A portion of a 4cr interview with Akitoshi Kawazu, producer...

4CR: The battles in Crystal Bearers are action-oriented, not turn-based like in previous games. What were some of the key influences when designing the gameplay?

AK: We designed the game with the goal of making it an action game overall, rather than just making action-oriented battles. We think that we’ve made a compelling game that takes our worlds and stories and combines them with a GTA-type of a game.

4CR: Can you discuss the multiplayer component of the game, particularly the “assist mode?”

AK: Yes. It is the Wii after all, so we’ve tried to implement as many scenes as possible where a second player can either assist or get in the way of your progress. The main character’s movements and camera controls can only be manipulated by player one, but the second player can pick up and throw items and monsters, as well as protect the main character. Using this functionality, the second player is free to interact and participate in the game alongside the first player.