Yoshinori-Yamagishi
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Square Enix: Game stories can surpass films
Square Enix producer Yoshinori Yamagishi (Star Ocean: The Last Hope) feels that game narratives have untapped potential. They're not quite there yet, but Yamagishi suggests that, in time, game stories will surpass those told in films. The problem is that "in TV, film and theatre, the creator has control over how he gives the story to the viewer - it's easier to control the emotions." The very thing that makes games a unique medium, its interactivity, is its biggest narrative hurdle."If we manage to get over this hurdle, then I regard video games as a greater medium to provide people with deep emotional and exciting experiences." Sadly, Yamagishi doesn't offer any ideas for doing so, but the industry has steadily improved its storytelling methods over the last several years. Heavy Rain looks to be a huge step forward, but maybe Square Enix has something of its own in the works, rather than just another generic fantasy tale.
Star Ocean remakes to feature extensive voice work
The newly unveiled Star Ocean remakes are getting a significant (and chatty) rehaul. According to GameSpot, these remakes will feature significant new content. Producer Yoshinori Yamagishi intends on making "the remake[s] to feel as though they're completely new games." According to the game's voice actors, they haven't been able to record dialog yet, because the scripts aren't finished yet -- tons of new scenarios and characters are being added to the game. For those interested, the Japanese vocal cast has been announced: Star Ocean: First Departure Ratix Farrence - Mamoru Miyano Milly Kiliet - Hitomi Nabatame Marvel Frozen - Houko Kuwashima Fear Mell - Megumi Toyoguchi Star Ocean: Second Evolution Claude C. Kenni - Daisuke Namikawa Rena Lanford - Nana Mizuki Dias Flac - Tomokazu Sugita Precis F. Neumann - Rie Kugimiya
