![]() ![]() He was undeniably in his element: at the time, Square was the undisputed leader in terms of flashy graphics - after all, Final Fantasy VII was released in the same year as SaGa Frontier!Īs a key member of the SaGa team, Takai was called back by Kawazu a few years later to work as battle director on Romancing SaGa’s enhanced remake for PlayStation 2 (2005), which was subtitled Minstrel Song in Japan. For Takai, this technical evolution was a blessing, as it allowed him to use more complex special effects, with never before seen shapes and colors. As the first title in the series to be developed for the PlayStation, the latter introduced the use of 3D graphics during battle scenes. He then discovered a new vocation: visual effects, of which he became a specialist on Romancing SaGa 3 (1995) and SaGa Frontier (1997). ![]() However, his most memorable contribution is probably the opening title movie that, along with Kenji Ito’s music, sets the tone for the story.Īnd a long story, to be sure! Takai remained in charge of combat graphics on Romancing SaGa 2 (1993) while also contributing another memorable opening scene. Joining Akitoshi Kawazu’s development team, he started working on the very first Romancing SaGa for the Super Nintendo, released in January 1992, for which he designed backgrounds for the battle scenes as well as monsters (alongside the late Manabu Daishima). After contributing to games such as Hellfire S for PC Engine, he was hired by Square in 1991. Hiroshi Takai made his debut in the video games industry as a graphic designer at the very end of the 1980s, during the heyday of pixel art. While we're waiting for new details about FFXVI, now is the right time to learn more about the person helming the project. But, unless Yoshida steals the show, Takai will most likely find himself in the spotlight in the coming months. Takai is certainly more renowned in Japan, thanks to his contribution to the cult SaGa series and to FFXIV’s successful rebirth. With the reveal of Final Fantasy XVI, a new man joined this small group: Hiroshi Takai.Īlthough he has been at Square for almost thirty years, he is certainly not as well-known as the likes of Yoshinori Kitase or Tetsuya Nomura - not to mention Naoki Yoshida, who happens to be this new game’s producer. Being named director of a mainline Final Fantasy game is a highly coveted position that very few people have been able to hold.
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