Developer Q&A session with Capcom Mobile Gaming General Manager, Takeshi Tezuka:
How does RESIDENT EVIL: DEGENERATION fit into the storyline of the Resident Evil console games?
The game starts seven years after “Raccoon City Tragedy” (1998), which is depicted in the console game “Resident Evil IV”. The main characters are Leon (Resident Evil II and IV) and Claire (Resident Evil II and Code Veronica).
What is the premise or story in RESIDENT EVIL: DEGENERATION?
The game, part-based on the full-length CGI motion picture of the same name, focuses on the release of a deadly virus by a terrorist at a US airport and follows Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as they attempt to destroy the virus and prevent it from being dispersed across the country. The DVD/BD will be released at almost same time.
What weapons and equipment are available to the players?
Handheld gun, knife, shot gun, magnum, sub-machine-gun, rifle and hand grenades.
Why did you choose to develop RESIDENT EVIL: DEGENERATION for mobile and not console?
Because the mobile phone has the largest market penetration of any gaming device. Users will be able to enjoy the link between the game and the film because the game will be released at the same time as the DVD.
What are the differences between designing a game for mobile and for a console?
The biggest difference is the user type and the data volume. Compared with console, mobile has a much wider variety of user likes and tastes, so it’s preferences. Also data volume on mobile is more limited than console, so you need to design more carefully.
How long did it take to develop?
About a year
Why did you choose to premiere the game on N-Gage?
It is because the number of users is large and the integrated platform is attractive for us.
How was Capcom involved in the RESIDENT EVIL: DEGENERATION Sony Pictures film?
RESIDENT EVIL: DEGENERATION (Full-length CG Movie) is co-produced by Capcom and SPE (Japan).
Resident Evil has been phenomenally successful as both a game and a film – what do you think of the secret of its continuing success?
Resident Evil was the first game to focus on psychological horror as its main theme, and that has proved to have universal appeal. Also, the games have pushed the capabilities of every device that they’ve been developed for.
Do you have any plans to develop the much anticipated Resident Evil 5 for N-Gage?
There are no plans yet; however, there is a possibility.
Do you have any plans to develop future N-Gage titles?
Yes. We have plans - as soon as the information is available, we’ll let you know!
Are there any features of the game which are exclusive to N-Gage? What kind of online or Arena features are included in the game?
The network-ranking and points pick-up.
The graphics in RESIDENT EVIL: DEGENERATION are very high quality. What part do they play in the game?
The vivid depiction of reality creates the fear in the game and brings it to life. We created the game to frighten users, so the graphics needed to be of the highest quality. (Our team has to act with sensitivity though!)
