Cubed

Yu Bin, Producer of 07 Commando: Manasoft is a development team from China with long-time experience in game development mostly aimed at the Chinese games market.This is the first time we have developed a game for the Nintendo DS and are very excited about the prospect of presenting a Western audience with our ideas and vision.

AR: How large is the team working on this project and how long has the game been in development?

YB: Presently the team has 5 very experience members that have been in place for the last 8 months for the 07 Commando project.

AR: When are you aiming for a final release and have you come across any particular problems during the development process?

YB: It is predicted to be completed and ready for distribution in Q1 in 2008, but the exact time hasn't been decided. Because it's our first time in developing a title for the DS we met a few problems and troubles mainly coming from the development environment. Fortunately they have been solved and in turn we have learned a great deal, which has resulted in even more inventive ideas in the game.

AR: After watching the initial trailer for 07 Commando, most readers just assumed it was a 'Metal Slug' clone. What would you say makes your game different to SNK's? And is it pleasing to see your title compared to a series with such a strong reputation?

YB: There are very few original games created nowadays. Frankly Metal Slug did influence us greatly and we love it as well, but there are many other games that have inspired us. We think the similarity of art style is the main cause of 'resemblances' between them. 07 Commando offers many fresh ideas and innovations that gamers will see when they play the game.

Furthermore, 07 Commando's theme comes from the real world, not a futuristic one, a very illusion-based world such as something like an outer space world or one with aliens. The enemies, vehicles, weapons and stage scenes in the game are made accordingly from real life.

We have instilled some fresh elements into the 07 Commando compared with other 2D shooting games. For example, we have instilled a new rolling action element. In combat, rolling is a method used to dodge enemy attack. In 07 Commando, the enemy attacks will get very crazy, so rolling could to help you survive, instead of being forced to be at an impasse. Also, we put collection and exploration elements into 07 Commando, and it integrates the weapons system very well. Weapons are not used to only destroy the enemy. Different weapons will play their unique role in the exploration process.

Already feedback and support from people who have seen the game has been great and we hope this will continue!

AR: The graphical side of the game is looking very impressive, particularly due to the art direction. What inspired the style of the game?

YB: All of us like the exquisite cartoon style of 2D, especially our Art Director. Metal Slug has deeply affected his ideas along with many other games. We believe the game's fresh look and very detailed graphics will be one of the many unique aspects gamers will see and this will become one of the many techniques that will be associated with our company!

AR: Does the game take full advantage of the Nintendo DS' features, such as the touch-screen, microphone and wireless connection?

YB: 07 Commando is a pure shooting game and we don't want to shoehorn it with all the DS functions. Gameplay and enjoyment is always paramount! We just use the touch function in the mini games that are important for the game's progress.

AR: Minigames have been mentioned as part of the PR for the game. What
kind of minigames can we expect, and how do they compare to the main game?

YB: In 07 Commando mini games are wholly different from main game. They are simple and mini type games that are played under restricted time. They are important as well, tightly combined with main games.

AR: What next for the team once this project wraps up? A sequel perhaps or maybe something completely different for the DS?

YB: After 07 Commando is finished we are going to develop new game, but it has not been decided yet!

AR: How about Wii