When Masato Maegawa departed Konami in 1993, he co-founded Treasure – a Japanese company that became known for its classic action-style and shoot ‘em up games. Starting out with Gunstar Heroes and eventually moving onto projects like Sin and Punishment years later, the newest arrival is the re-release of Ikaruga on the Nintendo Switch.
Now, in a recent interview with GamesBeat, Masato Maegawa has discussed a range of topics linked to Treasure’s decision-making and development processes. When asked if the company would consider making a sequel for any of its titles, Maegawa explained it was a difficult decision to make:
We’ve considered various sequels, but the wall is high. For instance, Gunstar Heroes is known for Seven Force, a boss that can transform into seven unique forms, but that wouldn’t have much impact if we were to create something similar to that in a modern sequel. At the time, it had a lot of impact because it featured a large-scale boss that was lively and moving around on game hardware with limited functionality. Now, the hardware is much more advanced, so that sort of thing wouldn’t make as big of an impression. We don’t have a strict policy of not creating sequels, but it’s a difficult decision to make.
Maegawa was also queried about why shoot ‘em up games are still so popular, saying it was the passionate fans that sustained the popularity of these titles. He went on to note how the gap between casual and core users had widened, so the genre was unlikely to make a resurgence any time soon.
We could possibly increase the fanbase if we completely separated the Easy Mode by changing up the pattern construction and adjusting it to a difficulty where anyone can clear the game. This change could appeal to many newer users, while still showing them the real fun of shooting games. That said, we believe that this is a genre where it’s important for us to keep our core users in mind first.
The final question was about Treasure’s future. Maegawa was unable to provide any specific details, but did reveal the developer would continue to focus on more nostalgic experiences:
We can’t provide any details, but thankfully we are fortunate enough to receive offers from various companies even now. We don’t have plans to introduce new social games or VR games to our fans; we think we should leave those to companies who are good at those genres. We believe it’s best for us to continue making nostalgic game experiences, just like the way we’ve been making them up until now.
While we’re on the subject of Treasure, be sure to check out our interview with the founder and president of Nicalis (the American company responsible for publishing Ikaruga on the Switch).
[source venturebeat.com]
Comments 38
Ikaruga has over the past 10 days become one of the greatest games I've ever played. It's an incredible experience once you get the hang of it. I've never played Radiant Silvergun nor the Bangai-0 series ,so knowing there's a chance these will come to Switch aswell is very exciting.
They must be strictly talking about brand new, modern sequels to their classic IPs, because there have been plenty of sequels from Treasure in the past. Sin & Punishment and Bangai-O are probably the most recent.
@OorWullie Almost every game Treasure makes is an incredible experience. Seriously.
Treasure is still around? They haven't made anything since Ikargua on the PC in 2014, and then they just released it on the Switch, but that is a game that originally released in 01. Only other notable title I can think of in recent years was Sin and Punishment Star Successor on the Wii back in 09, although they did release some of their old games on the Xbox 360 along with Bangai-O in 2011 and a game that only released in Japan back in 2013.
Basically, it seems like they haven't been doing much since their PS2/Gamecube/GBA days which was back in the early-mid 00's.
Just delevope Sin and Punishment 3 on Switch and give an ending to the story.
I want to know what Achi will do with Isa(defeating the gods/creators is too vague)and maybe even how she got white hair and a tail.
Bangai-o for Switch would blow my mind
Bangai-o and please, please, please Gunstar Heroes HD for Switch. Please. S&P3 too.
I always wanted a Dynamite Headdy 2.
I hope guys at G.rev also considering the release of their beloved Shmups (Boarder down, Under Defeat) on Switch. We’re still waiting!
While we are wanting stuff...I'll ask for Taito's Flying Shark please.
He sounds like the kind of guy that, if he were the one who made Ocarina of Time, would never allow another Zelda game to be made as he would believe it couldn't possibly be a better Zelda game than Ocarina of Time.
The 3ds remake made the best changes for gunstar heroes; only 3d series game I would say outdoes emulation. Mega life to double life and gunslinger to pick on the fly for a weapon combination rather than pray to the contra weapon gods. These were also optional, and I believe mega shot to double damage kinda nerfed things if you beat the game so up the difficult if you use it.
Mmm, Ikaruga was arcade heaven back in '01, can't forget to add it to the wishlist. Loved Treasure's Bleach games on DS, really fun and original.
No questions about a new Wario World?
Sin & Punishment 3. PLEEEEASE!
At the very least, port Sin & Punishment 2 to the Switch. Easy money, would work with the gyro, and would keep fans (like me) happy.
Anyone who points requests for S&P games should look to Nintendo since they're the ones who own that IP, and ultimately decided the sequel. Treasure is ideal for a third, but they do not need to be there for a port of the second (since they weren't responsible for the VC one either).
@Bass_X0 It's kind of funny you should say that because I was thinking he sounded a lot like Nintendo and their reasons/excuses for not developing a new F-Zero game (i.e. not knowing how they can make a 'new' experience with the F-Zero branding).
Also, as with many of you, I would be so excited to see a physical compilation that includes Ikaruga, Bangai-O, and Radiant Silvergun. Please Nicalis (or anyone for that matter), make this happen!!
@OorWullie glad you're enjoying it, these type of games aren't for me but you are so passionate about them it makes me want to try them! I'm glad you're getting to experience these older games on current hardware, and how awesome is it when they live up to the hype?!
Before all the Retro rumours I really thought Treasure would make the perfect Star Fox game (arcade shoot em up). I still kinda think they should have a go, they deserve some commercial success with a major franchise.
What he says definitely makes sense. It's a way for the developer to keep a classic game a classic by not ruining the IP with bad sequels. At the same time, I think similar games could be made that take elements from prior games without being a sequel.
shake-shake...shake-shake! - it's all I want.
It's tough because I want them to make more sequels but I also understand why they want to wow people. They made sequels to both gunstar heroes and guardian heroes and a lot of fans consider them to be inferior to the originals
@GrailUK The "Shark" series was Toaplan, who I don't think became famous until the ALL YOUR BASE meme years after the company was dead and scattered into several offshoots.
@KingMike Oh, I thought it was Taito. I'm old lol.
@BraveLilac Don't play with my heart.
It's liked it never even crossed my mind - I wouldn't dare to even wish for a new Sin & Punishment.
Hell, I'd take a Wario World 2 if it gets some new work from Treasure.
Interesting, since they did make a sequel to Gunstar Heroes, and it was a big disappointment.
Treasure haven't existed as a developer for many years now, they're just a holding company for their old IP. Ports of Treasure games are all outsourced.
It's really a terrible shame, as in their prime (MD and Saturn era) they were in a class of their own. Radiant Silvergun and Alien Soldier are I think their finest achievements, which is probably why they go for several hundred on eBay.
@BraveLilac
Treasure were a tiny developer, reliant on a few key staff members. Most key of all was Hiroshi Iuchi. He was the behind the game design, most of the visuals, and even the soundtracks of pivotal Treasure games, including Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga. He's been working at M2 for many years and is currently prototyping a new shooter on the PS4.
If somehow Treasure ever do make a new game, it will be with an entirely new team.
It would be nice to have Alien Soldier on the Switch.
I'll take old Treasure games, I'll take new Treasure games, just bring 'em all on!
Treasure doesn't have to make a Wario World 2. Nintendo could have another developer make it for them and it would be even better IMO.
alien soldier 2.
forget the rest.
Porting Radiant Silvergun to the Switch would be easy money for Treasure.
I wonder if it would be possible to port Guardian Heroes to Switch? Or does MS own that now? (I remember it was ported/updated for the XBLA.)
@MartyFlanMJFan Just saw this now. Cheers pal. If you do fancy trying one I'd recommend first Tengai then Strikers 1945. Both are very challenging but the difficulty can be adjusted to what you're comfortable with.
Yep it's a great feeling when you anticipate a game and it lives up to or even surpasses the hype.
I find it pretty challenging and spend overly long on a level. I jsut recently started my campaign again to play through it with motion controls. I originally only got up to Argent Tower but I just got past that 2 days ago. Superb game!
@MartyFlanMJFan I totally left out the "How you getting on with Doom by the way" part from that last comment. No idea how I managed that haha. The last paragraph will make more sense now
@OorWullie ha I was wondering 😂 Love it, finished the game and found all secrets so I'm ready to move on, downloaded Hollow Knight, only played a little bit so far but it's quality!
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