Nintendo Online Magazine: Balloon Fight GB (English Translation)

The following is a translated digital print of an interview conducted on Nintendo of Japan's official website under the Nintendo Online Magazine banner. This interview has been translated from its original Japanese language to English by Kyoto Report. We also include the original Japanese document alongside; August 2000, Volume #24 . This interview features Hitoshi Yamagami, designer and producer of the Research & Development 1 Division of Nintendo Company Limited. Yamagami discusses the creation of Balloon Fight GB for the Game Boy Color.


Q: Balloon Fight originated on the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System?

Hitoshi Yamagami: Yes. Mr. Sakamoto and our development team made it in 1984 for the Famicom. There was also a Game Boy sequel manufactured in 1990 but it was only released in the United States. With the advent of the Game Boy Color, we decided to redo the Game Boy sequel with color, and release it in Japan since they never got to experience Mr. Sakamoto's work.

Q: Was it because of internet fans nostalgia?

Hitoshi Yamagami: There is an opinion that several people still enjoy old school simple games. We have also released a lot of our Game & Watch games and it sort of has strengthened the fan demand for our more traditional games.

Q: Will this just be released via network Nintendo Power download?

Hitoshi Yamagami: No the plan is to release the game via retailer download and standard cartridge.

Q: What is the difference from the Famicom version?

Hitoshi Yamagami: Well don't let the title mislead you, this is a remake of the sequel Balloon Kid and not the original Balloon Fight. One big improvement is that the original had no save options, so we added that. Besides color we redid a few of the sprites, and added some dimensions. The story is slightly lengthened out as well.

Q: Is there a 2-player mode? Does it use the link cable?

Hitoshi Yamagami: Well. Yes we did include that. This time it's more of an action thing. It is a lot of fun and adds a lot to the gameplay.

Q: You've added the Balloon Trip as well?

Hitoshi Yamagami: What was prepared as a mini game at the time for the Famicom, became one of the most popular aspects of the game. I mean it really is almost a game on its own. A very fun one.

Q: Tell us of Mr. Yamagami's future projects??

Hitoshi Yamagami: Well some more transplants of the Famicom are being considered right now. I am also involved in Pokemon Puzzle Challenge that will be released in September. Of course, some other projects I can't mention at this particular moment.

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