Sukeban Games 2024 Interview: Christopher Ortiz AKA kiririn51 Talks .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, Inspirations, Fan Reactions, VA-11 Hall-A, The Silver Case, and Much More

This extensive interview with Christopher Ortiz, creator of the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, delves into the game's unexpected success, the development process, and the inspirations behind Sukeban Games' upcoming title, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND.

Ortiz discusses his role at Sukeban Games, revealing the significant growth of the team since its inception. He reflects on the overwhelmingly positive reception of VA-11 Hall-A in Japan, sharing his emotional experience at Bitsummit. The conversation touches upon the game's unexpected popularity, surpassing initial sales projections and leading to a range of merchandise, including highly sought-after figures. The interview also addresses the cancelled iPad version, clarifying Ortiz's involvement and pointing to publisher decisions.

The discussion expands to encompass the collaborative efforts with key team members, including artist MerengeDoll and composer Garoad, highlighting the creative synergy that shaped VA-11 Hall-A's unique identity. Ortiz shares insights into his involvement in merchandise creation, expressing a desire for greater participation in future projects. He reveals the inspiration behind the Japanese art book cover, connecting it to personal challenges and the influence of Gustavo Cerati's music.

The interview then shifts to the character design and writing of VA-11 Hall-A, exploring the unexpected popularity of certain characters. Ortiz discusses his approach to character creation, emphasizing the importance of letting creative ideas organically develop rather than relying on formulas. He shares details about the ongoing development of N1RV Ann-A, revealing his creative process of jotting down ideas and exploring alternative game concepts.

Ortiz shares his opinions on Suda51's No More Heroes 3 and Travis Strikes Again, expressing his appreciation for the latter's unique style. He also comments on Grasshopper Manufacture's work under Netease and the announced remasters. The conversation touches upon the challenges of international releases and merchandise distribution, particularly the difficulties faced in Argentina due to protectionist policies.

A significant portion of the interview focuses on .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, detailing the development process, the team's approach to the game's visual style, and the positive fan reception. Ortiz explains the game's unique battle system, designed to bridge the gap between visual novel fans and action-oriented players. He reveals the inspirations behind the game's aesthetic, drawing parallels to the cities of Milan and Buenos Aires, and discusses the challenges and rewards of long-term development.

The interview explores the team's composition and working dynamics, highlighting the contributions of the composer, Juneji, and the challenges of managing long-term projects. Ortiz discusses the team's approach to fan interaction, emphasizing the positive response to the game's reveal and the creation of fan art. He addresses the possibility of a PC demo and the game's accessibility, promising a balance catering to diverse player preferences.

The interview delves into the design and inspiration behind the character Reila Mikazuchi, drawing parallels to the work of actor Meiko Kaji. Ortiz details the iterative design process, highlighting the challenges of creating the character's final outfit. He discusses future plans for Sukeban Games, confirming the intention to self-publish on PC and explore partnerships for console releases. The interview concludes with a glimpse into Ortiz's daily life, his gaming habits, his thoughts on the current indie game landscape, and his preferences for coffee. A final discussion touches upon the profound influence of The Silver Case on Ortiz's creative vision.

The interview is accompanied by numerous images throughout, showcasing artwork from VA-11 Hall-A and .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, as well as a YouTube embed. The overall tone is conversational and insightful, providing a comprehensive look into the creative process and inspirations of a prominent indie game developer.