1UP: What's the most distinct memory you have of the development of Ninja Gaiden?
YO: There were an incredible number of times that the boss and I got together to test the game and play it and work out some issues. There were all kinds of situations under which we did it. Sometimes we were drinking beer and play-testing the game, sometimes we were drinking whiskey and play-testing the game, and sometimes we were drinking Japanese sake and play-testing the game. So there was a ton of variations on how we were testing it! [Laughs]
1UP: QA Ultimate.
YO: [Laughs] Then finally we did it without any alcohol at all, so that's when we knew we were down to business. So that's my fond memory of Ninja Gaiden.
1UP: So what's it like working with Itagaki?
YO: [Laughs] Working with Itagaki, every day is like a new adventure and there's all kinds of stimulation. And since we're making stuff, a lot of times we have to break down existing things and bust up stuff in order to rebuild it or make something new, so it's really fun to see how it goes. And also, it's really great drinking.
