Sukeban Games Chat: kiririn’s ‘.45 PARABELLUM’ Roots

This extensive interview with Christopher Ortiz, creator of the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, delves deep into his career, inspirations, and the highly anticipated new project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of managing a growing fanbase. He also reflects on the evolution of Sukeban Games, his collaborations with key artists like MerengeDoll and Garoad, and his personal inspirations, including the profound influence of Suda51 and The Silver Case.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the development process of both VA-11 Hall-A and .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, to Ortiz's thoughts on the current state of indie gaming and his personal life. He shares anecdotes about the creation of VA-11 Hall-A's iconic characters, the design process for .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND's protagonist, Reila Mikazuchi, and the challenges of balancing creative vision with practical considerations.

Ortiz openly discusses the creative influences behind .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, citing the urban landscapes of Milan and Buenos Aires, and the stylistic choices that differentiate it from other cyberpunk games. He also reveals details about the game's development team, its unique gameplay mechanics, and future plans, including potential console releases and the possibility of a demo.

The interview concludes with Ortiz's reflections on his favorite games, his coffee preferences, and his hopes for the future of indie game development. He expresses his excitement for upcoming titles and reiterates his commitment to creating unique and engaging experiences for players.