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Screens Updated: 11/2/2006

Gunpey has gone gold, and we have a few new PSP screens to celebrate.

Gaming-Age Q&A with Mr. Reo Yonaga, Director on Gunpey for Q Entertainment

Q: What is Gunpey exactly and where does the idea originate?
A: Gunpey is an excellent puzzle game with rules that are simpler than Tetris, but has an element of strategy that is deeper than any other puzzle game. The concept of the original game was conceived by a god of the gaming industry, Gunpei Yokoi, who was also known for inventions such as the GameBoy, Virtual Boy and the directional pad. Bringing these 2 titles on 2 separate handheld consoles was a concept from the staffs who loved Mr. Yokoi and "Gunpey" (the original game), in an effort to recreate a classic.

Q: What's the differences gamers expect from each version?
A: We've taken two very different approaches to the music of each version. Music for the DS version is based around synthesized sounds from sequencers and samplers, whereas the PSP version mixes music and sounds from a turntable plus samplers. In addition, the cool skins and music of the PSP version is quite different from the catchy and friendly looking characters of the DS version. The simple controls of the DS version also allows for almost anyone to easily create their own sounds. There is an extra mode in the DS version where players can create music in an authentic and powerful music writing tool.

Q: On the DS, what functionality will the touch screen serve?
A: Even without being familiar to the rules yet, the touch screen allows for anyone to play the game quickly and accurately. Almost all the modes utilize the touch screen as well as the directional buttons, so I guess you can think of it as having double the fun! Also, the Sound Box feature utilizes the touch screen, making it the world's easiest to use synthesizer.

Q: Is the game multiplayer. If so, up to how many players and is it Wi Fi?
A: While WiFi is not supported this time, we will definitely be including this feature in future installments. The VS mode supports a wireless 1 on 1 multiplayer.

Q: How many modes will there be? (Single and Multiplayer)
A: There are 6 modes for the DS version and 7 modes for the PSP version. However, within these modes, you can select from the "Original Mode", "Break Mode", "Single Mode"and "Double Screen Mode" adding up to much more than the original 6 or 7.

Q: Will fans of your previous game, Lumines, find any similarities, or is this title geared for a different audience?
A: I will assume this question is referring to the PSP version specifically. Of course fans of Lumines would be able to enjoy the game, however, it has been 2 years since the launch of Lumines. Throughout that time, we at Q have grown and matured regarding our approach to music and methods. We have gotten to the stage where we can not only make high quality games, but also highly addictive games. I believe it isn't too much to say that we were able to create a game that can be considered the top "Music Interactive Game" in the world.

Q: When you are not creating fantastic puzzle games, what other game genres do you see yourself releasing down the pipeline?
A: Just as the name of our company, Quest for the Future Entertainment (the official name of Q-Entertainment) implies, we would like to continue creating innovative products in the future. Strictly speaking for myself, since I am a big fan of handheld consoles and new peripheral hardware, I would like to create a game which would make use of these unique features.

Q: Is the Q Team gamers as well as developers and what kind of games do you personally enjoy? (Favorite games, genres, etc.)
A: Everyone involved in the Gunpey project loves games. As a director myself, I consider myself to be a designer who creates revolutionary, high quality games. I like games by Gunpei Yokoi, Chris Crawford, Sid Meyer and Kou Shibusawa. I also like all games by designers who place an emphasis on the actual gameplay itself rather than simply focusing on presentation.

Q: If your were to sum up what Gunpey is in one word, what would it be?
A: Connecting and clearing is what Gunpey is all about.

Thank you so much for your time. I'm sure puzzle fans are already reserving their place in line for this title. I am sure it will be a hit.

“Addictive and easy-to-learn, Gunpey was originally conceived by Game Boy creator and legendary game developer Gunpei Yokoi. It has now been re-imagined by the creative minds at Q Entertainment in a perfect dream collaboration that should excite any hardcore gamer,” said Naruo Uchida, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.’s Product Group Director. “This title embraces the signature touches of a product conceived by Yokoi. It is accessible, original, and intuitive, yet a challenge to master. Additionally, it combines the ground breaking music integration that has become Q Entertainment’s signature.”

With Q Entertainment’s tradition for visual style and original music, Gunpey offers a one-of-a-kind puzzle experience. As lines of various angles climb up the screen, the player’s objective is to flip the lines, located in squares, to connect them over five columns. Connecting lines from left to right remove the connected row. If an incomplete line reaches the top of the screen, the game is over. With 40 varied backgrounds and stylized music, and two-player multiplayer over wireless ad-hoc connectivity, this puzzle title is the game to pick up for the holidays.