Daisuke ‘Pixel’ Amaya tells all
Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya (Cave Story,Kero Blaster,Ikachan,Guxt) has a unique style that would be hard for anyone to convincingly counterfeit. His music, visuals, stories, and designs complement each other in ways that allow them each to take the spotlight when necessary, while remaining unified in a common purpose.
It’s similar to how a master storyteller may use vocal tone, script, hand gestures, and facial expressions in unison to create a whole that is larger than the sum of their parts. Unless someone were able to perfectly mimic the thinking behind Pixel’s particular choices in musical phrasing, priorities in enemy behavior, and character design idiosyncrasies, it’s unlikely that they would be able to create something that felt like it came from his mind.
That’s part of why Pixel’s fans are so passionate. His games offer something that you can’t quite get anywhere else, except for another Pixel game. It feels like all his games are connected, even when that’s not the intention. In this, our final installment of a two-part mini-interview with Pixel, we ask howCave StoryandKero Blastermight be related, if anything fromGero Blastermade it intoKero Blasterbefore it was canceled, if he was worried thatCave Storyfans might be disappointed with his later games, and more. Check outpart onehere.
What are the biggest differences betweenGero BlasterandKero Blaster?
It became a completely different game. The only bits left over are the Frog as the protagonist, some characters, and some controls, but the weapons, maps and story are all completely different. Many apologies to those who were looking forward toGero Blaster. But I didn’t decide to change the name until the announcement on April 1st because I was worried about completely losing the name recognition I had gained withGero Blaster.
Is there anything aboutGero Blasterthat you really wanted to fit intoKero Blasterbut just couldn’t get it to fit?
InGero Blaster, I had this missile-looking projectile and some really eccentric boss characters that I wanted to use a lot, but if I added too much, it would really disrupt the game’s balance, so I just left them out. Also, I had this umbrella-esque item that would allow you to fall slowly from the air, but I left it out for the same reasons. The umbrella was really cute so if I get the chance, I’d like put it in the games to come after this one.
Seeing thatKero Blasteris your biggest release sinceCave Story, did you feel pressure to deliver something specific toCave Storyfans? Were you afraid that people would be disappointed that the game is focused more on action and less on exploration and story?
I was worried about that issue for a long time. Even when I re-playedCave Story, I would think of how great it turned out and think there’s no way to do better. However, when I finally decided to remakeKero Blaster, I had this really clear vision of what I wanted and then I wasn’t afraid of anything. I was just excited and felt like I really wanted everyone to get their hands on this game as fast as possible.
Is there any relation between the frog doctor and nurse inCave Storyand the Blue and Pink medical team inKero Blaster?
There’s no relation. They’re completely different worlds.
Thanks for the insights. We can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
