This extensive interview with Christopher Ortiz, the creative mind behind Sukeban Games and the acclaimed VA-11 Hall-A, delves deep into his career, inspirations, and the highly anticipated new project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. From the unexpected global success of VA-11 Hall-A to the design philosophies shaping his latest title, Ortiz offers candid insights.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics: the evolution of Sukeban Games, the collaborative process with key team members like MerengeDoll and Garoad, the surprising popularity of VA-11 Hall-A's characters and merchandise, and the influences of iconic games and creators such as Suda51 and The Silver Case. Ortiz also shares personal anecdotes about his creative process, the challenges of game development, and his reflections on the current indie game landscape.
A significant portion of the interview focuses on .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, exploring its visual and gameplay inspirations, the team's creative journey, and the enthusiastic fan response. Ortiz details the game's unique battle system, designed as a bridge between visual novel fans and action-oriented players, and reveals the influences of cities like Milan and Buenos Aires on the game's distinctive aesthetic. He also discusses the character design of Reila Mikazuchi, drawing parallels to iconic figures in Japanese cinema.
The interview concludes with Ortiz's thoughts on his current projects, favorite games, and his personal life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He shares his perspectives on the indie game industry, expresses excitement for upcoming titles, and offers a detailed description of his coffee preferences.
Throughout the interview, Ortiz's passion for game development and his deep appreciation for the creative process are evident. His candidness and insightful commentary provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of indie game creation and the journey behind the creation of both VA-11 Hall-A and .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND.
The interview also includes several images showcasing the visual style of both games and a YouTube embed of the game trailer. This detailed conversation offers a rich understanding of Ortiz's creative vision and the evolution of Sukeban Games.
