Reynatis Interview: Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura discuss the game, coffee, and more

This extensive interview delves into the creation of FuRyu's action RPG, Reynatis, slated for Western release on September 27th. We hear from Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura.

TAKUMI discusses his role in the game's conception, production, and direction, highlighting the unexpectedly strong international buzz surrounding Reynatis. He shares positive player feedback from Japan, noting that fans of Tetsuya Nomura's works (like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts) particularly appreciate the game. The influence of Final Fantasy Versus XIII's initial trailer is acknowledged as inspiration, but Reynatis is emphasized as a wholly original creation.

TAKUMI addresses the game's current state, acknowledging planned updates to address balancing and quality-of-life improvements. He assures Western players that they'll receive a refined version compared to the Japanese release. The informal nature of his collaborations with Nojima and Shimomura is revealed, emphasizing direct communication via social media and messaging apps. TAKUMI's personal fandom of their previous works is cited as the driving force behind these collaborations.

The interview explores the game's development timeline (approximately three years), its navigation of the pandemic, and the successful collaboration with Square Enix for NEO: The World Ends With You elements, achieved through direct company-to-company outreach. TAKUMI's diverse action game influences are discussed, along with the strategic platform choices (Switch as lead platform) and the internal considerations balancing budget and creative vision.

The discussion touches upon FuRyu's internal PC development capabilities, the evolving landscape of gaming platforms in Japan, and the company's approach to smartphone ports. The lack of Xbox releases is addressed, citing low consumer demand in Japan as a primary factor. TAKUMI expresses excitement for Western players to experience the game's longevity through planned DLC releases, ensuring simultaneous global content updates.

The interview concludes with a look at TAKUMI's personal gaming preferences, his favorite projects (highlighting Reynatis), and a message for prospective players: Reynatis offers a powerful message of self-acceptance and defiance against societal pressures.

The email exchange with Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima offers further insight into their creative processes and experiences working on Reynatis. Shimomura discusses her compositional approach and inspiration, while Nojima reflects on his evolving narrative techniques and his personal enjoyment of the game. The interview playfully concludes with everyone's coffee preferences.

This comprehensive interview provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the development and vision behind Reynatis, offering valuable insights for both fans and industry professionals.