GameSpy: What is the biggest new feature in Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams over the previous games in the series?
Keiji Inafune: The original Onimusha series was built around the key concept of getting casual gamers to play as well as the hardcore. So the controls weren't that complex, so that anybody could get into it. However, as time goes by, at least in Japan, there are less and less casual gamers -- they are starting to be a dying breed. So what you're left with now are only semi-hardcore and hardcore gamers. So you have to appeal to those new targets. With this new Onimusha game, what we have done is place an emphasis on more complex gameplay, and that is shown by the ability to switch characters -- there is an element of strategy there -- as well as being able to power up characters and weapons in different ways. It's very deep and different from previous Onimush games. We're trying to make this game appeal to the current market.
GS: What was the fans' reaction to the modern day/time traveling aspects of Onimusha 3, and is Dawn of Dreams return to the ancient Japan setting a reaction to fan reaction?
KI: No, actually. I didn't feel as though anything wrong with the time traveling in Onimusha 3, and I didn't hear anything negative from the fans. When we decided that we didn't want to put time travel in this game, it was because we wanted to create a game where you're in the same general area, and within that area there is more to do. You're no longer going along these many different paths, but you follow one path on a much deeper level.
GS: Since the storyline of the first three Onimusha games wrapped up pretty neatly at the end of 3, is Dawn of Dreams the beginning of a new trilogy?
KI: Dawn of Dreams is very different from the first series because those games were intended to be a trilogy from the beginning. Of course, I think that it would be great if this game were a big enough hit that we could make sequels.
GS: This is kind of a fanboy question, but will we be seeing Samanosuke again? He's such a cool character.
KI: Let's just say that this is a game that not just fans of Onimusha, but also of Samanosuke, will appreciate.
GS: Ah! A teaser. Now, with the second controllable character in Dawn of Dreams, did you ever consider making it a two player simultaneous game at any point during the game's development cycle?
KI: During the design phase, we consider a lot of things. So, of course, the thought was there.
GS: Are there any plans to bring the Onimusha series to the PSP or DS?
Yoshinori Ono: Pretend like I'm asking this to Mr. Inafune, "Can I please make Onimusha for PSP or DS?" If it seems like it's something that gamers want, then I'll be able to make them.
