Early this March, developer Picorinne Soft and publisher PixelHeart Studios announced that Andro Dunos 2 is currently in development. For the uninitiated, the upcoming game serves as a follow-up to 1992's Andro Dunos, which is a scrolling shoot 'em up that was developed by Visco Corporation and published by SNK.
In an interview with Game Rant, developer Ryo from Picroinne Soft shared why he decided to revive the Andro Dunos franchise 28 years later after releasing the first game. Ryo also discussed Andro Dunos 2's release to the Sega Dreamcast alongside modern platforms and everything players should expect from the game in terms of story, stages, combat mechanics, and art style. The following transcript has been edited for brevity and clarity.
GR: Why has it taken 28 years for a sequel to be made, and why do it now?
A: I've always been waiting for the chance that one day a publisher would still be interested in the license. And that day came when PixelHeart knocked on my door and offered to make a second Andro Dunos game.
GR: What features or elements from the original game were kept in the sequel?
A: Basically, it follows the first game. However, the specifications of the bombs have changed from the first game.
GR: How will Andro Dunos 2 balance the nostalgic gameplay of the original while keeping the experience fresh?
A: This game is new for 2021, but I made it so that it seems like Andro Dunos 2 came out in the 90s. I want the player's mind to go back in time. However, I tried to adjust the difficulty level and system so that it would not be too complicated compared to recent shooters.
GR: Are there any modern scrolling shooter games that inspired Andro Dunos 2?
A. There are no particular influences from recent shooters. However, I (the development team) am an indie team that has created several shooters, so I used that know-how to make this game.
GR: What should players expect from Andro Dunos 2 in terms of story, setting, and gameplay?
A. The game has a consistently retro style, but the equipment and bomb systems are concise and easy to play. Expect a game that is easy to understand and play.
GR: Tell us about the locations players will explore in Andro Dunos 2 and what has inspired the art style of the game?
A: Not only did I pay attention to the stages, but each stage also has a large boss. These will make the gameplay more exciting. The art style has been carefully observed from the first game, and there are plenty of similar and original characters.
GR: Andro Dunos 2 will feature music from Allister Brimble. Tell us why the studio chose him to compose the game's music and how it compliments the gameplay?
A: He prepared the music to match the stages. So I think the feeling of playing each stage is very much combined with the music.
GR: Why is Andro Dunos 2 releasing on the Dreamcast apart from modern consoles? Do you think there is still demand on that platform?
A: The retrogaming community is very passionate and alive! It is so invested in the production of new games on old consoles that we can say that it participates in the development of these games. The Dreamcast community worldwide is really great, and it's been asking for shoot 'em ups for years. So we tried to please them.
GR: Is Andro Dunos 2 the revival of the franchise? Should players expect more Andro Dunos games in the future?
A: I don't know about you, but I think the revival of past titles has a very promising future. At least Andro Dunos is getting the attention it deserves, which is hard to believe in 2021. Nevertheless, I find that spirit of challenge in Pixel Heart interesting.
GR: Any updates on Andro Dunos 2's release date? And are there plans to release it on other platforms such as the PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X?
A: All editions of the game should be released in early 2022 and on all platforms simultaneously. The game is currently planned for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Steam, Xbox, and 3DS. To everyone's surprise, PixelHeart wanted, with my agreement, of course, to revive the 3DS for a moment! As for the new generations, I don't know how it will happen, I must admit. But the best thing I can advise you is to subscribe to the different social networks of PixelHeart to be aware of the news of Andro Dunos 2
GR: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A. After 28 years, it's back, and I'm honored to be a part of its development. I hope more and more people will enjoy the game.
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Andro Dunos 2 is releasing in early 2022 for 3DS, Dreamcast, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.