Many Japanese developers are gradually shifting their development resources to the next generation consoles, and many are wondering if Namco Bandai is going to do the same with the Tales Of series. DualShockers asked the series' producer Hideo Baba-san what his plans are for the PS4 and the Xbox One and his response was interesting in its duality.
Today Hideo Baba announced that he has left Square Enix and his position as Representative Director of the publisher’s recently-formed Studio Istolia.
Project Prelude Rune Director Hideo Baba talks more about the new IP he is building for Square Enix, and shows new concept art.
I mean, probably if you consider square has ported lots of their games before
consider we are getting a remaster of Final Fantasy 12 on PlayStation 4 this year I mean consider we got a remastered Final Fantasy 10 on PlayStation 4 and we're also getting the Kingdom Hearts Collection on PlayStation 4.
so even though your comment might be meant as a joke I don't believe it's unrealistic to assume that they're going to continue porting and revising those games.
I mean considering we got Final Fantasy 7 on PlayStation 4 in HD
Hmmmm, a game from a guy named hideo.....day 1 purchase from me. I don't even have to read the article.
just so you know, his last couple tales games have been mediocre before his departure with namco.
"Yet, there is one thing that he is willing to say: he has a strong desire to stick to consoles."
This is very good to hear, I was hoping that this new RPG would be on consoles...
"Of course, he admits that business opportunities are expanding, so he would still like to also consider all the platforms with good business outlooks, including smartphones."
Now I am a sad panda.
*rolls over in a ball*
Panda sad, panda no like.
But yeah, here's hoping that this IP becomes a console game, or PC, or both. As for a smartphone adaption. Meh.
Square Enix creates the new development team Studio Istolia, aiming to create a new RPG IP code named Project Prelude Rune.
Interesting...as long as its not on mobile, I'll keep an eye out for this one. Also isnt baba still with namco? Guess hes just with square for awhile?
I couldn't find any info on Baba's current situation. He kind of completely disappeared after Zestiria. I haven't seen him at any event related to Berseria.
"He kind of completely disappeared after Zestiria."
If he's the guy responsible for Zestria then I would understand his disappearance.
actually it doesn't say anything about the studio being part of Square Enix. My guess is Baba left Bandai Namco and started this new company. First of which is likely a publishing/funding deal with Square for this game. Even on the Project Istolia website there's no mention of SE; at least not in English. Guess in time we'll know more.
The mascot looks great and the game will surely be incredible if it's on console. Chalk it up as one I'm definitely keeping my eyes on.
Actually, looks like my writer did not notice that part in the press release (it's fixed now), but Studio Istolia is indeed a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix.
This doesn't fully clarify Baba's employment situation (even if the studio is mostly formed by devs who joined SE recently, so he probably is among them), but the studio is not independent.
Everything in the press about the goals for the project points to a triple AAA RPG. Attempting to start a strong, new brand is no easy task. I wish them the best of luck.
I believe he left bamco after zestiria released. It was either because it flopped so hard and the fans turned on him, or he felt he was just bot cut out for it anymore. Through his interview it seems he is fully employed by square now
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I hope the game is on console, and if it's good, I will get it for free on PS +
Make the graphics look like Time and Eternity. Do some awesome anime stylish graphics.
I love the tales series
Love the anime look of the Tales of series.
I only wish they would allow a Japanese voice option for their western release. nothing wrong with the English dub, but I just prefer to play my JRPG's with the original voices.
Playing Tales of Xilia now and that game is great. It's no Vesperia but it is still very good.
Hopefully this means that the PS3/360 owners will still get tales games for some time.
Not that I'd enjoy a long wait for next gen tales, it'd just be good for other people who aren't moving to next gen & Gaikai might resolve the lack of hardware BC so we could play them later.
Give me more tales on PS3 or PS4 just keep them coming.