[Interview] Talking Reynatis and more with scenario writer Kazushige Nojima and composer Yoko Shimomura

Ahead of the launch of Reynatis in the west, we were able to catch up with scenario writer Kazushige Nojima and composer Yoko Shimomura as part of a new interview. The two shared a few words about the action RPG and touched on a few other topics.

For Kazushige Nojima, his previous works includes Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. Yoko Shimomura also needs no introduction, as she’s had a long history in gaming having been involved with Super Mario RPG, Live A Live, Kingdom Hearts, and Final Fantasy XV – just to name a few.

Here’s our full Reynatis interview:

Kazushige Nojima

Are there particular elements or moments in the creative process that you consider essential to how the storytelling came together in Reynatis?

I actually walked around Shibuya and thought about the contents of the story. Since I usually work with fantasy worlds, this was a fresh experience.

Which games have had the most significant impact on you in terms of shaping the storytelling approaches you use in your work?

If I had to say something, it would be those early Dragon Quest games. But basically, I don’t get a lot of influence from games. When I was a child, we didn’t have games yet, so I read a ton of novels.

Given the personal growth, emotional depth, and themes of love and loss in Reynatis, are there specific messages or takeaways you hope resonate with players?

I want people to think, “Which am I?” Am I on the suppressing side or the suppressed?

Looking ahead, can we anticipate further developments or expansions related to Reynatis?

I think we can. I have more ideas, as well.

Yoko Shimomura

Is there a particular track from your work on Reynatis that holds special significance for you, and could you share the story behind it?

I have attachment to each track, so I can’t give special treatment to just one.

With your extensive and impressive body of work in RPG scores, what sources of inspiration do you draw upon when composing for new entries in a franchise?

That would surely be the game’s story, the characters and their backgrounds, and the locations and visuals.

If you had the opportunity to compose for any RPG series – past, present, or future – which one would you most like to work on?

I’m a very passive person. So, if someone says they want my compositions, I want to work on the game. I’m not the kind of person who can request to work on a game!

What strategies do you use to maintain a balance between your professional and personal passions? Do you have any advice for those entering the industry that you consider crucial?

Sure enough, when you work on composing for a long period, it can get tiring, you can have writer’s block, and you want to run away from the impending deadline. It’s easy to get in a negative mindset. In those situations, I think it’s good to have a way to do something to change your mood. For me, I like to speedread through manga, build LEGOs, and shop. (laughs) The best thing is having time to go on a vacation, though. (laughs)

Reynatis launches for Switch in the west on September 27, 2024. We have more coverage here.