Tokuro Fujiwara.
Tokuro Fujiwara (藤原得郎) is a Japanese freelance video game designer and producer who formely worked at Capcom. He's best known for creating the iconic Ghosts 'n Goblins series, as well as being producer in several of the company's other franchises, most notably the Mega Man series and the first Resident Evil.[1] Fujiwara has also been credited under the names Arthur and Professor F.
After working at Capcom for thirteen years, he left the company to form his own studio, Whoopee Camp and later Deep Space.
History[]
Tokuro Fujiwara was born on April 7th, 1961.[2]
Career at Konami (1982-1983)[]
Tokuro Fujiwara was attending the Osaka Designer's College when he joined Konami in 1982. Fujiwara was interested in an opening as product planner the company had at the time, and didn't even knew Konami made video games until he did the entrance exam. At first he worked as an artist for stuff such as leaflets and the acrilic boards for medal games.[3]
He directed two games while at Konami, Pooyan and Roc'n Rope, the second being the first game he developed from scratch. Roc 'n Rope was difficult to develop as Fujiwara found himself constantly struggling with the memory limitations. Years later, he'd expand on the rope gameplay mechanics in Capcom's 1987 arcade/NES game Bionic Commando.[3]
Career at Capcom[]
Fujiwara left Konami in 1983 to join Capcom together with Yoshiki Okamoto, although the two were invited to join the company by different people.[3] Fujiwara designed many of Capcom's first arcade games, including Vulgus, Pirate Ship Higemaru, Ghosts 'n Goblins and Commando, the latter two developed concurrently.[3] Around 1986, he became head of one of Capcom's three development groups[4] (the "First Planning Room").[5][6]
In 1988, Tokuro Fujiwara oversaw the development of the Strider three-way project, where he was credited as "Planning Adviser". As Kouichi Yotsui's manager, he picked him as the head of the arcade game side of the project because he had "really good negotiation skills", as he believed such a project would require them.[7] During the three project heads's stay at the Shinjuku Hilton hotel, both him and Capcom's head of development Akio Sakai would occasionally join them and help in building the game's world and main character.[6]
Although infamous for being rather strict to his junior staff, Fujiwara showed a lot of leniency to the inexperienced Yotsui, allowing him free rein to do as he saw fit and ensuring the game would be finished only when Yotsui said so.[7] Strider was developed around the same time as Ghouls 'n Ghosts, both games using the then-new Arcade "CP System" board. Fujiwara felt the board's operational capabilities weren't hard to work with, but the ROM capacity presented a challenge. As the chips were all lined up across the circuit board, they needed to put a lot of effort into the design front in order to make good use of them. To do this they used 30 graphic artists instead of the usual 2 or 3 used in previous projects.[3]
Strider turned out to be the last arcade game Fujiwara worked on.[3] Around the latter half of 1988, Capcom organized itself into two departments, one to handle arcade games and one focused on home consoles. Although Fujiwara expressed his desire to continue making arcade games, he was ordered to move into the domestic division. Once he was transferred, he started work on Mega Man 2.[3]
For the following years, Tokuro Fujiwara was involved as producer in several of Capcom's entries for home consoles, including several entries in the Mega Man and Final Fight series. His final contribution at Capcom would be as producer of the first entry in the Resident Evil series. Inspired by Sweet Home, a NES horror game he developed, Fujiwara determined elements such as the game's setting and the change from a 1st person view to a 3rd person view, leaving out the "actual work" to the game's planner (and future series producer) Shinji Mikami.[3]
Later years[]
Following Resident Evil's release, Tokuro Fujiwara left Capcom and funded his own company, Whoopee Camp. The company, however, only released two titles: Tomba! and its direct sequel, before going out of bussiness. Masahiro Kurokawa and Harumi Fujita (planner and composer of the NES Strider game respectively) rejoined him as staff on Tomba!, Kurokawa filling in as writer for it and its sequel. Although the games were well-received critically, poor distribution led them to underperform in sales and lead to the company's disbandment.
Undeterred, Fujiwara then established "Deep Space" as a subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan. Deep Space released two titles before folding as well: 2001's Extermination, a survival horror game taking several cues from his previous work in Resident Evil, and 2003's Hungry Ghosts, which took a different approach to the genre, seeking to provide a more "virtual" experience through exploration.[1]
In 2005, Fujiwara was approached by Capcom to work on Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins, the latest entry in the series he created. Fujiwara was happy, but also a bit apprehensive due to how little he knew about the hardware it was being developed on, the PlayStation Portable. He developed the game as a "pure" sequel with expanded content, a number of new elements (such as branching paths) and a more casual approach in an attempt to revitalize the platforming genre.[8] He was later credited as "consultant" in the 2006 remake of another game he created, Bionic Commando Rearmed.
List of games[]
Konami[]
| Year | Title | Developer | Publisher | System | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Pooyan プーヤン (Pūyan) |
Konami | Konami | Arcade | Designer |
| 1983 | Roc'n Rope ロックンロープ (Rokkun Ropu) |
Konami | Konami | Arcade | Designer |
Capcom[]
| Year | Title | Developer | Publisher | System | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Vulgus バルガス (Barugasu) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Designer |
| 1984 | Pirate Ship Higemaru ひげ丸 (Higemaru) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Designer |
| 1985 | Ghosts 'n Goblins 魔界村 (Makaimura) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Designer |
| 1986 | Commando 戦場の狼 (Senjō no Ōkami) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Designer |
| 1986 | The Speed Rumbler ラッシュ＆クラッシュ (Rasshu to Kurasshu) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Designer |
| 1987 | Higemaru Makaijima 魔界島 七つの島大冒険 (Makaijima Nanatsu no Shima Daibōken) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Advise Manager |
| 1987 | Bionic Commando トップシークレット (Toppu Shīkuretto) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade, NES | Designer |
| 1987 | Tiger Road 虎への道 (Tora e no Michi) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Designer |
| 1988 | Ghouls 'n Ghosts 大魔界村 (Dai Makaimura) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Designer |
| 1988 | Mega Man 2 ロックマン2 Dr.ワイリーの謎 (Rokkuman Tsū Dokutā Wairī no Nazo) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1989 | Strider ストライダー飛竜 (Sutoraidā Hiryū) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Planning Adviser |
| 1989 | Destiny of an Emperor 天地を喰らう (Tenchi wo Kurau) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1989 | Willow ウィロー (Wirō) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1989 | DuckTales わんぱくダック夢冒険 (Wanpaku Dakku Yume Bōken) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1989 | Marusa no Onna マルサの女 |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Director |
| 1989 | Sweet Home スウィートホーム (Suīto Hōmu) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Designer |
| 1990 | Mega Man 3 ロックマン３Dr.ワイリーの最期！？ (Rokkuman Surī Dokutā Wairī no Saigo!?) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1990 | Gargoyle's Quest レッドアリーマー 魔界村外伝 (Reddo Arīmā Makaimura Gaiden) |
Capcom | Capcom | Game Boy | Producer |
| 1990 | Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers チップとデールの大作戦 (Chippu to Dēru no Daisakusen) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1990 | Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight 2010 ストリートファイター (2010 Sutorīto Faitā) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1990 | Little Nemo: The Dream Master パジャマヒーロー NEMO (Pajama Hīrō Nīmō) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Executive Producer |
| 1990 | Final Fight ファイナルファイト (Fainaru Faito) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Special Thanks |
| 1991 | Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts 超魔界村 (Chō Makaimura) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Director |
| 1991 | Tenchi wo Kurau II 天地を喰らうII 諸葛孔明伝 (Tenchi wo Kurau Tsū ) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1991 | The Little Mermaid | Capcom | Capcom | NES, Game Boy | Producer |
| 1991 | Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge ロックマンワールド (Rokkuman Wārudo) |
Capcom | Capcom | Game Boy | Producer |
| 1991 | Mercs (戦場の狼 (Senjō no Ōkami Tsū) |
Capcom | Capcom | Arcade | Designer |
| 1991 | Mega Man 4 ロックマン4 新たなる野望!! (Rokkuman Fō Aratanaru Yabō!!) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1991 | TaleSpin | Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1991 | Mega Man II ロックマンワールド2 (Rokkuman Wārudo Tsū) |
Capcom | Capcom | Game Boy | Producer |
| 1992 | Final Fight Guy ファイナルファイト・ガイ (Fainaru Faito Gai) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Special Thanks |
| 1992 | Darkwing Duck | Capcom | Capcom | NES, Game Boy | Producer |
| 1992 | Gargoyle's Quest II レッドアリーマーII (Reddo Arīmā Tsū) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1992 | Mega Man 5 ロックマン５ブルースの罠！？ (Rokkuman Faibu Burūsu no Wana!?) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1992 | Mega Man III ロックマンワールド3 (Rokkuman Wārudo Surī) |
Capcom | Capcom | Game Boy | Producer |
| 1992 | Street Fighter II′ Turbo: Hyper Fighting ストリートファイターIIダッシュターボ -HYPER FIGHTING- (Sutorīto Faitā Tsū Dasshu Tābo Haipā Faitingu) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Special Thanks |
| 1993 | Breath of Fire ブレス オブ ファイア 竜の戦士 (Buresu obu Faia Ryū no Senshi) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1993 | DuckTales 2 ダックテイルズ2 (Dakku Teiruzu Tsū) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES, Game Boy | Producer |
| 1993 | Final Fight 2 ファイナルファイト2 (Fainaru Faito Tsū) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1993 | Mighty Final Fight マイティ ファイナルファイト (Maiti Fainaru Faito) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Special Thanks |
| 1993 | Mega Man 6 ロックマン６史上最大の戦い！！ (Rokkuman Shikkusu Shijō Saidai no Tatakai!!) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1993 | Disney's Aladdin アラジン (Arajin) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1993 | Mega Man IV ロックマンワールド4 (Rokkuman Wārudo Fō) |
Capcom | Capcom | Game Boy | Producer |
| 1993 | Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2 チップとデールの大作戦2 ( Chippu to Dēru no Daisakusen Tsū) |
Capcom | Capcom | NES | Producer |
| 1993 | Mega Man X ロックマンX (Rokkuman Ekkusu) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1994 | Mega Man Soccer ロックマンズサッカー (Rokkumanzu Sakkā) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1994 | Goof Troop グーフィーとマックス 海賊島の大冒険 (Gūfii to Makkusu - Kaizoku Shima no Daibouken) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1994 | Mega Man V ロックマンワールド5 (Rokkuman Wārudo Faibu) |
Capcom | Capcom | Game Boy | Producer |
| 1994 | Demon's Crest デモンズブレイゾン 魔界村 紋章編 (Demonzu Bureizon Makaimura Monjōhen) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1994 | X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse エックスメン ミュータントアポカリプス (Ekkusumen Myūtanto Apokaripusu) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1994 | Breath of Fire II ブレス オブ ファイアII 使命の子 (Buresu obu Faia Tsū Shimei no Ko) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1994 | Mega Man X2 ロックマンX2 (Rokkuman Ekkusu Tsū) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1995 | Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors' Dream ストリートファイターZERO (Sutorīto Faitā Zero) |
Capcom | Capcom | PlayStation, Sega Saturn | Consumer Staff |
| 1995 | Mega Man 7 ロックマン7 宿命の対決! (Rokkuman Sebun Shukumei no Taiketsu!) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1995 | Mega Man X3 ロックマンX3 (Rokkuman Ekkusu Surī) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1995 | Final Fight 3 ファイナルファイトタフ (Fainaru Faito Tafu) |
Capcom | Capcom | SNES | Producer |
| 1996 | Resident Evil バイオハザード (Baiohazādo) |
Capcom | Capcom | PlayStation | General Producer |
Post-Capcom[]
| Year | Title | Developer | Publisher | System | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Tomba! オレっ!トンバ (Ore! Tonba) |
Whoopee Camp | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation | Producer, Director |
| 1999 | Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return トンバ! ザ・ワイルドアドベンチャー (Tonba! Za Wairudo Adobenchā) |
Whoopee Camp | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation | Producer, Designer |
| 2001 | Extermination エクスターミネーション (Ekusutāminēshon) |
Deep Space | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 2 | Executive Producer |
| 2003 | Hungry Ghosts ハングリィ ゴースト (Hanguri Gōsuto) |
Deep Space | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 2 | Executive Producer, Director |
| 2006 | Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins 極魔界村 (Goku Makaimura) |
Tose | Capcom | PlayStation Portable | Director |
| 2006 | Bionic Commando Rearmed バイオニック コマンドー マスターD復活計画 (Baionikku Komandō Masutā Dī Fukkatsu Keikaku) |
GRiN | Capcom | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC | Consultant |
| 2009 | MadWorld マッドワールド (MaddoWārudo) |
PlatinumGames | Sega | Wii | Original Game Design |
| 2016 | Project Scissors: Night Cry | Nude Maker | Nude Maker | PC, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android | Special Support (message) |
| 2021 | Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection
帰ってきた 魔界村 (Kaettekita Makaimura) |
Capcom | Capcom | Nintendo Switch | Director, Game Designer |
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hamamura, Hirozaku (July 2, 2003). "The Lair of Hungry Ghosts". Famitsu. Translated by Fox, Fennec. Retrieved from archive.org. Accessed September 1, 2016.
- ↑ Ohta Publishing (2009). "Game Center CX Complete" (Japanese). ISBN 978-4-7783-1180-3.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Staff (2003). "The Man Who Made Ghosts’n Goblins" (Japanese). Continue (12). Translated by GlitterBerri. Accessed September 1, 2016
- ↑ Tane, Kiyofume (February 2009). "The Father of Strider Who Made the Game World Explode: Kouichi Yotsui Discography". Gameside (16). Translated by Gaijin Punch for Gamengai. Accessed 24 Oct 2010.
- ↑ Strider. (Capcom). Arcade. Level/area: End credits. (March 7, 1989).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Scion; Dire 51 (24 April 2010). "Interview with Kouichi "Isuke" Yotsui". LSCM 4.0. Translated by Gaijin Punch. Accessed September 1, 2016.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Jones, Darran (24 Apr 2010). "The Making of... Strider". Retro Gamer (76). pp. 48-53.
- ↑ "Makaimura Series – Interview Collection" (Japanese). Translated by Shmuplations.com. Accessed September 1, 2016