Suda51 is one of those names in video games. The developer behind killer7 and No More Heroes, Suda51's games are known for being out there, and so is he. Now, with his latest game -- Lollipop Chainsaw, a third-person zombie slayer starring an 18-year-old scantily clad cheerleader -- shambling ever closer, IGN grabbed the mastermind to see what this rainbow-spurting title is all about.
IGN: Suda51. The head on Juliet's belt. What the hell is that all about?
Suda51: His name is Nick. (Romeo would have been a good name too, but…) We'll share more in due time.
IGN: The next most important question: why did you decide to call this game Lollipop Chainsaw?
Suda51: In the beginning, it was called "Chainsaw & Shotgun," but as we worked on the game more, the title "Lollipop Chainsaw" came about and it stuck. It is the best title to represent this game accurately.
IGN: Your games jump all over the place -- from Killer7 to No More Heroes to Shadows of the Damned. Now, you've tackled a beautiful blonde killing zombies. Why?
Suda51: Panic in a school, a popular girl in school, and a zombie game set in a world heavily influenced by pop culture were all mixed together to form the base of this game. I wanted to give birth to a video game heroine who supersedes past female video game characters, so here Juliet makes her debut!
IGN: When you describe Lollipop Chainsaw to someone, how do you do it? It's a cheerleader on a mission from God?
Suda51: A zombie-hunting cheerleader who is working to uncover the reason behind a Zombie outbreak… armed with a chainsaw of course.
IGN: Where'd your inspiration for Lollipop Chainsaw come from?
Suda51: Of course, the inspiration for this game came to me while in the bathroom… with the spray nozzle.
IGN: Some think zombie games are played out, what would you tell them to get them excited about Lollipop Chainsaw?
Suda51: A fun, happy zombie game has yet to exist. Lollipop Chainsaw is the only zombie game that has hearts and rainbows. It is a game you can enjoy with popcorn!
IGN: Was there ever a thought of making a gritty, realistic zombie game? I mean, there are rainbows all over the place in this Lollipop Chainsaw.
Suda51: Gritty, realistic zombie games already exist, so there is no need for us to make them. Rainbows are scattered everywhere in Lollipop Chainsaw to highlight the fact that this is a fun, but offbeat game.
IGN: You've worked on a number of platforms, what's your take on the Nintendo 3DS? The PlayStation Vita?
Suda51: Magnifico!
IGN: Finally, at PAX, the Lollipop Chainsaw demo asked me not to take upskirt shots. I followed the instructions, but when I get the game home, can I take upskirt shots?
Suda51: Of course, please enjoy it as much as you'd like. However, Juliet is very athletic and a very careful zombie hunter, so it won't be easy.