M2, the Japanese development studio recognized for its exemplary work on titles such as Castlevania Advance Collection, Legend of Mana, and Dodonpachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death Re:Incarnation, is eager to extend its game portfolio on the Nintendo Switch. During an interview with Touch Arcade, Naoki Horii, CEO and founder of M2, shared the company’s aspirations to continuously look for opportunities to bring more of their creations to the widely popular console.
Despite the enthusiasm displayed by Horii, he acknowledged the reality of their ambitions in contrast to their capabilities. He mentioned that while they have a vast array of ideas and projects they wish to develop, the practicality of bringing all these to fruition on the Switch is challenging. This limitation means that while M2 is committed to releasing more titles, not all planned games might make it to the platform due to these restrictions.
One of the notable achievements of M2 is the success of their shoot 'em up (shmup) games, particularly appreciated by fans and critics alike. For instance, Dodonpachi DaiOuJou Blissful Death Re:Incarnation was highly acclaimed, receiving perfect scores for its engaging gameplay and fidelity to the original series. However, it remains exclusive to Japan, leading enthusiasts to either import it or access it through the Japanese Nintendo eshop.
Fans have inquired about the possibility of bringing other beloved M2 shmups to the Switch, such as Battle Garegga, Ketsui, and Dangun Feveron. In response, Horii reiterated the company’s stance, stating that they are continuously seeking the right opportunities to make these dreams a reality. This indicates a proactive approach by M2 to not only work within the confines of their current limitations but also to find ways to overcome them to cater to their international fans.
Furthermore, M2 isn’t just looking into porting existing games. The company has a rich history of contributing to various franchises and has revitalized several through modern re-releases. For example, several years ago, M2 released updated versions of classic games like Gradius, Conbeforetra and Castlevania: The Adventure on WiiWare. With the closure of the Wii Shop Channel, these games have become difficult to access, leading fans to hope that M2 might bring these gems to the Switch, especially to introduce them to new audiences and to those nostalgic for the originals.
M2’s commitment to quality and its efforts to expand its offerings on the Switch are driven by the company’s deep understanding of what fans yearn for—both in terms of bringing back classic titles and in delivering thrilling new gaming experiences. The developer’s ongoing efforts demonstrate an engaging dialogue with its audience, using player feedback as a guide for future projects.
Moreover, the increasing demand for more diverse and high-quality games on the Nintendo Switch showcases a significant market interest that M2 is eager to meet. As fans continue to show support and express their preferences, M2 is likely to keep exploring new possibilities and pushing boundaries to bring more exceptional titles to the platform.
By reflecting on their past successes and learning from the limitations they face, M2 is setting a course for future growth and sustained fan engagement. While not every project may come to pass, the company’s proactive and responsive approach positions them well within the competitive gaming industry, promising exciting developments for Switch owners in the years to come.
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