-----------------------------
INTERVIEW ARCHIVE
-----------------------------

GRETEL & HANSEL - MAKOPUDDING [INTERVIEW]

TYPE: Flash Interview
DATE: 3rd November 2009
INFO: 10 Questions

Hello, makopudding. It's really nice to have you here!

Hello Journalist! So honored that you would like to interview me!

Why did you choose to make a game of the famous fairy tale, "Hansel & Gretel"?

We were interested in doing a dark fairy tale, the story of hansel and gretel is perfect for an adventure game since it has many locations and forests and witches provide great inspiration for puzzles and effective storytelling.

Why did you name the game, "Gretel & Hansel", and why not "Hansel & Gretel" like the Original Title?

We named it gretel and hansel because unlike the original fairy tale, Gretel is the main character. We felt this provided a nice twist on the original tale and would allow our story to go in new directions while keeping the spirit of the original story.

Why is Gretel the Main Character, and Hansel such a brainless person?

Mostly for comedic timing, and to emphasize that Gretel is the main character, and really left to her own devices. However Hansel gets a lot more of the spotlight in the next two installments, and you'll be surprised by his actions. He may not be as brainless as he seems... ;)

Why did you make a Point 'n' Click game out of the story?

We are huge fans of point and click adventure games and felt that the Hansel and Gretel story provided many opportunities for fun puzzles and nice atmosphere. Since point and click games usually rely on atmosphere, this proved an effective combination.

Why does the game contain so much Blood & Gore?

The original tale of Hansel and Gretel is one of the most bleak fairy tales, full of despair and horror. Hansel is imprisoned in a cage and is forced to trick the witch by pulling the finger bone off of another skeleton in his cage. The mother hates her children and abandons them in a forest to die. These are very heavy, dark images and we felt that the over the top gore and violence were in line with the tone of the original work. Though disturbing much of the gore is also rather humorous (for those sick and twisted individuals anyway)

Is there any special reason why you chose to make the unique art, in the game "Gretel & Hansel"?

We were experimenting with various styles for the game and watercolor just worked because it fit the tone we were looking for as well as looking very unique.

When are you planning to release the Sequel?

The sequel should be out in two months, we are aiming for the end of December. The conclusion should come some time in February. Look forward to these as they will be even bigger and better than the first episode!

Could you tell us a little more about the sequel?

The second part will take place in the forest, it will deal with the challenges and foes Gretel and Hansel must overcome to make it to the Witch's house. The third part takes place in the witch's house and will conclude the story.

Do you work alone, or is there someone helping you or co-operating with you?

The gretel and hansel games are made with myself (makopudding) and djkingdb, we work together on the animation, coding and art.

Is "Gretel & Hansel" your very first game ever completed, or do you have anything else to show?

I was the art director for Head's Rush, another game that is on Newgrounds, however its currently broken but you can play the game here:

http://www.ian-james.com/Roulette

Nice chatting with you, makopudding! It's been an honor to Interview you, as this is my first one. Thanks for taking your time to respond all of the questions. We're are really excited for the sequels release!

Thanks a lot Journalist! Its been a pleasure.

If anyone is wondering anything more about makopudding or about his game, just send me a PM with the questions and I will ask him!

Journalist

Updated: 11/08/09 7:44 PM Log in to comment! | Share this!