Exclusive Interview: WayForward On Centipede: Infestation

Find out what it takes to squash some bugs.

A few folks from WayForward, namely Game Director Armando Soto and Creative Director Matt Bozon, took the time to answer a few questions about both versions of Centipede Infestation (Wii, 3DS).

NintendoGal.com: How are you making the Wii and Nintendo 3DS versions separate experiences for the player?

Armando Soto: At the foundation both the Wii and the 3DS were built from the same idea, that being said, they are different systems and we had to deviate in the areas of controls which brings a very different experience for both the Wii and the 3DS player. The 3DS is all about strafing to take down big bugs while the Wii is much more point and shoot to bring down the huge hordes.  As you will see Atari has managed to make both of these feel like totally different games.

NG:  How long has each version been in the works?

Matt Bozon: Because it’s re-imagined for a new audience, it took quite a while to establish a universe and completely different play style.  In the end, co-development has been a bit over a year if you include the concept phase.

NG: What is the feeling around the office about these games?

AS: It is always very interesting to touch a license with such a rich gaming history, especially when the goal is to change the way it plays.  We hope players will enjoy it as a whole new product.

MB: This was different from our experience with Contra 4 and A Boy and his Blob, because in this case Atari was looking for something new that would bring in a different crowd.  So it opened up a lot of opportunities to be creative.

NG: Were there games that were played recently that influenced the making of these?

AS: We played a few titles like Smash TV on Super Nintendo for the 3DS controls, and Sin and Punishment 2 by Treasure, since they’ve established the bar for shooters on the Wii. Since we play both classic and current games we have a solid mixture of all games at our disposal. Oh wait – and we also played Centipede!

MB: We also played a bunch of Cannon Spike on Dreamcast.  Cammy with skates…

NG: Did Atari come up with this re-imagining of the franchise or WayForward?

AS: Atari wanted something brand new and different for Centipede. A lot of ideas went through for review but at the end of the day Atari really wanted to go down a new path entirely – so we did! Now players will get to play something very new for the series while we tip our hat to the classic.

NG: How familiar is everyone with the original Centipede and do they still play it?

AS: Not everyone on the team played Centipede in the arcade – but a few of us have. Unless you have that track ball you will probably never get to experience Centipede as it was designed to be played. With the absences of the traditional “Arcade” you would be hard pressed to find a Centipede machine near you – which for us is the first sign of the apocalypse.

MB: As a kid I spent a  lot of time on the original Centipede, and would love to get a MultiCade machine for that alone.  My advice is to find the nearest Dave and Busters.  There’s still time.

NG: Will this be running at a steady 30 or 60 fps?

AS: The 3DS will be running at 30 fps and the Wii will be hitting 60 fps. Good times will be had by all!

NG: What was the best part of development on this game?

AS: The best part about developing the title was to see the two gameplays styles mix for the first time in a good way. We have this Smash TV style run and gun shooting mixed with a super casual Tower Defense element which makes for a very interesting hybrid! Atari really wanted to try something new so they wanted to make sure at the core this mechanic worked well.

NG: Any stand out moments in the game that particularly get smiles in the office?

AS: A stand out moment is showing this to people for the first time and they get to see a high quality 2D animated cut scene between the levels. Atari really wanted to give that wow factor even between the levels so we have this simple but fun story the reveals itself as you play.

NG: Anyone at WayForward ever have a bug problem they needed to take care of?

AS: One of the team members really hates bugs – so making this game was probably therapeutic to him. Bugs seem to love him and his face. He claims they want to tell him secrets that he doesn’t want to know since they always insist on flying right at his cranium.

MB: When I find a bug, I report it.  Straight up.

NintendoGal.com thanks both Armando and Matt for taking the time out of their busy schedules to talk with us!  Be sure to keep a look out for Centipede: Infestation for both Wii and Nintendo 3DS this fall.