SAGE 9 Interview: Mj2 & Dying Informant Share 'Chaos Control' Fan Game Updates

Mj2 is the director and main programmer for what has to be the most anticipated fangame of the moment, Chaos Control! He's been working on this game for what seems like donkey's years and the the labour finally looks set to be bearing some fruit. The Dying Informant [AKA Nadine] has recently joined Mj2 and works on the game as the lead artist for the game. You can check out Chaos Control at the website: Chaos Control Website.

TSS: OK, first proper interview for The Sonic Stadium in quite a while but never mind eh? ^_^ Dreadknux here - I'm pleased to be once again joined with Mj2 and the first time with Nadine. First, just introduce yourselves and explain what your roles are.

Dying Informant: OK. Well everyone, I am Nadine or 'The Dying Informant/TDI' as some people know me. I am drawing much of the character art for the games - codec, cutscenes, promo art for the site, etc. And just helping with any story or game ideas that I come up with. I joined what - 2 months ago? But its been great.

Mj2: I'm still doing everything I have been doing in the past, everything has been going great, I'm pleased how everything has turned out this year.

TSS: Excellent stuff. Nadine and Mj2 make up a big part of the team behind the award-winning fangame "Chaos Control", which has yet to even be released. Mj2, how did you come up with a concept such as Chaos Control in the first instance?

Mj2: Well I wanted to create a Sonic fangame that was different. I tried the old Sonic type gameplay with other characters, but it still all seemed the same. I then thought of the idea of replacing Sonic (who as you know is always the main character) with someone completely different, and place this new character in a whole new situation. Being a huge MGS fan, it seemed fitting to try and mix my two fave games together.

TDI: We think alike, heheh.

TSS: Indeed, it's been a bold but very unique mixture, and the merging of the Sonic the Hedgehog and Metal Gear Solid series certainly seems apparent. TDI, as the artist for the characters, how difficult was it to meet the specifications that MJ2 set out? Merging the atmosphere, character design and techniques of Sonic and MGS?

TDI: Well, it depends on the character really, for the difficulty. Most of them were already designed and drawn out, so I pretty much had that art to work with, and draw it in my own way. But, if I felt I had an idea how to add a little MGS touch to it, I did that. For instance, I changed Hardaway's hair slightly, so that it resembles Meryl's. as an example. However when it comes to pretty much designing a brand new character, its pretty difficult, but I want it to be true to feeling both Sonic and MGS style, so I'm very picky about it, and I want to go about it just right.

TSS: Well, it's certainly working out great. You guys have won awards for your collective efforts on Chaos Control, be it Mj2's conception and game creating or the fabulous presentation brought by TDI. Last year, the game won a Sonic Site Award for "Fan Game of the Year", and is up for the same award, along with "Fan Game Developer of the Year" in this year's Sonic Site Awards. How does that make you guys feel, to be presenting a game that has had such a warm reception?

Mj2: It's great, it was a huge surprise to win the award last year, I really didn't think we could, after all we have only released two demos and two trailers. The games we were up with were so amazing, STA, Retro Sonic, Sonic the Fighters, we were just happy to be in the top five. Same with this year, I didn't expect us to get here, but here we are, I must thank the fans who have supported us all this time, without your we couldn't do this.

TDI: Yes it feels fantastic! This is my first fangame project, but I feel right at home with it, and I can't believe that it's been so well received like this, I know it's worth all the effort. I also must thank everyone, I didn't really realise the game was well received like this when I joined up. I just did it for the love of the two series. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into, heheheh. But I'm glad for it.

Mj2: We were upset that we couldn't get One Chaos complete for SAGE like we planned, however I'm sure everyone will be pleased with the new direction we took.

TDI: Yes, well, I understand I'm heavily involved in that one, so unfortunately it definitely required a push back released, but I think it will be worth it in the end.

TSS: Everyone took a shine to Chaos Control, and perhaps the pushback was for the best, better to have two excellent projects rather than a great one and a rushed one. Explain a little bit about One Chaos for us too stupid to have learned about it beforehand, if you could?

Mj2: Sure. One Chaos is the very first Chaos Control, remade. I released CC1 way back at SAGE 5 - it was your basic Sonic fangame where when you reached the end, it appears that Sonic is dead. The game did what I had planned... made people start to think about the story. However as Chaos Control has been worked on more, and improved on more I felt I needed to give a better backstory to the players.

I started to remake CC1 (renaming it One Chaos) and released a teaser trailer at SAGE 8, I got a lot of positive feedback from that. Once me and TDI got talking, we got new ideas, new gameplay, new characters, it really adds even more to the story and gives me a lot more room to work with in CC, it also has quite a few plot twists, which we are pleased with.

TSS: Well, we'll be keeping a close eye on One Chaos alongside Chaos Control too. Since last year's appearance of Chaos Control, and after viewing the new video for the game this year, I get the feeling there were some storyline aspects and gameplay concepts altered slightly. The tone was a very different feel to last year's video, certainly. How much has Chaos Control changed since last year?

Mj2: Quite a bit. The game has a more 'adult' feel to it now, all the sprites have changed, the settings have been changed a little, the story has more or less remained the same, but I have always kept that secret. The gameplay has changed a lot as well, Raiden has a lot more movement which leads to a number of different ways to play the game.

While in the last demo you only had the machine gun, now you can run out of ammo and you have to use your knife, if you lose that, its down to your fists. The game is a lot harder as well, when you run out of ammo you really have to use stealth to complete the level as if you get caught, you will most likely end up dead, lol. But yeah the game feels, looks and plays very different to what we have showed before.

TDI: I will be working closely with MJ2, hopefully as another tester, even though he has folks for that job. I want to ensure that this game is going to be fun to PLAY, cause I think story is looking great, but it's all gonna be there, cause thats what games are all about in my opinion. And we wont let anyone down in that respect, I'm pretty sure.

TSS: Re-assuring to know. =) Sifting through the credits we even noticed regular, ever-so-eloquent TSS Submitter Robert Fraser as a tester. TDI, I'd like to know how you got into artwork. Has it been a long-standing pastime of yours? And how did you and Mj2 hook up to work together on the Chaos Control projects?

TDI: Heheh, well lets see... I've been drawing all my life, for the heck of it. Being inspired by cartoons and animated films, and heavily influenced by video games once I got into those. I've always loved cartoon style animal characters, full of crazy emotion and fluid animation, and I liked to draw my own. Platformers were always one of my top favourite genres, and games with the best stories as well.

I got into this project, by using Planet MGS forums to talk about my fave series. and one day, found a topic about a blend Sonic/MGS fangame (my two faves) there was no way I could pass up the opportunity. So I asked him if he needed an artist, though I realised he already had one, I wanted to see if there was any way I could contribute to something like this. And once we got talking, it found that I could fit in pretty well. And here I am.

TSS: Cool. I would assume you guys are super excited about the arrival of MGS3: Snake Eater then? ;D

Mj2: Oh yeah! XD Big time. XD

TDI: You could say that, heheh...

Mj2: I was just talking about that with another member of the team today actually, how we are taking the week off...

TSS: In fact, the latest addition to Chaos Control was adopted from the same upcoming sequel, wasn't it Mj2? Feel free to let us know more about this new function.

Mj2: The camo index? Yeah I thought that was a great way to make any game more stealthy, so I thought I would try something like it in CC, and it worked perfect, it adds a whole new level to the gameplay. It is great if you are out of ammo and need to hide, just put a camo on that matches the background and watch yourself blend in. However, as you can tell from the new trailer, your clothes rip, so once that happens your % will drop a lot. I wanted to show this in the trailer, but I think it is better to play it and use it for yourself.

TSS: Being fans of Sonic, you guys interested in games by Sonic Team? There's a new one floating around for release on the Nintendo DS, from the United Game Artists side of the team, a dating sim. Something different from Eggman bashing, eh? XP

Mj2: XD Yeah I still follow Sega and Sonic Team, that game does sound different doesn't it?

TDI:  I always pay attention to Sonic Team's games. But this one boggles my mind a little, heheh. I'm still waiting for a NiGHTS remake or sequel personally.

Mj2: Oh yeah, that would be great. I'm also looking forward to playing the new Headhunter game.

TSS: Different department, but Headhunter makes me want to get an Xbox. And Outrun 2.

TDI: Yeah, me as well. What an under appreciated Sega game. I'm waiting for my soundtrack in the mail as we speak.

TSS: But yes, NiGHTS would suit the Nintendo DS perfectly, wouldn't you think?

Mj2: Yeah, I think they could do so much with NiGHTS on the DS.

TDI: I think it could be pretty interesting on the DS. I really want to see a Metal Gear Solid game on DS as well. If Kojima is willing. Or even... MG remakes for the GBA?

TSS: According to Kojima-san, he still sees the DS as a child's handheld. He may still have the idea that the DS will be just like the Game Boy Series (hence no real GB MGS games - many developers take the view that their 'adult' franchises aren't fit for certain consoles). It's a shame, but I would like to see a MGS on NDS. I loved Twin Snakes, even though it was a butchered form of the original game.

Mj2: Yeah, Twin Snakes got a lot of mixed feedback. Some of the cutscenes I personally didn't like (jumping on missiles and the such) but the gameplay was great, MGS2 gameplay with MGS1 story, what more could you ask for? XD. And every GrayFox scene was amazing.

TSS: How about MGS: Acid on PSP? Hyped up for that? Or a mere lukewarm interest?

TDI: I have a predicament. I want the game but not the system...

Mj2: I'm looking forward to it. I will most likely buy a PSP for it, lol. Hideo mentioned the story might take place after MGS2, so I gotta play that.

TDI: Yeah I wont be able to sleep at night knowing theres a MGS game I haven't played. And it looks quite different to the others.

TSS: Looks very different. Could well turn out to be the "Tails Adventure" of the MGS series, and just about being one of the only games to own on PSP.

Mj2: Tails Adventure, that was a great game in my opinion, so overlooked though.

TDI: Or the 'Sonic Shuffle' of the MGS series, heheh.

TSS: Yep. IMO, [Tails Adventure is] one of, if not the best handheld Sonic game ever. Definitely the best offshoot Sonic game.

TDI: I wish I played it... I have a Game Gear too.

Mj2: Yeah, I really enjoyed it. I was glad to unlock it in SADX, such a great game.

TSS: From each of you, after working so hard on the Chaos Control projects, what advice could you give to other budding fangame makers looking for an idea?

TDI: I would say, play games, and when you're annoyed at something lacking, ie: 'why didn't they add this, or do that?' write it down. Don't forget it. Put all those flaws together and make something new, for yourself, to be proud of.

Mj2: Don't be scared to try something different. Try different ideas, different characters, different settings, and keep working at it, it is hard work, but at the end of the day it is worth it. When you get feedback, good or bad, it feels great to know that people are out there playing this game you have worked so hard on.

TDI: Yes, definitely get feedback, then you can know if an idea works or not.

TSS: Any more details you can reveal on Chaos Control, or One Chaos? Any exclusive information for TSS readers out there? ;D

Mj2: Well we cannot give too much away; you can tell we are Hideo fans, we twist and hide details like him. Let's just say you will all be shocked by the Ninja and Viper. The new female character will definitely be a huge surprise to you all as well.

TSS: How much of an experience can we expect from Chaos Control? Would players get a lengthly playtime from the game, etc? Basically, both of you sell the game to those reading this interview. ^_-

Mj2: Well, the story is very different to other fangames, different from any other Sonic game really. The same can be said for the gameplay, we are trying ideas that haven't been used in fangames before. Yeah the game will be lengthy, it is split in to 3 main parts (OC, CC, CC3). CC is the longest game in the series, I'm sure it will take players some time to finish that one, and with the extras we are adding and the story, I'm sure they will want to play it more than once.

TDI: Yeah, and after all, that's why it's been in development a long time. We want to release a game people will really get a kick out of, even us, though we know whats coming.

Mj2: Yeah this will be a game that will show the players how much work has been put in, for them. We want to deliver the best game we can, something that people will play and enjoy, something different.

TDI: And yet oddly familiar and nostalgic at the same time.

TSS: Groovy. Chaos Control's currently hosted by The Blue Blur Zone. Is this a hoster/hostee relationship only, or does TBBZ actually get involved with the development of the fangame too? I'm not talking about big "argy bargy" controlling of development, I mean if there is actually any help or involvement at all?

Mj2: Mainly just a hoster/hostee relationship, they have been great as we also have hosting at PlanetMGS, over there we have been featured on the cover and are going to get a article on the game. Both hosts have been great, as has Gunsha who have host our forum. Everyone who has helped has been great.

TSS: Wonderful. Finally, before we wrap this up, is there anything you want to say that hasn't been asked or covered by myself?

Mj2: Just thanks again to the fans. We are truly sorry we could not hit our September deadline for One Chaos, but I'm sure once you play it, you will understand why it happened and you will enjoy the game even more! I wanna say thanks to the team as well, they have been great, helped me out a lot, without them CC would be very different, so thanks team.

TDI: Yeah I just want to say thanks for this interview, I'm very honoured to even be in this situation! And that, fans have the power to make the kind of games they want, if they sometimes feel the paid ones can be lacking. Go for your dreams, and get what you want. Show developers what your ideas are.

Mj2: Yeah, thanks a lot to you and TSS for all the coverage ^^ You guys are great.

TSS: Well, we're huge fans of the game here, and always happy to help. :) Very finally, what's your favourite type of cheese? For Sonic_Hedgehogs sake, you understand.

Mj2: XD Funny you mention that - I was talking to a member of the team about cheese the other day. XD I don't like much of it on its own, but a cheese and pickle sandwich PWNS.

TDI: Hahaha! Well I would have to say Creamy Havarti I think.

TSS: Oooh, really? I'm a fan of Havarti myself. =D

TDI: Heheh, yeah, and Gouda. Same difference.

TSS: Haven't had that, probably should. Not really a Cheese Man myself, but Havarti is nice. And that Laughing Cow spread stuff. Yum.

TDI: XD! Yeah, I forgot about that.

TSS: Well, Mj2 and The Dying Informant, developers of Chaos Control and One Chaos, it has been an immense pleasure to speak to you two tonight. Thanks a lot for this interview.

Mj2: Thank you for having us ^^

TDI: No problem. Thank you for the opportunity.

Mj2: (time to go and get my curry lol, brb)

While Mj2 gets his curry, just time to tell you about the link to Chaos Control's webpage again: Chaos Control Website.