As everyone knows, you’re not allowed so say things about modern portable games machines that might upset their manufacturers. Developers especially are expected to politely discuss the merits of every platform, often in a promotional video for the platform holder. Yuji Naka, you may remember, really does love developing for Nokia’s N-Gage. He said as much in a video presentation.
G-REV (Border Down) president Hiroyuki Maruyama is different. Speaking to Edge, he made his thoughts on the DS very clear. “Many present the DS as the platform of ideas, of concepts, but the use of specific features like the touch panel actually limits your freedom to create. Of course, if a game makes natural and fun use of these features, I see a lot of potential; but if you don’t use the pen and the double screens, your game is meaningless on the DS. Forcing you to use these features confines you in a very narrow environment, so I’m a little afraid about the machine’s future.” Wow. Colon and letter O. You can’t say that. It’s not allowed.
Next on Maruyama-san’s radar of doom was Sony’s ever-intriguing PSP. “The PSP is just a PlayStation with a beautiful screen. I don’t see any merit in that. Of course there are a few interesting titles like this use of cards in Metal Gear Acid, but so what? Why should I develop or play on the PSP? For its wireless features? If the wireless network becomes global and easily accessible, then I see the potential for very interesting developments, but currently the PSP is less of a console and more of a business move from Sony – for itself, and against Nintendo. As a game console, I don’t see its merit.”
Not shy, is he?