As big fans of Loco Roco we couldn't leave the Develop Conference in Brighton last week without having a natter with Tsutomu Kouno. Thankfully, we got the opportunity to sit down and, via his translator, Masaaki Doi, ask him about what he plans to do after Loco Roco PS3 is released. The full interview can be found after the break.
How do you feel about the reception that Loco Roco received in Europe and America, considering it's such a Japanese style game?
Originally my target was not only the Japanese market, but the entire world. So I really appreciate that people in other territories have accepted and enjoy my design.
The PS3 version of Loco Roco was announced at the PlayStation Premiere event, but there's still some confusion about what form it will take. Will it be a full game? A screensaver?
Nancy Gatehouse (Sony Studio Communications Manager): I'm afraid we're not able to talk about anything to do with the PlayStation 3.
Nothing about the PlayStation 3? [Laughs]
[Laughs] Sorry!
Nancy: I'll get skinned alive by our PR department if we do!
That's most of my questions shot down right there then... Ok. Will there be a Loco Roco 2 for the PSP?
Yes, there will. I'm thinking about a sequel for the PSP right now. I got a lot of feedback from players that they bought a PSP just to play Loco Roco so I feel like I have to make a sequel for them.
Will any future versions of Loco Roco have a level editor of some kind?
Actually, in the first version of Loco Roco there is the ability to do something like that. People can create their own stage, however it's really hard to understand how to create them. I am currently thinking about creating some kind of customization for the users in an upcoming project. Unfortunately, I cannot talk about it right now.
Will you be doing any work for Team ICO on any of their upcoming projects?
I have already graduated from the ICO team! However, they are working on the same floor in my building so sometimes I stop by and see what they are doing.
Do you have any information on their latest project, by any chance?
[Laughs] I know they are doing something.
[Laughs] People have drawn similarities between your work and Katamari Damacy's Takahasi-san. You share similar, interesting art styles. Would you ever considering working together on a future project?
I have never spoken to Takahashi-san, but in the future I would love to have a discussion with him. Not necessarily about work. A personal chat where we can share our experiences.
Do you have anything on the horizon that isn't to do with Loco Roco?
I'm working on Loco Roco PS3 right now. Then I will start a new project. I have a lot of ideas in my mind for projects post-Loco Roco. I haven't yet shared them with anyone else.
Excellent! I look forward to that. Thank you very much for your time!
Thank you!
