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Glory of Heracles is a long-running series in Japan, dating back to 1987 on the Famicom. When Nintendo revealed at E3 2009 that North America would be seeing the sixth release in the series, it came as quite a surprise. With the game just days from release, RPGamer was able to take some time to talk with Mr. Kazushige Nojima about his role as Scenario Writer.
Not only has Mr. Nojima provided the scenario for prior games in the Glory of Heracles series, but has also been credited as a Scenario Writer or has been involved with the scenario concept for Final Fantasy XIII, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Kingdom Hearts I & II, Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy X-2. So even if you've never heard of the Glory of Heracles series before now, most of you have likely played one of his prior works.
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Greetings Mr. Nojima. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Would you start by telling us how deeply into Greek mythology Glory of Heracles delves? Can we expect to take part in any famous Greek battles, such as the Battle of Thermopylae or the Fall of Troy?
Mr. Kazushige Nojima, Scenario Writer: I used both Thermopylae and Fall of Troy as an inspiration, but I arranged them quite extensively in my story. There are other similar cases, but so much so that people may not even notice the original episode. If anyone finds it, tell your friends.
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How does Glory of Heracles' setting make its story unique?
Mr. Nojima: Each episode from Greek myth is just like a bead on a string. Both the lateral line to string them together and the personality of game characters are my original. I think you get a quite different impression from what you would receive by simply reading through the mythologies.
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How hard is it to inject humor into an RPG like this?
Mr. Nojima: All it takes is to give the character a humoristic quality, and the character naturally starts behaving in a way to amuse us. I've never thought it that hard. The tough part is to correctly assess whether a particular scene is ok to laugh at. If humor is inappropriate, then I must order the clown character to shut up!
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This is the first Heracles RPG we've seen in North America, what story ties does this one have to the prior games in the series?
Mr. Nojima: Besides the fact that the well-known characters from Greek myth like Heracles appear in the game, there is no continuity in the story, and I believe anyone can enjoy the game without previous knowledge.
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What aspects of the story will be a good fit for a North American audience?
Mr. Nojima: I think those who are familiar with the Greek myth will enjoy finding the connection between the knowledge he or she already has and the things in the game: characters, episodes, and locations. This is probably true to people anywhere on the globe. On the other hand, those who have no knowledge about this type of things can still enjoy the story.
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What are some of the highlights for you when creating characters and a world for others to enjoy?
Mr. Nojima: Scenario is only a design sheet. The process that my scenario went through many hands of the development team to gain a presence grander than what I have imagined in the beginning is stunning. The beauty of it doesn't fade no matter how many times I experience it. It is absolutely hilarious when the end result is also accepted by the players.
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Are the locations in the game based on actual Greek places? Which will we be able to visit over the course of the game?
Mr. Nojima: Rather than the actual Greek places, many names of areas that had appeared in Greek myth and are still in use appear in the game. To be more precise… Please play the game and see them with your eyes!
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Where would you like to see the story go from here? Do you have more tales to tell?
Mr. Nojima: Greek mythology is a treasure-trove of story ideas, isn't it? If I really want, I'm sure I can dig up many ideas and stories. Personally I am drawn to the adventure story of monstrous demi gods, which are unique to Greek myth. Stories of the era when normal humans don't appear very much may be found somewhere else. I have a feeling that I could come up with something interesting if I give a few good twists.
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RPGamer would like to thank Nintendo for arranging our interview and Mr. Nojima for taking the time to share his insight into the story of Glory of Heracles. Glory of Heracles for the Nintendo DS is in stores January 18, 2010.
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