Review Fix chats with Ismael Constantine. CEO and Owner of Black Sky Games, who discusses the game with the beautiful name and awesome score. Detailing the creative process behind the title and its eventual release on the Nintendo Switch, Constantine lets us know exactly what to expect from it.
Review Fix: How was this game born?
Ismael Constantine: I’ve had the initial idea of Blade of Unagi for a few years. It would grow day by day as I would revisit the idea. I would add new elements to the concept slowly and make sure it stayed fluid. It wasn’t until early 2017 that I felt I had formed a strong concept to make the game.
Review Fix: What has development been like so far?
Constantine: Development has been a thrill. We have a strong international cast of developers working on the game.
Review Fix: What makes this game special?
Constantine: The setting and characters are the driving forces behind Blade of Unagi. With the setting filled with chaos and fear-instilling a sense of isolation amongst individuals. As they are left with nothing to do but accept the outcome or face punishment. The characters- Kibo and Unagi, who are fighting back and attempting to change the world for everyone as they can’t accept what the kings have done to the world.
Review Fix: What games influenced this one the most?
Constantine: There’s not one game that directly influenced Blade of Unagi but a collection of games that have influenced it. Games like Dark Souls and Ninja Gaiden have had an influence over Blade of Unagi. While for the most part, it’s been a game we at Black Sky Games, LLC have been creating to make unique and different than most games.
Review Fix: What was it like developing for a Nintendo console?
Constantine: It’s a great experience to develop Blade of Unagi on the Nintendo Switch. Before the development began on the game, we quickly felt that the Switch was the perfect console for Blade of Unagi. Which is why we decided to make it for the Nintendo Switch.
Review Fix: How important is the music in this game?
Constantine: Music is very important for Blade of Unagi. The music is the emotional identity of the game. That’s why for both versions there are two soundtracks by Garry Schyman and Jason Graves who are among the best composers in the industry. The music carries the emotion of the game and with two scores, it will surely be exciting for all fans of their works.
Review Fix: Any fun stories or wild moments during development?
Constantine: There are have been many fun stories and wild moments during development. But I won’t share, I don’t want to get into trouble.
Review Fix: Do you think preserving older gameplay mechanics in new games is important?
Constantine: When you preserve older gameplay mechanics in new games you are showing the roots of video games. In a way, paying homage to games and following a formula of success. Today in video games, we focus on innovation – ways to create new formulas for success to capture a wider audience of fans awed at what is being demonstrated and eventually carrying a legacy as the original team to have created a new mechanic or mechanics never seen before.
Review Fix: What’s your favorite memory as a gamer?
Constantine: Back in my childhood days, it was study focused and I would only be allowed to play games on weekends. There was one gaming experience I’ll never forget. That is playing and finishing Metal Gear Solid 3.
Review Fix: Who will enjoy this game the most?
Constantine: Blade of Unagi will be enjoyed by everyone. The hardcore and casual gamers will be satisfied by the experience we at Black Sky Games, LLC are working hard to deliver.
Review Fix: How do you want this game to be remembered?
Constantine: We want fans to be emotionally connected to Blade of Unagi. To understand all the characters and to have an emotional connection to the story.
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