In the Hot Seat: Hiroyuki Kobayashi

We grill Devil May Cry 4's lead producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi on the hot seat. Did we, you know, make him cry? Read on...
1/31/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 3 of 3

Crispy Gamer: With the recent popularity of the Wii, it seems that casual gaming is the new direction in which videogames are heading. Yet, I love the fact that Devil May Cry 4 is still designed to be a hardcore experience for hardcore gamers. I'm happy that you believe that there are enough hardcore gamers out there to support Devil May Cry 4. Beyond that, I hope the series never winds up on the Wii.

Kobayashi: [Laughs] You know, a lot of people ask us if we are going to bring out a Wii version. I simply don't think you can make the game the type of game it is, with the awesome graphics and control -- I don't think that would work on the Wii. So, I don't think we're going to bring one out, no.

Crispy Gamer: We appreciate that.

Kobayashi: Plus, if you had to do the High Roller on the Wii [makes swinging motion upwards with two hands], you would probably get very tired.

Crispy Gamer: I confess, I wasn't thrilled about playing the new character, Nero, in the game. Sure, I hate Dante and his asshole ways, but I love him at the same time. I'm still a bit worried that, as beautiful as the game is shaping up to be, I will really just want to get back into Dante's shoes. Are you at all concerned about alienating your established fanbase by focusing the game on Nero?

Kobayashi: Certainly I understand this. Some fans will have that same reaction that you are having, no doubt. Dante is an established character. He's been around for six years and has starred in three games. I personally really love Dante as well. In this case, regarding the introduction of Nero, it's the first time he's going to be here, and of course, he's not as complete a character as Dante is.

But, you know, Nero is also a very interesting character in and of himself. Maybe one thing you'll find with Nero is that the Devil Bringer is such a fantastic weapon that, after you get used to using it with Nero, when you have to play as Dante in the game you'll think, Oh man, I wish Dante could use the Devil Bringer as well. You'll feel like something is missing a little bit when you play as Dante. I think people are going to be surprised by how much they like playing as Nero.

And if you love Dante so much, go through Devil May Cry 4 very quickly, and you'll be able to play the whole thing again as Dante.

Crispy Gamer: One final thing: Have you heard of Guitar Hero?

Kobayashi: I've never played Guitar Hero myself, but I have heard of it, yes.

Crispy Gamer: Dante, with all of his cheeseball tendencies, would fit quite naturally into that game. He would make for a great unlockable character.

Kobayashi: [Laughs] Maybe that will happen one day.