To celebrate the release of Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster, we asked some of the key developers from the original games to reminisce about the classic RPG series.

Kojima: We are genuinely happy that more people will have the opportunity to experience the Baten Kaitos series. I would like to thank all our fans for their continued support, and everyone who was involved in the remastered version’s production.

One thing that amazed me once again was the background art, which is still beautiful after 20 years — probably because it is 2D art. It is also surprising that Mr. Honne drew all of the art almost all by himself at that time.

Honne: Although I am only supervising the remastered version, I really want to remake the whole thing since the original version was released 20 years ago. Unfortunately, I don't think any gamers out there would have the same thoughts as I do.

I feel relieved and happy, looking back at how well the game was made in terms of playability and length.

Higurashi: It is a very strange feeling, and to tell you the truth, it feels surreal. I have enjoyed playing remastered titles from respected seniors in the industry, but I never thought I would have the opportunity to be part of a remastered project based on a title I was previously involved in.

When creating the key art for the remastered version, I saw the illustrations I drew in the past. Looking at Kalas in the drawings, I could vividly recall what I was thinking back then when creating him, how the tools I used had felt, and the faces of the people who supported me. It really made me want to talk about each of my memories during the development process. I could recall how much fun I had and how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity to work on such a good title.

Honne: I am very confident and proud of the background artwork created since I took the worldview and the use of colours very seriously in the game. Back then, the development staff had worked hard on Baten Kaitos — mirroring an orchestra, where its members would skillfully pile up their own rich and dignified notes. As for my favourite aspect in the game, I personally would choose Mira, the City of Illusion that goes its own ways.

Kojima: The charming character designs and the uplifting music… everything is lovely. But if I had to pick only one thing, it would be the fact that the player can become a spirit and participate in the story. This wonderful world setting is what I love about Baten Kaitos.

Higurashi: Hmm, will it sound like I am lying if I say I love all of them? I’m a big fan of Baten Kaitos so I can list a lot of the different elements that I enjoy, but if I must choose just one, I will say that I love the story of the characters the best. Every character has their own desires and emotions, and I feel like all the characters and the universe of Baten Kaitos have their own souls.

Honne: Although the original games were released 20 years ago, I hope you can enjoy going on a relaxing journey in the world of Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster. I am sure that wonderful memories will be made.

Kojima: Baten Kaitos is a fantasy RPG in which you and your companion explore a wide variety of landscapes. It is such a classic RPG, yet it is filled with various innovations, including an innovative battle system. We hope you will enjoy this journey away from your daily lives.

Higurashi: We are very happy to bring to you the remastered version of Baten Kaitos. Although the original titles were released 20 years ago, they are still such masterpieces that even I, as a creator, am very eager to share about from a fan's perspective! I am confident that those who are playing the games for the first time will enjoy this remaster.

Sakuraba: The orchestra pieces sounded beautiful. The arrangement is simple, and the melody is easy to enjoy. I was surprised when listening to the rock pieces and other tracks with synthesizer because I remembered I had a lot of creative freedom when composing them.

Sakuraba: I’m proud of all the battle songs from Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster. I like them because they show my true side the most. Another song that I like would be "Le ali del principio" from Baten Kaitos Origins. My daughter, who was a child at the time, sang it. She did her best to sing it in Italian until the end of the song.

Sakuraba: Many of the songs in the Baten Kaitos soundtrack were not created with a specific music genre in mind, but rather, it came naturally as I was trying to bring out my feelings from within. So, I didn't have any idea what elements I wanted to include in these songs.

To create these songs, I needed to understand the emotions for the scene and, if possible, I would refer to the visuals. Afterwards, I tried to adjust or rethink the piece I made by discussing with the producers.

What I tried to achieve with the Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster soundtrack – and this goes for other titles as well – is to make the music blend perfectly with the gameplay so people are fully immersed when playing the game.

Sakuraba: Before working on this, battle songs usually emphasised hardness, but after this, I think it is possible to add a light atmosphere to the songs by using acoustic instruments such as piano and violin.

Sakuraba: We hope you will enjoy this work with its unique atmosphere and music! It would be great if you would listen to the music because it is very easy to appreciate.