Cracking the Code: Producer Dorian Kieken on Building the First Code Lyoko Video Game
by Louis Bedigian
 
“Players will be able to use these codes on the Code Lyoko Web site and get exclusive content.” 
 
There’s a strange thing happening with video games and licenses. The games that I anticipate – the ones I look forward to as a fan of the original property (24, Alias, Fantastic Four, etc.) – seem to have a 50% chance of being lousy.
 
On the other hand, the games based on licenses I’ve never heard of are having a high success rate. Code Lyoko is the perfect example.  

I was unaware of its existence prior to the game’s announcement. I had no idea it was an anime series on Cartoon Network – I stopped watching that channel after Gundam Wing went off the air.
 
Though I may never become a fan of the show, the game is high on my hit list. With original, action-oriented gameplay; unique tactics per character (there are four you can control); and the best FMV quality seen on the Nintendo DS, Code Lyoko is as exciting as it is anticipated.
 
Dorian Kieken, the Producer of the game at DC Studios, gave us an overview of the game’s content, special features, planned unlockables, and more. 

Code Lyoko mixes a number of gameplay elements, including RPG-style interactions and action-oriented combat. For those who are not familiar with the game and/or the Code Lyoko series, tell us what it's all about.
 
Dorian Kieken: The animated cartoon series Code Lyoko is about kids going to a virtual world to fight an evil type of AI. This evil AI entity tries to break into the real world and it’s up to the kids to save the day. It’s a mix between 2D Animation (representing the real world) and 3D Animation (representing the virtual world).
 
Code Lyoko, the video game, follows the path of the license. It is a mix between 2D (for real world) and 3D (for the virtual world) and utilizes different genres. The 2D section of the game features a Mystery/Exploration type of gameplay. On the 3D side, the player can fight different monsters with different abilities, upgrade his different characters with new combos, increase his/her health points as well as finish a puzzle type of game that allows him to hack into computers.
 
Most DS titles are two-dimensional. What made you decide to take the 3D plunge with Code Lyoko?
 
DK: More and more games are going 3D on DS, so we’re kind of following the move. Also, the mix between 2D and 3D was the essence of the Code Lyoko show and we feel this is the best way to respect the license.
 
Have you found the DS adequate in producing 3D visuals?
 
DK: Once you understand what the DS is and what its limitations are, it opens the door to nice clean art. We faced many constraints such as memory issues and worked out solutions through an intense use of streaming. In the end, I think we found a way to produce the high-end quality Art that we’re known for. 
 

Can you tell us about the battles and the different challenges players will face?
 
DK: They are 12 different types of enemies. They’re all impressive and can be two or three times as big as the player…and the end battle features a creature unknown to the Code Lyoko show.
 
Four characters are playable in the combative stages, and each has a special ability. Tell us about them, and why each one is important.
 
Ulrich is the king of hand-to-hand combat. His special ability is to dash through unstable floors.
Odd is the opposite of Ulrich, he uses distance and quick attacks. His special ability is to climb walls.
 
Yumi is a good balance between the two thanks to her fans. She also has the power to move objects through telekinesis.
 
Aelita reacts through defense, being able to raise her shield to parry and redirect enemy fire. Her special ability is to levitate over holes.
 
In addition to levitating boulders or running across a flipping platform, what kinds of obstacles will players have to overcome?
 
DK: There is plenty of platforming, particularly in the advanced levels of the game. The Player may also use abilities to pass through environments depending on the character.

 
Are certain enemies easier to defeat with a specific character, or is this part of the game more evenly dispersed?
 
DK: Every character has different combos. Some of the combos are definitely more efficient against certain enemies. Combined with the different character styles (ranged, melee, defense, mix), this provides a ton of unique combinations. But yes, if the player uses the right character and the right combos on the right enemies, they’ll be quicker to defeat.

Code Lyoko's FMV quality is extremely high – the best I've seen on a Nintendo handheld. How were you able to achieve this level of visual clarity? 

DK: An optimized engine and a pain in the ass Art Director *smiles*
 
Let's talk about Code Lyoko's soundtrack. I haven't seen much of the show – is that where the game's music came from? Or were there specific songs written for the game?
 
DK: Yes, the music is drawn from the show to keep continuity. All music was adapted to the DS format.
 
Anything else you'd like to share? Any game details we might not be aware of? 

DK: Some unlockable Internet codes will be available in the game. Players will be able to use these codes on the Code Lyoko Web site and get exclusive content.

 
Thank you for your time.

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