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 at FuRyu, emphasizing his involvement in Reynatis from concept to completion. He expresses delight at the game's overwhelmingly positive reception, particularly in the West, noting a significant buzz exceeding that seen with previous FuRyu titles. He also shares insights into the Japanese player response, highlighting the game's appeal to fans of Tetsuya Nomura's works, such as Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts.

The conversation touches upon the inevitable comparisons to Final Fantasy Versus XIII, with TAKUMI acknowledging the inspiration drawn from the original trailer while emphasizing Reynatis' unique identity and creative vision. He confirms communication with Nomura-san, but refrains from disclosing specific details. TAKUMI candidly addresses the game's development, acknowledging areas for improvement and outlining planned updates to address player feedback and technical refinements. The Western release, he assures, will be a polished version.

The interview explores the unconventional approach TAKUMI took in collaborating with Shimomura and Nojima, relying on direct communication via social media and messaging apps rather than formal channels. He details his personal admiration for their work, citing Kingdom Hearts and various Final Fantasy titles as key influences. TAKUMI also discusses his own gaming influences, emphasizing his love of action games and the conscious decision to create a complete gaming experience rather than solely focusing on action elements.

The impact of the pandemic on development is addressed, with TAKUMI highlighting the effective communication maintained with the development team, allowing for a smooth workflow despite initial restrictions. The successful collaboration with Square Enix for NEO: The World Ends with You crossover content is discussed, with TAKUMI detailing his direct approach to securing the partnership.

TAKUMI shares insights into platform choices, acknowledging the Switch as the lead platform while discussing the challenges of balancing multi-platform development with the desire for optimal performance on each system. He confirms FuRyu's internal exploration of PC development, citing recent titles released on PC. The conversation also touches upon the potential for future smartphone ports, the lack of Xbox releases due to market demand in Japan, and TAKUMI's personal preference for iced tea over coffee.

The email exchange with Shimomura and Nojima provides further insights. Shimomura discusses her creative process and the excitement of composing for Reynatis, while Nojima shares his approach to storytelling and reflects on the game's narrative. The interview concludes with a final question about coffee preferences, showcasing the personalities behind the game's creation.

The interview concludes with TAKUMI's message to potential players, highlighting the game's strong themes of self-expression and overcoming societal pressures. He emphasizes the game's unique message and its potential to resonate with a wide audience.