Hideo Kojima made his way to Dubai. For the first time ever, an industry legend came to the Middle East. Our community is growing guys, thanks to Pluto Games and Konami and everyone who made this possible. We're now one step closer to putting ourselves on the map. We're slowly becoming an area of interest and it shows. Our very own Rabbit in Dubai headed over to meet the man himself and ask him a few questions about Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, the Middle East and everything in between. Check it out below.
The fact that your actually here in the Middle East is a huge step for our region. A lot of games have been fully dubbed in Arabic last year. Any chance of us seeing Raiden or Snake talking Arabic?
Before that, We had promised subtitling in Arabic. We couldn’t do it in time because Rising is going to be released next month. For Ground Zero, which I'm working on right now, will be fully subtitled in Arabic.
So metal gear rising takes the series in a whole new direction. What were your inspirations behind the move?
Well, basically because Raiden is the starring character and he uses the traditional Japanese “Katana". I wanted to show that the Katana is actually a mighty weapon that is stronger than any other weapon.
As in the sharpest sword out there ?
No, not only as a sword. Other than using it as a traditional sword, you use it to subdue your enemy. Through using the back side of the sword, you could knock the person out, without killing him.
How did you collaborate with Platinum games? Were you consulting them on a regular basis or did they understand what you were aiming for and took the job on themselves?
In addition with the regular consultation, we have our own staff based with them. The script and cutscene direction were 100% done by us but the setting is around 50/50. Well, let's say it wasn’t all done by Mr Shinkawa.
It is really hard to come up with numbers because we initially had our own story and the drawings and designs were done by Mr Shinkawa, but Platinum games said they wanted to add a few changes, they also wanted to come up with their own stories and we respected that. So, the story has been changed with collaboration from both sides, also the new characters they suggested. So, those parts were created by them, that’s why I said not all was created by us.
Gamers can be pretty critical, especially when it comes to the much loved Metal Gear series. What was your reaction when about the fan's comments?
As the creator, no. I would feel the same, especially that, you know, it is very loved and close to my heart. In terms of core fans, the mainstream Metal Gear game will be the one for them, Ground Zero. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance which will be launched in February, is a collaboration between Platinum games and us. To optimize their ability and our ability.
At a glance, it might appear as just another hack and slash game but it actually is not. It's a new game and once you play it you'll see it what's so new and what's so different about it and why we wanted to do it. Also, the fact that the core gamers realize that Revengeance isn't the mainstream version, is a positive thing and makes us really happy. It means that these core gamers really love our product.
Any last words for all your fans in the Middle East?
I've been paying attention to the Middle East but because of the schedule, my visit to Dubai had to wait until now. I believe that the market in the Middle East is going to grow. I see technology and different cultures from all over the world here in Dubai, which is a great environment. I'm sure that there will be games produced here in the Middle East that will get into the market, not only within the Middle East but internationally too. So I would like to help.