Exclusive Interview: Ryosuke Hara Talks Digimon Story: Time Stranger Before Launch

Digimon is a dream that many people have wanted to have since childhood, and the game that offers an anime feel with role-playing elements is Digimon Story, which is finally going to be released in a few weeks. Recently, ThisIsGame Thailand was also given the opportunity by Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia to interview Ryosuke Hara, the game’s producer in the final arc.

Q. Digimon games are known to come with mature concepts. I would like to know the details behind the concept in this part?
A: First of all. We wanted to show the concept of a relationship between human characters and Digimon, and the main characters, Inori and Aegiomon, are the ones who have to overcome obstacles in the darkness that is the tone of the story, and those relationships are like a light that takes them beyond what is in front of them.

Q. From the new trailer clip, you can see that there are many different areas to explore. I would like to know if the area where players will travel in the game is based on an anime, manga, or a new development specifically for the game?
A: The design is inspired by the idea and concept of the digital world that is the main backdrop of the Digimon universe.

The game world is not the same.

Q. Because we will have to be adventurous in both the real world and the digital world.
A: For example, Shinjuku in the human world and Central Town in the digital world were designed with the idea of a lively atmosphere. Both humans and Digimon The living thing must be realistic and seem to be alive and in that world, and the two worlds will be in sharp contrast.

Q. Do you see that the team is focused on designing the world to be realistic and vibrant? Can you explain a little more?A
: We wanted to depict the existence of the Digimon who live in the digital world, and here is the setting of Central Town, which is like the center of the adventure that the protagonist must travel through. I gave the team the freedom to consider and design the animation, so the Digimon have to behave. What are the dialogues?

Q: What about the gameplay of these two worlds?
A: Digimon Story: Time Stranger has more of a story set in the digital world. In the modern human world, it will be the backdrop in Shinjuku and Akihabara are modest in size to explore and have some unique details that we can walk around. Yet, the gameplay is ‘adventure’. The battles will be in the digital world.

Gameplay and game elements

Q: I would like to know the idea of designing the CP (Critical Point) system.
We designed it to make players feel like they can fight bosses more effectively. This is in line with the analytical system in the game because the more you play, the stronger the boss will become. Unlock powerful attacks during battle.

Q. When the game uses this concept of time travel, What about writing the story? How does the team manage it?
There is a problem in planning the story, which is a point that is convincing, but it can be overcome. And for the players, don’t worry because the protagonist will have The Operator as an assistant to help and is a small element that makes the storytelling smoother.

Q. What game system do you feel is different from the previous Digimon Story?
Players can evolve up to five different forms of form, and there are also a variety of skills that can be selected and customized. We are very hopeful that new and old players will be able to enjoy the game without any problems.

There are more than 450 Digimon that we will encounter!?

Q: Many people may have noticed that there are more than 450 Digimon in this installment, and when all of them have Special Abilities, how did the team struggle to balance them to make the experience smooth and satisfying?
Yes. We try to learn from the abilities of the Digimon from other media such as anime or manga because these Digimon have already appeared in Canon, but if it is a new Digimon that has just been designed, it will rely on observing the gesture characteristics of what kind of movement, move, or attack it should use.

Q: What about these Digimon that don’t look the same? What did the team try to do to make them appealing to game
fans? No matter which Digimon you start with. Players will have to constantly evolve their bodies to become strong enough to fight bosses and travel to the end of the game. There is a chance to see new Digimon all the time, but some people can do so if they want to focus on just one Digimon. You can upgrade just one of their ability points.

Q: For casual players who may not be good at RPGs or level farming. If you want to enjoy the story alone, I don’t want to meet a cruel boss, what should I do? Do I need to do side quests to level up?
To be honest, I admit that there are some bosses that may be difficult and pop up suddenly, but players can complete various quests or farm levels. If you really can’t handle it, you can try playing the lowest difficulty mode to make the game smoother.

About Digimon Story: Time Stranger

The game will be officially released on October 2nd. On PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, pre-order to unlock the skins of Black Agumon and Black Gabumon In addition, there is also a Digital Deluxe format to choose from to buy to get exclusive Digimon and new quests.

On the other hand, this is a brand new Digimon Story game with a role-playing experience where you take on the role of a secret agent who has to travel through time and venture into the digital world to find out behind the deadly events that could set Tokyo on fire. It also offers turn-based gameplay and more than 450 Digimon that can be freely selected to form a team.