Sukeban Games: kiririn51 Shares Insights on ".45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND"

This extensive interview delves into the mind of Christopher Ortiz (kiririn51), a key figure behind the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A and the upcoming title, .45 Parabellum Bloodhound. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of porting the game to various platforms, including the abandoned iPad version. He also reflects on the evolution of Sukeban Games, his collaborations with artists and composers, and the inspirations behind his unique visual and narrative styles.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Ortiz's experiences at Bitsummit in Japan, the overwhelmingly positive reception to VA-11 Hall-A in Japan, and the development process for .45 Parabellum Bloodhound. He shares insights into his creative process, inspirations drawn from classic games like The Silver Case, and his admiration for Suda51 and other influential figures in the industry.

Ortiz reveals details about the team's growth, the challenges of managing expectations surrounding a new project after the success of VA-11 Hall-A, and the unique challenges of navigating the indie game development landscape. He also discusses the design and inspiration behind the protagonist Reila Mikazuchi in .45 Parabellum Bloodhound, drawing parallels to his admiration for actor Meiko Kaji.

The interview touches upon the future of Sukeban Games, including plans for self-publishing .45 Parabellum Bloodhound on PC and exploring partnerships for console releases. Ortiz also shares his thoughts on the current state of indie games, expressing both enthusiasm and concern about the industry's trends. The interview concludes with a discussion of Ortiz's personal life, his favorite games, and his preferred beverage – black coffee, ideally paired with cheesecake.