Interview with the creators of "KOF XV". An interview with the creators of "KOF XV", asking about their thoughts on the latest title, which will be the culmination of the series in terms of quality and volume.
An interview with the three creators behind the upcoming fighting game "THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV", scheduled for release on February 17, 2022.
Release Date:2021-10-13 12:55:00
The Tokyo Game Show 2021 was held from September 30 to October 3, 2021, at Makuhari Messe, and the SNK booth at the show attracted a lot of attention with the first playable KOF XV game on display. During the show, we were also able to interview the SNK development team working on KOF XV.
This article features interviews with Yasuyuki Oda (Chief Producer), Eishuke Ogura (Creative Director), and Kaito Kukan (Game Director), all of whom were key players in the development of KOF XV.
The interview is full of information that can only be seen here, such as the concept behind the development of this title, so it is a must-see for all fans.
Chief Producer Yasuyuki Oda (on the left). Game Director Kaito Soranaka (right). Creative Director EISUKE OGURA joined us remotely.
--What is the current status of the development of "KOFXV"?
Oda: The main game is almost finished, and we are currently focusing on the online battles.
--One of the appealing features of the online game is that it adopts a rollback system.
We've been receiving a lot of requests from fans, especially from overseas fans, for a long time, asking us to implement online battles with a rollback system in this game. Also, due to the Corona disaster, online tournaments have become the mainstream. So we decided to use the rollback method because we need to make the online battle environment more comfortable than ever before.
--It's true that, considering the current situation, it's essential to improve the online environment. Next, what was the concept behind the development of this title?
Soranaka: We put a lot of emphasis on developing the game so that the "KOF" style would not be compromised. Also, since this title continues the storyline of the previous title, one of our aims or concepts was to make it possible for those who played the previous title to play this title without changing their skills and know-how.
--I feel that the graphics have been brushed up quite a bit since the last game.
Ogura: First of all, the expression and processing of light is much more powerful, so the shadows and expressions are much more beautiful than in the previous game. Also, the character models were not used directly from the previous game, but were adjusted individually. Making the graphics more beautiful is a battle against the processing load, but I think we were able to express the charm of the characters while maintaining a good balance.
--Every time a character appearance movie is released, it attracts a lot of attention.
Oda: We've received responses from all over the world, but compared to the previous game and "Samurai Spirits", I have the impression that there are more responses from Japan. We've also received responses from countries in South America, so we're really feeling everyone's expectations.
Soranaka: Judging by the response, I think it was the right decision to bring back the Orochi team. There are many people who became interested in the KOF series through this game, and I'm hoping that a new audience will be able to play it.
--What do you think is the reason for this?
Soranaka: There was a KOF app game for women that was released, and it seems that a lot of people became interested in the series from that. In addition, we are also developing the series through manga and other media, and there are many people who got to know "KOF" from outside the game.
--If more people can play the game, it will be more exciting for the game.
Soranaka: I'd be happy if that were the case.
--In terms of the system, there is a new system called "Shutter Strike", and there are also detailed changes to the existing system, so even though it's based on the previous game, it seems to have been revamped quite a bit. There are also detailed changes to existing systems. What is the reason for this?
Ogura: We wanted the game to be a smooth transition from the previous game, so we based it on the previous game, but if it was exactly the same as the previous game, even if we changed the characters, it would probably end up being the same as the previous game. Therefore, I thought a new system was necessary.
Soranaka: In the previous game, maxed-out (quick) attacks were the norm, so we added shutter strikes and made it possible to use EX special moves in normal mode, so that there would be a wider range of ways to use the gauge.
--So we've added shutter strikes and EX special moves that can also be used in normal mode, so that there's more room for gauge usage. Is it safe to assume that this is a system for beginners?
Soranaka: Even if you use the same amount of power gauge, I think you will do more damage by creating your own combos than by using Rush. Also, as you become more advanced, you'll focus more on the efficiency of your combos and how good they feel, so I don't think they'll be necessary anymore. However, it's not a system for beginners only, so I hope you'll use it when you want to hit a combo into an opponent's gap.
Ogura: As in past titles, if you form a team with certain members, you'll be able to see a special story. To do this, you'll probably need to include characters you don't use very often in your team, so I'm sure you'll be able to use them in such cases.
Soranaka Also, when lecturing beginners, being able to say, "Just start by hitting the buttons" is a big help.
--It's true that Rush is the best way for players to learn how it feels to control the game. Next, could you tell us about Isura, who was revealed at the Tokyo Game Show?
Ogura: Like Shunei, Isura is a character that fights using illusions. During a tournament in the previous game, she found Shun Ei, who has similar abilities to hers, and she sees him as a one-sided rival. His fighting style is completely different from Shunei's, so please try playing the game for yourself.
--When I played the game, I felt that the regular moves were quite strong.
Soranaka: While there are some tricky parts, the strong punches and blow-up attacks are quite strong. These moves had a very short reach when they were first developed, but we wanted to make them easy for beginners to use, so we increased their reach a lot.
Ogura: We're very happy with the response to the movie introducing Isura's participation in the game. We will continue to develop movies for the remaining characters, so please look forward to them.
--There are many more characters that have yet to be revealed, but can you give us some hints as to which characters will be added in the future?
Oda: I can't say specifically about this character, but I think it will be a surprise for two more times. Maybe (laughs).
--I'm sure you'll be pleased with whoever joins the game, but among them, there will be two more characters that will surprise you.
Oda: You can think of it that way. I don't want to raise the bar too high myself.
--Incidentally, Antonov, the organizer of the previous "The King of Fighters" tournament, is treated as a single player in this title.
Oda: This time, the tournament is organized by a different organization than Antonov. This is yet to be revealed, so please wait for the release.
--As a side note, Antonov is also a very tough character, isn't he? He lost his position after the last game, but he immediately started up a fighting organization.
Oda: His character is a combination of all the images I've seen of a business owner. That's why he's very tough (laughs).
(laughs) -- (laughs). Last but not least, please give a message to the fans who are eagerly awaiting the release of this title.
Soranaka: While the system has been retained from the previous title, it has been upgraded tremendously. Whether you're an old-school KOF fan, a newcomer to the series, or just starting out, I'm sure you'll enjoy this title, so please give it a try.
Ogura: In the past, characters that could no longer appear in the storyline can now be resurrected to participate in the game, depending on the storyline of the previous game. So, please look forward to seeing more of the characters that you have requested.
One thing we want to emphasize is that you can use the DJ Station to listen to music from SNK's past titles and play them in battle. I think this is a great feature for people who have played SNK games in the past, so I hope people will pay attention to it.