Puzzle adventure TAIJI - For those who enjoyed THE WITNESS, there is a high possibility that you can enjoy this work [Developer interview]

This project is an interview with the developer of the new indie game that you are interested in. This time, we will provide a mini-interlocated show to developers TAIL , a puzzle adventure released on September 10 for PCs, developed by Matthew Vandevander.

This work is a puzzle adventure set in a mysterious world. It features a beautiful 2D visual and a variety of unique areas. Since the text does not appear at all (other than the system menu), it can be played even if you do not understand English. It is said that the menu of the menu is also planned in the future (see the text).

TAIL is being distributed for 2,570 yen.

— First, please introduce yourself. What is your favorite game?

Matthew Vandevander (Matthew) Hello, this is Matthew Vandevander. I made it alone except for most music of this work and some puzzles. My favorite game is THE WITNESS, but it's probably clear. This work is very similar to this work.

――Why did this work develop?

MATTHEW This work was originally developed as an adventure game in the Legend of Zelda. It is mainly battle and puzzle. Before the release of Zelda's Legend of Breath of the Wild, I thought that Zelda style could still be interesting. However, I had never designed a game with a battle, so I decided to focus on the puzzle first.

Gradually, the puzzle alone became interesting enough, the direction changed, and it became a pure puzzle game. At this time, THE WITNESS was released. In this work, what I wanted to accomplish in this work was already installed, and it was much better than my design. I did not give up on the development of this work in despair, but instead inspired by THE WITNESS, I decided to push this work to the best one as possible.

―― Please tell me the characteristics of this work.

Matthew, unlike other puzzle games, is characteristic in that it is an open end. After the short tutorial at the start of the game, you can head to nine areas in the free order. In addition, there are many non-clear puzzles in this work, and these have nothing to do with the progress of the game. This means that while hardcore puzzle fans can be satisfied, casual players can proceed while avoiding more difficult puzzles.

In addition, this work is a game with no text. Players will learn the rules of puzzles in simple examples. However, as you go ahead, the rules of the puzzle become more complicated and deeper. It will be very surprising when some puzzle types are mixed!

――What kind of person do you want this work to play?

Matthew's target is difficult puzzle fans, people who like challenges, and people who don't have to know what to do. If you enjoyed playing THE WITNESS, it is highly likely that you will enjoy this work. If not, you can learn everything you need in this work.

— Is there any work influenced by this work?

MATTHEW This work was mainly influenced by THE WITNESS and FEZ. Although the degree of comparison is reduced, the world connection was influenced by Dark Soul.

――Do you plan to support this work? Is volunteer translation possible?

MATTHEW This work has no textbooks other than the system menu, so the priority of multilingual compatibility at launch was not high. Nevertheless, we plan to translate the menu into many languages, including Japanese. I don't think about volunteer translation. This is because we want to respond to all languages in one place, in light of the changes in the future. It's a lot of trouble to contact many translators.

――What had an impact on the development of the new Coronavirus?

MATTHEW This work was developed alone (except for the composer GREGORY BEDSORE, who worked together remotely), so there was not much influence of the new Corona.

――Is it okay to distribute or monetize this work?

Matthew Yes, please do it!

-Finally, please give a message to Japanese readers.

Matthew I have only studied a little Japanese, but I think it is a beautiful language. I want to study more someday! Thank you very much!

--thank you very much.