He also likes to be whipped
I was lucky to score an interview with Kotaro Uchikoshi, creator of the Zero Escape series (999, Virtue’s Last Reward, and the upcoming Zero Time Dilemma) for the next issue of Nintendo Force. We touched upon topics big and small, such as what he’d do if he was faced with death in one of his own games, some of the underlying meanings of his work, which Nintendo franchise he’d like to take control of, what it was like to work on Pepsiman for the PS1, and a lot more.
I had hoped to ask him if he thinks the total penetration of game-ified social networks like Facebook and Twitter into mainstream culture are part of why stories about life or death contests between multiple strangers (The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, etc) are so popular these days, but chances are if I had, he would have used the opportunity to talk about how bad he is at “total penetration in bed”. Although I kept my end of our exchange pretty clean, Uchikoshi-san still found a way to repeatedly make fun of his own sex life. These aspects of the interview were deemed “too hot” for the E 10+ rated magazine, which has given me the opportunity to present them to you here instead, completely uncensored.
If you’re interested in reading the full interview with this reclusive, lovable man, you have until June 25th to become a Nintendo Force member. It’s the only magazine in print today where you can see me and Chris Carter review old games like Resident Evil 4 and President Cat. I supposed you could say it’s like Merlin Durl, in da game, but better than that.
Any little know facts you’d like to start us off with?
When I was born, I didn’t cry until the doctor dangled me upside down and hit my backside. This was probably because I was choking on amniotic fluid and I was told that I would have probably been a goner if action was taken a minute later. So, I’m blaming this event for the reason why I like to get whipped on the back.
Also, I was born with a twisted neck, which is a condition known as torticollis (this is not related to the doctor who hit me on the back). I had neck surgery when I was 3, but my neck is still tilted and I think that’s the reason why I continue to see the world at a tilted angle.
Do you have any unique or interesting phobias?
I have a phobia of speaking in public. So I’m not that open about participating in interviews or making public speeches and there was a time when I was thinking of running away. However, I never rejected those offers because I know making appearances at these events is the way to repay the staff who helped me out. I will gladly embarrass myself if this will contribute to extra sales, because that is the way to show appreciation to all my supporters.
Was working on the Pepsiman team really your first job in the industry? What was that like?
That is true. However I don’t think I contributed to the team that much, since my task was to make the frame wires of stones, barrels, motorcycles, trailers, and helicopters. I was clueless back then, since I was new to the industry. I remember I was trying my best not to get fired, much like the first time I slept with a woman.
Did you think Chunsoft would approve your initial pitch for 999?
No. I didn’t have any confidence in getting it approved, much like that first time with a woman. However, I was able to get the project in fruition thanks to many supporters. I wish I was able to get the same kind of support back during that first female encounter.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
The super power to make a game that can generate sales like the Grand Theft Auto series. Or the ability to perform well in bed.
And that’s pretty much it for Uchikoshi-san’s more sexually charged responses– tame by Dtoid standards, but still pretty saucy nonetheless. If you want to read the full interview, sign up here for Nintendo Force before June 25th. The next issue will also feature previews or reviews of Yooka-Laylee, Corpse Party, YIIK, as well as a oversized poster for Zero Time Dilemma. It’s a must buy for fans of the series, and fans of Nintendo fun in general.
