Super Robot Wars OGs 2 Release date set, Translation of interview with Terada from Famitsu

A release date for Dai-2-ji Super Robot Wars Original Generations has finally been set, on 29th September 2011.

Additionally, here are some hi res scans of the Famitsu article announcing OGs2. Ovan of SRWG forums has also translated the interview with Terada and Obari included:

With the inclusion of all 26 episodes of the blue ray anime as a set, wouldn’t this be the first time for a bundle pack of a SRW game to try this sorta thing?

TERADA: yeah probably. You can watch the blue-ray anime with a PS3 anyway so i think it’s a pretty sweet deal.

It seems pretty expensive if you just look at the cost by itself, but if you think about all 26 episodes being included, I guess it’s a steal.

TERADA: I want people to watch the series if they have not yet seen it yet and have only played the games; For those who have seen it already, I’d like for them to enjoy watching it again. Also, the anime is a prequel of sorts to the game, so it will be good material for reviewing the story.

OBARI: Since the TV broadcast ended, we have been working on creating the Blue Ray edition. I am a “SRW”fan myself, so having my work included on this new title is seriously an honor. I know it’s my job and all, but I’m honestly having fun with the series.

TERADA: As for the anime, Obari and his staff have been very particular in making it; I think they made the content in a way that is enjoyable for those who know the game of course, but also for any super robot anime fans. Also, the anime has a few hints and clues involving “2nd OGS”.

Specifically what kinds of hints???

TERADA: Well in “2nd OGS” there is a unit called the ASH; this unit is based off the ExBein that appeared in the anime.

 
Rest of the interview and the scans after the jump.

So it’s kinda like a unit that connects the anime with the game right?

TERADA: Yup. The shape has been altered a lot, but the reason to that will be revealed as you play the game.

So it’s was a unit made with a setting of some kind of sequel form in mind?

TERADA: Well, the ASH’s method of appearance and timing will differ between the anime and the game. However, the unit’s existence has been first introduced in OGGaiden, and in the anime the whole picture has been revealed. In previous games, the ExBein has not appeared, but in 2nd OGS the advanced form of it will be shown.

So it seems like it has a complex, grand setting.

TERADA: Actually, ING who will become the pilot of the ASH and the Flikkrai-Geist boarded by Ariel have been hinted at in the OG series. It’s not a problem if you missed that detail, but some people who have played the previous titles may have already predicted their appearance.

****OBARI also praises the game’s battle scenes****

“2ndOGS” will be the first PS3 title for a SRW. The usual selling point of any SRW title is the battle animation. I’m thinking you guys had your work cut out for you this time huh?

TERADA: Firstly, we have been brushing up the battle scenes from OG but the screen resolution has increased so it has been a task for sure. Of course with the sketches of the cut-in sequence and the default sketches of the units, the work load for programming them has been the highest ever. Also (on a plus side) this time the background is 3D, and the switch between angles and viewpoints have been made more smoother and awesomer than the previous titles.

OBARI: I was able to view the battle animations during production and I must say the camera work had a lot of impact.

TERADA: As for the weaker weapons frequently used, the angle of the animation will be the typical side-view seen in other SRW titles, but for the special moves and the stronger attacks, the unit’s movement and the camera work will become more dynamic.

From the viewpoint of the directer of the anime series, how do you feel about the game’s battle scenes? any thoughts?

OBARI: I’m a directer and also an illustrator, and from both viewpoints the animation is at a very high level. In the game, the same animation will run over and over (page ends;

OBARI: I’m a directer and also an illustrator, and from both viewpoints the image is at a very high level. In the game, the same animation will run over and over. I think it’s amazing that they are creating a battle animation that you wont get tired of. The staff’s skill and sensibility are high-level.

TERADA: I’ve also reference OBARI’s robot anime on certain parts as well. It would be impudent to say that I cross referenced the anime completely, but I have watched and studied the series.

OBARI: I was able to design the compatible kaizer and draw the battle scenes of the game; To my expectations, it was a task very different from the amine and it was very educational for me and exciting.

TERADA: On the 15th episode of the anime, there was a scene where Sanger used the ZAN KAN TOU to slash at his enemies; The way he swings and raises his sword and the timing of his attacks were very different from the games. I was surprised at how cool it had become on the show.

****Points of attention in the Anime****

During the makings of the anime series, did you guys contact each other and exchange ideas?

TERADA: Well as far as the animation and acting went, I left it up to OBARI, so we only discussed about the general plot and scenarios. Also, we talked about the ending song of the first half of the series. The anime had to encompass more than half of the general plot. Under these conditions, OBARI requested that he “wanted to include scenes of the characters wearing swimwear and maybe include a hot springs episodes,” but there was no room for it. Therefore, we decided to pack the ending with lots of ladies wearing sexy bikinis.

There was that kind of episode too? (LOL) Between the two of you, what are the major scenes in the anime that require our attention?

TERADA: The scenes where each robot debuts and the scenes where they use their special moves.

OBARI: Personally, I love OUKA, and I had a healthy bias toward the OUKA debut scene and worked very hard on it. Also, I love the Cybuster too, so even though it was not my assignment to produce that scene, I volunteered myself saying “I’LL fucking draw it!!!” and I took the liberty of drawing it (LOL)

I see (LOL). Besides that, what are some other scenes that you guys would like the fans to watch?

TERADA: I would recommend the scenes that you can’t get from the game. As a specific example, I would very much want the fans to watch the scene where the Ausenzaidar transforms (from robot to horse), which was not present in the games. Also, the scene where the R-Gun powerd rides the AM Gunner. Having units board the AM Gunner was a setting that had been established long before, but it had never been realized in the game systems. Therefore, I had the anime version animate that scene on my (imposing) request. It was far cooler than I had imagined.

OBARI: I would like the fans to pay attention to the background music as well. I have added some fresh mixes, but I also use the game’s BGM in its original glory. I thought that the fans of the game would fever over the anime battle scenes if it played the same BGM from the game. Also, the SRW combine scene is also appears in the anime, but the acting/dialogue differs from the game so I would like that scene to get some attention from fans as well.

TERADA: That scene was a very tasteful combination of 2D art and CG modeling.

OBARI: Also, I had a short appearance of the Compatible Kaiser, which I am in charge of animating in the game as well, in the anime (though the machine shown was still in the production phase). If I am able to make a sequel of the anime, I would like to draw and pilot the machine myself.

Sounds like the two of you were very invested personally in the anime production. Lastly, I would like you guys to send out a message to all the SRWOG fans out there.

OBARI: If you are a TRUE fan, you have no choice but to buy the BOX set. We invested our very spirit into creating the anime and the game, so I would like everyone to experience both of these works.

TERADA: It’s the first PS3 title of the SRW series, and it’s the long awaited title of the OG series, so we have been working very hard on it. To both the fans of the anime and the fans of the game, please look forward in excitement to the release of this title!

– via Ovan of the SRWG forums

Thanks to daizengar for the tip.