Sukeban Games 2024 Interview: Christopher Ortiz AKA kiririn51 Talks .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, Inspirations, Fan Reactions, VA-11 Hall-A, The Silver Case, and Much More

This extensive interview delves into the mind of Christopher Ortiz, the creator behind the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, and offers a glimpse into the development of Sukeban Games' upcoming title, .45 Parabellum Bloodhound. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges and triumphs of independent game development.

The interview covers a wide range of topics, including:

• The journey of VA-11 Hall-A: From its initial modest sales expectations to its widespread popularity and merchandise success in Japan, Ortiz reflects on the game's remarkable growth. The abandoned iPad port is also addressed.

• Team Sukeban Games: Ortiz shares insights into the evolution of the team, highlighting the contributions of key collaborators like MerengeDoll and Garoad, the game's composer. The collaborative process behind VA-11 Hall-A's iconic soundtrack is detailed.

• Inspiration and Influences: Ortiz reveals the inspirations behind VA-11 Hall-A's memorable characters and the striking cover art of its Japanese release art book, connecting them to personal experiences and artistic influences.

• .45 Parabellum Bloodhound: The interview provides substantial detail on the development of .45 Parabellum Bloodhound, discussing its visual style, gameplay mechanics (drawing comparisons to Parasite Eve), and the team's creative process. The positive fan reception and early fanart are highlighted.

• Suda51 and Grasshopper Manufacture: Ortiz shares his thoughts on Suda51's work, including No More Heroes 3 and Travis Strikes Again, and discusses the impact of The Silver Case on his own creative vision.

• The Development Process: Ortiz details the challenges and rewards of developing .45 Parabellum Bloodhound, including overcoming creative hurdles and maintaining a positive work environment.

• Reila Mikazuchi's Design: A deep dive into the inspiration and iterative design process behind the captivating character Reila Mikazuchi is included, referencing the influence of actor Meiko Kaji.

The interview concludes with Ortiz's thoughts on the current state of indie games, his favorite games and beverages, and his anticipation for future projects. A future interview focusing on The Silver Case is teased.