Did Studio Ghibli make Ni no Kuni 2?
The beloved animation studio Studio Ghibli has been associated with many iconic films, including My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. But did they have a hand in the creation of Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, a charming RPG for PC and consoles? In this article, we’ll dive into the answer to this question and explore the fascinating world of Studio Ghibli.
Background on Studio Ghibli and Ni no Kuni
For those unfamiliar, Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation studio known for its beautifully crafted animated films. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, the studio has produced many beloved films, including Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Ni no Kuni, on the other hand, is a video game series developed by Level-5, a Japanese video game development studio. The series is known for its beautiful animation and charming characters. The first game, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, was a collaboration between Level-5 and Studio Ghibli. In 2015, Level-5 released the sequel, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom.
Direct Answer: Did Studio Ghibli make Ni no Kuni 2?
No, Studio Ghibli did not create Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. While the studio was involved in the first game, they did not collaborate on the sequel.
What happened to Studio Ghibli’s involvement in Ni no Kuni?
In an interview, Joe Hisaishi, the composer for both Ni no Kuni games, explained that Studio Ghibli’s involvement ended with the first game. Level-5 decided to continue the series without their involvement. Yoshiyuki Momose, a character designer and animator at Studio Ghibli, still worked on the second game, but the studio’s involvement was limited to that one individual.
The role of Yoshiyuki Momose
As mentioned earlier, Yoshiyuki Momose, a character designer and animator at Studio Ghibli, worked on Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. While he was part of the team, it’s important to note that he was not the primary designer or animator for the game. His role was likely limited to contributing specific assets or characters to the game.
Key differences between Ni no Kuni I and II
While the first game was heavily influenced by Studio Ghibli’s style, the sequel lacks the studio’s distinctive touch. Here are some key differences:
- Visual style: Ni no Kuni I features more traditional Ghibli-esque animation, with intricate backgrounds and character designs. Ni no Kuni II, on the other hand, has a more modern and simplified art style.
- Story: The stories of both games are vastly different. Ni no Kuni I is a traditional RPG story with a rich narrative, while Ni no Kuni II has a more lighthearted and humorous tone.
- Music: The soundtracks for both games were composed by Joe Hisaishi, but Ni no Kuni II has a more electronic and contemporary score compared to the orchestral and whimsical score of the first game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Studio Ghibli did not create Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. While the studio was involved in the first game, their collaboration ended with the original release. Yoshiyuki Momose, a Studio Ghibli animator, worked on the sequel, but the studio’s influence is limited to his individual contributions.
For fans of Studio Ghibli and Ni no Kuni, this may come as disappointing news. However, it’s important to recognize the incredible work that Level-5 has done in continuing the series without the studio’s direct involvement.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a game with a similar style to Studio Ghibli, consider playing the original Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch or exploring other animated RPGs like Bravely Default or Octopath Traveler.
Additional resources
- Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Official Website
- Studio Ghibli Official Website
- Level-5 Official Website
I hope this article provides a comprehensive answer to your question and helps you understand the relationship between Studio Ghibli and Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom.