Topic: Exclusive: Konami confirms Castlevania 25th anniversary project

[uzo]

Rely on Horror's report appears to be an "off the record" comment by an insider at Konami.

And NO confirmation whatsoever by the mainstream gaming media.

Cox basically confirmed his existence by saying he isn't a part of the Anniversary project. He didn't say it doesn't exist, or that he knows nothing about it, he said he isn't working on the Anniversary project. Typically with these things, they say nothing, or say "never heard of it," or "I know nothing about such a thing." The big announcement is likely waiting for Gamescon where they will get the biggest bang for their buck.

[affinity]

I just want to see Castlevania: The Demon Castle War in any shape or form and on any console, then they can close the canon and do whatever they want with the LOS timeline.

ugh, better to let LOS rot and just make spinoffs that stay close to the canon's timeline and flavor (like Circle of the Moon, which isn't counted as canon, but still a much better Castlevania (story and gameplay-wise) than 1,000 Lords of Shadow sequels).   

I think the best thing fans could request for is the 1999 Demon Castle War since that has the greatest potential to optimize interest, and sales especially if produced by IGA himself since he crafted Castlevanias and details directly relating to 1999 Demon Castle War.

[cecil-kain]

Cox basically confirmed his existence by saying he isn't a part of the Anniversary project. He didn't say it doesn't exist, or that he knows nothing about it, he said he isn't working on the Anniversary project. Typically with these things, they say nothing, or say "never heard of it," or "I know nothing about such a thing." The big announcement is likely waiting for Gamescon where they will get the biggest bang for their buck.

It would be a more western audience than the Tokyo Game Show...  I guess we'll have to wait and see...

[affinity]

As for our diplomacy/behavior --there's none to speak of yet.  Like I said earlier, our focus right now is spreading the word.  We're not ready to announce any campaigning at this time.

But while you are spreading the word, your introduction is already delivering a message that makes people see a stance of hostility using words like "Demand" on the facebook page. 

The facebook page right now can be interpreted as a campaign as it is already, since it's already "exposed" to the public.     

As it is, your organization could already be receiving bad/ignored reputation from Konami and fans who know there are better ways to list your terms/negotiations/whatever.

Of course there's still time to clean up and present a more peaceful and welcoming presentation, maybe even remake the operation under a new name if the first operation gets a bad name for itself in Konami offices.   but reputation can be tricky to win back attention and respect.

[Flame]

Theres a difference between Operation Akumajo and GetMeOffTheMoon/100,000 Strong for Bringing Back Legends 3.

The L3 campaigns are about gaining members and showing Capcom that there IS an audience for the game, that there IS interest, that we want the game, and they made a mistake when they thought there was a "lack of interest" and a "lack of an audience".

To these ends, they are gaining support on facebook, and having people sign up on the North American DevRoom to boost it's numbers as high as possible, Signing a petition topic on Capcom Unity, and leaving a comment on a Legends 3 Cancellation response thread on Capcom Unity, which is reviewed by Capcom's Chris Svenson, Sending mail to Capcom, signing a Japanese poll,

and overall basically just gathering massive numbers to show support.

Operation Akumajo, is basically just a list of demands. "We want this. Give it to us or else.", and encourages members to do the same on Konami's facebook page.

Now, Granted, it doesnt seem like Capcom cares either way, but which one do you think either company is likely to give more notice?

[affinity]

lol the 2nd campaign title is really funny.  I remember the MML2 ending lol.   

Well okay, I understand Operation Akumajo has a focus and stuff and means well, but the facebook page right now could sound a little nicer how they word things.  The demands currently comes off as immature when you read it.

[KaZudra]

Operation Moonfall is another Campaign to Basically say, Yes, We want Zelda MM 3D

[Vampire Killer]

(like Circle of the Moon, which isn't counted as canon, but still a much better Castlevania (story and gameplay-wise) than 1,000 Lords of Shadow sequels).

Seriously? CotM is better not only in gameplay, but in story too? Really?  I could somewhat understand someone being such a die-hard 2D gameplay fan that LoS held no joy for them. Though I would view this person as living a sad and limited existence (as a gamer), kinda like a friend I once had who just plain refused to enjoy any game that wasn't an RPG.  His choice, but a dumb choice.

But to say that even the story was better, says a lot more about you, than it does about LoS, or any sequel or any other game for that matter. And before you get your panties in a bunch about how entitled you are to yuor "opinion", I agree that you're entitled to have an opinion, but that doesn't mean your opinion is in any way valid. 

Just as, if someone were say that Rembrandt was a bad painter when compared to a guy who makes velvet painting of Elvis (the kind you would see hanging in a trailer park somewhere). That person, by saying something of that manner, would only be revealing themselves to, at best, have bad taste, and thus have opinions not worth listening to, just as you have done here.

And no, relativistic arguments do not apply here. There is such a thing as a account of taste, both good and bad.  There are things in which I can look back on from my youth, like music for instance, and honestly say that I had bad taste at times. Even though I enjoyed those things, my "palet" if you will, needed refinement.

[cecil-kain]

But while you are spreading the word, your introduction is already delivering a message that makes people see a stance of hostility using words like "Demand" on the facebook page. 

So you believe "demanding" in and of itself undermines the effort...  It may be good manners to knock politely and say "please" but you're forgetting that this is an angry and neglected fanbase.  Operation: Akumajo is attempting to give that fanbase a public voice in a way that nobody else has ever bothered to do before.  Castlevania fans want their feelings, opinions, and desires heard by Konami --why be disingenuous by sugarcoating it?

The facebook page right now can be interpreted as a campaign as it is already, since it's already "exposed" to the public.  As it is, your organization could already be receiving bad/ignored reputation from Konami and fans who know there are better ways to list your terms/negotiations/whatever.

Of course there's still time to clean up and present a more peaceful and welcoming presentation, maybe even remake the operation under a new name if the first operation gets a bad name for itself in Konami offices.   but reputation can be tricky to win back attention and respect.

What better ways are there?  I understand where you're coming from about the demanding language being used, but the bottom line is this.  We're straight forward and honest about who we are, what we stand for, and what we want.  How is that not respectable?

You really don't sound opposed to what we're doing, so much as how we're doing it...  Am I correct?

[Nagumo]

Operation Moonfall is another Campaign to Basically say, Yes, We want Zelda MM 3D

That always seemed like a pretty silly operation to me. What's exciting about re-releasing Majora's Mask on 3DS...with minimal additions?     

[Flame]

this is an angry and neglected fanbase.

Because the Legends fanbase toootally isn't neglected and angry.

-why be disingenuous by sugarcoating it?

because the comapny is not going to listen to angry whining. They want numbers. Math. Give the Legends facebook page legit 100,000 likes, and it is VERY likely that it might have some impact.

Keep setting demands without giving any actual numbers or efforts to increase them, or prove to konami WHY they should give in to your demands, and it will be shrugged off.

[cecil-kain]

Because the Legends fanbase toootally isn't neglected and angry.

Touche sir.  But I wasn't making a comparison.

because the comapny is not going to listen to angry whining. They want numbers. Math. Give the Legends facebook page legit 100,000 likes, and it is VERY likely that it might have some impact.

Keep setting demands without giving any actual numbers or efforts to increase them, or prove to konami WHY they should give in to your demands, and it will be shrugged off.

Konami has already shrugged off their old-school fanbase --that's the problem.  If anything comes out of this Anniversary, there's a very good chance it will come across as a shallow afterthought.  As for growing our numbers, that is a work in progress --I'm concerned that a Facebook ad campaign might be necessary at some point, but that remains to be seen.  Also, if you have any professional negotiation expertise, your assistance would be welcome.   

[Maedhros]

But to say that even the story was better, says a lot more about you, than it does about LoS, or any sequel or any other game for that matter. And before you get your panties in a bunch about how entitled you are to yuor "opinion", I agree that you're entitled to have an opinion, but that doesn't mean your opinion is in any way valid. 

Cut that bull please, opinions are always valid. That's why they're called oppinions, not facts. I didn't see her stating her oppinion as fact.

And I agree with her. I prefer seeing anything besides LoS.

[Odile Kuronuma]

. Operation Akumajo is necessary if we want Konami  to know  how many Castlevania fans are displeased with the new direction the series is taking. But it would be more effective imo if it could focus on one demand  at a time. Making too much demands will only make us look disorganized. The thing is not all Castlevania fans want the same thing. Some even like the new direction.
I think we should make a poll to see what we guys really want for the anniversary, if it hasn't already been done.

[Colin B.]

. Operation Akumajo is necessary if we want Konami  to know  how many Castlevania fans are displeased with the new direction the series is taking. But it would be more effective imo if it could focus on one demand  at a time. Making too much demands will only make us look disorganized. The thing is not all Castlevania fans want the same thing. Some even like the new direction.
I think we should make a poll to see what we guys really want for the anniversary, if it hasn't already been done.

I'm on the Operation Akumajo facebook page and I love the new direction. However, I still wouldn't mind see a demon castle wars game or something. I really just wanted to see some kind of special anniversary package given out. I just remember it being really cool to receive it whenever they dolled one out for the 20th.
I think the continuity can work like comic books, with two variations on the same story going at one time.