Working Designs (G2 status update Jul 9 03)

[RedCoKid]

Yesterday afternoon I noticed that Working Designs was not listed as an exhibitor at E3. After I mentioned this absence on the Working Designs boards, Vic Ireland responded to my post and others:

Because of the approval problems we had with Growlanser II, Growlanser III, and Goemon at Sony, we decided not to spend $100,000 going to a show where we couldn't even officially list the games we were showing as PS2 games and only talk about them in general terms. It would have been a tremendous waste of money. The final deadline for keeping our booth was February, and as of that time, we hadn't resolved the problems with approval, so we let the booth go.

Fortunately, the majority of the issues have been resolved just this week. We should be able to finally talk officially about titles we've been working on soon. I would expect we'll release information and pics before E3 - finally.

…

Well, that may be going a bit far, but I've remained confused through this entire process simply because the games we've had trouble with are solid 7 or 8/10 games. In fact, Growlanser II rates higher than Gran Turismo 3 in Japan on the reader vote for one of the mags (Famitsu? Dengekki? I don't remember). We've had trouble getting approval with these for almost a year now, and yet dreck like My Street has NO problem getting to retail to rot on shelves.

Anyway, I'm not going to turn this into a bash-fest, because up until all of this happened, Sony had been really supportive. I'm also glad that it looks like the issues have been resolved, but I don't think how it was resolved will please many people.

I can only speculate what exactly was edited or cut out of the Growlansers to resolve the issue... objectionable content of some sort? (Hopefully it wasn't the artwork )

[Lordmrw]

Yup, I read that at Gaming-Age earlier. At least it explains why we haven't heard a peep out of them for almost a year. Although what he said about My Street was a bit harsh, he did have a point.

[Kidnemo]

"but I don't think how it was resolved will please many people"

That in no way, shape, or form instills any confidence in me as to the quality of the translation/port.

[RedCoKid]

Originally posted by Lordmrw
Yup, I read that at Gaming-Age earlier.

It's ironic that it was my question, but news sites read the answer before I do. That's what I get for not having a computer at home.

-RedCoKid aka KohranFan on workingdesigns board

[Lordmrw]

Originally posted by Kidnemo
"but I don't think how it was resolved will please many people"

When I read that line I pictured Vic Ireland giving Ken Kutaragi a blowjob under the table. But that's just me.

That's what I get for not having a computer at home.

So that's why you're not around more often.

[kingoffighters]

Oh well, we will have to wait another 3 years for those games anyway so they might as well NOT go to E3 in 2004 and 2005

[Yoshi]

And here I was hoping WD was bankrupt.

[Dyne]

how could they go bankrupt? they take years to localize games, add in twice the value of goodies with the games and don't sell very well. how could they ever go under

[RedCoKid]

Originally posted by Lordmrw
So that's why you're not around more often.

What do you mean? M-F 9-5 CDT... that's like 40/168= 23.8% probability I'm here. Still, it's nice to hear some people can't get enough of me.

Anyway, getting back on topic, I was still hoping to play/buy Growlanser II this year & stare at those beautiful um.. pictures.

[Dolemite]

Anyone familiar with the Japanese versions of Growlanser II or Growlanser III and can say what might have been cut, if that indeed is what they're talking about?