Topic: Ayami Kojima's first illustration book "Akai Yuri" out 08/12/2010

[VampirehunterB]

And what about Castlevanias before them?
No essence, too? 

No, of course not..I love the previous CV music and aestetics as well...it's just that a barbarian conan belmont cannot be adapted these days..ayami kojima made an important aesthetic reform...and the music has always been excellent.

[danceofgold]

I consider yamane's music and kojimas art to be the very essence of castlevania..now yamane's gone, and without the artwork of kojima..nothing remains..

I adore Yamane's music and Kojima's art too... but I'm wondering, does it always work perfectly when they come together? For example, why isn't AoS as good as SotN?

[whitedragon_nall]

I adore Yamane's music and Kojima's art too... but I'm wondering, does it always work perfectly when they come together? For example, why isn't AoS as good as SotN?

More powerful hardware, maybe? Of course, that's not the only reason though. SotN has better bosses, better castle and the equipment is better as well. Can't say that's because of hardware.

[VampirehunterB]

AoS(and the other other GBA and DS games) are generally copied concepts of SOTN i my opinion..it was simply a masterpiece that probably  never can be repeated to the same level..and the  SOTN soundtrack remains the best, at least for me..

I believe they need to reform the 2D games a little..new enemies..change the characters appearance to what they are equipped with(not just the weapons), allow you to explore outside the castle(as OoE), and allow you to choose difficulty level at the very start of the game!...and...bring ayami kojima's artwork back on track, enough with the plastic like DS anime illustrations!

[darkwzrd4]

AoS(and the other other GBA and DS games) are generally copied concepts of SOTN i my opinion..it was simply a masterpiece that probably  never can be repeated to the same level..and the  SOTN soundtrack remains the best, at least for me..

I believe they need to reform the 2D games a little..new enemies..change the characters appearance to what they are equipped with(not just the weapons), allow you to explore outside the castle(as OoE), and allow you to choose difficulty level at the very start of the game!...and...bring ayami kojima's artwork back on track, enough with the plastic like DS anime illustrations!

Agreed.  In terms of level, OoE seemed to come closest to SotN than the other metroidvanias.  The one thing I don't like about most metroidvanias is the concept of new game +, especially in regards to OoE in which you keep your level.  After level 70, it becomes pointless.

[Foffy]

bring ayami kojima's artwork back on track, enough with the plastic like DS anime illustrations!

Masaki Hirooka did gooood art for Order of Ecclesia.

[Lisa Fahrenheit]

I don't think I'll ever forgive her for what she did to Simon.

I don't know, I actually like Chronicles Simon a lot, but I think I'm in the minority there. I can definitely can see how he could irritate people that were used to how he looked before.


I'm also in agreement that Ayami Kojima and Michiru Yamane complimented each other amazingly, and it felt like they were the backbone of the series for a long time. It doesn't really feel the same without them, and other artists and composers have some pretty massive shoes to fill.

That said, though...

Masaki Hirooka did gooood art for Order of Ecclesia.

Oh my goodness yesss. It's not a Kojima copy, but it's definitely got the right vibe, which I count as a huge blessing. It was also a really nice break from the anime illustrations mentioned above (though I have to admit that I did like Portrait a lot).

I've also been surprised by how much I'm enjoying Yasuhiro Ichihashi's compositions, from what I've heard. Ebony Wings and Crimson Blood are two of my all-time favorite songs lately.

Overall, even without Kojima and Yamane, I think they're still turning out some pretty decent stuff.

..change the characters appearance to what they are equipped with(not just the weapons)..

YES! Admittedly, that was one of my favorite parts of Symphony -- watching the cloaks change as you equipped them. I always felt a little slighted when your character wouldn't change with their equipment (especially in Portrait, when you were trying to get outfits for Charlotte). Adding this would be a giant plus for me too!

[VampirehunterB]

do you mean that ayami kojima have quit as well!?

[Lisa Fahrenheit]

I don't think Kojima quit outright, did she? She did the art for Harmony of Despair, but it seems like she's been less involved lately.

[Successor The Cruel]

I don't believe Ayami Kojima was ever a traditional Konami employee.  She's a freelancer.  If they have a job for her that she's willing to take, then I guess she takes it, but she's not (as) beholden to Konami, so it's natural to see her come and go.  

[Odile Kuronuma]

You can find more scans here: http://parkablogs.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=353 and here: http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/multi/Memorabilia/collect-santaliliosangre.htm
Also you can find a link to Kojima's site on on Mr P's page.It features some artwork , as well as an interview  of Ayami.Here's the link to the interview:: http://www.asukashinsha.jp/s/kojima/interview.html .
 It would be great if someone could translate it. It's times like this that i wish i knew how to read Japanese -__-

[Profbeanburrito]

Those are really awesome. I really like the ones of Maria, Especially the one of younger Maria with the black outfit. So cool

[Ahasverus]

I don't know why but I really dig Trevor's design, I mean, if you think about it it's pretty ridiculous but I still see it sooo awesome  Ultimate Belmont IMO

[VampirehunterB]

I love all the CV ayami kojima artwork..EXCEPT for SIMON BELMONT..he's just too classical to fit in..it would be more suitable if the sketches represented Simon in his youth..perhaps it does...

[Mr.Bushido]

I love all the CV ayami kojima artwork..EXCEPT for SIMON BELMONT..he's just too classical to fit in..it would be more suitable if the sketches represented Simon in his youth..perhaps it does...

Yeah I think her style just fits quite well with the Metroidvania games, but she should stay away of Simon, the styles are too different. Though I like Trevor.