a bontegames interview with ... YOSHIO ISHII


Welcome to the second episode in the series of interviews with game designers, answering questions from bontegames readers.
Yoshio is famous for his fine hoshi saga 'find the star' puzzle series, which you can find here.
More recently Yoshio started creating the nice puzzlers ouka, kikka and touka.
I'm very thankful Yoshio took the time to answer your questions, so let's hear it for ... Yoshio Ishii!





Can you tell us something about yourself?

KONNICHIWA! My name is Yoshio Ishii. Thank you for playing a game of NEKOGAMES.



Is the game creation your main job or only a hobby?

My job is game making: I work in game development company. Nekogames is a hobby.



How long have you been designing games?

About 25 years. I start making browser games since 1999 with Director (shockwave).



You are most famous for the Hoshi Saga series. Will it ever have an end, or could it go on forever?

Maybe, but I might make a smartphone version. Now I'm developing new games.



Do you see your games more as puzzles, or more as a form of art?

It is not art, but wants to fuse by graphic design.



What is your personal favorite level you created and why?

HOSHISAGA3 level 79 .I drew a lot of animation patterns.



Do you remember the first game you designed?

I remember the game that I showed on the Internet. It is a game of the moving FUKUWARAI that I made with Shockwave.



What tools/programs do you use to make your games?

Graphics: Adobe Flash CS5.5 & Flash develop, Adobe Photoshop, Fireworks. Sound: KORG KAOSSILATOR. PC:windows7 Core i7 950



Did you get an art education or are you a self taught artist?

I studied graphic design at school. Flash programming is a self-study.



What do you get inspired/influenced by?

Hoshisaga is inspired by Adobe Flash's new features. By trying the new features I started making new content.



How do you get those great graphics ? Is everything made on computer?

I make everything with a computer. But I used the image of WASHI(Japanese paper) material in HOSHISAGASHI RINGO.



How long does it take you to create one game?

I make games during the weekend. HOSHISAGASHI RINGOHIME is about 50 days.



How do you come up with ideas for levels/games?

It takes me about an hour each day to commute to my work. I think about an idea for a level/game in that time every day.



Do you play video games? If so, which ones?

I bought a NINTENNDO 3DS in March of this year and do not still buy the software. I am going to buy it soon because ZOOKEEPER 3D is released, because it is an advertising, and it is released by the company where I work for. Everyone buy!



What Flash games by other creators do you like?

I was affected by TAKAGISM. Mr. Takagi is the person who made the CRIMSON ROOM.



Who's your favourite mangaka?

TUGE YOSHIHARU.He is a writer drawing comics such as the I-novel.



What are your game making plans for the future?

I like Shoot 'em up, so I hope to make a shooting game.