Yu Suzuki Interview: Sega Developer (Feb 2006), It's been awhile... Options

[HC82]

Ok, if you're a gamer and you've played console games, you should know who Yu Suzuki is. Played Outrun, Space harrier, Virtua Fighter, or Shen mue? Well, then you've experienced what he's about.

More or less, its an interview with one of the all time great jpn developers and it touches on many areas.

I found this inteview interesting, mostly because the guy is highly innovative, but discusses the current market from a business standpoint (which at times contradict, because innovative design conflicts with what is a safe sell). He brings out the key differences between the 3 next gen platforms (market positioning). He talks about western vs japanese development, citing that the japanese don't take as many risks as the US does, sticking to numerous sequels and re-use of brand names, where as it is less so with the US. It holds true, if we look at it. FF 12, Street fighter 15 million alpha edition turbo?

Anyway, it's an excellent read for the educated gamer.

http://games.kikizo.com/features/sega_yu_s...iv_feb06_p1.asp