Keyword: Destruction – Interview with Kim Min Soo of IGGYMOB on Gungrave G.O.R.E

So, Gungrave will be returning with G.O.R.E, after Overdose in 2004. IGGYMOB Co Ltd. have been working on the game for a while now, and we catch up with Kim Min Soo – Senior Vice President of the Game Department – to get some more information on the game. With translation help from Bobby J. Park, their Western Communication Manager, we can get right into it!

You’ve heard of challenge runs, be it wholly destruction or pacifist runs. Gungrave G.O.R.E has been touted as a “kill everything” game, but is there an option for no bloodshed? The answer is no, the player must kill to clear the game. “Destruction” is stated to be the main keyword, and peace is not an option.

“The main keyword of the game is “destruction”.”

It’s hard to answer regarding differences between G.O.R.E and the other Gungrave entries, regarding story. It’ll overall flow quite similarly: an organization produces a drug that they want to spread all over the world to control humankind, with new characters thrown into the mix. There’s a “dramatic” story that will bring these new people into the fold, with their own dynamics and stories. Kim seems quite confident that players will be able to tell the difference between the older games and the new.

Cryptically, we’re only told about Kugashira Bunji’s return to G.O.R.E, so perhaps players will need to keep an eye out. Moving on, multiplayer is currently not in the game, with discussions currently on-going internally. A few different modes not present in the original games will be included. Details couldn’t be disclosed, so look forward to that.

As previously mentioned, it’s set in Asia, with Malaysia being one of the countries featured. He doesn’t provide specifics, but there will be some things that represent the country shown in the game, like the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Those familiar with the countries will recognize the stages at once, the “image” of the countries, if you will. As an example, he mentions Cambodia, where most would likely think of its temples, or Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, and the slums of the older days. They are doing their best to implement such scenes, one would assume, for immersion and realism.

“Once they enter the stage, those who have been there, or know what it looks like, will instantly recognize the feel of the stage.”

Currently, the plan is to release Gungrave G.O.R.E for the Playstation 4 first. Exclusivity is currently undecided, but the PS4 is assuredly the first platform. As for release date, one can’t be told at the moment. They’ve signed on big name artists like Kamikokuryo and Ferriere some time back. As such, the quality of graphics, along with the scenario aspects for a smother story flow, is being enhanced. Expect more story, content, and gameplay. The release date will be known in the near future.

Now that we know the Playstation 5 will be a reality, what about releasing the game there? They’re interested yes, considering the possibilities of the console compared to the PS4, in what they can or cannot do. It doesn’t mean they will release the game there though. They’re looking into it, so anything concrete can’t be told now.

They’ve also changed it back to the original’s “stage” format, rather than the “half open world” areas they announced before. The “limit” of making Gungrave to people’s expectations was felt, we’re told. The flow of action was a concern. The reversion to the stage-clears were deemed better for what they want to do. They’re approaching it akin to Metal Gear Rising, Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, with a similar level of polish.

“[Metal Gear Rising, Devil May Cry and Bayonetta] are not “half open world”, but the action they have in their games is implemented extremely well, which is why many players love them. We are approaching the same direction with more complete action.”

We’re provided with a few more keywords: melee attack, object destruction, “full break”. Previous games allowed for destruction of smaller objects, but you can expect larger scale demolition in G.O.R.E. Grave is incredibly powerful in universe, so the regular mooks are not going to want to fight him head on. They’ll be hiding in buildings, as an example, to look for the right moment to strike. Grave doesn’t care, so long he’ll be able to destroy and kill everyone.

Cerberus can be used to vibe check enemies. Alternatively, you can use Grave’s coffin, promising increased capabilities in G.O.R.E. Kim believes the coffin helps differentiate Grave: it doesn’t just look cool, it also can be used to keep things, be used as a weapon, and such. It could be one of the things Grave unlocks in a “growth system”, where he can unlock some skills, so yes, there’s skill trees in some form or another.

Level of replayability cannot be disclosed, since, as mentioned, they’re working on adding in scenarios. In that case, the systems can see changes as the scenario evolves. Just look forward to the next public reveal because as they say, “pictures are worth a thousand words”. Last but not least, as the game approaches completion, demos are most definitely on the table.

Wanton destruction is coming soon. Are you ready? We’ll look forward to what IGGYMOB will be revealing in the future!

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