Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts Interview

Hudson tells us about bringing back a classic property with two different versions for the PSP and DS platforms

The nefarious Natas has seized the throne of Odessia and is instilling a reign of terror through the land. The final hope for the people is that he can be prevented from acquiring an artifact known as the Ora Stone. Released in 1989 for the TurboGrafx console, Hudson's Dungeon Explorer is considered a pioneer title in the action RPG category. The single- and cooperative multiplayer title tasked players to thwart the evil ruler's plans, offering a diverse selection of classes ranging from the Elf, Fighter and Thief to Warlock, Witch, Bard, Bishop and Knome. Items were significant; defeated opponents provided gear such as rings, winged boots and crowns that improve the character's statistics when equipped. Another notable feature was the way enemies attacked in waves; they would spawn on a continuous basis until you were able to eliminate their source.

Next month, Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts will bring this classic property to the PSP and DS handheld platforms. Despite sharing the same title, the two versions are actually separate games. In the former, you take on a quest to find a lost kingdom. To help in accomplishing this task, you first learn weapon and fighting skills called Ancient Arts; these will prove invaluable against the demonic enemies you'll encounter. The latter release takes place at least a century later. A Demon God has escaped from his imprisonment and has called legions of undead, mercenaries and monsters to serve is cause. Once again, the circumstances are dire, and the land needs a hero to emerge. We recently had the opportunity to learn more by questioning Director Takahide Otoizumi of Hudson Japan and John Lee from the company's US arm.

Includes four exclusive screenshots

Jonric: To begin with some background, when was the original Dungeon Explorer released, and for which platform? What other versions have come out since?

Hudson: The original Dungeon Explorer game was released in the US on the TurboGrafx system way back in 1989. It was an instant classic hit because it the first game to combine action and RPG together and serve it up with multiplayer. We followed up with Dungeon Explorer 2 in March 1995 for the TurboGrafx Super CDROM 2, but because that system was in short supply, the game ultimately reached a limited audience.

The PSP version features a story about three races that band together in an effort to seal a gateway that is responsible for the generators that allow nefarious creatures to be unleashed unto their world.

We've seen the original re-released recently on the virtual console for the Wii, with some fanfare. However, it has been nearly 20 years since we've truly brought the series up to date for a new generation of gamers.

Jonric: Since we know the DS version of Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts take place after the PSP one, how are they related?

EquipmentHudson: All three games are set in the same universe, and now, gamers can delve into the rich lore the original Dungeon Explorer only scratched. The PSP version is set about one century in the past, so you get an understanding of the history that led up to the events of the original. We also explore the lore of the Orb of Ira, a vital item that appears in it.

The DS version is set many centuries after the TurboGrafx version, so it explores another storyline, this time about the rise of the goblins.

Jonric: Do both versions have the same basic gameplay? What key elements do they have in common, and why did you decide they should share one name? Where both developed by one team?

Hudson: Both games are fundamentally action RPGs in that you can actively engage in combat, making real-time decisions while playing a traditional role-playing game in a multiplayer setting.

Some elements like the appearance of the generators and how monsters populate the world are shared, as well as the significance of the Arts system, which defines a character's skill set.

We basically decided to give both games the same name because they cover the new arts system that was devised for them, and because it helps create easier messaging in marketing. We can't really go into the specifics of how we went about development, but can say that many people who worked on the original Dungeon Explorer game helped us build these new versions.

Jonric: What are the major differences we'll see, and how significant are they within the respective overall designs?

Hudson: Both feature a number of unique, different innovations. The DS game, for instance, has a robot sidekick you can customize. The PSP version has more robust character customization. Other differences include very different storylines, implementations of how the Arts system works, and viewpoints in battle. In addition, multiplayer is implemented in very different fashions. On the PSP, you can find rare, exclusive gear while exploring dungeons. In summary, if you wanted to buy both games, you can get a unique experience from each one.

Jonric: What are the two games' stories about? Are they more linear or open-ended in terms of their basic structures?

LightningHudson: The PSP version features a story about three races that band together in an effort to seal a gateway that is responsible for the generators that allow nefarious creatures to be unleashed unto their world. The player can actually start by selecting any of the three, and play from its viewpoint until they all meet up. Once they band together, it's up to you to solve the mystery of how the gateway was re-opened. We should note that while you can play by just following the storyline, you can also explore the world on your own and take on side quests as they appear.

The DS version's story revolves around a mysterious Necromancer who is attempting to resurrect an evil god. Your goal is to stop him and to breach an impenetrable pyramid to reach the Seal of the Demon God. Players can actually tackle the pyramid in multiplayer mode, building a team to explore this dangerous place. Playing through in multiplayer mode and tackling different objectives will result in different endings.

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