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Atelier Ryza

The Atelier series wasn’t really prominent on Nintendo platforms for a very long time. With Switch, this is finally starting to change. Koei Tecmo and Gust started out with Atelier Lydie on Switch, and have since brought over all future titles as well as some ones from the past.

Recently, Nintendo Everything spoke with Atelier Ryza producer Junzo Hosoi and one of the topics we discussed was what it’s been like working with Switch. Hosoi commented on the challenges involved, stating:

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening on Switch has a unique art style that really hasn’t been seen in the series previously. So how did that new look come about in the first place? Hollywood Reporter spoke with franchise producer Eiji Aonuma to learn more.

Aonuma was first asked specifically about the inspiration behind the new art style. In response, he said:

It’s no secret that the Pokemon franchise has a ton of different creatures. We’re just about ready to enter the series’ eighth generation, and over 800 designs currently exist.

As noted in the latest issue of Game Informer, the whole process kicks off with a relatively simple request to an artist involving “a concept of a Pokemon for a particular scenario” or “a specific direction for a new creature.” That artist will then make “quick sketches with few details, which are shown to the team requesting to see if they’re heading in the correct direction.” Feedback provided will lead to several iterations of the design, “with the gaps getting longer and longer each time as the artist adds more detail with each iteration.”

When Atelier Ryza was announced, fans quickly noticed that the game looked quite different from past entries. This time around, Gust is employing a more realistic look. We recently spoke with Atelier Ryza producer Junzo Hosoi to learn more about that decision.

Since Atelier Ryza is a landmark title given how it’s an entirely new entry in the franchise free of past connections, the team felt that making an adjustment with the visuals would make sense. The developers “really looked at the lighting and the shadows and the graphical elements.” It’s also the first major change since the Arland series.

Hosoi’s full words:

The Witcher 3 was once thought to be impossible on Switch, and yet the game will be arriving on Nintendo’s console in just a few days. Given how a demanding title like that managed to hit the system, some may wonder if Cyberpunk 2077 – CD Projekt Red’s latest effort – could end up there as well.

CD Projekt Red’s John Mamais addressed the possibility at PAX Australia this week. Mamais gave a bit of a wishy-washy answer, first pointing out the surprising port of The Witcher 3 before going on to say that it’s unlikely.

Ninjala

The action game Ninjala was announced for Switch at E3 2018 with plans for release in Spring 2019. It was eventually delayed by a full year with GungHo now planning on releasing the title in Spring 2020.

In an interview with Noisy Pixel, GungHo Online Entertainment CEO Kazuki Morishita discussed why Ninjala was pushed back as well as recent improvements that have been implemented. Morishita explained:

The latest Pokemon Sword/Shield video from Game Informer features art director James Turner. Below, he discusses the history of developing the new Galar region and how it took inspiration from his youth in the UK.

Game Informer published a video today with Pokemon Sword/Shield director Shigeru Ohmori, producer Junichi Masuda, and art director James Turner. Below, all three discuss the creation of the Pokemon and give hints about where its evolution could go.

Game Informer is back with another video for Pokemon Sword/Shield that focuses on Scorbunny. Below, director Shigeru Ohmori, producer Junichi Masuda, and art director James Turner discuss the making of the creature and give hints about where its evolution could go.

Game Informer shared a new video today with Game Freak today all about Grookey in Pokemon Sword/Shield. Director Shigeru Ohmori, producer Junichi Masuda, and art director James Turner talk about the making of the Pokemon and give hints about where its evolution could go. Watch the video below.


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