Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space reveals new character Melissa designed by Kimihiko Fujisaka

WFS has revealed Melissa, a new character designed by veteran illustrator Kimihiko Fujisaka and coming to the global version of Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space on January 29 in celebration of its second anniversary, marking the first time any new Another Eden content will be available for western players before Japan.

Fujisaka’s previous work includes character designs for the Drakengard series, The Last Story, Fire Emblem Awakening, Bakumatsu Rock, Terra Battle, and Fire Emblem Heroes.

Gematsu interviewed Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space global version producer Ryo Miyase, WFS designer Shinwoo Choi, and Melissa designer Kimihiko Fujisaka for some additional insight on the character.

—So who exactly is Melissa? Can you explain her backstory and / or role in the Another Eden story?

Ryo Miyase, Global Version Producer: “Maybe you can see from her appearance, but she belongs to the Future era. She is also a synth human. The rest is a surprise, so I’d like to keep it a secret for now.”

Shinwoo Choi, WFS Designer: “The scenario was quite dark, so I think people who like that sort of setting would enjoy the character a lot.”

—Why was Fujisaka the ideal choice to design Melissa?

Choi: “Ever since I was in college I was a big fan of Fujisaka-san’s illustrations. I read his book of illustrations until it was raggedy and was greatly influenced by his work. I think that Another Eden characters may show some influence from his style. That’s why I thought that a character designed by Fujisaka-san would fit right in with Another Eden‘s world setting. Also, Fujisaka-san has done art for one of Masato Kato’s other works, so I thought that he’d be able to draw a character who matches the Masato Kato world.

“Around three years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Fujisaka-san directly. Ever since, we’ve been drinking buddies with a few others from the games industry. He’s someone I simply look up to very much, and I also had a personal wish to work with him on a project (laughs).”

—What was the inspiration behind Melissa’s design? Can you talk a bit about the shield-looking attachments on her legs, as well as the significance of the honeycombs and bees?

Kimihiko Fujisaka, Designer: “There are beehives on her legs. When I think of bees, I think of the hexagon honeycomb structure. Honeycombs are a beautiful and functional design that Mother Nature created.

“In regards to bees, the setting I was given to work with is that she is a queen bee who rules over multiple mechanical bees. Her mechanical bees act as parasites upon synth humans and other androids, taking over their bodies and controlling them to fight–the bees have hacking and jamming abilities.”

—This is the first time the global version will receive a new character ahead of the Japanese version. Can we expect more early character releases for the global version in the future? When can users in Japan expect to see Melissa?

Miyase: “Other than characters, I want to consider releasing content earlier than Japan or even features unique to the global version. As for Melissa, she’ll be released a little later in Japan.”

Choi: “I hope Melissa will be available to users in Japan soon, too.”

—Fujisaka-san, out of all your character designs so far, who would you say Melissa is most similar to?

Fujisaka: “From the character setting, I feel that she’s similar to Zero in Drakengard 3.”

—How will players be able to unlock Melissa? What sort of unique skills / abilities will she offer to the party?

Miyase: “She will be available in Encounters.

“Melissa has a unique Zone ability that can be deployed at the start of battle. Her character story is different from past characters, so I hope users can experience it for themselves.”

—Melissa is the first character you’ve designed for Another Eden, but are you open (or already planning) to coming back in the future to design another character?

Fujisaka: “If Another Eden fans feel they’d like to see another character designed by me, I’d love to try.”

—Thank you for your time, everyone!

Watch the Melissa reveal trailer below.