Interview with Kamone Serizawa
/By Justin D Williams
We had a brief chat with Kamone Serizawa during Arc World Tour. We talked a little bit of the game and what he was looking forward to during the event.
Otakus & Geeks: How much feedback from the competitive and casual communities influences your decisions regarding character adjustments and system mechanics?
Kamone Serizawa: Feedback from players is very important from both the competitive and casual communities. Each group offers insights we can use to polish the mechanics. We look at things like mechanics, and refinements that need to enhance defensive mechanics without making the offense feel powerless. We encourage feedback but at the same time, we have to look at what is possible, and what is currently working.
Otakus & Geeks: How did your approach to gameplay mechanics and character balancing evolve from the first Under Night In-Birth to Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes]?
Kamone Serizawa: For Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes] we approached balance and mechanics with a much longer view. We wanted the game to feel familiar but cleaner, sharper and structured. We put a stronger focus on character individuality while tightening universal mechanics to reduce oppressive or degenerate playstyles.
Otakus & Geeks: Could you share any unique challenges or breakthroughs your team encountered while developing this sequel, especially given the long gap since the previous entry?
Kamone Serizawa: Balancing the expectations of longtime fans with the need to push the series forward. Fans had a very clear image of what Under Night is- the pacing, the feel, the identity. We couldn’t just make small adjustments; we had to evolve the experience without losing the heart of what made it special.
Otakus & Geeks: How does it feel for Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes] to be featured in Arc World Tour and what matches do you hope to see?
Kamone Serizawa: It’s incredible to see Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes] be received well from players worldwide. When it comes to matches I’m more interested in how Japanese players will fare here as opposed to which character vs which character.
