Xexex – 1993 Developer Interview
This very short Xexex blurb was something I translated as part of the series of Gradius interviews I did for shmupforums a few years back. Xexex is a great game, but this is honestly just barely worthy of inclusion in the archive on its own. In the future I'll probably merge this into the "Gal's Island" feature of female game protagonists, which is where it originally comes from.
Our goal for Xexex was to change the image people had of Konami STGs as being “hardcore.” That’s why we added a cute girl. The plan was to add a girl so as to attract general players, not only hardcore gamers, but at Konami there was a lot of controvery over it right until the end.
For our image of Princess Irene La Tias, we lined up our various drafts on a table and each pointed out what we liked–her hair should be straight, she should have a necklace like this, etc. Her personality should be very reliable and a little easy-going. Planet E-Square is a peaceful, pastoral world, after all.
There’s no particularly deep connection between the Flint and Irene. Planet E-square was seeking help from outer space with the power of telepathy, and at the same time, they happened to discover the Flint. Now that peace has been restored, the Flint and the people of E-Square have established communications and continue friendly relations. The Flint have bonded with E-Square, and that’s how the planet has been brought back to life, I think.
Irene was voice by Sumi Shimamoto. Since she’s a real pro, and everything went smoothly. We didn’t have much memory left for the sound effects and vocals, though, so that was tough. But I’m glad we were able to work with her.
If you've enjoyed reading this interview and would like to be able to vote each month on what I translate, please consider supporting me on Patreon! I can't do it without your help!