What is the current status of MOTHER 3?

Itoi: This time around, MOTHER 3 was only shown on a video exhibit at Spaceworld.

How far along are you in the development process?

Itoi: The plot is done. However, we’ve changed our approach this time and I’m going to try and include all our ideas. Last time, we had to meticulously go through and say we can’t do this, or that, or this. But in the new one, we can do “this” or “that.” We are now in the process of picking the various ideas our staff is coming up with.

So you have the plot?

Itoi: Yes, and it’s very interesting, but…you might think, “I’m a jerk.” I’ve changed a lot over the years. So if you’ve been a long time fan, you might say, “I’ve been expecting this betrayal for a long time.” In fact, the concept for MOTHER 3 was decided as soon as the development for MOTHER 2 ended. The original concept we created back then is still alive.

What’s it all about?

Itoi: Well, I really want to create a feeling of “disgust.” You might be thinking, “what do you mean by disgust?” When I’m making games, I’m always thinking about how I don’t like the feeling of “sadness”, and perhaps I don’t like the feeling of “laughter” either. I’m not sure how to express it, but these things have an impact which breaks things up and shakes your emotions.

In MOTHER 2, we included the sound of a synthesized burp. I love “unpleasant” ideas such as these (laughs). To put it down bluntly, that’s the theme of this project. It’s a lot like playing against Master Belch, with many twists and turns along the way. That’s what I would call “originality.” I want MOTHER 3 to be full of such things, since that’s what I believe originality is.

So far, the series has taken place in the modern day. However, in the video and images released thus far, “natural” atmospheres such as a “forest” have stood out.

Itoi: I can’t really say what time period the setting takes place in…I don’t know, but I wouldn’t say it’s a “modern drama.” I want to include both flashy elements as well as earthly ones. Thus, this time around the “forest” became a major key element.

In other words, the protagonist isn’t human, or a living being at all for that matter, but nature itself?

Itoi: You could look at it that way. The forest itself doesn’t change since it’s a natural element, but the world around it does over time. For example, I’m thinking of excluding things such as telephones. What would happen if I made a MOTHER game with no phone service? I personally think that would make it more fun.

Porky disappeared in the ending of MOTHER 2. Will he appear in this game?

Itoi: I’m sure Porky will appear (laughs). I wouldn’t have made this game if it weren’t for Porky, after all. He was an enormous help while I was making MOTHER 2, and I also came up with the concept of MOTHER 3 thanks to him. I’m going to keep that character around, of course.

What’s the reason behind changing from 2D to 3D? Did the game just have to be in 3D?

Itoi: No, not at all. As long as it’s fun for the player, I don’t think it really matters what it is. Even the NES screen was powerful at leaving an impact. I just think that no matter what you’re going to use, it all comes down to using it well. Even though I do think it’s a neat idea to make it three dimensional like “Mario 64”, I’m really not all too particular about it. At the end of the day, I don’t even mind if it’s just words, as hiragana characters leave a good feeling.

Speaking of characters, dialogue has always been one of the main attractions about MOTHER. What about the dialogue scenes?

Itoi: It will probably be the same style as before, where a window appears and dialogue is displayed. However, I’d like to use hiragana for all the dialogue. I think RPG dialogue is a lot like reading a script. I want players to be able to freely express themselves by easily being able to narrate it and add their own intonations. I want to leave room for that, so I thought it would be better to use hiragana. In that sense, there’s no need for voice actors in my RPG. I’m committed to sticking with the power of hiragana, I’m very obsessed with it.

On the subject of obsession, you were very particular about the sound in MOTHER 2, weren’t you?

Itoi: Right now I’m pursuing various different ideas that can be done with sound. There’s a lot of ideas using sound that I want to play with. I once had an idea for a different game that used sound that I wanted to make, so I’m going to throw that idea in here.

What will the battle system be like?

Itoi: We’re thinking up a lot of things for the battle system. Every time I meet with Shigeru Miyamoto, he always asks me, “Is combat even necessary?” I think his homework for me is to really think about that question, and to be honest I have yet to reach an answer. There are times when combat can be really fun. There was a rolling HP display in MOTHER 2, wasn’t there? I can’t help but feel we only included it because there were a lot of numbers on screen. But, I put it in because I really wanted to. This time, the rolling HP element will be improved. For example, when you take damage, there will be a difference between a quick HP loss and a gradual loss. I’m trying to make a battle system where you can “feel the pain” by looking at the screen. After all, games are all about the experience through your fingertips, the nerves connected to them, and your eyes and ears. The question is how to take advantage of that so we can make full use of them. In that sense, using the rumble pak might be an interesting idea.

Speaking of ideas, MOTHER 3 is an idea only the 64DD can do. Can we expect to see some expansive worlds and ideas only the 64DD can offer?

Itoi: We’re trying our best. Sometimes it feels like plucking at feathers when you’re working with such hardware, so it’s best to keep your expectations in check when seeing the final product. If what you’re seeing on screen is good, then we’ve done a good job. It’s just a matter of getting it right and making software that’s fun to play.

Finally, please give our readers who are waiting for MOTHER 3 a message.

Itoi: I’m going to put everything I want into this. I’m making MOTHER 3 with the intention of it being the final MOTHER game. I want people to think, “there won’t be a fourth.”