Interview with Akira Yamaoka (Ruliweb)Date published: 2007.10 Ruliweb: When we look at the Silent Hill 0rigins trailers, the graphics seem quite good, so is there a special development know-how? Yamaoka: The programmatic portions of Silent Hill 1 and its data were variously utilized and then ported for this installment. Regarding the trailers, we were able to successfully apply the programmatic portions because our development know-how and technology were accumulated from previous developments. Ruliweb: In contrast to its dark atmosphere, the Silent Hill series is also famous for its comical elements, such as the UFO endings. Will those kinds of elements be included in Silent Hill 0rigins? Yamaoka: Since there is also a side to the Silent Hill series in enjoying unexpected endings, we've included unfamiliar elements this time as well, in order to meet with users' expectations. Though, I won't say for certain that it will be UFO, but since we've tried to include unexpected elements that you, the users, wouldn't have thought of, I hope that you will enjoy playing the game more so. Ruliweb: Systems that we have never seen before such as the anatomical puzzle, and button actions have appeared (for Silent Hill 0rigins), so do you plan to incorporate these kinds of systems for future installments? Yamaoka: We plan to incorporate horrific elements or riddles, puzzles, among others, that are different from action titles in every (Silent Hill) title. We plan to add different elements every time. Ruliweb: Since this is being developed for a portable game system, it is going to be in a significantly different environment compared to the static consoles. If there are systems or elements that were developed with the portable system in mind, what would those be? Yamaoka: It is a portable game, but we tried to put emphasis on the ambiance of horror, while (making it so that) the users would be able to enjoy. We tried to strengthen game elements regarding action, while keeping in mind of the advantage (of a portable game) that it must be easily enjoyable. We made changes to the usable weapons and tried to incorporate unexpected situations where those weapons become unusable after being destroyed. Such as putting more weight on the usage of the controller, while the enemy is down during a battle situation, among others, we've developed this game with an emphasis on game elements that users will find enjoyable. Ruliweb: Silent Hill 0rigins is a story previous to 1, and it is our understanding that characters from 1 will appear. What would be the corresponding characters' importance and role within 0rigins? Yamaoka: We tried to explain the trauma and background of the characters that appeared in 1, whom lived in a town called "Silent Hill". The emphasis is on how the town called Silent Hill came to be. We explain the story of the surrounding characters, centered around an old lady named Dahlia. There is a spoiler aspect to the story, but it is explained how a (certain) character from 1 came to be. The main character, Travis, is the only one who doesn't appear in 1. The story will be progressed from Travis' point-of-view of the characters that appeared in 1. Ruliweb: It is our understanding that the initial development version was scratched and 0rigins was newly developed, so in comparing the initial version and the current version, which portions were improved and if there were any parts that were significantly changed? Yamaoka: I think the fact that there were no significant changes made is what makes it so significant. For the Silent Hill series' fans, we've taken a new approach in developing in order to explain the overall story, such as why Silent Hill turned into a frightening town surrounded in mystery; why the old lady Dahlia used her child as a sacrifice; and why Dahlia did what she did, and the story of each character. Ruliweb: Is there a connection to the movie "Silent Hill" in terms of story? Yamaoka: There is no connection between Silent Hill 0rigins and the movie "Silent Hill". The old lady Dahlia appears (in both media), but the stories aren't connected, as the story of the movie is original. It's a separate story from the game. Ruliweb: Unlike other games, "Silent Hill" can be considered a case where the movie was well made. Are there plans to turn the movie into a game or make connections (to the movie) within the game? Yamaoka: I think I would like to try if it's possible. The movie's producer is a big fan of the Silent Hill series, so when he was creating the movie, he would install a 36-inch monitor at the production site and by looking at the game, he would direct the characters' movements. If the movie introduces a totally new concept or point-of-view, I think it would be interesting to link that part to a game. Ruliweb: We would like to ask about in-game specials. There's no way to know too much, so would there be various costumes as in 3? Yamaoka: As with every game within the series, we have specials in this one, but there will be no costume variations. In Silent Hill 3, it was a simple matter of fan service, so in the future, if users' praise is high, we'll think about it again. Ruliweb: The creatures of Silent Hill are famous for its unique design, so where will the emphasis lie in the creation of creatures? Yamaoka: No matter how you put it, when you say "creatures," they've always been an evil subject that needed to be defeated. In Silent Hill, they have the physical attributes of a creature, but they are not always an evil subject. It's only their appearance that give the character a sense of terror or disturbance. If you look at it one way, they may seem like comrades or even a good guy, but I hope that, while you play, you will feel guilt of having to kill them for whatever reason. We didn't necessary define an absolute 'evil.' I hope the players will be the judge of those parts. Each player's point-of-view or thinking pattern is all different, so I hope each player will interpret it in their own point-of-view. The impression is different depending on the player, so Silent Hill is a game that should be enjoyed from each user's point-of-view. Ruliweb: The series has been constantly available in Hangul (read: written Korean), so are you thinking about doing that for 0rigins as well? Yamaoka: It is still under consideration. |