MangaFighter Interview

By: Eric M. Martin

Wednesday January 09, 2008

Some Q and A time with the dev team of the MMOFPS experience, MangaFighter.
Welcome, Gamers, to the unlimited world of MangaFighter! I had the distinct pleasure of getting some questions answered by the development team that has worked so hard to bring, free of charge, an MMOFPS phenomenon that is sure to take the casual gaming world by storm. However, MangaFighter is more than merely a casual, free-play experience. As can be seen from the discussion below, a lot of time and effort went into this product, and it still continues to this day.

Static Multmedia: Where did the concept for MangaFighter come about? Was this an idea kicked around over several dinners? Did someone watch their children play with Nerf pistols in the backyard? This just seems like an idea derived from pure play.

MangaFighter Team: The concept of MangaFighter was inspired by toys. The Asian anime and Manga concepts also greatly influenced it. Once the idea was on the table it took approximately two years from start to finish. You are certainly right about the character motions being influenced by child’s play.

Static Multmedia: Are there any significant cultural influences drawn from either Eastern or Western backgrounds in this game?

MangaFighter Team: There are definitely strong influences from both Western and Eastern in the game. The eastern influences would be the anime and Manga elements; while the Western influences would be the familiar concepts such as look and feel of the maps (worlds).

Static Multmedia: What kind of fan base are you trying to reach with a title like MangaFighter?

MangaFighter Team: The main fan base we are going after with MangaFighter would be the Manga/anime fans who love video games and especially first-person shooters. The great thing is that a lot of gamers are into the anime/Manga category, so it is a natural fit.

Static Multmedia: Were there any major hardware or software challenges to overcome, even with the development of such a seemingly “hands-on” title?

MangaFighter Team: Our development team definitely had some hurdles to overcome as they were creating MangaFighter. Although the game may look simplistic (by design); getting the high resolution graphics just right was a lot of work. The connectivity issue was the important element that the development team had to perfect. As you know, this issue is the core of any successful first-person shooter game. The trick really is to ensure that all systems with the many different variations that exist. The end result is a game that is not a graphic hog and where the hidden technology is what drives the fun game play.

Static Multmedia: What are your plans, if any, for massive tournament style play with this venue?

MangaFighter Team: That is a great question. This month (January) we will start a tournament. The game is skill-based, so any gamer who is into first-person shooter games will have fun with it. This event will be an introduction to our tournaments. However, after that the tournaments will be closer to what you mentioned. Future tournaments (after the January event) will be world-wide tournaments.

Static Multmedia: What are the key elements that are at the top of the list of consideration when it comes to expanding MangaFighter beyond this initial release? More weapons? More customization options? Player-designed levels?

MangaFighter Team: We have a lot of different elements that we want to add to the game. The Guild/Clan function will be added in spring. New weapons and maps will also be added soon. And a much requested addition may even come in the form of a new character.

From the beginning we have been diligent about constantly making updates. The most recent one would have to be the Christmas update. And we are working with XFire to bundle their voice-chat feature for MangaFighter.

Thank you for your time and answers, MangaFighter team. As we keep an eye out on the changes upcoming for MangaFighter, be sure to visit Games Campus and download the client to experience this for yourself.