TGS07: Interview with Loco Roco's Tsutomu Kouno

What was your inspiration for the Loco Roco franchise?
I carry a PDA around with me wherever I go and I draw out any ideas that I have. Several years ago I found myself drawing Loco Rocos on the train in various forms. Around that time the PSP had first been announced so I started to think how I could turn my little characters into a game. I thought to myself: "there must be a way to have the shoulder buttons of the PSP control the movement."
How did the game's music come about?
Personally, I like reggae, soul and R&B music and always felt that not enough games utilised different genres. Because of this I put music that I like into the game. I burned a lot of my personal music collection to a disc and sent it to my composer. He did the rest.
As for the lyrics, I tried to get all the languages I could find and wrote down interesting words in katakana. Then I changed these into words that Japanese people would find cool, so that people could not recognise individual words of any particular language. I had invented my own language.
Is there any word on Loco Roco 2 for PSP?
Hmmm. Can I say anything? I don't know. All I can really say is that in the future "the Loco Rocos will be even more amazing". I have a lot of ideas that I really can't talk about.
What made you change the gameplay so much for the PS3 version?
I wanted to play to the console's strength - processing power. I wanted hundreds of Loco Rocos on screen at once. The new control scheme works better for that.
Why not release it on Blu-Ray?
Do you really want it on Blu-Ray? It's too small. Perfect as a downloadable.
How do you feel about it being called an interactive screensaver?
That was my idea. I wanted the game to be as fun to watch as it is to play. I didn't want the game to stop when you put down the controller for a while. There are no bad guys in the Loco Roco's main route because of this. There are also three mini games hidden around.
How do you find them?
You won't find them the first time. After you beat it once it will open more areas, where the games are hidden. There's a certain place in those areas which will take you to it, like a launch pad or giant bird.
Can you jump straight into the mini games from the main menu?
No, you can't.
Why?
The mini games are part of the full game. They are the only way of getting all 200 Loco Rocos in the level
Is there only one level available?
Yes.
Are there any plans to release more as downloadable content?
We currently have no plans to do that.
Will there be any Loco Roco trophies for Home?
I don't know at the moment - that will be announced as the functionality of Home is announced.
Will there be any user generated content availability in any future versions of the game?
That idea hasn't been abandoned yet.










Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Evan @ Oct 1st 2007 7:48AM
Anyone else think Loco Rocos look a lot like Smile Slimes from Dragon Quest?
Joe @ Oct 1st 2007 8:02AM
I just want to know when there will be a full blown LocoRoco game like the PSP versions LR game but this time be on the PS3. I do like the PS3 one but I kind of like the other one more. So I hope there will be a new PS3 version one soon.
OrganicShadow @ Oct 1st 2007 10:09AM
FINALLY proof that this isn't the LocoRoco sequel, even though all through TGS all the game media has been reporting it as such.
It's not, it's just a experimental side-game if anything. Not a sequel, and barely clinging to the LocoRoco name.
Can't wait for his other game ideas, as well as the Katamari dude's new series.
heckthor @ Oct 1st 2007 8:32PM
I never played this game on psp (i know its not the same one) but i must say that i was REALLY, REALLY DISAPPOINTED cuz u gotta be pressing the Circle Button most of the time which is annoying to say the least, why couldn't they use one of the many shoulder buttons, also Shaking the SIXAXIS is kind of stupid, i really think that game devs should pay close attention to what works and what does not... I paid for this game and i have only played once, it was frustrating for so i had to stop... But this is just my opinion...