Archived on 2019.06.27
Famitsu released an interview conducted on E3 with Takaya Ōhashi-san, the producer of the upcoming latest game to Mario & Sonic series: the 'Mario & Sonic AT Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games' for Nintendo Switch!
Here is a brief summary.
「本作を遊んで、東京2020オリンピックをより楽しんでほしい」『マリオ&ソニック AT 東京2020オリンピックTM』プロデューサー・大橋宜哉氏インタビュー【E3 2019】 https://t.co/cmJGlaJaDT pic.twitter.com/uAHv5wg6uL— ファミ通.com (@famitsu) June 26, 2019
GO TO THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE FIRST
Original Article:
「本作を遊んで、東京2020オリンピックをより楽しんでほしい」『マリオ&ソニック AT 東京2020オリンピックTM』プロデューサー・大橋宜哉氏インタビュー【E3 2019】
https://www.famitsu.com/news/201906/27178599.html
GO TO THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE FIRST
Translation:
'Play this game and enjoy Tokyo 2020 even more!' Interview with producer of 'Mario & Sonic AT Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games' Mr. Takaya Ōhashi [E3 2019]
Please tell us your honest feeling about the 2020 Olympics being held in Japan, making this game the first from the series to be based on Japan.
- The interest of common people in Japan for Olympics will be higher when the games are held in their own country, having more chances of watching live coverages of the games. In the same manner, he hopes that those who don't normally play sports games would casually try out this game and prepare for the real Olympic games.
Are there any changes or details you added for it being based on Japan?
"The biggest point is that we added new games which were added in the real Olympics for Tokyo 2020. For example, surfing, skateboarding, karate, and sports climbing. I'd like people to get to know these games through playing this game. Also, since it's placed in Tokyo, there are elements based on the area such as Sky Tree (Tokyo's new TV tower) in the background of archery stadium."
Does the gameplay change since this will be played on Nintendo Switch?
- The first hardware for Mario & Sonic series (2008 Beijing) was Wii, so the gameplay was intuitive with movements using Wii remote controllers.
- Previous product to this series (2016 Rio) was released for Wii U and, to make it work more like a sports game, controls were done with buttons.
- This game (2020 Tokyo) will be on Nintendo Switch. We utilize the Joy-Con as much as possible, but at the same time every game can be played just with buttons too. Also, Switch can be played on TV or outside, so this game would fit every kind of playstyle.
That sounds like a hybrid of previous works in the series. Are there any new elements to the game apart from the game variations?
"Actually, until now, the characters were wearing their original outfits even with water sports like swimming. In this game, they will be wearing sports wears according to the game. For example, they wear wet suits for surfing. They also wear Dougi for Karate. Please look forward to this."
That's new! Is there any reason to the change?
"In terms of character IP, original outfits are important. However, this time we discussed it with Nintendo and decided to take this challenge of changing outfits for each game."
SEGA's Sonic, Nintendo's Mario, and Olympic Games - each IP has very strong branding power. Are there any difficulties in combining them together?
"We are borrowing the Mario Family from Nintendo, so we handle them with much care. For the Olympics, we borrow the actual floor plan of the stadium and try to recreate them as much as possible. However, there are also buildings which are not done constructing yet, so it can be difficult to know if we are doing it right. *laughs* It's reassuring when we see the building as it gets closer to finish and the game's graphics become similar to each other. There are also times where the construction plan for a building must be changed, and so we must change our game's data accordingly."
I see, the quality of the game is kept high.
"For the characters, there are about 20 of them, each with different size. So we adjust the balance so that they can fight fairly. If the size of the character differs, the distance of one footstep to the other differs too, you know."
Would you tell me what kind of adjustment you exactly make?
"We utilize the characteristics of each character, for example, Sonic is 'fast' and Bowser is 'powerful'. We adjust other parts and balance them such as 'speedy but has less stamina', 'slow but technical' - and the rest would be the battle of players using their gaming technique."
I see! I think there will be people who start playing the Mario & Sonic series from this one; which character or game would you recommend them?
"Mario is a balanced character and can be used by beginners. If you want some speed, please choose Sonic! For the games, I would like them to play the newly added games. I bet many haven't experienced sports climbing for example in real life, so I would like them to become familiar with those sports in this game."
They would be a good information for watching the actual Olympic games too. By the way, how were the reactions from the overseas audience to the game at E3?
"This only applies to a very limited situation, but one Sonic fan who said he/she runs a website came to demo-play the game, saying 'I don't want to see Amy losing in Karate, so I will win!' And the person won. *laughs*"
Are there any difference in reactions between overseas and Japanese players?
"The overseas players had bigger motions, and they seemed to have more difficulty in controlling Joy-Con. I learned a lot by watchig them play."
A message for fans:
"Since the Olympics will be held in their own country, I think that the Japnanese fans are going to heat up more and more towards the event. I'd like those people who usually don't play sports games to take this chance and try out Mario & Sonic series, since it is both beginner-friendly and high in replayability as a sports game. Please enjoy this game and get ready for the real Olympics!"
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That's it! What do you think about it?
It's player-friendly that they let us choose to use either Joy-Con or the buttons for playing. Party with Joy-Con and serious time-attack with buttons. Sounds good!
I wonder how they will adjust the sensitivity of Joy-Con though.
I seriously need to get a Nintendo Switch now.
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Original Article:
「本作を遊んで、東京2020オリンピックをより楽しんでほしい」『マリオ&ソニック AT 東京2020オリンピックTM』プロデューサー・大橋宜哉氏インタビュー【E3 2019】
https://www.famitsu.com/news/201906/27178599.html
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