Here is an interview that will delight all fans of the series Wonderboy I am part. Interview de cette Ryuichi Nishizawa, Pope will wonderboy, is brought to you in partnership with Kurt Kalata Site www.hardcoregaming101.net allowing me to fully translate it in French.

Ryuichi Nishizawa is one of the founders of Westone Bit Entertainment.
The name of the company is also a derivative of hers since “nishi” = “West”(west) and that its founder is Michishito Ishizuka “ishi” = “stone” (stone).
Ryuichi Nishizawa is an emblematic figure hiding behind the franchises Wonder Boy et Monster World as directed, programmed and designed almost all of these titles.

Nishizawa-san has kindly agreed to answer our interview, to discuss development and particularly to address some of the most confused about reigning series.

What was your role in the Wonder Boy series / Monster World ? :

• Wonder Boy (arcade): direction, game design, level design, its.
• Monster Land (arcade): direction, game design, level design, Co-programmer.
• Monster World II (Sega Master System): direction, game design, level design, Lead Programmer.
• Monster Lair (arcade): direction, game design, level design.
• Monster World III (Sega Megadrive): I have not participated in this project.
• Monster World II (Sega Gamegear): direction, level design, Lead Programmer (game design was not necessary because it was a port of the Master System).
• Monster World IV (Sega Megadrive): direction, game design, level design
Sega for which Hudson has developed all the other ports. The only version we have brought ourselves was Game Gear version of Monster World II. Besides, we also made more fun.

How to designed the original Wonder Boy ?

Initially, I wanted to create an action game with a strong sense of tension. That's why I made a platform game with an automatic scrolling in which the player was moving permanently. It was too hard and I was unable to play. A mon grand regret, I had to make changes and this game became later Wonder Boy. Skateboarding is also a reminder of this initial project.

I understand, en créant Wonder Boy, you wanted to start a scrolling platform game with automatic ? Is this what you Inspired thereafter for Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair ?

Your deduction is logical, but the answer is no. As Monster Lair has a two-player mode, it was simply easier to play with an automatic scrolling.

Could you tell us about the relationship between Hudson and Westone ? Does Sega really holds the rights to the character of Wonder Boy ? Hudson has released many games Wonder Boy on platforms that do not belong to Sega by changing the appearance of the characters as Takahashi Meijin, Bikkuriman and beetle hero in Dynastic Hero.

“Wonder Boy” is a trademark owned by Sega. My company owns all rights to the franchise. So there is no problem when the character of Wonder Boy appears in a game Hudson, Hudson also has almost always changed the character's appearance. Once, I asked them, 'Why’ as politely as possible, but they never answered me.

Does the team responsible for Takahashi Meijin Hudson communicated with Westone ? The last games of the series (fourth on the Famicom and Super Famicom on the second) seem to take much of the structure Monster World.

My company was not involved in the development of Adventure Island 2 et de Super Adventure Island 2. Indeed, I am not familiar with any of the two. Of course Westone has validated the license. By cons I supervised the first Super Adventure Island. But for the rest, Team Hudson all internally developed.

What trigger tipped the platform gameplay outright Wonderboy to mechanical action-RPG Monster Land ?

At the time I was absorbed in Wizardry (NDT : a role play on computer). After the release of Wonder Boy, we played this great game every day instead of working. Accordingly, I wanted to combine the elements of an RPG with those of an action game.

Does the character of Wonder Boy (Tom Tom) is assumed to be the same as Wonder Boy In Monster Land (Bocke) ?

I leave you to imagine whether they are or not a single character.
But, in passing, Tom Tom and Tanya are not the names I gave them. Their names were originally Bocké and Tina. Tom and Tanya should be the names given by Sega for the western versions.

What were the greatest sources of influence in Monster Land ? I thought, for example, or Tower of Druaga Dragon Buster, because they combine elements of both action and RPG Arcade.

I played a lot in Tower of Druaga and Dragon Buster, but in truth I do not like. They irritated me too, both alike, is-being-because there was nobody to talk over the levels. On the other side © there was nobody to talk in Wizardry too haha !
By cons, j'adore la musique of music of Dragon Buster :

 Ã'Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta—
 Ã'To-to-the-things-to-it-to-it-to—â € ¨ Â
Ã'Pi-to-ri-ri-ra-ra-ra-ri-ru—

Have you seen the Ports Europa © ens consoles and computers ? They sometimes illustrationsâ € | © Integrated ressantes. Personally I think the Wonderboy clothing looks more like a diaper than a loincloth.

I did not know that there was a version of Monster Land Amiga. I did some research on Youtube to get an idea of ​​its quality and I found it. It really looks like the original, I was not even aware of its existence.
Going back to the garment, It also resembled a diaper in Japan. I thought it was cute and I liked the idea. Indeed, I'm already served as an icon on Twitter.
South Friend, I have played millions of times in “F1 World Championship”. The games this time ... it was one of the most realistic games machine, the graphics were fabulous. It was the right time.

The Monster Land arcade original does not seem to have had the honor of an official English translation but There have been a pirated version in English (poorly translated elsewhere). Are you familiar with this version or do you have any stories to tell us about it ?

Yes, I am aware. It is available on MAME does not it ? (Youtube)
The material is constantly evolving. When I want to confirm my participation in the development of a game this time, I use MAME. It is a handy program . At the time I knew there was an English version but I did not know if it was an official or pirate. What interests me, is to do new things and the stories of the past concern me much.

Recent versions of Virtual Console / XBLA / PSN of Monster Land use the same English translation as the console versions and 8-bit computers of the time. Do you know why ? Was there an official translation that would never have been disclosed in arcade ?

I developed the English version of “Monster Land” in 1987. When the Sega team has handled the English translation, I kept a copy. The console versions and computers are based on this translation. But I do not know if Sega arcade English version sold in the West. The English version used this time is based on the master of the ROM 1987. The person in charge of production of these ROM versions found rummaging through a warehouse Sega. This is a completely original version of.

Is there a story behind this particular pirate pig with cigarettes found in the shops of Monster World II ? He looks so stupid !

One of our creative drew it on his own. I had given instructions to “create a character like an animal, but not an animal”. Merci d'aimer ce “blind pig”.

Japan, Monster World III sur Megadrive est techniquement sorti avant Monster World II sur Game Gear. How come he ?

When we were working on Monster World III and the Game Gear had just come out, Sega Monster World II wanted to increase since the Master System to Game Gear. The problem is that the Game Gear was a handheld console with an LCD screen so small it was difficult to make a simple port without compromising the quality of play. There we had to redo the game because of this screen too small. I decided to tackle this remake myself. This is also the only port that we have internally developed. As I made Monster World II a second time, I took the opportunity to perfect.

Do you know why Monster World IV was never sold outside of Japan until recently ? It's a game so beautiful, it seems strange that Sega have not located at its output.

I do not know why. At that time, Sega America and Sega Europe have simply decided not to sell it. They may have thought it would not be financially viable. Next to it there were surely other headlines in preparation and they were perhaps just too busy.

Was there a particular reason for you to spend in “Wonder Boy” à Asha, the heroine of Monster World VI ?

Due to the constantly changing nature of the series, it was necessary to bring some new compared to MW3. I deliberately wanted to betray the expectations of our fans, but with good intentions. The idea of ​​replacing the hero of the series by a woman convinced some and others less; even within the team. But in the end I'm glad we changed this character girl. The animations of Asha when she runs are really adorable.

Does Westone has been involved in the recent compilation Sega Vintage Collection Monster World ? Whether, the translation of Monster World IV was it made by Westone and Sega ?

Westone has no part in developing this collection Monster World, we have only assign the license. We sent to Yousuke Okunari, a producer at Sega. Its nickname “archaeologist games” and his passion for retro games has no equivalent. I not overstating when I say that this collection of vintage Monster World was born from an obsession with him. Besides, if you've played one of his collections Sega Vintage, I think you might have made the extent of his passion.
The translation of MW4 under his supervision was quite unique. But we heard that his translation has been completely redone. His boundless enthusiasm is impressive and I am very grateful, because with it you now have the chance to play the series of MW on your big TV.

Have you played Shantae, which many view as the spiritual sequel to Monster World IV ? Whether, What have you thought ?

I have heard recently that Shantae. It was never released in Japan. There is not so long, I downloaded and played “Shantae: Risky’s Revenge” on iPhone. It is true that there is much in common with MW4. Heroin and scenery which are all represented with beautiful 2D and excellent maneuverability are two aspects in common with the MW series.
I think Shantae is a game of high quality. The team at WayForward lot of talent. For my part, I wish I could make 2D games regularly, but it becomes increasingly difficult to find good 2D graphic in Japan.

What is your favorite Monster World ?

Monster World II. I love her so much that I did it twice !

Are you aware of how the series was introduced in Brazil ? The game characters have been replaced by those of series “Monica’s Gang” (NDT : “band to Monica”, called “Monica's Gang” en version originale).

Yes of course. Thanks to the popularity of Monica in Brazil, Wonder Boy had plenty of fans out there. There's even a Facebook page dedicated to him but unfortunately I do not understand the Portuguese

Will we get to see a new episode of Monster World Wonder Boy or in the future ?

Yes, I'd really like to make one if the opportunity arises. I already have a head full of ideas, for both Wonder Boy and Monster World. I love them all two 3D, by first creating images of their universe, but where to find a good 3D artist ?
Where do you think that a new episode of Monster World work best ? On platforms dematerialized (comme le WiiWare, XBLA or PSN), on the handheld or on those of living ?
This is a very complex problem because I want the world of Monster World is filled slowly and carefully deep emotions. I think a home console version would be more appropriate. But at the same time, a portable version might be better because I want the children to play. Please, tell me what would be the ideal platform for MW.

What do you feel in the West as independent developers draw their inspiration in the Japanese video games for years 80 and 90 ?

Kid, I loved the movies. I was very impressed when I saw in cinema films like “Meeting of the Third Kind” or “Star Wars”. It was time to get started and I gradually realized I wanted to do a job in the line creative directors in cinema. My designs have always been influenced by movies, especially those in Hollywood, which means that I drew my own creative inspiration to me too western. The video game industry has become huge. In the near future, games will be developed by teams of people from around the world.

Blood PC Game Engine Gears is mentioned as Aurail Scenario 2 in credits, this means that he is the result of Sega arcade games ? How was its development ? We can also draw parallels with Boy Wonder because it started in arcades and then it became an action-RPG on console.

This is an extremely geek (channel). I believe that neither Blood nor Aurail Gear are released outside of Japan and besides, I think even here no one could answer this question ! (channel).
I think the name “Aurail Scenario 2” was a joke from a young team member who worked on Blood Gear. Aurail was known to the hardcore gamers and really done for them. You loved him ?

Last year the output is Original bands a game called Westone never marketed Tokei No. Jikake Aquario (A Clockwork Akuwario). Unfortunately, little information is available about this title. You remember it and do you know why it was never marketed ? There is a screenshot that flows and looks like it was a really cool graphic style in the tradition of Monster World games ; while I'm, you have no other screenshots and illustrations by chance ?

“Aquario of the Clockwork”* was the last arcade game developed by my company. I worked hard to finish, but the outcome of the initial testing results have been poor. It was an action game out of the ordinary three players simultaneously. The graphics were pretty good but unfortunately it is never released. The program is in the archives of my business, so I have no screenshots on hand.
One “Aquario of the Clockwork” out in the form of a “Sega Vintage Collection”, is what people are interested and would buy it ? I'd be very curious to know.
Thank you for your time, Nishizawa-san!

* NDT : “Aquario of the Clockwork” could have come at the time of the system SEGA arcade SYSTEM 18, Nishizawa-san has also just find a source drive of the game in its archives, but it is unclear whether these sources are complete. Against it by request all concerned to come forward on twitter (because the project might interest SEGA).

Remember to go see Page Facebook des fans de Monster World order to share your thoughts on the series ! With enough enthusiasm we may see a new game Monster World on our consoles!

TheSonicRetard the forum thank you to the Penny Arcade forums for his help on this article, to Derboo for her assistance in the original translation, Xerxes and Pixyjunket some questions of this interview, Fabio Fusaro and for letting me know Saiyuuki World.

Connections

Version original par Kurt Kalata Interview http://www.hardcoregaming101.net
Wonder Boy Land One of the best amateur sites on Wonder Boy, still online after all these years.
The Wonder Boy Adventures Offers comparative between various versions of Wonder Boy.
The Video Game Museum Supplier of many scans.
SMS Power – Monster World Sega Ages Offers some translations into English of newspaper developers Sega Ages.
Outcast.It Autre interview de Nishizawa-san. The English translation is in the second half of the page.