Reynatis Interview: Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura discuss the game, coffee, and more

This extensive interview delves into the creation of FuRyu's action RPG, Reynatis, slated for Western release on September 27th. We hear from Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura.

TAKUMI discusses his role at FuRyu, emphasizing his involvement in Reynatis from conception to completion. He expresses delight at the game's positive reception, particularly in the West, noting that the buzz surpasses that of previous FuRyu titles. He also shares insights into the Japanese player response, highlighting the appreciation from fans of Tetsuya Nomura's works (like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts), who seem to connect deeply with the game's narrative.

The interview addresses the inevitable comparisons to Final Fantasy Versus XIII, with TAKUMI acknowledging the inspiration drawn from the initial trailer while emphasizing Reynatis' unique identity and creative vision. He reveals direct communication with Nomura, highlighting the fan-to-fan aspect of the project.

TAKUMI candidly discusses the game's development, acknowledging areas for improvement and planned updates to address player feedback and technical refinements. He assures Western players that the release version will be a polished iteration. The unconventional approach to collaborating with Nojima and Shimomura is highlighted – direct communication via social media and messaging apps rather than formal business channels.

TAKUMI shares his personal inspirations, emphasizing his love for action games and a conscious decision to create a complete gaming experience rather than solely focusing on action elements. The production timeline (approximately three years) and the impact of the pandemic on development are also discussed. The collaboration with Square Enix for the NEO: The World Ends With You crossover is detailed, emphasizing the direct approach and the rarity of such cross-company collaborations in the console gaming space.

TAKUMI explains the platform selection for Reynatis, revealing the Switch as the lead platform, and addresses potential technical limitations on the Switch. He also discusses FuRyu's internal approach to PC development and the differing perceptions of the console and PC gaming markets in Japan. The possibility of future smartphone ports is addressed, stating that it's a case-by-case decision based on suitability.

The lack of Xbox releases is addressed, citing low consumer demand in Japan and the development challenges involved. TAKUMI expresses personal interest in bringing Reynatis to Xbox but acknowledges the practical hurdles. He expresses excitement for the Western release, highlighting the planned DLC releases to maintain player engagement and prevent spoilers. The possibility of future art books and soundtracks is also mentioned.

TAKUMI shares his personal gaming experiences in 2024 and expresses his preference for Reynatis among his projects. He concludes by encouraging players, particularly those who feel marginalized or stifled by societal pressures, to experience the game's powerful message.

The email exchange with Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima offers further insights. Shimomura discusses her creative process and highlights the enjoyable intensity of composing for Reynatis. Nojima shares his approach to scenario writing, comparing modern expectations with those of the past, and reveals his involvement in the project. The interview concludes with a fun section on coffee preferences from all participants.