Tokihiro Naito Revives Retro Gaming Logic in XeGrader Plus
A veteran of the 1980s action RPG era returns with a new PC title that blends shooting, puzzles, and hidden secrets, offering a distinct look at how classic game design principles endure.
Tokihiro Naito has spent four decades shaping the landscape of Japanese video games, starting with the 1984 release of Hydlide. Now, the designer and programmer is returning to independent development with XeGrader plus, a title originally built for vintage Japanese computers like the PC-8001mkII and MSX2. The new PC version expands on a core concept that mixes shooting mechanics with exploration and puzzle-solving, reflecting a design philosophy that Naito claims has remained consistent since the early days of the industry.
According to an interview with GN technics/gaming (en-US), Naito’s approach to game design is rooted in personal enjoyment. He explicitly avoids creating games where he already knows all the answers, preferring to build experiences that surprise even their creator. This mindset drives the inclusion of concealed secrets and rewards in XeGrader plus, ensuring that discovery remains a central pillar of the player's journey rather than a mere mechanical afterthought.
Consistent design philosophy across decades
Naito’s career includes significant work on Hydlide II, Hydlide 3, Virtual Hydlide, and the cult shooter Undead Line. Despite the evolution of technology, his core design tenet remains unchanged: he wants to make games that he himself would find engaging. This perspective naturally leads to a preference for complexity and hidden depth. By embedding secrets and optional challenges, Naito ensures that the game offers different levels of engagement for both casual players and those who enjoy rigorous exploration.
The trade-off for this design choice is that the game may feel less accessible to players who prefer straightforward, linear progression. However, Naito believes that the satisfaction of uncovering hidden elements outweighs the barrier to entry. This approach mirrors the ethos of many classic arcade games, where mastery and curiosity were rewarded with higher scores and exclusive abilities, creating a lasting sense of achievement for those who put in the effort.
Inspirations from arcade history
XeGrader plus draws heavily from the golden age of arcade gaming, with clear nods to titles like Space Invaders, The Tower of Druaga, and Konami’s Tutankham. Naito cites specific moments from his own gaming history as key influences. For instance, discovering the piercing shot power-up in the game Gaplus was a pivotal moment that taught him the value of rewarding curiosity. This experience directly inspired the inclusion of similar secret-based rewards in XeGrader plus, where solving specific puzzles unlocks powerful new abilities.
Another significant influence comes from the Japanese Famicom version of Gradius, where passing through a volcanic tunnel in a specific way awarded a bonus. Naito found this type of hidden reward particularly enjoyable and decided to build a game design framework around it. By focusing on the collection of secrets, he aims to create a gameplay loop where figuring out the rules of the environment is as satisfying as the combat itself. This method encourages players to experiment and observe, turning routine gameplay into a series of small discoveries.
Collaborative audio and visual style
The atmosphere of XeGrader plus is shaped by a collaboration with composer Tadahiro Nitta and pixel artist Skipmore. Naito’s direction for the soundtrack was specific: he wanted music that evoked the feel of an arcade game from around 1990. Since the original version was already completed for retro PCs, the structure of the music was fixed, but Nitta was tasked with reimagining the sound to fit a modern, high-fidelity context while retaining that nostalgic arcade energy.
The visual style, crafted by Skipmore, complements this retro aesthetic with detailed pixel art. This combination of FM-synth-driven audio and classic pixel graphics creates a cohesive identity that appeals to fans of vintage gaming. However, the reliance on specific retro cues may limit the game's appeal to audiences who prefer modern, cinematic visuals. Nevertheless, for those who value the authenticity of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, this collaborative approach provides a rich and immersive experience that honors the history of the medium.
