Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP reveal interview with Dragami Games CEO Yoshimi Yasuda
What were the main reasons behind the discontinuation of sales for the original Lollipop Chainsaw, and what motivated Dragami Games to develop RePOP?
The main reason behind the discontinuation of sales for the original Lollipop Chainsaw was the licensing contracts for the music in the game not being renewed five years after its release. This meant that sales had to be discontinued, and players were no longer able to purchase the game. As a result, Dragami Games started receiving requests from fans to bring the game back. Additionally, they received several proposals from companies overseas expressing interest in developing a remake. This led Yoshimi Yasuda, the CEO of Dragami Games, to consider developing RePOP, and eventually, they decided to answer fans' expectations themselves.
How has the gameplay of Lollipop Chainsaw been adjusted in RePOP to improve user-friendliness and player experience compared to the original?
The gameplay of Lollipop Chainsaw has been adjusted in RePOP to improve user-friendliness and player experience in several ways compared to the original1. Some of the adjustments include:
- Improved controls: The controls of the camera and controller have been improved to give players more control over Juliet's actions.
- Adjusted difficulty: Severe difficulty spikes found in certain missions have been adjusted to cater to the sensibilities of modern action gamers.
- Earlier access to combo skills: Juliet can now use Combo Actions from the start in RePOP, making the game feel more interesting from the beginning.
- Chain Hit Hunting: This new attack system allows chaining consecutive hits to increase the chainsaw's attack speed, making combat more engaging and less monotonous.
- Extended input window for combo commands: The input window for combo commands has been extended, making it easier for players to execute combos.
- Improved Chainsaw Blaster operability: The Chainsaw Blaster now has options like auto lock-on and continuous fire, making ranged combat more dynamic and enjoyable.
- New chainsaws with unique abilities: Four new chainsaws with special abilities tailored to the humorous world of Lollipop Chainsaw can be obtained from the in-game shop.
These adjustments aim to make the game more user-friendly and provide players with a more fun experience while preserving the charm of the original game.
What changes have been made to the combo command system in RePOP, and how do these affect gameplay?
In RePOP, adjustments have been made to the combo command system to improve the player's experience. The input window for combo commands has been extended, making it easier for players to execute moves without frustration. This change allows for a more user-friendly experience and gives players better control over Juliet's actions. Additionally, Juliet can now use Combo Actions from the start of the game, addressing the issue of players having a bad first impression due to the lack of available moves at the beginning of the original game3. These changes aim to make the game more enjoyable and accessible for both existing fans and first-time players.