorite aspects of their contributions to Reynatis. The interview concludes with a fun segment where the participants share their coffee preferences.

The interview provides a comprehensive look into the development of Reynatis, offering insights into the creative vision, collaborative efforts, and the challenges faced during its creation. It also offers a glimpse into the broader landscape of game development in Japan and the perspectives of key figures in the industry.