AlphaDream is a developer who, for the most part, has found their niche and stuck with it. The studio began developing the Mario & Luigi series back when the GBA was in its adolescence, and has contributed multiple games (and now, remakes) to Nintendo’s handhelds. Recently, AlphaDream members (alongside some other staff from Nintendo) sat down with Game Informer to answer questions about their recent Bowser’s Inside Story remake and other topics. Here’s a rundown:
- When asked about why Bowser’s Inside Story tends to be people’s favorites, AlphaDream producer Yoshihiko Maekawa states that it’s probably due to players being able to control Bowser for the first time, as well as the gameplay being dynamic and fully realized.
- The game is on 3DS as opposed to Switch mostly in order to maintain the dual-screen layout of the original (which is crucial for gameplay). Interestingly, AlphaDream doesn’t know if this is their last foray on the console yet.
- This game (as well as the Superstar Saga remake) doesn’t use stereoscopic 3D in order to maintain the graphical feel of the original.
- When asked about considering 3D models for the game, Maekawa says that while they set out to make a highly detailed 2D style featuring lighting and shadows, they’re not sure where they’ll be going forward.
- Upon it being pointed out that Mario and Luigi shouldn’t realistically fit in Bowser’s body, Nintendo producer Akira Otani laughs and says they didn’t really think or care about that feasibility much. Though since Mario changes in size a lot as-is, it doesn’t seem like much of a stretch.
- They discuss the ending of Super Mario Odyssey, in which [spoilers] Mario takes control of Bowser’s body. GI points out that the Bowser’s Inside Story team tackled that concept ahead of time, to which Otani laughs and says it makes them feel a little good.
- In regards to Luigi’s general patheticness, Maekawa states that the team doesn’t think ill of Luigi, but more so enjoys teasing him. “There are parts of him, like he might cowardly, or get the short end of the stick, but he is definitely not a loser from our point of view.”
- The team skipped over Partners in Time to remake Bowser’s Inside Story because of three reasons: BIS is the best received in the series, they had a concept for a Bowser + Bowser Jr. mode similar to the one added in Superstar Saga’s remake, and they know how popular Fawful is and wanted to continue his story.
- According to Maekawa, remaking a game has “good things and bad things about it,” but is nice for the ability to update visuals, as well as add in new gameplay ideas that don’t need an entirely new game to develop. In addition, it allows newer hires at the company to take part in AlphaDream’s legacy by working on them.
- The team loved making the new Bowser Jr.’s Journey mode, and put a lot of thought into the scenario and balance.
- Despite their similarities, the Mario & Luigi and Paper Mario teams never communicate about what they’re doing (with the obvious exception of Paper Jam). The series remain entirely separate from one another.
- AlphaDream’s first game, Tomato Adventure, will probably never see release in the West because of its low-age demographic and a poor reception upon its Japanese release.
- In depicting Bowser’s body, the team did pick out some areas to traverse that upon thinking about it would appear pretty gross, but they were able to depict them in a cute enough manner that it didn’t matter as much.
- As for the inevitable Smash Bros. question — Otani would like to see Starlow repped, while Maekawa, with the clearly superior taste, chose Fawful or Broque Madame.
You can check out AlphaDream’s full interview with Game Informer for details.
Leave a Comment
Written by Amelia Fruzzetti
A writer and Nintendo fan based in Seattle, Washington. When not working for NinWire, she can be found eating pasta, writing stories, and wondering about when Mother 3 is finally going to get an official localization.
