A Homebrew Draws Near!

A blog series by @Scrobins

Episode 47: Changeable Guardian Estique

Introduction:

Much as homebrew games stretch the possibilities of old consoles, so too does the term “homebrew” become stretched as over time a wider variety of people enter the community, and it no longer looks like the collective of hobbyist tinkerers it once did. The entrance of developers with solid programming backgrounds that predate their work in this space, such as Matt Hughson and Jared Hoag has infused the community with a heft of experience, and a jolt of nerdy enthusiasm heralding a new generation taking hold, one which dedicates itself increasingly to these projects fulltime. Leveraging their skills, these devs have professionalized the community, adding high talent and young blood that will make for deeper gaming experiences for years to come. Their success and diligence has seeded the beginnings of another shift that is slowly arriving: the return of the industry heavyweights. First seen in 2017’s Unholy Night: The Darkness Hunter, a collaboration of ex-SNK veterans, the appeal of new games for old consoles is bringing back big names and assembling dream teams, such as the game featured here and Yuzo Koshiro’s imminent Earthion.

For this entry, I’m offering an early glimpse into the upcoming Famicom/NES shmup Chouyoku Senki Estique aka Changeable Guardian Estique by Cat Hui Trading. As of the time of this writing, development of the game nears completion, and will soon be available for sale through Broke Studio, with the aim of being released this winter.

Cat Hui Trading’s booth at The Wonder Festival

 

Development Team:

Takayuki Komabayashi: Director, Producer

Takayuki “Jemini” Hirono: Lead Programmer

Yamatakkun: Pixel Artist

Shinichi Sakamoto: Musician

Satoshi “Pac” Fujishima: Musician

Hiroki “Daigattai” Kodama: Production Designer

 

Game Evolution:

Changeable Guardian Estique began development in February 2023 as Komabayashi -san assembled his dream team, which included Hirono, Kodama, and Fujishima, all of whom hailed from shoot-‘em-up powerhouse Compile, as well as Sakamoto, who among his many credits served as composer and sound designer for several entries in the Wonder Boy series.

Changeable Guardian Estique is the anglicization of Chouyoku Senki Estique, which might be more literally translated to Super Winged Knight Estique, and is an apt description of your vehicle, but we’ll get to that in a moment. The significance of the “Estique” name derives from its being an anagram of Equites, Komabayashi’s favorite arcade shmup.

Screenshot from Equites

 

Gameplay:

Changeable Guardian Estique describes itself as a 2d horizontal shoot-‘em-up. You play as ace pilots Mary & Kanon bringing their super robot Estique from the friendly planet Petelgeuse to rescue Earth from Van-De-Raus space pirates in the year 2413. Take back control of several big cities with your skill and bravery, and show everyone what Petelgeuse pilots are made of!

Controls have some fun complexity: besides navigating with the D-pad, you toggle between 4 speeds with the Select button, and transform between a faster ship with a more horizontal orientation, and a slower mech with a more vertical orientation using the B-button. Part of the appeal and strategy of the mech is that while in this mode your shield recharges, which is important because in this game there are no lives, if your shield is depleted, that's game over.

Your weapon is controlled by the A-button, but there are 4 different weapons depending on whether you are in ship or mech mode, and whether you use the regular fire or deploy a special attack by double tapping A (you collect special attacks over the course of the game and can hold up to 6 at any given time). The ship’s standard attack is a traditional forward projectile with 2 rotating satellites that absorb fire and damage enemies on contact. The ship’s special attack is similar but more fast-paced, with the satellites moving so quickly around the ship as to create a sort of invincibility. Meanwhile the mech’s standard attack is a wave weapon with a 3-way spread. The mech’s special attack is also similar, but offers a stronger wave punch attack.

Screenshot from Changeable Guardian Estique

 

Interviews:

I was very fortunate to get Komabayashi-san to agree to let me interview him about Changeable Guardian Estique. As much as I try to interview as many members of the development team as possible, their busy schedules and the language barrier simply made that too difficult in this case. Therefore it is a special treat to have these insights from the game’s director to whet our appetites as we await its completion…

 

Takayuki Komabayashi

@kakikukecat

-Before we dive into Changeable Guardian Estique, I would love to talk about you and your background. What first inspired you to become a game director and producer? What is your origin story and the story behind Cat Hui Trading?

If don’t pay money by myself, I can’t make the game what I want. That is why I become director and producer. When I left the previous company, the nice company told me to make the company. 

 

-Who are your influences? And whose work are you watching closely now?

I am now watching closely Yuzo Koshiro and Makoto Wada. They are the developer of Earthion.

Yuzo Koshiro

 

-How would you describe your aesthetic, what to you are the hallmarks of a game made by you?

Game creators should not be pretentious or pompous. I think it's reflected in the game.

 

-What tools do you use to code, compose, and create?

Asm6, Famistudio, and many more.

 

-What is the significance of the game’s title? What should players understand as they prepare to play?

”超翼戦騎” ‘s “騎” is first “機” = machine. But since equites is roman knights, I changed to “騎” = knight.

 For players, I need to say please read the manual. Because there is some information you need to play the game well.

 

-What elements are crucial for a good shooter game? Do you have a favorite shooter that you look to for inspiration?

Comfortable and minimal slow down. Parodius-da! (Arcade) has something to learn, I think.

 

-I always ask my interviewees whether there is a reflection of themselves in the game’s protagonist. Do you identify with Changeable Guardian Estique’s protagonist?

I wish I could be such a cute girl

 

-What aspects of Changeable Guardian Estique are you most proud of?

High level of perfection.

 

-What new challenges or surprises surfaced in developing Changeable Guardian Estique? What lessons did you learn that you would like to share with the people who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

Not only developing the game with my funds, but I also have to promote the game to know.

 

-How did you connect with the rest of the development team? What has the working dynamic been like?

We already knew each other. Development is on Skype.

 

-How does it feel to see so many people eager to buy your game from around the world?

I would be grateful if they would buy it.

 

-Are there any other projects you have lined up on the horizon, Famicom or otherwise? Any dream projects? Collaborations?

Not thinking about other thing. We need to finish ESTIQUE.

 

-Are there any new Famicom games in development that you are excited to play?

I mainly play arcade PCBs, since I am PCB collector.

But given his interest in Koshiro’s work, this screenshot of Earthion is worth highlighting

 

-I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me and share your experiences. Is there anything else you would like to tell readers and fans?

Please buy Changeable ESTIQUE from Broke Studio.

 

 

Conclusion:

Thanks for tuning in to this latest episode of the series that shares the stories behind the games that make your heart leap and your wallet hurt. How do you feel about Changeable Guardian Estique and its incredible development team? What homebrews are you eagerly looking forward to? Perhaps you’ll see it here soon when…A Homebrew Draws Near! Command?