We’re starting a new feature here at Oprainfall in which we interview the leaders of the various video game communities that are campaigning for the localization of video games. This week we talk to Matthew from Project X Zone Localization Community to find out what they are all about!
Oprainfall: Can you tell us what Project X Zone is all about? Why are you interested in the game? We understand that Monolith Soft had a hand in the making of the game.
Matthew: Project X Zone is a tactical role-playing game for the Nintendo 3DS and is a collaboration between the companies of Namco Bandai, SEGA, and Capcom. It’s a SRPG with characters from the companies mentioned. The game’s cast consist of Frank West (Dead Rising), X (Megaman X), KOS-MOS (Xenosaga), Yuri Lowell (Tales of Vesperia), Ulala (Space Channel 5), and Sakura Shinguji (Sakura Wars). That’s not even the tip of the iceberg either! The game currently has over 40 characters with more to be announced.
I myself am interested in the game because I’m a huge fan of all three companies and I haven’t played a good SRPG since Blue Dragon Plus on the original Nintendo DS. Plus the combat is extremely fast paced, the sprites are gorgeous, and the character line up is amazingly robust. Also, yes, Monolith Soft is developing the game along side Banpresto.
Oprainfall: Are you familiar with Endless Frontier, it seems to have some similarities to Project X Zone?
Matthew: I’ve heard a lot about Endless Frontier, but I’ve never played it. From what I’ve heard it’s similar to Project X Zone, but I don’t have any personal experience with it.
Oprainfall: What is the Project X Zone Localization Community all about? Who are the people involved with it and how did it start?
Matthew: The Project X Zone Localization Community is where people can join forces to help bring Project X Zone to the West. We’re here to help not only Project X Zone, but other “Japan Only” titles. Members of this community are free to share whatever title they’d like to see get a localization, with one another. It could be from Tales of Xillia to Ace Attorney: Investigations 2. Anyone is welcome to join us!
As far as how our group started, it’s a bit of a weird story. When Project X Zone was announced I went to make a support page, but saw that one was already made titled “100,000 Strong to Localize Project X Zone“. As soon as I saw the page I joined and asked the creator if I could admin the page along side him. He accepted my offer and I began to post on the page with as many updates as I could. After awhile I realized it’d be a bit challenging to run an entire community with just two people, so I went and got two pals of mine from my old Facebook group page titled “Phoenix Wright for Marvel vs Capcom 3” (this was before Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was ever announced). Then eventually the original creator (Eric) got one of his friends to help run the page and the current admins are now Josh, Jalen, Eric, Joel, and I. We all have a desire to see this game get a localization and it’s what drives us to run this amazing community.
Also, I should mention I changed the name of the group from “100,000 Strong” to “Project X Zone Localization Community” because I didn’t want to add to the many other “100,00 Strong” campaigns out there.
Oprainfall: What are your plans for your community and what is your ultimate goal?
Matthew: Our community’s ultimate goal is for Project X Zone to get a localization and sell well so we can prove that Japanese developed games can do well in foreign markets.
Oprainfall: There has been no word, one way or the other, that this game is being localized for the West, correct?
Matthew: As far as I know there has been no word for Project X Zone to come out of Japan. With the game only having a Japanese release date, the last “X” game (Namco X Capcom) being a “Japan only” title, and Banpresto’s titles rarely coming to the states it’s safe to say it’s “Japan only” as of now.
Oprainfall: Do you expect that you’ll hear news about the game during E3? I suppose you’ll be paying close attention?
Matthew: As far as something being at E3 I wouldn’t hold my breath, although it’d be very awesome. If I had to guess, Namco Bandai is going to be pushing out “Dragon Ball Z for Kinect” and “One Piece: Pirate Warriors” (which I’ll be getting) as their main titles at this year’s E3.
Oprainfall: Is there anything you would like to say? Final remarks or something you would like to say to our readers?
Matthew: Final thoughts? Well, I suppose all I can say is keep on supporting the game industry by buying all your games new and keep your eyes open for Japanese developed games; they’re starting to fade away in the West. I myself bought Xenoblade Chronicles on day one, pre-ordered Rhythm Thief and the Emperor’s Treasure, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, and will be picking up The Last Story later this summer. Also, keep on supporting Ace Attorney! I’m confident Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney will make its way over to the States knowing how Level-5 is, but we gotta get on Capcom’s case about Ace Attorney 5 and continue supporting Ace Attorney: Investigations 2!
Matthew: Thank you so much for the interview!
Oprainfall: Thank you Matthew! Check out the community on their facebook page Project X Zone Localization Community and “like” them on Facebook if you support their cause.
