Architecture News

Despite two decades of technological progress since the Nintendo Wii introduced the world to Mii, Nintendo's signature avatars have largely maintained their distinctive minimalist cartoon aesthetic. Even with the emergence of console generations boasting significantly enhanced processing capabilities, the Mii remain characteristically simple. However, according to Nintendo, the creative minds behind "Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream" did explore the possibility of integrating more graphically intricate Mii.

In the highly anticipated Switch simulation game "Tomodachi Life," players are tasked with crafting and overseeing an island teeming with personalized inhabitants. These residents engage in various interactions and participate in quirky scenarios designed to elicit laughter from the player. The previous installment of "Tomodachi Life" graced the 3DS, presenting Nintendo with a prime opportunity to innovate and modernize the Mii for the Switch platform.

Director Ryutaro Takahashi revealed in a recent Nintendo Asks Q&A that despite the effort to introduce novel elements to the Mii characters, something felt amiss. Art director Daisuke Kageyama further explained that the development team acknowledged the profound emotional connection Nintendo fans have with Mii. Many players continue to use their original Mii avatars from years past or meticulously recreate beloved individuals with each new hardware release. Consequently, the team concluded that fundamentally altering the Mii's design simply due to increased resolution would betray the deep personal sentiment attached to them. This led to a decision to maintain their iconic visual identity, resisting changes that might detract from their established charm and player familiarity.

Nintendo's exploration into more realistic Mii designs extended beyond visuals to include their movements and even their voices. Developers considered refining facial features, limb shapes, and experimented with creating Mii capable of more complex behaviors. The pursuit of realism also touched upon Mii voices, with the potential to utilize the Switch's text-to-speech engine for enhanced vocal fidelity. However, sound director Toru Minegishi noted that an overly realistic vocal presentation would strip the Mii of their unique character, leading to the deliberate processing of voices to achieve a distinctly robotic sound. Similarly, as the avatars' movements became more human-like, they paradoxically felt less like Mii. To counteract this, the Japanese developers chose to exaggerate Mii animations, preserving their inherent cuteness and defining characteristics. While these new Mii may not be computationally demanding, their subtle enhancements effectively capture the essence of the original series artwork, offering more customization options while staying true to the spirit of the franchise. This careful balance ensures that the Mii remain endearing and recognizable, reinforcing the emotional bond players have with them.

The essence of the game lies in the Mii characters' autonomous actions, leading to delightful and unforeseen outcomes for the player. This element of genuine surprise is the true allure of the series. The careful preservation of the Mii's unique, toon-style aesthetic, despite opportunities for greater realism, highlights a profound understanding of player connection and the value of intrinsic charm. This approach ensures that while technology advances, the heart of the Mii experience, characterized by unexpected moments and endearing simplicity, continues to resonate, fostering a sense of joy and wonder within the gaming community.

Unleash Your Inner Rail Rider: Where Imagination Meets the Tracks!

From Plaything to Phenomenon: The Unexpected Genesis of 'Denshattack!'

The innovative game 'Denshattack!' began with a whimsical moment of play. Studio Director David Jaumandreu recalls how a Japanese toy train model, reminiscent of a finger skateboard, sparked the initial, seemingly absurd idea: what if a game allowed players to perform skateboarding-like stunts with trains? This "silly idea" quickly took root, evolving into a compelling concept. Jaumandreu developed a design document, initially met with skepticism by Lead Producer Àngel Beltran. However, once prototyping began, the team realized the sheer enjoyment of the concept. This period coincided with the completion of 'Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara', leaving Undercoders open to new, unconventional projects, ultimately leading them to commit to this "goofy but fun" endeavor.

The Joy of Creation: Developing a Game with Unbridled Enthusiasm

Àngel Beltran describes the development of 'Denshattack!' as perhaps the most enjoyable project the team has ever undertaken. The inherent "craziness" of the core concept fostered an environment where wild ideas were encouraged and easily integrated, making the entire process exciting and engaging from its inception. This enthusiasm was a driving force behind the game's unique and captivating design.

Japan's Enduring Charm: The Aesthetic Heart of 'Denshattack!'

The choice of Japan as the game's setting was not a deliberate early decision but rather an organic progression. David Jaumandreu, a long-time admirer of Japanese railway systems, particularly after his first visit in the late 1990s, found himself deeply impressed by their aesthetics, diverse locomotives, and advanced high-speed trains. This personal passion for Japanese trains, coupled with extensive travels across the country's rural areas, naturally steered the game's narrative and visual direction. The romanticized vision of old, less-traveled Japanese train lines became central to the game's adventurous spirit.

A Glimpse into the Future: Crafting 'Denshattack!'s Post-Apocalyptic World

The distinctive post-apocalyptic atmosphere of 'Denshattack!', characterized by domed cities and abandoned tracks, emerged from a speculative vision of the near future. The developers pondered what the world might resemble several decades from now, considering the increasing urbanization and depopulation of rural areas. This led to the imaginative scenario where old train lines are re-purposed for an underground racing culture, providing a rich narrative framework for the game's story. This creative approach allowed the team to weave together disparate elements into a cohesive and engaging setting.

Unveiling the Cast: Characters Driving the 'Denshattack!' Narrative

The world of 'Denshattack!' is populated by a vibrant cast of characters, with Emi, the protagonist, leading the charge. Emi, an adventurous soul from rural Beppu, embodies the player's journey of discovery through Japan. She is introduced to the world of 'Denshattack!' by Fernando, a guiding figure who helps her navigate its various gangs and regions. Inspired by character-centric narratives found in fighting games and Shōnen anime like 'One Piece' and 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure', the game emphasizes meeting diverse personalities, each with unique traits and motivations. Players encounter minions and eventually gang leaders, sometimes even convincing rivals to join their cause, creating a dynamic and evolving adventure.

Story-Driven Action: Blending Narrative with High-Octane Gameplay

Despite its action-packed gameplay, 'Denshattack!' is deeply rooted in its narrative. The developers recognized that the adventure of traversing Japan demanded a compelling story to provide context and purpose, avoiding a mere series of disconnected levels. While prioritizing a "gameplay first" philosophy, much like Nintendo's approach, the story is integral to the overall experience. Inspirations from titles like 'Tony Hawk', 'OlliOlli World', and 'Skate', combined with the aesthetic and character focus of 'Jet Set Radio', culminate in a game that seamlessly merges engaging storytelling with exhilarating gameplay, creating a cohesive and immersive world.

Retro-Futuristic Flair: The Distinctive Visuals and Presentation of 'Denshattack!'

The visual and presentational style of 'Denshattack!' was envisioned from the outset. David Jaumandreu's initial pitch already featured the distinctive aesthetics of 'Jet Set Radio' and the strong UI elements of 'Persona'. This commitment to a specific visual language, characterized by thick outlines and bold characters, ensures that the game radiates a late '90s/early '00s Sega arcade vibe. This stylistic choice not only enhances the fast-paced action, similar to games like 'Crazy Taxi', but also allows for the clear presentation of rich background details and character designs, distinguishing it from more realistic train simulations.

Embracing the Next Generation: 'Denshattack!' on Nintendo Switch 2

The decision to bring 'Denshattack!' to the Nintendo Switch 2 was driven by the Undercoders team's deep familiarity and success with the original Switch. Despite initial delays in receiving development kits for the new console, their expertise in optimizing games for Nintendo's hardware, exemplified by 'Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara' running at 60fps, made the Switch 2 a natural fit. Through their publisher, Fireshine Games, they secured the necessary kits, swiftly porting the game to the new system. The opportunity to be featured prominently at the Indie World showcase was a significant moment, reinforcing their belief in the game's potential on the platform.

Seamless Transition: Developing for Switch 1 vs. Switch 2

Lead Producer Àngel Beltran notes that the development experience for the Switch 2 is largely similar to its predecessor, albeit with the advantage of enhanced capabilities. The portable nature of the console allows for quick testing and iteration, a significant benefit for developers. While the Switch 2 offers more power, simplifying the process of achieving high frame rates, the fundamental tools and workflow remain familiar. This continuity has allowed Undercoders to leverage their existing expertise, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining their commitment to performance.

The Unveiling: Navigating Excitement and Apprehension

Revealing a new and unconventional game like 'Denshattack!' to the public comes with a mix of excitement and anxiety. David Jaumandreu and Àngel Beltran describe the intense emotions leading up to the game's first announcement at Gamescom. After years of development behind closed doors, there was a strong desire to share their creation, yet also a fear of potential rejection or, worse, indifference from audiences. The positive feedback, while affirming, has also introduced a new kind of pressure—the good kind—to meet the growing expectations of their newfound fanbase. This continuous engagement with player feedback, from Gamescom to the Tokyo Game Show and beyond, is crucial for refining the game and ensuring its success.

The Future on Track: Hopes for a Physical Release

The team at Undercoders harbors a strong desire for a physical release of 'Denshattack!'. David Jaumandreu, a collector himself, acknowledges that the feasibility of such a release hinges on the game's reception and market demand. While it remains a goal, the decision will ultimately depend on the game's commercial success and the opportunities that arise. Nonetheless, the collective wish within the team for a physical edition underscores their pride and commitment to 'Denshattack!