If you have never heard of Aksys Games before, you soon will. Based out of California, this Localization company has worked with big named developers such as Namco Bandai and Altus. This small but highly talented group has recently given gamers a detailed and customizable PS2 Golf game, but their main focus is now contained on developing a classic RPG to Nintendo’s latest handheld system.
Q: To start, can you give our readers a general overview of Aksys Games?
A: Hi my name is Gail Salamanca, the Director of Marketing, for Aksys Games. Aksys Games was formed by ex-Atlus employees, Akibo Shieh and myself, as a localization company specializing in videogames and anime in March 2006. We later transitioned into being a full-fledged gaming publisher when we announced Eagle Eye Golf for the PlayStation 2 which was released in October 2006. With the recent announcement of Hoshigami Remix we are now a licensed Nintendo publisher.
Q: Can you talk about your relationship with Altus, Namco Bandai, and XSeed?
A: Other than the fact that we’ve done some localization projects for them, no.
Q: Eagle Eye Golf for the PS2 might have slipped under the radar when it was released in the last quarter of 2006 but it was a very customizable game. Is there any hopes of seeing a sequel, perhaps on new next gen system or even a DS version?
A: Never say never in this industry, as Eagle Eye would probably make for a great game on a next-gen system or the DS.
Q: The latest game you announced was Hoshigami Remix for the DS. Is Hoshigami Remix an enhanced port of the cult hit from the PSOne?
A: Yes, but I have to add that while the storyline and general gameplay will be similar to the PSOne version there are a number of new changes that make the game feel like a brand new game such as new artwork, music and localization.
Q: Why has Aksys Games chose to resurrect Hoshigami? Do you think other Atlus classics are on the horizon for being re-created?
A: Just to clarify, Arc System Works made the original decision to revisit the Hoshigami franchise and bring it to the DS. So, I can’t really speak to why they made the decision to port the game over to DS. From Aksys Games’ point of view, we saw a lot of potential in Hoshigami Remix and thought that it could be a great game if certain changes could be made to make the game more accessible, such as the selectable difficulty levels. As for Atlus’ titles, I can’t really comment on what their intentions are with their catalog.
Q: Why did Aksys games decide to port over Hoshigami to the DS? Why not create a new next version on the 360, Wii, or PS3?
A: Again, I can’t really say since Arc System Works were the ones who decided to port the game over to the DS and Aksys Games is basically licensing, localizing and publishing the game in North America.
Q: What new content will make it into the final product?
A: Hoshigam Remix will feature a brand new character, missions, music, character art, as well as a new localization.
Q: The early details that were released about this title hint at a wireless mode to exchange items. Are we going to see any other type of multiplayer mode? Competitive or Cooperative? Single Card or Multi Card? Considering using Nintendo WiFi Connection?
A: Unfortunately, the only wireless connectivity for Hoshigami Remix will be the item trading aspect.
Q: Will Hoshigami use touch based controls or any other extras like the system’s microphone or rumble pak accessory? How will both screens be used?
A: Yes, the dual screen allows for the character and terrain status to be displayed on the top screen, which is nice for uncluttering the crowded battle screen. The top screen is also used for displaying the character graphics during the many event sequences while the bottom is used for just dialogue. It’s just an aesthetic upgrade, but it’s a nice touch nonetheless. The touch screen can be used to completely control the game or you can use the traditional controls or a combination of the two. This allows for greater flexibility for the user on how they want to navigate the game.
Q: Somewhat switching gears (pun intended), there is some conflicting information about Aksys and the Guilty Gear series. Are you, in fact, going to bring any of the post-#Reload Guilty Gears over to America? What about a Guilty Gear compilation pack? Or is it just a rumor that you’re now handling Guilty Gear in America?
A: We don’t comment on rumors, but we’ll be making some new announcements soon.
Q: What are you going to be doing after Hoshigami Remix? Considering working on any other platforms?
A: We have some other titles in the works across different platforms so be on the lookout for some new announcements in the near future.
Q: Before we close, is there anything you would like to tell our readers about Aksys Games, any of your past or upcoming titles, or just anything in general?
A: I’d just like to thank Mygamer and its readers for giving us the opportunity to talk a little bit about our company as well as our upcoming game, Hoshigami Remix!
On behalf of mygamer.com, I thank you for your time and wish Aksys Games nothing but the best in the future. We look forward to playing Hoshigami Remix.
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