For how quirky and unique a game Katamari Damacy is, I find it odd that its creator is not interested
in the Revolution at all. When conversing with Gamasutra's sister-publication Game Developer at GDC, Keita Takahashi claimed "So, there's nothing I really want to
do with it right now." He went on further to say "I'm not really
interested in it. I don't think a controller should have that much influence on the enjoyment of games."Don't you think he's kind of missing the point? Isn't it not so much that the remote influences the game, but more that it adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay? Red Steel isn't a brand new type of game forced to compromise to the remote's characteristics, it takes the unique properties of the remote and aims to mix it with conventional first-person gameplay to create something new. How can you possibly not be interested in that?! Of course, comparisons to Red Steel aren't all that valid since noone has tried it, but you get the point, right?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-19-2006 @ 7:48PM
Exo said...
Its been proven on many sites already that no one cares what this guy thinks. wure he made katamari, but he also says he doesnt like video games and he rather build playground equitment for kids.
Its also ironic that the game he is most known for is based on simplicity and control, which is basicly the point of the rev controller.
in other words, his opinion doesnt matter.
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4-19-2006 @ 11:40PM
ea said...
Exo! I completely agree with you. It is ironic.
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4-20-2006 @ 8:31AM
PodMonkeys said...
I could see Katamari working on a Revo really nicely. Kind of makes me think of those Labyrinth games I used to have. Balance the marble...
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4-20-2006 @ 9:04AM
stapleboy said...
I'm not sure I would say Cap'n Katamari's opinion doesn't matter, but I think this quote does indicate what we already knew: this guy is crazy. Which may not be a bad thing if you're a genius designer, but it's a shame he doesn't see cool possibilities for the Revolution!
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4-20-2006 @ 12:18PM
Bighouse said...
Aww come on OP, you couldn't see this coming from a mile away?
I agree with #1. The fact of the matter is, the guy dislikes designing video games. Katamari is great, but he's a bit of a nut. Personally, I could care less. We can go back and enjoy Katamari on the PS2 whenever we wish, so I'm looking forward to bigger and better things for Revolution.
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4-20-2006 @ 5:18PM
VJ! said...
Im not surprised he doesnt care about the revmote. Lots of developers couldnt care less about it. Not surprised really. I agree with his opinions.
With the revmote, all the games are gonna jus be about the controller and "a new way to play games" But if its a new way to jus play the same old Mario, Metroid, Zelda games then who cares. Innovation also comes in concepts for games, and original stories. Something Nintendo have lacked for years, and i dnt see that changing.
The revmote may make some games more fun, but it doesnt mean they will be better games. Gameplay isnt everything. What about a gripping story, great characters you want to learn more about, or original concepts. Yes, even great graphics, which immerse you further into the games. With the rev, you will lack all these things.
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4-21-2006 @ 1:38PM
Albertgold7 said...
I gree with everyone #1-#5. However, what I don't understand is this. Why is Katamari having this attitude about not being interested? Even though Nintendo encourages support of the new controller, third parties also have the option to program its use of todays joypads. So his comment to say "not interested" does not make any since to me. I can't help but think that he is bias against Nintendo and/or he sold his mind and thoughts to Sony. But than again, maybe Katamari does have other things on his mind than creating video games as he suggests. We will see. It really doesn't matter at this point, because I already made up my mind to buy Nintendo's new sysytem.
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4-23-2006 @ 3:07PM
Omega697 said...
@#6:
No. Gameplay *is* everything. You can have the best story and the best graphics, but if you don't have good gameplay, then it's not a game, it's just a movie.
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4-23-2006 @ 7:37PM
fraxyl said...
Or it could just be Sony has handed him a big bag of cash to keep whatever katamari games on the playstation.
"The revmote may make some games more fun, but it doesnt mean they will be better games."
If it's more fun, then how is that not better? I guess it comes down to whether you'd prefer to have fun when playing a game or have better graphics and story.
That being said, there's no solid reason why the Revolution can't have fun games with good stories and graphics, just like there's no solid reason why the other consoles can't do the same.
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