Audience with Miyamoto

The latest issue of Famitsu features an interview with Shigeru Miyamoto. He talked about Nintendo's strategy and its upcoming titles.

Here is an excerpt from the interview.

Famitsu: What is your take on the N64's performance in '96 and '97?Miyamoto: In regard to Nintendo, I think we can provide good stuff . But frankly speaking, I feel that there was a lack of variety, although I don't think there is a shortage of titles.

Famitsu: Don't you think there are long intervals between releases?Miyamoto: Last year, we couldn't release anything internally except Star Fox and Yoshi's Story. That was indeed a lack of games. If we could release Zelda 64 and F-Zero X this year, we can show our wide variety of games. I'm terribly sorry about that.

Famitsu: In regard to Nintendo 64, it seemed to struggle.Miyamoto: Indeed it wasn't selling well domestically. But it doesn't matter that much. I'm confident because it has sold well in the US with the current game lineup. Maybe this is not well known here, but the N64 has sold more than ten million units worldwide.

From this year to next year, games will be released at fair intervals. We got used to it with two years of experience and finally we can release games faster. But I won't say what games will be out by this Christmas, because it may make me a liar later on. (laugh)

Miyamoto then commented on several of Nintendo's upcoming games.

Pokemon StadiumThe game is slated to be released this summer. And now the game is on cart. There were also several changes - it can now be played alone, but you can also play the game with Pokemon for Game Boy.

Miyamoto: At first, we thought about making a sequel (to the Pokemon Game Boy game). But as the word spread about Pokemon more than we expected, we decided to create a game that adds richness to the Pokemon world. So this game will be an addition that makes Pokemon more enjoyable. Of course it's more than that. You can play a basic game with Pokemon Stadium alone.

Famitsu: Will Pokemon Stadium apply to Pokemon Gold/Silver?Miyamoto: No, it won't. But we are thinking about features that can be expanded in the future.

Famitsu: You mean 64DD?Miyamoto: I didn't say so. It's a secret as yet. (laugh)

Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of TimeMiyamoto: This game has elements like Mario 64, and cinema elements like dramatic scenes and a cinematic presentation.

Famitsu: A movie seems off-the-wall.Miyamoto: It's not that big as a movie. We just want to use dynamic, dramatic scenes.

Famitsu: Those interpretations are blended with Mario 64-like action?Miyamoto: Let's see, lots of elements that look much better than Bio Hazard or Final Fantasy VII are packed in the game.(laughs)

No, I can't give a good sales talk. Don't publish that one. I'm not sure how people think on this.

You will feel as if you are actually in that world and walking. It moves really smooth thanks to the N64's analog stick. We put many game "systems" that were made for other games into Zelda 64.

Banjo & KazooieThe game is slated for a June release in the US but will not be released until the fall in Japan.

Miyamoto: This is one of the reasons Zelda got delayed. This game is so great and we have to compete.

Famitsu: Could you explain in concrete terms what makes the game great?Miyamoto: I try not to see the game.(laughs) If I see it, I may be affected by it . Graphically and technically it achieves high levels. It played fine last fall, but wasn't released. (laugh) They've developed it more. If you want to enjoy a 3D action title, this may be the best choice. If we have the momentum (in Japan), this will be dominant in the market.

Famitsu: Can we write that you were "affected" by this one?Miyamoto: Sure, you can. We and Rare are rivals. I'm not sure this character design will be accepted (by the Japanese audience), but this is fun.