neXGam: That sounds like a challenge. The Saturn requires encrypted CDs as far as I know, and it is not as easy as on Dreamcast to get around it. Do you have something in mind that will allow unmodded consoles to run it, if a port happens?

Carlos: Either a custom cartridge or trying to replicate the security ring thing present in the Saturn discs are feasible possibilities. However, both are equally tedious and expensive for us to achieve. So, when our research is done and we finally choose which option is best, we will let users know. However, we simply don’t intend to make any money out of such product, most probably just cover costs, as we are aware that the market will be smaller than the Dreamcast’s. Quite honestly, it’s just a personal challenge.

neXGam:Will there be playable demos or anything like that?

Carlos: Our plan is releasing a playable demo for each project as soon as possible. Hopefully between RetroBarcelona (mid november) and Christmas.

neXGam: Are you considering doing games for other consoles or will you focus on Dreamcast first and foremost?

Carlos: Well, Dreamcast is our favorite so, for now, Dreamcast it is. That being said, if Ameba and/or Xenocider were to become a HUGE success (go imagine) and there’s the means to produce a PS4 version, sure, why not? I mean, we would always be open to that. It’s simply not something we are planning for now, for obvious reasons.

neXGam: Do you have a schedule for the games to be finished?

Carlos: We have an internal schedule, yes, but no specific release date for now, sorry. We don’t want to be those guys… who promise and don’t deliver. Anyway… no less than a year for now.

neXGam: Do you plan to work with an established retro publisher or will you self-publish?

Carlos: If we go the Kickstarter route AND it’s a success, we may consider self-publish, of course. But we have been in talks with a certain publisher as well. No rush to decide for now, thank God.

neXGam: The retro publishers have lost a lot of trust in recent years. Redspotgames basically stopped replying to mails and delivering. Hucast has communication problems. WM has very long details with little information to customers, and no information on the games. 1985alternativo has communication and delivery issues, and also low quality carts and boxes. What can we expect from Retro Sumus to do differently? Do you fear people will be more cautious now that so many problems have been experienced with other retro companies?

Carlos: We know people will be more cautious. And as fans and buyers ourselves, we wouldn’t expect less. I pledged for Pier Solar, Redux and Elysian Shadows, to name a few. I really wanted to back those projects and, as a backer, I expect regular, honest communication from their creators. So basically our goal is as much transparency as humanly possible. We need to be able to answer every question, to keep a constant presence in social media and forums, and to simply let people know what’s happening. Even more if they trusted you with their hard-earned money (needless to say).

Look, if there’s a delay, there’s a delay. People understand that. We live in an era where 140 character work as an official statement, as press release of sorts, for God’s sake. It’s not that difficult to inform your fanbase, your customers, of what the situation is.

So that’s what you can expect from us, I guess. And that includes our Dev Diaries, which show our work in progress with both games. We just released the second one a couple days ago.

As a side note, I know 1985alternativo had communication issues (I don’t know how they are doing recently though), but I would never say low quality… I mean, they create and release games basically for free. If you buy a brand new game for like 25 €, you know what you’re getting and they’ve never tried to convince you otherwise, and still if you think it’s too much you know they’ll be releasing the rom for free anyway. I think it’s just a different approach to the indie/retro scene, that’s all. Perhaps they didn’t really know how to sell themselves to their audience at first, or the audience expected something among the lines of other publishers… but then again, their games wouldn’t cost 25 €.

That being said, all those names you mentioned are publishers, and we are exclusively a development team. For now, anyway!

neXGam: To wrap things up, maybe you would share your top 3 games of all times with our readers?

Carlos: Only 3? That’s impossible for me to answer! Anyway, I asked the rest of the team for their favourites as well so…

Chui: Highway Encounter (Spectrum), Super Mario World (SNES), Space Harrier (arcade).

Abel: Duke Nukem 3D, the Lands of Lore series, Sonic 1 (Game Gear).

Juanjo: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES), Super Mario World (SNES), and the Street Fighter series.

Carlos: And for me, well, these could change if you ask me again next week, but maybe Sonic 2 (Mega Drive), the Streets of Rage trilogy (Mega Drive), and the whole Virtua Fighter series!

neXGam: Thanks a lot for your time!

Carlos: Danke für den Support! ;)

Concerning Retro Sumus' future ports, we have a poll ready in our forums. Please register and vote to make your voice heard!

Carlos will be there too to answer your questions!