Iwata
Because we don’t often have the opportunity to sit down and talk about Smash Bros., I’d like to use the last part of this interview to turn back the clock and talk about the start of this series, beginning in 1999 with the Nintendo 64 title Super Smash Bros. You and I were responsible for developing this prototype.

Sakurai
Right. We called it "Kakuto-Geemu Ryuoh" (Dragon King: The Fighting Game)

Iwata
At that point in time, we weren’t utilizing any Nintendo characters, and while you handled the planning, specs, design, modeling and movement, I worked on programming all by myself. In some respects, it was the ultimate handcrafted project.

Sakurai
The team setup was like one that would be making a game for the NES! (laughs) We had one additional person that helped us with sound though.

Iwata
It was at a time that we were trying to find ways of making a game that we really wanted to do and bring to fruition, while we were working on other titles. You came to me with an interesting idea and, as I thought you should immediately start work on the project and try and bring it to life, I tried to offer some encouragement by agreeing to do the programming and told you to write up a project plan. As we both had other responsibilities at the time, it was hard to find time to work on it though.

Sakurai
If I remember correctly, at the time you were heading another project that took up most of your time.

Iwata
I didn’t have any time during the week and had to program on the weekends. I would assemble the data and specs you sent me, and the project slowly took shape as we sent changes back and forth. It was interesting to work on the project though as it grew more entertaining the more I incorporated your ideas.

Sakurai
A staff member even complained that you seemed to come to life whenever you were working on the programming for our project. (laughs)

Iwata
They were probably right. I felt something special about this title from the very first moment I started programming for it. Even so, we had no idea it would grow to such epic proportions.

Sakurai
Right. I mean, we didn’t know at the time that we would be able to use Nintendo characters.

Akira_EX via us.wii.com »