DS-X2 Exclusive: Interview with Retro City Rampage Developer

Retro City Rampage was announced not too long ago, and DS-X2 has managed to catch up with the developer to answer some routine questions about the upcoming title by Vblank Entertainment Inc.

When revealed in Nintendo Power, before it was officially on the market- no one knew what this title was. Forums speculated some crazy things based off the title alone, in the end it turned out some of those where right- as it was indeed a GTA "clone" as they put it. But even more crazy is the routes of this title, where it came from and where it is headed.

Developed by Vblank Entertainment Inc. based around the original inspiration they had with their "GTA demake" for the NES comes a brand new title for the Nintendo WiiWare service.

It has all the usual suspects when it comes to objects and characters within a sandbox game. Or does it? We asked the developer some routine basic questions to get our head around Retro City Rampage.

We also got two brand new exclusive screenshots for Retro City Rampage. Which have been uploaded in the screenshot gallery for this title.

1. During my research into this title, it seems it started out as Grand Theftendo- a GTA demake. Could you tell us a bit about this project?

Retro City Rampage is a completely original title. However, its concept stems from the original GT project. GT was a homebrew title developed on 8-bit hardware as an ode to GTA3. It reached a fully playable state where you could explore the first island, use weapons, steal cars, collect hidden packages and even play a few missions. Development halted however in favor of Retro City Rampage, a more ambitious, original title for modern platforms.

2. What has changed since positioning yourself away from GTA and creating an original IP?

Both titles share the driving, shooting and 8-bit open-world concept, but RCR takes things beyond the next level. Varied missions, loads of weapons, power-ups, vehicles, interiors, exploration, humor, parody, highly polished controls, the list goes on. RCR takes things further than GTA. It's not just driving from A to B and shooting, it's dozens of different game mechanics all rolled into an open world.

3. What was one of the main factors in working on the project for WiiWare?

It's no secret that that this title's 8-bit roots were inspired by the NES. A Wii release was a must! When played on a CRT TV, it looks just like the real thing, and holding a Wii Remote sideways takes it even one step closer. Of course, it supports the Classic Controller and GameCube Controller as well.

4. Is there a story in Retro City Rampage, and can you tell us a little bit about it?

The story and mission design doc is about 100 pages, and both the of those things have since expanded during implementation.

The player character, named "Player", begins as a henchman for a super criminal known as The Jester. Their team robs Stooge Mac Bank and dashes for their escape in a school bus. Things don't go as planned, but Player ends up in an even more lucrative position and meets and even more unsuspecting ally!

5. What are the types of environments can we see in this 8-bit world?

You'll explore everything from the city to the beach, parks, residential areas, the front lines of a military base and the sewers. You'll even take a dip underwater!

Screenshots of Retro City Rampage for WiiWare

6. What unique and interesting things are there in this title which sets it apart from similar titles?

It's a truly unique twist on the open-world genre. The parodies and references create a hilarious ambiance. Never before in a single title have you had access to such a combination of weapons, power-ups and attacks. The missions are also more varied than the standard driving from A to B then shooting of other titles. Despite the variation, they still all take place in the open world with the same mechanics you're able to use everywhere else, so none of it feels like you're switching to a minigame.

7. Whats your favorite thing about Retro City Rampage?

Despite all of the missions, it's still incredibly fun to just drive endlessly on the sidewalk -especially when you're driving the speedy DLX emitting flames from its rear tires! You hit pedestrians and they go flying! Across the screen and into others, hitting bikes and sending the drivers over their handrails into yet more pedestrians! Chain bonus! The over the top cartoon violence is delivered colorfully and playfully.

Body checking them using the speed shoes power-up never gets old either! You're faster than a speeding mullet!

I also must say how great it is to watch cutscenes I implemented a year ago and still laugh out loud!

Special thanks to Brian Provinciano for answering questions on behalf of Vblank Entertainment Inc. for us.

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