[PS2] ◇ Kagero II : Dark Illusion (TЯAPT)

In the last column I talked about how the TRAPT concept was generated and developed. This time I'm going to share with you how the concept became a real product from the standpoint of various ideas and system design. To form a game concept of trapping enemies, there are two elements. First is the line-up of traps a player uses. Looks are important but the most important thing is the functionality. Toward the end of the development process, it was a struggle to keep so many traps without loosing their individuality while still maintaining the balance. Many effective traps were born while considering the specific situation a player would be placed in.

In the beginning of the project, when the team members' creativity was still fresh, I asked them to list their ideas of traps, traps that they would like to have for themselves. As a result, in two weeks time, we were able to collect 720 trap ideas. We carefully looked at each idea while imagining how the main character, Allura, would use the trap in the story. This is how our trap selection committee spent several days. At that time, I decided to have 45 traps, so through various screening processes, we had to narrow the number down to our target. Some of the great ideas that didn't make the cut were used as the pre-set traps in the rooms. This is how the impressive line-up of traps was chosen.

The second element is the Map design. The Map design for TRAPT took many more hours than with other action games because the composition of the Map is the essence of TRAPT's gameplay and that's the truth. What route will the enemy take? What kind of battle will it be? What kind of trap will be most affective on a certain enemy? Answers to all these questions are in the Map design. In each area, we wanted to see a player execute the most creative battle possible. To do this, we've created test models with various terrains and gimmicks built into rooms so that a player can experience in-depth battle. In other words, we, the developers, solicit the player by saying, "We prepared a Map that has many changing terrains so that you can use it any way you wish." It's up to the player how the battle takes place, so we designed the game so that a player can maximize their ability to simulate the battle.

I think I might have oversimplified my explanation here, but the enemies' AI, type of traps, terrain, etc all hold elements that give more depth to the trap battle. All these elements are built into the Map design. As I was writing this article, I realized once again that these two elements contribute to making TRAPT an intricately designed action game that requires some thought process on the part of the player.

Imagine that a big guy jumps out in front of you and he is coming at you. What would you do with all the traps and conTRAPTions in the room? You also carry many traps you can use on demand. Under such conditions, you can use your unlimited imagination to find ways to survive while defeating the enemy. Every time you witness the dramatic scene you've created, you will be sucked deeper and deeper into the world TRAPT.

Q: The gameplay of Trapt is highly unique. How would you best describe it to gamers who might be unaware of it as yet? And what were the influences behind its striking combination of action, strategy and torture?
Trapt is the latest in the so-called Deception series, which is a trap action title based on the concept of the player being a disreputable character. In the game, trap combos are triggered if you place and hit consecutive traps, and discovering the best combos is the most fun part of the game. It's something that all players can enjoy even if they aren't aware of the series as a whole.

In Trapt we have introduced a series of big, special traps called the Dark Illusions, and we've designed the layout of the game so that the player can design their strategic plan using a combination of Dark Illusions and normal traps.

Q: Did the development team research any medieval torture devices for the game? And where did the ideas for some of the more outlandish ones come from - ie, the killer clock?
We collected a lot of art books and photo material of torture devices for our reference. We then set about designing the traps based on existing historical items and then modified them so that they would be good for a videogame. Some of the traps were inspired by comic books and films. However, most of the traps are ideas that emerged from members of our staff. As for "the killer clock", that was inspired by a scene from a specific Anime.

Q: Between the central personalities and the enemies that infiltrate Allura's castle, there are a lot characters in Trapt. Was it difficult developing back stories for them all?
All the enemies in the game have their
own back stories. This is one of the features that the Deception series is renowned for in Japan. As a development team, we're of the opinion that it's fun rather than a chore to build histories for all of these characters. Even the minor enemies have their own reasons to fight and their own unique way of thinking. We want the player to defeat their enemies, but to also feel guilty about doing this. This is why we made such detailed back stories even for the enemies. I personally want the players to have acknowledged the enemy's life before defeating them, to realize that the enemy about to die does have a life of their own.

Q: The plot, while apparently a simple tale of royal revenge, also has a lot of complexities woven into it. Can you explain the supernatural influence that occur in Allura's story and, in particular, give some insight into the motivation behind the Fiend?
Ultimately, everything is attributable to human will. This is the core theme of the plot. Every character in Trapt has their own purpose and will, and those around them become affected by these forces. Many of individuals' wills and purposes are deeply interwoven, and Allura's task is to question and test what it means to be human through these interactions.

The supernatural power (manifested in the Fiend character) that Allura becomes tangled up in by chance, is attributable to the hatred of some of the individuals in question. I shouldn't really tell you the details such as motivation behind the Fiend before you play. However, let's just say they are deeply related to our human will and purpose.

Q: There are also two sets of side stories that can be accessed by the player. Can you tell us how these connect with the central plot?
At the beginning of the developmental process, the main story was too huge and it made the playing time way too long. So, we reduced the main story. The side story supports and explains the main story and within this tale other unique characters start to appear. If you want to get through the game quickly, then we suggest you stick to the main story. If you'd prefer to understand the whole plot you should play both the main story and the side story at the same time.

Q: Can you give us a brief description of how the trap combinations work, and can you let us know what the maximum number is that can be triggered at any one time?
Okay, here's an example. A room has floor needles that shoot out when enemy steps on it. You can then use a spring floor section to throw an enemy onto the spiked part of the floor, or you can use a moving section of wall to push an enemy onto this area. As such, you can make a two hit combo as part of your opening trap combination.
The player can have only three active traps at any one time. However, by combining these with the environmental traps in each room they can make a maximum 99 hit combo.

Q: Each room of the castle has its own unique trap. Could you describe how these interact with the traps that the player sets?
The traps owned by the player per mission can only produce a limited combination. As a result, you need to combine the room specific traps with your own to generate greater damage. This is a feature that creates a flexible style of play for the player.

For example, if you pass an electric current through to the water area, the whole area becomes an extended electric shock trap. If you push an enemy into a fireplace with another trap, the enemy burns. So, it is important that you take time to study each feature of the traps, and then strategically select and combine them. The most fun part of the game is to create your own original trap combos.

Q: Does the development team have a favorite trap at all?
The Hanging Chain is the one. The trap hangs the enemy by his legs, and it's kind of humorous watching them struggle. It also captures the enemy for a long time, thus, you can combine other traps and easily create a massive combo.

Q: The dark illusion traps are incredibly powerful. How does the player gain access to them?
The conditions under which the player gains access to The Dark Illusions are specific to each variation. You have to find the right conditions through an understanding of the features of the room and its structure.
For example the room that holds the Dark Illusion 'Melody of Scream' has two candles, and one of them is turned off. You can activate the Dark Illusion by turning on the candle with the aid of the normal 'Pendulum' trap, and then bring your enemies to their knees with the effects of this powerful device. So, as in this example, you have to find the right conditions by watching carefully and using your imagination.

Q: Was it difficult tailoring the enemy AI to ensure that they didn't just blindly stumble into all the traps the player sets for them?
Yes, it was difficult. We had an especially hard time making the individual moves of each enemy based upon their character. Some of the enemies remember where they have been trapped before, and next time they avoid passing through the same area. Some of them make comical moves to avoid traps. We definitely had a lot of fun tailoring and adjusting the AI to suit these funnier moments.

This kind of adjustment and refinement is a key process in developing videogames. It's not just a case of simply finishing the game, you then have to adjust the AI stats from the moment the trap springs right through to their final movement. The enemy reactions really do add to the overall charm of Trapt.

Q: The enemies arrive at the castle with a number of means of attacking Allura. Some use melee weapons, some projectiles and some magic. Can you say which are the most problematic for our heroine to deal with?
In the later part of the game, all enemy attacks by the enemies can inflict huge damage on Allura. The magical attacks that have a long range are the most problematic.

When Allura is attacked by magic, she can become caught be a condition penalty - like being frozen - and thus get repeatedly hit by the enemy. If the players aren't careful, they can easily lose all her life in a minute.

Q: Can you explain how the game's boss battles come about and how enemy immunity to certain traps adds to the challenge in these situations?
I cannot explain all the variations in detail. Let's just say that you quickly realize the differences when you face the bosses through play. The game has several endings, and you may not reach the true final boss the first time you finish. Also, it is difficult to defeat the ultimate boss unless you find his weakness first.