SHUTEN ORDER launched for Switch and PC via Steam earlier this month, and Gematsu sat down for a brief chat with game creator, planner, and scenario writer Kazutaka Kodaka; director and scenario writer Takumi Nakazawa; and composer and sound director Masafumi Takada to dive a bit deeper into the multi-genre mystery game’s creation.
Get the full interview below.
What made you want to create a game based around a religious cult? Were there any real-life inspirations in designing the cult?
Kazutaka Kodaka, Creator, Planner, and Scenario Writer: “Originally, I wanted an indie game idea, tackling an edgy theme that wouldn’t be possible with a big budget, so I chose to focus on cults and dismemberment murder.
“Later, I came up with a trick that really fit that theme, but to pull it off the game’s scale ended up becoming too large, so I put it on hold for a while.
“When I got to know DMM GAMES, I showed them a plot that incorporated this idea. Despite the extreme theme, they agreed to work on it together, and that’s how this title came to life.”
SHUTEN ORDER‘s religion forbids violence, yet the story revolves around murder. How did you balance that without breaking the cult’s rules?
Kodaka: “As a cult, they have their own unique values and rules. That’s why they wish for the end of the world. Everything ties back to a single, overarching mystery, the dismemberment murder of their leader. I constructed the story and setting specifically to lead to that conclusion. Personally, I think it’s one of my best works, so I hope you’ll see for yourself.”
Each Minister’s route uses a different genre. How did you keep them feeling like one game, versus a collection of several smaller games?
Takumi Nakazawa, Director and Scenario Writer: “There are two key points.
“The first is to stick to the main theme. In every route, we made sure to organically weave the story into the scenario of each route, so as not to lose sight of the core of the story, which is the murder of the cult leader, and the protagonist’s goal of finding the killer.
“The second is to maintain a consistent tone. When developing the game systems for each genre, we were careful not to stray from the setting of SHUTEN ORDER.”
When designing the Ministers, did you start with their character archetypes and then match genres to fit them, or did you first decide on the genres and build the characters around that? Can you talk a bit about that process?
Nakazawa: “I heard from Kodaka that both were decided on almost simultaneously, but the genre came slightly ahead. For example, it was broadly decided that one of the routes would be a mystery adventure. Since that seemed like a good place for a detective character to play an active role, we constructed the image for Kishiru Inugami around Sherlock Holmes. The scenario’s plot was then built around that idea. After that, the details of the character were solidified as the scenario was written.
“On the other hand, for the Ministry of Science route, there were times when the genre was reconsidered after the character had already been decided. It’s not like we decided completely on one element and then solidified the other.”
The routes range from horror to romance. How did you approach creating the soundtrack so that it fits all these different genres?
Masafumi Takada, Composer and Sound Director: “To evoke the culture of Shuten Order, I first created several thematic motifs shared across the entire game, and then arranged them to match each route, thereby shaping the soundtrack’s sense of world.
“In other words, if the motifs are like ‘words,’ the arrangements can be seen as the ‘rhythm and harmony’ of each genre’s language.
“By doing so, the soundtrack transforms with each route, yet throughout the game the world of SHUTEN ORDER lingers like a scent, remaining with players as a lasting part of their experience.”
The protagonist Rei only has four days to live. Why four? How did you decide on that time limit for the story? And how did that limit change your approach to pacing?
Kodaka: “The four-day rule is something shared across all of the routes. I decided on it by looking at the balance within each route.
“Depending on the route, it turned out to be quite a tough restriction, but I think we somehow managed to pull it off.”
You’ve previously said SHUTEN ORDER is influenced by every visual novel you’ve loved. Can you share a couple of direct examples?
Kodaka: “Cross Tantei Monogatari, Machi, Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom, Cross Channel, Clock Tower, 428: Shibuya Scramble,
The Portopia Serial Murder Case, Zero Escape, Ever 17, Ace Attorney, Higurashi When They Cry, and The Song of Saya.”
Most of Mr. Kodaka’s past works revolve around investigating murders. What keeps drawing you back to that theme, and what feels new about it this time?
Kodaka: “I’ve always loved mysteries, and I think it’s one of my strengths as a creator.
“Right now, whether you look at Japan or overseas, there really aren’t many game developers focusing primarily on mysteries, so I want to keep exploring that space. Of course, I enjoy working on other genres too.”
The story is about pursuing the truth, but also making sacrifices. Can you talk more about the nature of these sacrifices, and how they affect the player?
Kodaka: “I can’t go into detail without spoilers, but the truth doesn’t always lead to a happy outcome. It can also reveal hardships.”
How do you hope this game stands out from other mystery or adventure games? What do you hope sticks with the player after the story is complete?
Nakazawa: “There are two points that stand out.
“The first is that it’s a mystery that unfolds within the context of religion, a world where values differ from common sense. There are original tricks that are not found (and would not work) in other works.
“The second point is that the secrets hidden in the story can be revealed in any order. These secrets are spread across five routes. Players can choose to play through the routes in any order, so the order in which the secrets are revealed will be different for each player. This creates an experience that is unique for each player.
“After finishing the story, players will experience a distinct feeling that comes from this work, and at the same time, realize that it was a special experience that only they could have. That’s the way I see it.”
SHUTEN ORDER is currently only available for for Switch and PC. Is there any possibility we’ll see the game on PlayStation or Xbox in the future?
Kodaka: “DMM Games owns the property, so ultimately it’s up to them.”
Thank you for your time, everyone!