Yoko Shimomura likely created the music of your childhood. FromKingdom Hearts' blissful score to the rocking battle themes ofStreet Fighter 2, Shimomura has made a huge impact in the video game space. Now, after winning GDC’sLifetime Achievement Award, she has made a new epic soundtrack for the modern magic-themedJRPGReynatis. We talk to her about her process and the game itself.
[Hardcore Gamer] It’s an honor to ask you questions aboutREYNATIStoday, Shimomura-san. I have been a long-time fan of your work, and “Dearly Beloved” is my personal favorite theme song for any game. It’s so beautiful. Thank you for your time.
[Yoko Shimomura] Thank you for yours, as well.
What aboutREYNATISdrew you to the project? Is it exciting to work on an RPG that has a blend of a modern setting and a magical theme?
The largest thing was TAKUMI’s passion. I also was interested in how suppression and liberation were included in the setting.
(TAKUMI (Takumi Isobe) is the creative producer of Reynatis and was previously the director of the gameTrinity Trigger)
Reynatis’ Story to Continue in Nine Free Updates After Launch
NIS has confirmed that Reynatis will be getting nine free post-launch updates featuring new story content and a secret episode.
What goes into your process of creating a character theme? How does one’s personality or actions affect the instruments selected or the theming of the track? Can you explain your process for one of the characters inREYNATIS?
For Marin’s theme (the main theme), TAKUMI’s orders were to “make it grand, with a [vocal] chorus.” I knew that a chorus was essential. I kept the ideas of “suppression and liberation” in mind, so the first part of the composition is heavy. Then, around the middle, it bursts open with a flourish.
What creates a powerful battle theme in your point of view? You use a lot of powerful percussion instruments in your pieces likeREYNATIS’ “Beyond Fury” andKingdom Hearts 2’s “The Encounter.” It amazes me that you say you were not confident in yourselfwhen you spoke with Toby Foxbut create such epic pieces like “Liberation of REYNATIS.” It’s inspiring.
I think about when I was a player myself and [kept] “the fun of battle” and “getting into it” in mind. I never have any self-confidence. Because I can’t read people’s hearts (laughs). I’m always nervous when someone listens to the draft for the first time, wondering if what I composed is different from what they imagined.
Back during theStreet Fighter 2andSuper Mario RPGdays, you were far more limited in your instrumental use with chiptune music. Do you find having a wider range of instruments, thanks to the evolution of technology, makes the process easier or more challenging and why?
There were many things aside from composition that were a lot more difficult to deal with (laughs). For those areas, I improvised, which was tough, but it was also fun. Now, there aren’t really any restrictions, so I need to make sure the music itself is appealing. I can’t simply say which is easier, but both are tough, and both are fun.
I never have any self-confidence. Because I can’t read people’s hearts. (laughs) I’m always nervous when someone listens to the draft for the first time, wondering if what I composed is different from what they imagined.
Which musical piece inREYNATISis your personal favorite and why? I hope it’s not like choosing your favorite child!
Yes, that definitely, that is the most difficult question. They’re all my precious children, so I can’t choose just one (laughs).
Reynatis casts a spell on us when it launches on September 27 for the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam). You can check outour preview of the gamehere.
