This extensive interview with Christopher Ortiz, the creator behind the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, delves deep into his career, inspirations, and the highly anticipated new project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of navigating the indie game landscape. He also shares insights into his creative process, inspirations (including a strong influence from Suda51 and The Silver Case), and the team behind Sukeban Games.
The interview covers a wide range of topics, including:
- The evolution of Sukeban Games: From a two-person team to a larger studio, Ortiz reflects on the growth and challenges.
- The enduring popularity of VA-11 Hall-A: Ortiz discusses the game's unexpected success and the fan reaction, including the numerous figures and merchandise. The abandoned iPad port is also addressed.
- Collaboration with key team members: Ortiz shares anecdotes about working with MerengeDoll (artist) and Garoad (composer) on VA-11 Hall-A.
- Inspiration and homage: The interview explores the sources of inspiration for VA-11 Hall-A's art style and characters, referencing artists and musical influences.
- The creation of .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND: Ortiz details the game's development, inspirations (including Vagrant Story), and the team's approach to gameplay and visuals. The interview also touches upon the unique challenges of creating a game that bridges the gap between visual novel fans and action game enthusiasts.
- The future of Sukeban Games: Ortiz discusses the team's plans for future projects, including the potential for console ports and the status of N1RV Ann-A.
The interview concludes with Ortiz's thoughts on the current state of indie games and his personal preferences, including his love for coffee and The Silver Case. A strong emphasis is placed on the unique artistic vision and creative process behind Sukeban Games' work.
