EXE 5 DS: Nintendo of Europe interview with Inafune

We recently got the chance to put some questions to Keiji Inafune, the man responsible for creating Mega Man (TM). Keiji's character is something of a videogame legend, having appeared in around 40 games; but today Inafune was concentrating on the latest in the series, Mega Man (TM) Battle Network 5: Double Team.

Nintendo of Europe: Can you explain the idea behind the Battle Network games?

Keiji Inafune: It was decided to bring more of a real-world feel to the series with the introduction of a boy-hero (Lan) who was placed in an environment where the internet was very prevalent. The concept of the Battle Network series was to create a new Mega Man (TM) by adding the card-game feature and the action-taste which is a unique feature of Mega Man (TM).

NoE: And what are Mega Man (TM) and Lan up to this time? What's the story in this latest adventure?

Keiji Inafune: This time Dr. Regal appears again as an enemy. He was in the previous story, but it was not known whether he was alive or dead. The main battle in this game is between the Nebula, which is the Dark Chip Syndicate operated by Dr Regal and the Net Navi teams which have been created in order to defeat Nebula.

NoE: Tell us about some of the more unusual characters you'll be able to use.

Keiji Inafune: In the GBA version of MMBN5, players could only use a Navi from the same version of the game: either Team Protoman or Team Colonel. However, in the NDS version players can use a Navi from either version and effectively create your dream team with only your favourite Navis. A brand new chip - The Transporter Chip - was introduced in this game in order to realise your dream team.

NoE: And what about special moves and attacks?

Keiji Inafune: This time, you can perform combined attacks with two Navis. For example, "D-Hero" (Double Hero) is the combined attack of Mega Man (TM) and Protoman. This is the critical attack with activating Mega Man's (TM) Buster and Protoman's sword attack at the same time. Within the game there are many other combination attacks for the player to find and enjoy.

NoE: The game makes use of the Nintendo DS microphone, right?

Keiji Inafune: When Mega Man (TM) is in a difficult situation or in danger the player can make Mega Man (TM) feel better by yelling into the microphone: "Mega Man (TM)!! Go!"

NoE: Could you tell us about the multiplayer mode? We heard that up to four players can battle each other...

Keiji Inafune: Actually, in the DS version, you can set up a battle tournament with up to 8 people. But if you are the 9th person you can still have fun watching the tournament reach its climax.

NoE: The game features both versions of the recent GBA Battle Network game, right? Maybe you can talk about anything else that's new with this DS version?

Keiji Inafune: Yes, you are right, it does include both GBA versions, but probably the most important feature for the NDS version is the addition of "Party Battle Mode" - until now, Mega Man (TM) had to battle alone and now he can have two other characters join him on his adventure.

NoE: If I'd never played a Mega Man (TM) game before, why should I start with this one? What is it that's going to blow me away?

Keiji Inafune: I think some people may have been put off in the past because of the difficulty level of previous titles in the Battle Network series so we have made the Nintendo DS version slightly easier making it a great introduction to the series. That said, the game still features all the elements that fans of the Battle Network series know and love.

NoE: Can you give us a hint where the Mega Man (TM) series is going next?

Keiji Inafune: In the DS version, there are functions which are unique to Nintendo DS, such as wireless multi player tournament. In the future, I would like to widen the gameplay more by using the opportunities that the next generation consoles will provide. For instance, it would be great to play the game with someone on the other side of the world, not just with a person who is close to you.

Please keep enjoying the Mega Man (TM) series in the future as well!

NoE: Thanks for your time!

Mega Man (TM) Battle Network 5: Double Team is due for release in early 2006.