Submit your questions for Tales series producer Hideo Baba and CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama
We'll be speaking with them this weekend.
October 7, 2012 / 07:27 PM EDT / (@salromano)

At Comic-Con in New York this weekend, we’ll be speaking with two of our favorite Japanese game developers. And we want your questions!

Hideo Baba

Hideo Baba, producer of the Tales series, is currently working on the Japanese, November 1-due Tales of Xillia 2, and the 2013-due English localization for Tales of Xillia. Baba-san has previously said he has no intentions of designing a Tales game intended for western audiences, or one that offers character creation features. He also said that he hopes to speed up the localization process – “perhaps we could make the cinematic sequences in parallel with language translation to shorten the waiting time.”

While Baba-san will be at Comic-Con promoting Tales of Xillia, we encourage all Tales-related inquiries.

Hiroshi Matsuyama

Hiroshi Matsuyama, president and CEO of CyberConnect2, the studio behind the Naruto and .hack games, is currently working on Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle. Of the two, only Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 has been confirmed for localization. A recent trademark discovery for All Star Battle, however, could indicate a planned western release, but nothing has been announced.

Although Matsuyama-san will be in New York showcasing Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, we encourage all CyberConnect2-related questions.

Submit your questions for Baba-san and Matsuyama-san in the comments below. And please specify for whom of the pair your questions are for. We’ll choose the best of the best for our interview this weekend.

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  • http://twitter.com/Xuiz enorka miho

    Say Hi to Hideo Baba san for me.. And how is his trip these days? I see that he has been traveling allot and I am glad that he has been interacting with the western fans these days..

    Well, I have a few questions though.. 

    For one, is he eating well? Hahaha.. I do hope he enjoys his meal everyday..

    Secondly, what do he think is the key that appeals both western and japanese gamers? 

    Third question will be what is his favorite place to go in search for inspiration? And does travelling to the west give him light on creating games or see how tales game will be for the west in the coming future? 

    Forth one will be will we be able to see story with solid interaction of different character’s families’ in the tales games?

    Lastly is that will there be any chances for them to collaborate with other studios?

    And, hope he has lots of fun… :D

    PS: Please do tell Baba how much I love tales game.. I really like the strong family like bond between the characters!! Keep those fantastic games coming!! Yeehaw!

  • fireemblembeast

    -.-; Gah, finally figured out how to post something. I check this site like every half hour so I could’ve had the first comment on this, and I had trouble making a gematsu account so I had to make a disqus account….but anyways…

    For Hideo Baba:
    (Not that I don’t enjoy games on ps3 because I do and it works nicely for Tales games)  For which other systems are you considering  making the next Tales games? Will there be any Tales games planned for the near future that will hit the 3ds or WiiU? If one was to be made for WiiU, then I’d finally have a reason to buy it. 
    Next question: Which artists are likely to work on characters in future games? Will there be more collaborations like in Xillia?
    Last question: Have you considered any other anime or video game series that costumes will come from? (I really like the idea for Madoka cameos)

  • Chris Hansen

    Will there be another game that exists in the same universe as a previous game (like how Symphonia and Phantasia are connected)?

  • LordKaiser

     I forgot to ask:

    Will there be a remaster HD edition of both Symphonia games to the WiiU?

  • http://twitter.com/moldysheriff Sando

    Why no love for PC? I am  jrpg fan who has been locked into buying consoles just to play good JRPG’s like Tales and .hack. I literally bought a ps3 played tales of graces f 3 times then sold the ps3 on craigslist.

    • fireemblembeast

      XD I see your point, but let’s face it; most people who play jrpgs are used to consoles or handheld systems.  I know I’d prefer a d pad and/or joystick over keys and a mouse. I can barely think of games on pc that aren’t MMOs and western-aimed. And Hideo Baba already said he has no intentions to aim for a western audience or make character customization features, an element in MMOs.  A JRPG on PC is not very likely, and the only way I see this happening is if one Tales game is released for many platforms at once, but the series would go against its roots to do that…Since you are a JRPG fan, you should really look into owning and keeping a PS3. That’s where it’s at. ;) (Also 3DS if you don’t already have one)

    • fireemblembeast

      XD I see your point, but let’s face it; most people who play jrpgs are used to consoles or handheld systems.  I know I’d prefer a d pad and/or joystick over keys and a mouse. I can barely think of games on pc that aren’t MMOs and western-aimed. And Hideo Baba already said he has no intentions to aim for a western audience or make character customization features, an element in MMOs.  A JRPG on PC is not very likely, and the only way I see this happening is if one Tales game is released for many platforms at once, but the series would go against its roots to do that…Since you are a JRPG fan, you should really look into owning and keeping a PS3. That’s where it’s at. ;) (Also 3DS if you don’t already have one)

      • http://twitter.com/Prinnylink Prinnylink

         agreed  :D  on that D pad and  anlog all the way keyboredd and mousr good for  shooter  but thats about it really so but there som good pc  jrgpgs type  game thoe

  • clouchan

    Hideo Baba-san :

    1.) I’m a big fangirl of Tales of Series and I can’t think my life without them, so when Tales of Xillia 2 main character become like that (that too many decisions and lack of voice) I’m very sad and I already asked some of other fangirls’ opinion and they also said that they feel the same. I don’t think the decision idea is bad, but as a fangirl I want to know more about Ludger’s character, will you at least show his character a bit in the game ?
    2.) Will Tales make something for PC ?
    3.) What Programming language you use to make Tales ? What interface you use or do you make your own interface ?
    4.) Will you accept programmer or illustrator from outside Japan ?

    Thank you. And thank you for making Tales games they change my life :D

  • reveirg

    My question(s):

    When are we getting…

    1) Tales of Phantasia PSP
    2) Tales of Eternia PSP
    3) Tales of Destiny 2
    4) Tales of Rebirth
    5) Tales of Hearts
    6) Tales of Innocence R

    ??

    :)

    • narukami

      1-5 Never? I wish though

  • http://www.facebook.com/mackdaddyjon Jonathan Asher

    Could they see about doing a new sequel to Tales of Symphonia? Those games have been pretty weak for the Tales name. Would like to see on more powerful hardware like PS3.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004013936193 Loïc Grants

    Why doesn’t Vesperia PS3 come to the West?

    Have you ever thought about making a Tales of Destiny HD Collection on PS3, with Tales of Destiny Director’s Cut and Tales of Destiny 2 in it? And what about Legendia on 3DS?

    I read that you’d like Western gamers can play Tales of Hearts. Are you planning to release it in the West in the future?

  • 8ing mii 8ing u

    Baba-san It’s a hideous crime that you didn’t bring Tales of Vesperia (PlayStation 3) to the West you should be sent to the dungeons (RPG joke) any chance that you can do a Houdini and release Tales of Vesperia (PlayStation 3) to the West & yourself? Top quality title deserves praise (Oh mighty Lord release thy) also will you develop a Tales of VS. (Cel shaded) for the PlayStation 3 could play like a mixture of Soul Calibur (parrying system) and Inuyasha:Ougi Ranbu but 4 player simultaneously and having forward/back dash movements which drain the health bar.

  • http://gematsu.com/ Sal Romano

    Alright, guys. Final notice, as I’m compiling the questions tonight. Try to get anything else you might have in by 8:00 EST.

  • http://www.facebook.com/cbosak1 Christopher A. Bosak

    I would love it if you made an actual “TALES OF SYMPHONIA” Prequel where you play as Kratos, Yuan,Mithos and Martel 4,000 years in the past, and leads up to “Tales of Symphonia”. A Tales of Symphonia Prequel for PS3 is what i’d like to see. 

    Be sure to write this down as an idea. A “Tales of Symphonia Prequel”.
    thanks.

  • http://www.facebook.com/cbosak1 Christopher A. Bosak

    What does one have to do to get working for the Namco Tales studio. 
    I’m wondering. 

  • http://twitter.com/Astearica Astrid Huang

    To Hideo Baba San:

    1. For the next Tales games, Is there any chance to see smooth cell shading in-game characters again just like Tales of Vesperia, but with in more real size just like Tales of Xillia?

    2. I want to see a world map again in the next Tales game.. with detailed and gorgeous environtment (like Ni No Kuni). Is it possible?

  • http://twitter.com/Haseosan87 ～ハセヲさん～

    Another question for Baba:

    - Will we ever see another Tales with a female character as the main protagonist?

  • 8ing mii 8ing u

    Matsuyama-san
    [Names for Games]
    Battle Suit Armour (mech action game) 99?-05?
    Global Fight Encounter (2d fighter) 00?-05?
    Victory Beat (2d fighter) 98?
    Disciple Kings/Sage Kings (RPG based on Monkey Bruce Lee as Dragon,Hayato Tani as Tiger,Masaaki Sakai as Monkey) fight using a real-time battle system
    Geo Man (3rd person action game) as the elements of the earth fire,water etc. Geo Man was created from the earth’s core and is the sole protector (other than Superman,Kojak,Columbo & Miss Marple) of the planet.it was back in 1990 in a special edition magazine that they mentioned the meaning of neo geo meaning new world (if memory serves me right) and the rest is history.geo man wears a mask which has oval shape on his side of head and his lips are visible.
    Geo Man:The Birth
    Out of the negative energy Celsius was born overtime Celsius grew more powerful and gathered his energy shooting his energy into outer space trying to form UniMan.while the birth of UniMan was taking place (in outer space) the stars were sucked in then a huge beam was shot to earth placing UniStar onto planet earth.
    Geo Man:The Rebirth
    The demise of UniMan saw Geo Man vaporise into thin air and sent back into the earths core.UniMan’s molecules were scattered around the place.UniMan’s molecules sent a virus into the animals resulting in them becoming mutanted into huge beasts eliminating humans and releasing their spirits.The human spirits were sent into a ball which was the core of Celsius.Once Uniseases was formed Uniseases placed generators around the globe taking valuable energy from the earth and at the same time placing an infection into the earth.Guardians were set in place to protect the generators.Geo Man’s mission is to eliminate the guardians and destory the generators and put an end to Unisease’s reign.
    Grimson (servant of Celsius) it was ohm who broke into the seal of paradise (outer realms) and laid motionless on the ground waiting for celsius.
    Geo Matrix (Geo Man)
    Opeus / Magna Opeus (Geo Man)
    Vectron (Geo Man)
    Kaspearo (Geo Man)
    Xlylon (Geo Man)
    Racquet Smash (tennis game feat anime characters)
    Home World Home (Harvest Moon type game) the sequel imaginatively titled World Home World
    TeamSpirit(s part II) 89?-90? (RPG) initially this was a baseball game.
    Region Void this was a 2d shooter but now i’m thinking surival horror
    Tiger Storm ’90? or 92? this was thought of cos of the almighty Twin Cobra thank thy lord for Twin Cobra.Top Rotor Blades unleashes a storm (uses some health bar) where dodging extremely close range bullets will bulid up gauge bar and when unleashed by holding down the button will release tiger paw claw swipes.The helicopters are designed like a tiger.
    Destruction Wheels (Destruction Derby game)
    Generation Fight/Fighters (2d fighter) this was a fighting game that featured lookalikes of certain people like movie stars,musicians etc.
    OutMuscle (wrestling game)
    Quest Clan (RPG cel shaded based on digimon main characters)
    Infantary Arms (3rd person shooter arsenal in every part of body) this was originally a 1st person shooter fighting against robot soldiers.
    GunBlazer (cel shaded cowboy shooter)
    Baize Masters a.k.a Cue Masters (Billiards & Snooker)
    Contact Sport (3d fighter)
    Ruckuz Beatz (hip hop fighting)
    Pilot to the Rescue aka Ace Pilot (cel shaded vertical shooter)
    [Yen :( ] Wok Fu Man (2d platformer)
    Siren Arrest (you control a police vehicle chasing criminals in vehicles)
    Club Circuit (golf)
    Go Go Racer (kart racer feat anime characters Goku on cloud etc)
    Concrete Rumble (beat em up)
    Bullet for you (3rd person shooter)
    Careers Burn (Rival School clone) or emergency game Police etc.If you fail your mission you get the sack.
    Fantasy Fight (RPG fighter Final Fantasy characters vs other RPG characters)
    Grandshooter (1989 or 1990 idea horizontal shooter) your ship Grandeur is loaded with on board weapons which are switchable and drain (secondary weapons) when used over time the weapon gauge will regenerate but if you unleash the star (glowing star shape spinning around sent in a horizontal line) death bomb all weapons will be depleted.Enemy ships are based on Star Fleet X Bomber (which i used to watch saturday mornings 1982?) which you have to destory.And in 1999 (it really happened) the unbelievable happened i thought of a sequel which was called Grandshooter Duo which featured co-op play.
    Grandshooter Advance
    GranShooter the prequel officially announced in 2013 LOL in this your ship has two droids following you if you put the droids into the middle of your ship this will create a force field.putting the droids in front position will give you a blaster beam for limited time and will drain droids health.the droids get damaged if hit by bullets.put the droids together they will release two way missles.
    in this there is a separate weapon score which you have to reach to get each weapon workable (might be bad idea) or just have weapon gauge for each weapon.collect parts from destoryed ships colour plays an important factor for each weapon.
    SurfHawks (vertical shooter) your characters are on surf boards who are armed with weapons which you can rotate with the right analog stick like in Ikari Warriors.
    SunMoon Son (platform game one side moon face the other side sun face) you can turn the face around.
    Bullet Dodger 04?-05? 2d shooter i used to call this bullet eater (thought of after the famous stealth game) if memory serves me right
    Citizen X (rolling thunder type of game)
    Gloves Ring (boxing)
    Super Striker Force (Eleven) initially it was a futuristic football game then it was turned into a squad based shooter in my mad mind LOL
    Team Soccer (anime football 90′s game) initially i called the game Winning Goal which i thought of in the year of 1992?.
    The Gunner (horizontal shooter 1999 idea or it could be 1995?-99?) idea was your ship as a gun turret (secondary weapon) which you control with the Right Analog Stick.The gun turret is at the back of the spaceship which as a circle shape at the back of the ship were the gun turret is placed onto the side of the circle.
    The Gunners was the sequel which was two player simultaneously.I couldn’t think of a title for this game i was struggling i thought of Gun Arms but i wanted to differ from Capcom’s Side Arms but i found out a couple of years ago there is Wild Arms.Could name the title Cannon Twist Blaster sounds like one of the digimon characters would say when pulling a move off.
    Circle/Ring of Fire
    GunArms:The Gunner
    GunArms II:The Gunners
    World Kickers United name used i think [World Football Encounter] (slightly thick cel shaded football game) plays like mario soccer game when your character goes into aggression (you can execute a special power shot) the characters face glows red and horns (bull like) appear and half a circle appears by the ball (at this point the game pauses for a brief time) there are 4 marked points accuracy,power,height & curve the marked points are set out of the outer half circle and you must quickly press the button so that your meter gauge (within the inner half circle) matches the outer circle marked points during these events taking place the goal keeper will also have to play out the QTE.I got the cel shaded & the transformation idea from a football tv programme from the opening sequence.
    Motor Gear (driving game)
    Goal Hero
    Aqua Splash 04?-05? (water based racing game)
    Circuit Racer
    Puzzle Nation
    Hatch Batch Kids (Tamagotchi)
    Destruction Raver (2d scrolling shooter)
    World Wings/Planet Wings/Universal Wings (flight sim) trilogy lol
    Gun Army 98? (you control a robot soldier played like ikari)
    Artificial Life 00?-05? (you control a robot which looks human like but dosen’t have skin then over time the robot becomes human first growing hair on head etc)
    HuMech versus HuBot
    the humans can bolt on various parts.
    MechBot Fighters this is a fighting game that had robots from various animes battling it out.i can’t quite remember the name but it was something like the title i’ve wrote.
    Plague of Violence 1990?-1992? scrolling beat em up. this title featured a guard feature.
    Oriental Fight aka History Fighters 1992?-1994? scrolling beat em up
    Ancient Ages (strategy game)
    Grapple Ring
    Samurai Shogun
    Chequered Squares (chess)

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