Meta:10 questions with Tsunekazu Ishihara Executive Producer of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers & Darkness

This Q&A was included in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness Explorers Guide for Explorers of Time. It was first released in Japan on an unknown date. It was released in the United States as a pre-order bonus. Spanish copies are known to exist. Further research is needed.

Questions and Answers

English

Q: Why do the two versions of this game use "Time" and "Darness" as the subtitles?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: "Time" hints that Dialga might be involved. "Darness" suggests Palkia, and maybe to Darkrai. But the story isn't nessesarrily told like that. I can't claim it outright, but the words "time" and "darkness" were not only ideal for a dramatic tale that spans time and dimensions, but also a world where you'll explore places of darkness in dungeons. The player will become immersed in this world, experiencing a long, fun journey that's also deeply moving and a little heartbreaking. The loss of the Time Gears, which keep time moving, plus the stealthy approach of a "darkness" which comes calling like the end of the world...well, both of these story elements work in harmony to simply make your heart sing.

Q: The first game in this series was released on two systems: "Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team" on the Nintendo DS and the "Red Rescue Team" version on Game Boy Advance. This time both versions are on the Nintendo DS. What does this mean for the gameplay of "Explorers of Time" and "Explorers of Darkness"?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: Ordinary items you can find in the world of "Time" may be extremely rare in "Darkness." If you find items like that, you can easily trade them with friends. And that could lead to even better things! Also, if your friend's team is defeated in a dungeon in "Time," you can try to rescue him or her with your team from "Darkness." That could lead to wonderful rewards! And if you are defeated in a dungeon, send out an SOS Mail. Surely, skilled exploration teams will want to come to your rescue. Oh, and if you register your cell phone number, you can obtain messages about rescues that way, too. I think that will be quite convenient.

Q: What do you strive for as you develop a game?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: We always keep development going until we wind up with an excellent game.

Q: Which Pokémon would you want to turn into? And why?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: I think it would be Piplup. It's cute and seems to be appealing to others. It looks like it benefit's in many ways from that.

Q: It you became that Pokémon, what would be the first thing you'd want to do?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: I'd like to eat an Oran Berry. It's fun to imagine what that tastes like.

Q: All right, if you became that Pokémon, what would be the first move you'd use?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: Well, nothing flash. It'd have to be Water Sport. I would really like to actually see the effect that Water Sport has!

Q: What Pokémon would you like as a partner? And why?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: I'd like Chimchar as a partner with Piplup in the leader role. Chimchar would be useful for making fires and lighting torches in dungeons.

Q: Which Pokémon do you recommend using?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: Well, they're all unique and attractive in their own way. So it's not easy to recommend a specific Pokémon. But if you're asking what I personally like, then I'd have to pick Pokémon that seem weak at first, but reveal fascinating qualities later on. Oh, and defenitely Pokémon that have moves that can strike targets from two tiles away.

Q: How would you describe the appeal of the new game in just one sentence?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: I'd say that the appeal comes from metalogic of what moves people to feel deeply. (Well, I admit that explanation is a little hard to grasp!)

Q: Finally, how about a word for the fans waiting for this game?

Tsunekazu Ishihara: I promise that we'll make you say, "This was worth the wait!"

Tsunekazu Ishihara
Mr. Ishihara is the President of the Pokémon Company, which oversees all Pokémon-related businesses, and he also serves as the Executive Producer of the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series.