.45 Parabellum Bloodhound: Exclusive with Sukeban's Ortiz

This extensive interview with Christopher Ortiz, creator of the acclaimed game VA-11 Hall-A, delves into his career, inspirations, and the highly anticipated new project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of managing a growing fanbase. He reflects on collaborations with key team members, including composer Garoad and artist MerengeDoll, and shares insights into the creative process behind both games.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Ortiz's influences (Suda51, The Silver Case, and even Gustavo Cerati), the development journey of .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, and his thoughts on the current indie game landscape. He details the game's visual and gameplay inspirations, drawing parallels to classic titles like Vagrant Story and Parasite Eve. Ortiz also discusses the character design of Reila Mikazuchi, revealing influences from actor Meiko Kaji.

The interview touches upon the challenges of self-publishing, plans for console releases, and the possibility of future projects. Ortiz shares personal anecdotes about his life in Buenos Aires, his favorite games, and his preferences in coffee (black, preferably with cheesecake). He concludes by expressing his excitement for upcoming titles like Slitterhead and reiterating his passion for indie game development.

The interview offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a talented game creator, his creative process, and his vision for the future of Sukeban Games.