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SBK: Snowboard Kids DS, Magna Carta: Tears of Blood, Trauma Center: Under the Knife Interview

What was it like when you first hopped on board with Atlus for Ogre Battle and Tactics Ogre as a tester / editor?

(Gail Salamanca, Marketing Manager)

It was definitely a different experience from what I had been doing at Virgin Interactive, since I ended up wearing many hats as opposed to exclusively doing QA. However, I enjoyed getting my hands on in every aspect of the game from editing game text, QA as well as the marketing of the game. Then over the years, after normal employee turnover I eventually started to become less involved in production and more involved in the PR and Marketing of the games. I do admit I miss being a part of localization and production so I still contribute as an editor or project lead on occasion depending on the scope of the projects we have.




What special features will SBK: Snowboard Kids DS have?

(Gail Salamanca, Marketing Manager)

SBK will take advantage of all of the unique DS features. The touch screen is being used as the primary method of pulling off all of the characters special tricks in the game as well as tapping the screen for a quick boost of speed. The mic is used to counteract some of the items in the game by either blowing into the mic to defog your goggles or screaming into the mic to wake up your character from a sleep item.

SBK will also feature a multitude of modes and unlockable items and a secret character from the our very own SMT series as well as single-card multiplayer.


What is the current state of Magna Carta: Tears of Blood?

(Gail Salamanca, Marketing Manager)

Magna Carta: Tears of Blood is currently in final testing at SCEA.

(SMT: DDS2) There is a new Karma Ring system and the new Berserk mode. Could you tell us a little about them.

(Tomm Hulett, Editor / Project Lead)

The Karma Ring system really opens up your strategic options in DDS2. Each ring functions like armor would in other RPGs while also boosting one of your stats (for example, an HP Ring would increase your max HP). In addition to that, though, you can also equip “Gems” on each ring. These also carry stat modifiers, so a “Lightning Ring” would give you an immunity to Electricity-based attacks. Using Rings and Gems wisely, you can craft a party of ultimate warriors. The Berserk mode occurs randomly (in accordance with the level of Solar Noise), and should keep players on their toes. Berserk battles increase your attack and decrease your defense—so battles become whoever strikes fastest and hardest walks away victorious. These are great opportunities to earn AP and beef up your party.





Is there anything else we should know about SMT: Digital Devil Saga 2 and Trauma Center: Under the Knife since their release is just around the corner (Oct 4th)?

(Tomm Hulett, Editor / Project Lead)

Digital Devil Saga and SMT fans will not want to miss out on the conclusion to what has been one of the most original RPGs in recent memory. The refinements in the mantra system and the addition of the Berserk mode build upon the intuitive gameplay set forth by DDS1.

Trauma Center: Under the Knife is a brand new gaming experience that you can only have with the Nintendo DS. It might look simplistic in screenshots, but once you’re in there operating on a patient, the outside world vanishes. It’s a real hard-core gaming experience, and everyone should at least give it a try. Don’t miss out on the finest surgical action anywhere!


Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to answer these questions!