Exclusive Q&A: Creative Minds Behind 'Reynatis' on Storyline, Music, & Inspiration

This extensive interview delves into the creation of FuRyu's action RPG, Reynatis, slated for Western release on September 27th by NIS America. We hear from Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura.

TAKUMI discusses his role in the game's conception, production, and direction, highlighting the unexpectedly strong international response compared to Japan. He reveals that fans of Tetsuya Nomura's work (particularly Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts) have strongly connected with Reynatis, appreciating its narrative and unique FuRyu gameplay elements.

The interview addresses the inevitable comparisons to Final Fantasy Versus XIII, with TAKUMI clarifying that while the initial trailer served as inspiration, Reynatis is a wholly original creation. He acknowledges direct communication with Nomura, emphasizing the game's intention to fulfill the expectations of fans who loved those titles. TAKUMI also addresses planned updates to refine gameplay balance and quality-of-life features, assuring Western players will receive a polished version.

The process of collaborating with Shimomura and Nojima is detailed, revealing a surprisingly informal approach via direct messaging and social media. TAKUMI shares his personal admiration for their previous works, emphasizing the influence of Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy on his own creative vision. He explains the development process during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of maintaining clear communication with the development team.

The discussion shifts to the NEO: The World Ends With You collaboration, explaining the direct approach to Square Enix and the rarity of such cross-company collaborations in the console gaming space. TAKUMI clarifies the platform choices, acknowledging the Switch as the lead platform while acknowledging its limitations. He also discusses FuRyu's internal exploration of PC development and the differing perceptions of the console and PC gaming markets in Japan.

The interview touches on FuRyu's approach to smartphone ports, stating a primary focus on console development unless a title is deemed suitable for mobile without compromising the core experience. The frequently asked question of an Xbox release is addressed, with TAKUMI expressing personal interest but citing low consumer demand in Japan as a significant hurdle.

TAKUMI expresses excitement for the Western release, highlighting the planned DLC releases to provide ongoing engagement and avoid spoilers. The possibility of future art books and soundtracks is explored, with TAKUMI expressing a strong desire for a soundtrack release. He shares his personal gaming experiences in 2024, including Tears of the Kingdom, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Jedi Survivor.

The email exchange with Shimomura and Nojima provides further insight. Shimomura discusses her composition process, her favorite aspect of working on Reynatis, and the evolution of her recognizable style. Nojima reflects on his approach to scenario writing across different eras, his involvement in the project, and his thoughts on Reynatis' narrative. The interview concludes with a lighthearted section on coffee preferences.

The interview concludes with a powerful message from TAKUMI to potential players, highlighting the game's strong theme of overcoming societal pressures and finding one's voice. He encourages those who feel stifled or marginalized to experience Reynatis.