Interview with Blossom Soft
James Crawford recently interviewed Elder Prince from Blossom Soft where he talked about the Nintendo DS version of their RPG game Western Lords, which is currently in development.
Could you please introduce yourself and your company?
Elder: Hello! My name is Elder Prince and I’m in charge of everything under Blossom Soft’s label. I’m the producer of Western Lords, Oracle, and another secret project 
What development stage is Western Lords currently in?
Elder: We’re currently in pre-production stage. You know, this version of Western Lords will be a remake from an older version that we were developing for Game Boy Advance a while back. So you can expect something different from everything you’ve seen on the Internet in 2004-2005.
We will keep people informed about our progress as soon as we have something decent to show 
What will be different in the new version?
Elder: The game concept and the scenario will be greatly enhanced. The graphics will employ a 3D environment instead of a 2D environment. We will add new features to the gameplay. The experience system will offer some very cool innovations, unlike our previous system.
Also, new staff members will be working on the game.
How will Western Lords be different from other RPG’s?
Elder: Hard question… First, I don’t intend to re-invent the genre. In my eyes, there are many things about it that are perfect. It’s my goal to build on all of the good things you see in Japanese RPGs. However, I’m not saying that we won’t include new, innovative features!
Do you intend to include online play?
Elder: If we have extra time in our schedule, we will add an extra mini-game in-which gamers will be able to challenge each other. Our focus, however, is on building a solid single player game.
Why did you choose to develop Western Lords for a Nintendo handheld?
Elder: As a young kid, I grew up inside Nintendo’s world. So I only hope to contribute to their universe, and build other children’s dreams. Who knows, maybe I will inspire future producers!
Have any publishers expressed an interest in Western Lords?
Elder: Yes, but I wish to take my time before signing anything with a publisher and I principally want to ensure the publisher gets the idea behind our philosophy.
I must admit that I have an eye on EXSEED lol I’m in love with this publisher for bringing Shadow Hearts: From a New World to North America and other cool games! This company looks extremely well-structured as well.
When WL will be released?
Elder: Well, don’t expect the game to be released before 2008. I don’t mind if the game is released at the end of the DS lifespan, we’ll simply be the last RPG that gamers will remember! My goal is to ensure WL will be a masterpiece.
However, in the meantime we’re hoping to release a less ambitious but great game, but right now the project is labeled confidential.
What would you like to say to people who think Western Lords will never be completed?
Elder: “Oracle” is a solid proof that we can achieve a game project. Of course the game is simply a small cellular game, but I can assure you that we’ve put a lot of energy into this game. According to some journalists who have contacted us, it’s one of the best looking games they have ever seen for phones. I find their comments pretty encouraging!
What information can you give us about your other project, Oracle?
William: Oracle is designed from the ground up to be as close to 2d console experience for your cell phone as possible. It is unfortunate, but quite a few cell phone games don’t seem to aspire to the same goals as many great console games.
Our game is easily likened to a game like Faxanadu, Zelda II and Wizard’s and Warriors, though I promise you an original story with some surprising twists and turns. A great deal of effort has been put in creating high quality graphics, great music, top-notch animations, and thought provoking level design. It is my greatest hope that when you first load up Oracle, you will wonder when the game will be ported to either the GBA or DS.
What part have Alten8 played in the development of Oracle and have you planned any future projects with them?
Elder: Alten8 manages programming and porting of the game to more than 100 phones and is also responsible for publishing the game and coordinating worldwide distribution. I can’t confirm right now if we’re going to make future projects with them, But Paul (the owner) is a very nice person, and I’m hoping we’ll be making other projects together.
There is already a small fanbase for Western Lords. How do you intend to maintain it up to the launch?
Elder: We’re planning to bring back another website for Western Lords and add more bonus materials. We will create a blog in which each team members will write their thoughts.
What are your plans for the future?
Elder: I have plenty of game projects in mind. But one of my biggest dreams would be to make a game based on The Dark Tower from Stephen King. And believe me, if I become a successful producer/developer, I will make this dream come true and stay faithful to the book!
Would you like to see Blossom Soft become a large development studio, like Rare did, or would you rather it stayed as it is?
Elder: It depends. I really enjoy creating games, but I also enjoy other aspects of life. But as long as I can be a free man, I’m ready to expand Blossom Soft.
Is there any thing else you would like to say to the readers at ds-gamer.com?
Elder: Our future will depend on many factors. The best way to support us at this moment, is to buy Oracle when it will be available for your phone model! The only thing I can tell you is that I’ve been a gamer for all of my life and I know what RPGgamers love!
For more information visit: http://www.westernlords.com
Or http://www.blossomsoft.com
