Summary

• Xbox Wire Japan recently interviewed Studio Head and Illustrator Junko Kawano, Producer and Art Director Junichi Murakami, and Director Osamu Komuta at Rabbit & Bear Studios.
• Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, a game by the late Yoshitaka Murayama, was funded via Kickstarter with over 46,000 backers.
• Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is now available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and with Game Pass.

Today marks the launch of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, continuing the legacy of JRPGs created by Yoshitaka Murayama and his team at Rabbit & Bear Studios. This game, funded through Kickstarter with a substantial support base of over 46,000 backers, is now accessible to players across multiple platforms, including Xbox.

During the interview with Xbox Wire Japan, the team behind Hundred Heroes shared their deep commitment to embodying Murayama’s vision, aiming to create the most captivating game of their lives.

Producer and Art Director Junichi Murakami

Studio Head and Illustrator Junko Kawano

Director Osamu Komuta

The team emphasized the distinctiveness of Hundred Heroes, focusing on the variety of characters and the depth they add to the game’s experience. Each character was meticulously designed to bring a unique personality to the gameplay, offering a diverse JRPG adventure.

The Kickstarter campaign for Hundred Heroes garnered massive support, generating anticipation for its imminent release. How do you feel about this milestone?

Producer and Art Director Junichi Murakami: While there is relief on delivering the game, I’m still anxious about how it will be received. The journey has been fulfilling, and I’m grateful for the hard work that brought us to this point.

Director Osamu Komuta: The development process has been exhaustive. As the game nears its launch, excitement and anticipation for player feedback continue to grow.

Studio Head and Illustrator Junko Kawano: It’s been a while since working on a consumer title. The final stages have been intense, with continuous refinement until the very end. I’m curious to see how players will engage with the game post-launch.

Highlights of Hundred Heroes

Osamu Komuta: The game’s focus lies in its array of characters, encouraging players to experiment with different party combinations. An emphasis is placed on the character roster’s diversity, offering a unique gameplay experience.

Junichi Murakami: The intricate character design ensures each character stands out, with attention to detail even in mini-games. Thorough exploration will reveal the depth and quality embedded in the game.

Key Aspects from a JRPG Standpoint

Junichi Murakami: JRPGs, as a genre, embrace a storytelling flexibility that distinguishes them from other RPGs. This genre allows for unexpected elements and narrative diversions, underscoring the essence of enjoyment found in Hundred Heroes.

Osamu Komuta: In line with Murayama’s vision of varied experiences, the game offers engaging diversions beyond the main storyline. Player choices influence dialogues and outcomes, enriching the gameplay with personalized interactions.

Pixel Art in Hundred Heroes

Junichi Murakami: The decision to enhance the pixel art character designs stemmed from the need to convey individuality in a large character cast. Balancing resolution and detail was crucial to capturing the essence of character creation by Kawano.

Battle Systems and Encounters

Osamu Komuta: The inclusion of random encounters aligns with traditional JRPG experiences, aiming to cater to both seasoned players and newcomers. The game offers a blend of approachable mechanics and accessible challenges to accommodate a wide range of players.

Strongholds and Different Battle Modes

Murakami: Stretch goals introduced elements such as strongholds, one-on-one battles, and other unique features, enhancing gameplay depth. These additions enrich the gaming experience while paying homage to past JRPG classics.

Kawano: The development of the Fortress Town component presented a significant challenge. This unique feature sets apart Hundred Heroes, allowing players to delve into city-building mechanics within the game.

Reception and Player Feedback

Murakami: Overseas response to Hundred Heroes was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the global appeal of Murayama’s legacy. The goal was to create a distinctly Japanese JRPG, resonating with fans worldwide.

Kawano: The Kickstarter campaign received notable support from various regions, with the U.S. leading the contributions. Fans from diverse backgrounds expressed interest in the game, fostering a dynamic community base.

Impressions on Xbox Game Pass

Murakami: The decision to leverage Xbox Game Pass aimed to expand the game’s accessibility and introduce Hundred Heroes to a broader audience. Prioritizing community engagement and fan outreach, the team sought to diversify the player base.

Memorable Moments in Development

Murakami: Development challenges, such as remote collaboration during the lockdown, presented unique experiences and fostered team cohesion. The memorable journey culminated in the successful launch of the Kickstarter campaign.

Komuta: Reaching the Kickstarter goal quickly was a gratifying moment, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm and support for the project’s vision.

Kawano: Undertaking the game’s creation entirely online was a novel experience, requiring adaptability and creativity from the development team.

Message to New JRPG Players

Kawano: Hundred Heroes offers a diverse and engaging gameplay experience, catering to various playstyles and preferences. Players are encouraged to explore the game’s depth and enjoy the diverse content it offers.

Komuta: Unveiling the game’s nuanced features and embracing varied gameplay options will enhance the player’s experience. Immersing in side quests and character interactions will unveil the true essence of Hundred Heroes.

Murakami: First-time JRPG players are in for a unique adventure with Hundred Heroes, discovering a world of rich storytelling and intricate details. The game’s accessibility and engaging mechanics provide a seamless introduction to the genre.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is now available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and with Game Pass.