We all know that the PS1 is a goldmine when it comes to classic RPGs, but it's a shame that more of them aren't available on Sony's current system, the PS5.
This was a point that was put to Working Designs founder Victor Ireland when he recently spoke on the Retro Hangover podcast. Ireland – whose company localised a bunch of classic RPGs for Western audiences back in the day – was asked if there were any plans afoot to get those versions onto PS5, given that they were previously made available on PSP and PS3 via a collaboration with MonkeyPaw Games.
"We're trying," replies Ireland. "It's an anniversary thing. We're trying to get it done. Please write [to] Sony and say you want it because we have been trying."
It was then pointed out to Ireland that it seemed "crazy" that Arc the Lad was included in Astro Bot, but the games aren't currently available to download and play on PS5.
Ireland responds by saying conversations are taking place and that there's an effort to get as many Working Designs RPGs onto PS5 as possible:
We're trying to do as many Working Designs ones as we can. And we're offering all of them. So yeah, please write [to] Sony and say you would like them as a fan. And the offer's there, the talks are there, they're productive. We'll see what happens. Because it was available one time, and then it went away, so it just needs to be converted over so it works on their newer stuff. And that's not a technical hurdle, that's a business hurdle.
So hopefully, if they get enough people saying, 'I want this.' I know it's out there online because I see posts online that are saying, 'oh, this is the month Alundra gets added to PlayStation Plus.' And I'm like, 'not this month. It's like, not happening this month because they haven't talked to me.' So I know it's not happening. But absolutely, it is the goal. We have been working on it for quite a while. And yeah, I mean, it'd be great. It's an anniversary sort of season. So yeah, it'd be a perfect, perfect time to get that stuff back up.
Working Designs was responsible for bringing a series of RPGs to the West, including Arc the Lad Collection, Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete, Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete, Vanguard Bandits and Alundra, as well as non-RPG titles such as Thunder Force V, Elemental Gearbolt, RayStorm and Silhouette Mirage.
[source retrohangover.captivate.fm]
Comments 8
He is honestly talking like he made and owns the games.
I mean, I am grateful all those games, several of which I thoroughly enjoyed, were brought to the West, but I HIGHLY doubt he is the guy they have to call if they want to put Alundra on PS+.
I could be wrong, obviously, and maybe he made deals of ownership, but from all the things I am reading here about the guy...
OOOH! Good stuff. Hope Omega Boost happens
@Daniel36 He owns the rights to the English-language localisation, so it certainly can't happen WITHOUT him on board, even if there are other rights issues to tie-up. But, given that some of these titles were re-released digitally on PSP / PS3, it should be possible.
But yeah, it ain't happening without Victor Ireland being involved. He spent the cash localising these games when nobody else would.
Been wondering who might’ve had the rights to Alundra (among others mentioned here),as recall Psygnosis published it in the EU/AU at least til its disappearance off the PSN Store.
But then again recall Henk Nieborg (co creator of Lemmings inspired Adventires of Lomax), inferred on twitter one time that Sony had possibly offloaded some of their old Psygnosis IP's years ago. One only has to look at the Psygnosis Discworld titles as ones in IP purgatory at present too. 😕
And then dear old Capcom chooses to lock their PS1 Classics behind PS Deluxe subscription, but is okay selling classic RE 1-3 on GOG!🙄
Would ask Mr Ireland WHERE can one give Playstation feedback/requests? Its not like they advertise a Shuhei Yoshida like person that oversees their classics range! It was only via Time Extension we even learned of Implicit Conversions handling a number of the porting duties!
Fingers crossed.
I really hope Sony or whoever is listening. Some gamers won't care, and while I never was able to play many WD localized games, I would love to try them out on PS5.
Dear Sony, please get retro vibe.
Instead of getting those games for PS5, how bout get those for PC and Switch instead. I don't think Sony care about any of their past game library that much. Get those on PC and Switch so a larger install base of audience could get a chance to try those games.
@LowDefAl Licensing is such a mess, isn't it?
@Damo Fair enough. If he spent his own resources on even getting these games to the West, he deserves credit for that.
That said, how many remasters and remakes have kept the original localisations? Even FF6 received an update when it was released again on GBA. And I don't think Ted Woolsey would mind. However, those were obviously different situations.
Anyways, I can't fault the man for being passionate. He is definitely passionate.
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