Inti Creates CEO Takuya Aizu recently spoke with USGamer about their upcoming projects. The talk turned to discussion of their new Switch games and some interesting details were mentioned.
Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack is only confirmed for a physical release in Japan so far, but they are working on getting a publisher for a physical release in North America and Europe as well. They also noted that they have completely refined the system of upgrades from the original Mighty No. 9, with it now involving character customization via chip modules that you get as you progress. These unlock new customization options such as modifying the arc of the shot or addition weapons and so on. Inti Creates noted they feel this sets it apart from the original game.
There are two major ways to get these. First of all, many of them are hidden throughout the stages. In fact, there’s an ability you can use in the Switch version called dowsing — when you get close to a hidden item you’ll feel the HD rumble kick in. Maybe there’s a hidden wall or something that you have to destroy that contains hidden modules. And then, when you defeat bosses, you can select one of many rare drop items.”
He also revealed that Comcept and Keiji Inafune are completely uninvolved with the game and have give Inti Creates full control of the project as they see fit.
“We made this game completely on our own, with no input from Keiji Inafune or Comcept. Basically, we said, ‘We want to use these characters,’ and they said, ‘Go ahead!’ We were happy that they gave us the OK to use these characters, for free. But in terms of the game itself, there’s no involvement from Concept. This is a labor of love by Inti Creates with characters we really adore.”
Inafune and Comcept may have given up on the IP but it seems Inti Creates is determined to make Mighty No 9 a series that fans can love. Perhaps they can make it the Mega Man successor we truly want.