This extensive interview delves into the mind of Christopher Ortiz, the creator behind the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, and offers insights into his latest project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of porting the game to different platforms, including the abandoned iPad version. He also reflects on the evolution of Sukeban Games, his collaborations with other artists, and the inspirations behind his unique visual and narrative styles.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the creative process behind VA-11 Hall-A's characters and soundtrack to Ortiz's personal experiences and influences. He shares his thoughts on the works of Suda51, the impact of The Silver Case, and the challenges of navigating the indie game development landscape. The interview also provides a detailed look at .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, its development, inspirations, and the team behind it. Ortiz reveals the game's visual and gameplay inspirations, drawing parallels to Vagrant Story and highlighting the unique blend of real-time and turn-based combat.
He discusses the design process for the protagonist, Reila Mikazuchi, and the challenges of balancing accessibility with engaging gameplay. Ortiz also shares personal anecdotes about his life in Argentina, his creative process, and his thoughts on the current state of indie games. The interview concludes with a discussion of his favorite beverage (black coffee, preferably with cheesecake), and a promise of a future interview dedicated to The Silver Case.