Dear Reader:

You are viewing a story from GN Version 4.0. Time may not have been kind to formatting, integrity of links, images, information, etc.

Masuda talks possibilities of Pokemon Black/White 3, Pokemon Snap sequel and Wii U interest

by rawmeatcowboy
18 September 2012
GN Version 4.0
The following information comes from producer Junichi Masuda...

Why the Pokemon Black/White 2 is on DS instead of 3DS...

"The primary goal is to get as many people as possible able to play the game. With the Nintendo DS, it's the handheld hardware system that the most people in the world have. Those who played Black and White may not have a 3DS, but they definitely played on a regular DS.

There are some aspects of HeartGold and SoulSilver that were purposefully left out of Black 2 and White 2. HeartGold and SoulSilver were more focused toward those who played Gold and Silver a long time ago. It was a celebration and commemoration of those games. With that target audience, we were able to do things that maybe made it more convenient but may not have been so obvious for new players."

On basing Pokemon decisions on the way they look...

"There are a lot of cute Pokemon and a lot of very strong ones. A lot of times, they look cute because they're not very strong, or they're strong in battle but don't look very cute. When we come up with moves and statistics and parameters for each of the characters, we always take into account how they look and what would be realistic for that character. We always try to think of them as living creatures."

On making a direct sequel to Pokemon Black/White...

"Although the story of Black and White was concluded and complete in its own form, a lot of the development staff wanted to do more with these characters. We definitely thought about the intimidation factor for new users. We focused on making it super accessible for new players and old players alike. The protagonist is completely different. There's a new town, and the route in which you progress through the game is different from Black and White."

On the possibilities of Pokemon Black/White 3

"If in the future, we feel that we want to continue, perhaps we'll have a continuation. But we're really satisfied with how Black 2 and White 2 have turned out, so perhaps not."

On Swapping keys between the two games that will open up bonus features in their opposites...

"If you complete Black 2, then you get a key. By giving that to someone playing White 2 who hasn't completed it, they can actually lower the difficulty. The idea is that if siblings are playing the game and one finishes it first, they can make the other version a little easier for their brother or sister."

On the Pokemon series as a communication tool...

"We think of the Pokemon games as communication tools. It's important that many people own the same hardware, so they can play with each other. The 3DS has a lot of very cool features. The 3D, new network features - we could challenge ourselves with that hardware, so we're definitely taking a look at it. We're very interested."

On lack of interest in a Pokemon Snap sequel...

"Photography wasn't as widely spread in those days. Now everyone has a camera and can take photos whenever they want. Releasing it in that same form wouldn't be as interesting these days. Maybe there's a new idea, though."

On Wii U...

"It would be very cool if you could play Black 2 and White 2 on the Wii U." (said with a laugh)

Link