So, the recent news have arrived and Koji Igarashi is not with us anymore. That kills a few hopes and dreams and lets the Japanese branch of the series without a baton. It is true that the whole series has a big question mark on it's forhead due to lukewarm reception to Lords of Shadow 2, so drastic changes must be made if it went to keep existing. I don't think it will die (it survived judgment) but Konami needs a master hand to keep it firm again, so.. why not bring man the man responsible for the golden age of Classicvania: Toru Hagihara.
He, now an important high chief executive in Konami was responsible for some games you may heard about
- Contra 1 and 2 NES
- Tiny Toons NES
- Castlevania: Belmont's Revenge
- Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
- Castlevania: Symphony of the night
He was promoted shortly before finishing development of this last game.
His role in Symphony is disputed but there's n doubt he wouldn't had retained the director credit if he hadn't a significant role. As you can see, he's had his hand on some of the most beloved titles in the series, he has a vision and the ability to make it happen, and while he's a "suit" now, don't these times of distress need a man in high power to save the series?
In my opinion, Konami japan can't give the series to an inexperienced producer again, that is pretty much fatal. We need a man (or woman) witha firm vision, with experience, that is able to say NO when needed (that's what Cox lacked) and of course with Castlevania sensibilities.
Please, Konami, can we have Hagihara back?