Game Blast - PC Engine CD-ROMs

If this video doesn't get you pumped to run right out and buy a TG16 or pcengine.....Nothing will! :)

Surreal Software Studios Interview with Arkhan by Windancer

It's no secret that I've been jazzed about the upcomming release of insanity for the TG16 super cdrom. I took a little time and shot a few questions over to Arkhan at Surreal Software Studios. He was kind enough to take time out of his busy school schedule and work on insanity to shoot back at me. Anyway thanks much Arkhan! We appreciate you and the effort. For everyone else here ya go and enjoy.

1. I know you love to play. When did you start playing videogames and what systems do you currently own?

I started playing video games very young, at the age of 2 believe it or not. Started with NES and Genesis and moved up from there. The games I remember playing most were Ghosts and Goblins and Kid Icarus.

Currently, I own NES, Master System, Turbo Grafx/PCE, Genesis, Sega CD, Saturn, PSX, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Dreamcast.... and a bunch of handhelds, among things like Atari and Coleco too. There is just a ton of stuff.

2. When did you get into programming and how much do you like to program games?

I got into programming when I was 10. I first started messing with BASIC on a CoCo 3, and then moved onto QBASIC on a 286, and later got into C and C++, ....and Assembly, and all sorts of stuff now. I like programming games, it is far more fun to mess with things like games than it is to just crunch numbers and store data. I even end up sitting and thinking about how stuff is working while I am playing games. :)

3. Insanity is looking great so far I've got to play some and I like it! How many changes have been made from the game from the original .pce file?

I am glad you like it! Since that demo, the graphics have been upgraded to look alot more detailed.

Also, as you may be aware, the sound is coming along and is also forming into a standalone Music player for the PCE.

The other big thing that has changed since the demo is the optimizing. Slowdown is disappearing with every little tweak.

4. How many levels of play can we expect and will there be an ending to the game?

Level wise, it will increase incrementally just like the original to the effect of, the higher your score, the harder the game. I have plans for an ending. Whats a game without one!

5. The Pcengine community has been let down before. Lot's of announcements were made for projects that have just never came to be. Will we see insanity if there is enough interest for the project?

I don't want to let the community down at all, and even if everyone loses all interest, I still plan to see Insanity through til the end! even if it means I have a ton of pressed and sealed copies of the game sitting at my house for an eternity :)

6.Are you set as to what kind of music you will use? and....what kind of music do you think will work best with this type of game?

I want to use cd audio so as not to waste the whole pressed-to-CD aspect of the game. Putting a HuCard game on a CD with no extra flair sort of sucks. I am pretty adamant about having PSG and CD music both in the game, with the option to toggle the one you actually hear.

As for the type of music, I am going for driving "rave" music. Something that keeps things pumping while you are playing. It has to be catchy, but not annoying. Lush, ambient, and soothing music does not fit the mood. Neither does smooth jazz. Vasteel could pull that one off somehow, but I sure cant!

7. PCengine owners are always concerned with Packaging and artwork. What can we expect from the final release in regards to packaging and artwork?

It will be in a professional CD jewel case with artwork. It will be worthy of the PCE logo.

8. I know this one might give away a little bit but im going to ask it anyway. Can we expect any surprises like easter eggs in the game?

I haven't decided if I want to put any easter eggs. If I do decide to, I won't tell anyone anyways :) hah!

9. Will there be any boss fights added to insanity?

Boss fights are indeed something I have milled around a bit. I would like them, and hope I am able to work one in without it feeling "tacked on" or anything..

10. What Date are you shooting for a release of insanity?

Summer. As long as it's done before October so I can say the game took less than a year.

Anyway Arkhan I wont ask anymore at this time if anything else comes to me or you want to add anything feel free. take your time when you have the time would be great. I look forward to hearing you and to the release of insanity.

The only thing I want to add is that I hope everyone keeps their support up for the PCE community. It needs more homebrew. I think it sucks that a console as great as the PCE doesn't see as much homebrew as the other consoles of the time. This needs to change, and I intend to help.

Visit Surreal Software Studios for more info