Kotaku: Koji Igarashi

Koji Igarashi: Precise Movements Hard When Waving Something Around

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:00:00 MDT

Fighting games are about timing. These games are razor sharp, competitive. Konami's Wii fighter Castlevania Judgement is different: It's not really about timing and the input isn't so important. It's as sharp as a bowling ball. Lead Castlevania Konami Koji Igarashi explains:

In games like SF or VF, all of the movements and inputs are extremely precise, and timing is crucial. I wanted to appeal to a broader audience than the general fighting-game crowd. There's also the issue of the Wii controller. It's difficult to do those sorts of precise movements when you're waving something around. That's why we opted to do more of a competitive action game.

Waggle, waggle, punch. Elsewhere in the interview, Igarashi declares his undying love for the Nintendo DS platform, but points out that making only DS games might not be the best business plan. It may be. You really can't be 100 percent about things like that.

Interview: Konami's Koji Igarashi [Kikizo] [Pic]

Konami Whips Up Castlevania For Xbox 360, PS3

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:00:00 MDT

Konami has both Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia and Castlevania Judgment on display at Tokyo Game Show this year, but it brought a tiny, tiny bit more with it, just to start messing with our heads. A new Castlevania has been announced for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3... at some point in the future. That is absolutely all that we know at this point, as both Konami reps and series lead Koji Igarashi are being mum on what we can expect.

We asked Konami reps the burning question: will it be 2D or 3D? The answer: "That's up to Iga."

We're told we can expect more information in the coming months, but inquiries about locking down a date for further updates were met with shrugs. Hopefully, Konami will look at titles like Bionic Commando: Rearmed and Mega Man 9 for inspiration on just how many dimensions this things going to need.

Koji Igarashi Tries To Explain Castlevania Judgement Hate

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:00:00 MDT

Konami's Koji Igarashi is the Castlevania guy. And when fans play a Castlevania game, they know, more or less, what they are getting themselves into. But Castlevania Judgement is different! It's a fighter, but now. And the early buzz around the game hasn't been so hot. Why does Igarashi think that is?

When you have a franchise like this, that’s become popular in a certain type of game style and you change that so drastically, I understand the responses is going to be negative... I also felt a lot of the response was, I guess, unjustified in the sense that they based their [response] on just hearing about it or maybe seeing a couple of screen shots and making a whole assumption.

Insert Igarashi sad face.

Koji Igarashi Calls ‘Castlevania Judgment’ Fan Criticism ‘Unjustified’ [Multiplayer] [Pic]

Wii Castlevania Revealed! It's A Fighting Game?

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:40:09 MDT

According to GoNintendo, the latest issue of Nintendo Power reveals the proud return of the Castlevania series to consoles. Castlevania Judgment is, believe it or not, a 3D fighter, pitting classic characters from throughout the series against each other in mortal combat. Yes, not at all the exact opposite of what Castlevania fans have been asking for.

GoNintendo's report from the mag hints at appearances from characters like Simon Belmont and Alucard, the use of sub-weapons like holy water and boomerangs, and (surprise!) motion controls.

Odd, yes, but while Konami may not be known for its fighting games — outside of Yie Ar Kung Fu — it had dabbled in 3D fighters when they were in their heyday. It was also responsible for one-third of the line-up Dream Mix TV World Fighters, a Japan-only fighting game that featured Simon Belmont and Solid Snake and was terrible.

Nintendo Power reveals Castlevania Judgement for Wii…a 3d fighter?! [GoNintendo]

Wii Castlevania Later This Year?

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:00:00 MDT

While Konami Castlevania dude Koji Igarashi has expressed hesitance about the Wii and the Wii-mote in the past, apparently he's warmed up to the Nintendo platform! Comic book mag Preview has let it slip that the franchise is getting a Wii title released this fall. The info slipped while Preview was giving the skinny on the PR campaign for the comic based on PS2 game Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, stating the the comic book will be "cross-promoted with 2008 video game releases, which include games for Nintendo Wii and DS (Fall 2008)". Unconfirmed and unsurprising, really.

Castlevnia Comic [Badger Comics via CVG]

Castlevania Dude On Kojima's MGS4 Decision

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:00:00 MDT

Konami's official Castlevania guy Koji Igarashi has been involved in something like 11 games in that franchise. What does Iga think about fellow Konami colleague Hideo Kojima closing the chapter on Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid 4? Says whip-carrying Iga:

[Metal Gear] is something that Kojima-san has worked on for a long time... That’s his decision and I completely respect him for doing that. Maybe the franchise as a whole will continue. And that’s maybe something that Kojima is thinking about, right? Snake might be at an end, but it could continue in other ways. I don’t know exactly what he’s thinking, but let’s see what he does.

Okay, if you say so. Let's!
Koji Igarashi Isn't Tired [MTV] [Pic]

Koji Igarashi, Castlevania Game Maker, Indy Jones Lover

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:30:00 MDT

Here's a shocker: Konami Castlevania dude Koji Igarashi wears a cowboy hat, carries a whip and *here it comes* likes Indiana Jones. Bet you didn't see that one coming! When asked if he was excited about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, IGA replied:

Ooooooh!

Eyebrow raising followed. Wonder if he's gonna bring his whip to the movie theater. (Can you bring whips to a movie theater?)
Igarashi Excited [Multiplayer]

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia Announced for Nintendo DS

fdemarco — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:05:00 MDT

The big news for many at last night's Konami Gamer's Night was the official announcement of a new Castlevania game for the Nintendo DS. Mr. Igarashi himself was on hand to introduce Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, complete with his trademark cowboy hat and whip. This new Castlevania marks the first time that the franchise will feature a female lead character, a raven haired beauty named Shenoa.

The story takes place years after the Belmont family has completely disappeared, but Dracula is still going strong. Many organizations have cropped up to try and defeat the vampire but the only ones who seem up to the task are the mysterious Order of Ecclesia. The art style for the characters has changed from the traditional anime style to a much more pleasing (to me anyway) illustrative style that really shows of the beauty of the female protagonist in particular.

The combat has changed as well, this time relying on a "glyph" system. Essentially, magical glyphs can be absorbed that provide Shenoa with magical weapon abilities. These abilities can be assigned and used from three different areas: left hand, right hand or back. These glyphs can be used at will, but beware because they will sap your magic points! Equipping the same glyph to both hands will provide you with a quicker attack, but will drain your magic faster.

Also new to this title is the addition of a world map that will allow you to travel outside the confines of the castle to explore locations such as mountains and a sinking ship. Two person co-op play will also be made available via local DS wireless.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is set to release in the fall of this year and Mr. Igarashi slyly promised to try and make sure it launches on time with no delays. I hope he can pull it off because no matter how many Castlevania titles I play, I am always ready and excited for the next iteration.

Rumored New Castlevania DS Screens Indicate Wii Connectivity

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:40:00 MST

A trio of supposed screen shots from an unreleased Castlevania game for the Nintendo DS have made their way online, ones that could possibly reveal Koji Igarashi and team's follow up to Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin. Are they real? They certainly look real enough, with a timestamp that would indicate a December 25, 2007 build of the game, one that would appear to feature a female protagonist and yet another "Metroid-vania" style adventure. Igarashi has gone on record as saying that Konami is working on a third Castlevania title for the DS, but we can't say for sure whether this is it.

Hit the jump for the full sized pic and more info.

What we do find interesting about another potential slog through Dracula's castle is the Wii menu item in the leaked title screen. What could Iga and crew have planned for Wii connectivity? Could it have something to do with the long-rumored Wii version of the venerable franchise or could WiiWare capabilities come to the DS? We can only speculate that, if these screens are real, third parties may be looking to take advantage of both machines' Wi-fi capabilities. Portrait of Ruin made good use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for its online shop trading service, so we wonder if Konami has something similar planned.

It's worth noting that these alleged screens have a very different art style than the previous two titles, which had a strong anime influence, something that wasn't necessarily well received by fans. If these screens are an indication of the direction of the next game in the series, we hope it means that long time character designer Ayami Kojima has a hand in it.

Take it as rumor for now or, at the very least, some damn good fakes. Thanks, Mike!

Igarashi Confirms New Castlevania DS

Mark Wilson — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:00:09 MDT

Koji Igarashi is apparently not one to keep secrets...if you don't count the hundreds of sarcophagi in his basement. That's why when Wired asked him if another Nintendo DS Castlevania game was on its way, he didn't do the whole, "err...uhh...no announcement at this time...what's that?? "turn into a bat an fly away* maneuver.

We're doing another Nintendo DS version. There hasn't been an official announcement, but we're doing it...we want people to enjoy the PSP version, and afterwards we're announcing it. So, please wait a little bit."

Hmm...by "wait a little bit" we hope he didn't mean, "don't tell the entire world." Because then we might feel bad for the ~~vampire~~ guy.

Interview: Iga Talks Castlevania Everything [via cvg]
[image]

Castlevania Producer Whips It Out At Signing

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 04:00:24 MDT

Don't let the silly head gear and the goofy whip fool you. Koji "IGA" Igarashi is a serious man. He's dedicated his life to Castlevania. Just take a look at his business card! Kotakuite Torokun was in attendance and brings word that folks started lining up at around 2:00PM for a signing last night. The cover for upcoming PSP title Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles was passed at as well for IGA to sign. That after the jump.

Torokun's Page [Deviant Art]

Iga Eyes Xbox 360 For Next Console Castlevania

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:40:42 MDT

The man who eats, sleeps, breathes and craps Castlevania, Koji Igarashi, sat down with Game Informer to chat about the future of the classic Dracula slaying franchise. With "IGA" and crew already hard at work on wrapping up Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles for the PSP and churning out another Nintendo DS sequel, one might wonder when the team plans to revisit Castlevania on home consoles. Iga says it's a possibility, but you might want to secure yourself an Xbox 360 if you want to play it.

He tells GI that "I think the Xbox 360 would be the best platform for the U.S. market" citing the series' lopsided success stateside. Igarashi does, however, give PLAYSTATION 3 owners some hope, saying "As you know, Konami will release Metal Gear for the PS3, so Metal Gear might expand the PS3 market. In that case, we may release Castlevania for the PS3."

The Castlevaniac also touches on staying true to 2D, revealing that, based on the performance of the PSP port, he may decide to stick with side scrolling gameplay for any future console releases. I just pre-ordered ten copies. I suggest you do the same if you don't hate gaming.

Whip It Good: Koji Igarashi Talks About The Future Of Castlevania [Game Informer]

Konami Whips Up Two Castlevania Mobile Games

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:40:49 MDT

Never one to rest on their Castlevania laurels, Konami and crew readying two new Dracula slaying adventures, this time on the platform everyone can agree on: the mobile phone. The previously mentioned Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow showing at the Leipzig Games Convention is simply a mobile phone remake of the Game Boy Advance release of the same name. However, Konami also announced it would be bringing an all-new original Castlevania, known as Castlevania: Order of Shadows, to mobile carriers AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Networks, among others, this September.

The game follows the adventures of a new character Desmond Belmont, which means the Castlevania series entry on Wikipedia is just about due for an argument on canon. More details on the development and associate blog for the both of you interested in mobile gaming after the jump.

KONAMI INTRODUCES ORIGINAL CONTENT FOR THE MOBILE PLATFORM BASED ON THE COMPANY'S TOP VIDEOGAME FRANCHISES

Konami Mobile's First Original, Castlevania®: Order of Shadows Available in September On All Major Carriers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — August 23, 2007 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. underscored its commitment to the mobile games market today by announcing the development of original content specifically for mobile phones, based on the company's legendary videogame brands. Featuring never-before-seen game play, storyline features and original music, Castlevania: Order of Shadows for the mobile platform will be available on September 18 on most major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Networks.

"As a worldwide leader in high quality, multi-platform videogames, Konami is looking to raise the entertainment standard of games for mobile phones," said Joe Morris, Vice President of Konami Mobile. "Mobile technology has exploded, providing powerful new tools to enhance today's mobile gaming experiences. Konami's esteemed game developers will be creating original titles based on the company's top franchises including Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid Mobile, Contra and others."

Castlevania: Order of Shadows is the latest chapter in the popular videogame series, designed exclusively for the mobile platform. Developed in collaboration with franchise mastermind Koji Igarashi (aka "IGA"), the game breathes new life into the Belmont family bloodline with fresh adventures, characters and perils. Featuring updated abilities and spells, unique enemies, original songs and full screen particle effects, the title takes mobile gaming to new heights.

To give consumers a direct connection to Konami Mobile's development team and insight to upcoming game titles, the company has launched the "Developer's Corner" on its Web site, www.konamimobile.com. The first installment of the Developer's Corner will feature a blog written by Castlevania: Order of Shadows' lead game designer, Tyrone Rodriguez, discussing the genesis of the title, working with IGA on his vision for a mobile Castlevania game, and Konami's aspirations for improving mobile gaming experiences. Also featured on the website will be mobile game emulators as well as art and video, so consumers can sample the new games before purchasing them.

Castlevania: Order of Shadows will launch for the mobile platform on September 18, 2007. For more information, please visit www.konamimobile.com.

Konami Reveals Leipzig Lineup

Mike Fahey — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:40:13 MDT

Didn't we just get finished with a major industry trade show? Days after E3's end and Konami has come forward to announce its lineup for the 2007 Games Convention in Leipzig Germany, kicking off August 23rd. The show will mark the first ever appearance of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 on the PS3, which is almost guaranteed to be one of the hottest titles in Europe this year, featuring a new AI mechanic called Teamvision that adapts to your style of play to maintain a consistent level of challenging gameplay. The game will also be playable on just about everything that plays video games.

Also on hand will be Koji Igarashi to present Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles on the PSP, and Silent Hill: Origins lead William Oertel will be there to "unveil the future of the series". Spooky.

Sounds like Konami is gearing up for a really big show. We'll let you know how that turns out when Kotaku visits Germany later next month. For now, the press release calls to you.

Games Convention 2007: First details about Konami's product line-up in Leipzig

The football game for a new generation: Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH invites visitors to play PES 2008 for the first time

9:00am on August 23rd will mark a historic date for football fans and games players across Europe, as Konami uses the Games Convention in Leipzig to show the PLAYSTATION®3 version of PES 2008 for the first time.

Visitors to the Konami stand (Hall 4, Booth B11) will be the first people to get a hands-on play of the eagerly-awaited next generation football title, which is just one of dozens of big new titles from the publisher. With more details to follow, Konami has whet appetites with the announcement that key members of its development teams will be on hand to present new titles, including Koji 'IGA' Igarashi who will be showing Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable). Similarly, William Oertel, who is overseeing Silent Hill Origins for PSP® will unveil the future of the series.

PES 2008 will be released in Autumn and introduces 'Teamvision', a unique system of artificial intelligence that adapts according to an individual's style of play to create the balanced and strategic play of a high stakes match. Player detail and animation have also been taken to incredible details thanks to the high-definition power afforded by the Next Gen hardware, and visitors to Games Convention 2007 will also be invited to play the game on PC, Xbox 360 and more.

"We will witness one of the most exciting system changes ever at this year's Games Convention," commented Martin Schneider, Sales and Marketing Director Germany for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "We can promise visitors and gamers in Leipzig that Konami will play a major role in this year´s gaming year - delivering new games and additions to popular franchises, while producing exciting games for new systems and established formats."

Reggie Tops "Most Overrated" List

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:20:42 MDT

GameDaily is swatting at the console fanboy hornets nest in their latest feature which highlights, in their words, the top five most overrated people in the videogaming industry.

From slamming lovable afroed hack Koji Igarashi to taking a blasphemous dig at Shigeru Miyamoto, the list is sure to cause some controversy. And plenty of traffic.

Let's just hope no Nintendo fans know where feature author Chris Buffa lives or he'll find his front lawn littered with burning Buffa effigies tomorrow morning. Proceed to GameDaily at your own risk! Michael McWhertor

Top Five Most Overrated Industry People [GameDaily]

IGA: Getting Old, Waiting to Leave Konami

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 03:00:09 MDT

Christian Nutt over at Games Radar has a big, meaty GDC interview with all things Castlevania Koji Igarashi. From talking Gears of War to the rise of mini-games in Japan, they cover a lot of ground. Standout quote:

I'm sorry... I'm getting busier and busier. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting too old. I'm just waiting for my lottery winnings and then I can leave Konami.

Does that mean IGA is burnt-out or what? Brian Ashcraft

Big Igarashi Interview [Games Radar]

2D Castlevanias For Everyone!

kotaku.com — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 12:40:50 MDT

You know, god bless weirdo Japanese goth Koji Igarashi and his compellingly asinine Dracula saga. Yes, it's full of androgynes. Yes, the plot is utterly retarded. But his series is practically the last bastion of original 2D gaming, in an industry that seems intent on pushing as many polygons at the problem as possible.

Over at Eurogamer, the man himself talks about how he thinks all of the upcoming consoles are winners, and basically says he'd like to do a Castlevania for all of them... or at least a port.

I am very happy with the download services from the next-gen platforms, so I would also like to provide other previous Castlevania games on these services

He'd also like to do a Castlevania for the PSP, which would be just swell, since even one decent game for the system is a major coup. Florian Eckhardt

2D Castlevania for next-gen? [Eurogamer]

TGS06: Koji Igarashi's Business Card - Serious Business

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 21:33:38 MDT

Normally I wouldn't post someone's business card—or name card as they call them over here—but this is Iga's card. And it's bad ass. Clearly he likes working on Castlevania.

Check out Castlevania series composer (and constant Iga companion) Michiru Yamane's equally gorgeous card after the jump.

Anyone else experiencing a Patrick Bateman level of murderous business card envy? Or am I the only one polishing my axe? Michael McWhertor

Castlevania Not Coming to Wii?

brownlee — Wed, 17 May 2006 13:40:39 MDT

According to Magic Box:

Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi said that Castlevania does not fit with Wii, because the Wii market is for people who want to have new experience, these type of people do not have time to play lengthy games like Castlevania; also he does not have a good idea to make use of the Wii controller in the game.

Dude, you aren't trying very hard. The Wii remote is a natural whip handle. Swinging overhead lashes out Belmont's mean razor blade whipe. Flicking the Wii remote sideways tosses a projectile weapon. And you could even pound stakes through vampires' hearts with a satisfying forward thrust. And I'm sure our imaginative readers could fill the comments section with endless other ideas.

Also, no one wants to play long games on the Wii? Hello? Aren't Metroid and Zelda highly anticipated on the Wii? - Florian Eckhardt

Castlevania: Portrait Of Ruin Not Phoned In This Time

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 14 May 2006 13:50:34 MDT

Any longtime Castlevania fan will recognize the skeleton sprites from the most recent 2D CV entry, Dawn of Sorrow — they're the same ones from the previous four Dracula ass-whipping adventures. Current Castlevania director Koji Igarashi must be tired of being called a hack, because it looks like the latest game to bear the name might actually have required some work. No, seriously.

I'm just as shocked as you are, but Portrait of Ruin has all new sprites, new 3D enemies, new monsters, and new gameplay mechanics. The dual-player gimmick actually works.

Don't worry, cynics. They're still recycling the same skeleton animations for the umpteenth time, but after playtesting the DS game at E3, the amount of new stuff still has me in gamer shock and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin near the top of my DS must-have list.

Official Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Site

E306: Swiping Koji's Taxi

Brian Crecente — Sat, 13 May 2006 14:52:31 MDT

Well that's it boys and girls, a week's worth of games, glamour and glands (my throat is still killing me.) This year's E3 may not have been the most spectacular, but it certainly had its moments. If you couldn't keep up with the rising tide of our posts use the slow weekend to pick through some of the better bits including our video series Defend Your Game, Celeb watching KotakuStaku and the first annual Schwag run.

Next week look for a lot of E3 overrun including the video of our interviews with Electronic Arts' LA Studio head Neil Young, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto and more.

We stuck around in the press room and on the floor until 4 p.m. and then packed our shit and headed out. Right outside the convention doors I ran into 4CR's Nick Luckett and I Am 8-Bit's Jon Gibson. We had a nice chat on the way to the hotel and a conveniently located hotdog lady. Nick insisted that the bacon-wrapped dogs would make me shit blood, but I ate one anyway.

After getting my bag, I headed out front to the Bell Captain to catch a hotel to Disneyland. (I'm spending the weekend at a hotel nearby with my wife and son.) I noticed Koji Igarashi, of Castlevania fame, and his crew lined-up on the curb waiting for the bell hop to snag them a cab too. After a few minute wait the man in the captain's hat waved down a cab and motioned it over. The Koji crew started to move in, but the captain waved them off and got my bag, stuffing it in the trunk and helping me into the car before Koji could say WTF.

Sweet, I just grabbed Koji Igarashi's cab and he would have liked it too. The driver's a total rasta, I'm listening to Marley as I write this.