重點資訊
Mindware developer Mikito Ichikawa and legendary sound designer Yuriko Keino have collaborated on Dropping Drops, a physical action puzzle game designed to be played with a MIDI controller. Originally conceived as a non-commercial sample to demonstrate how changing controllers alters the gaming experience, the project gained momentum after positive reception at the 15th Microcomputer Infinite PRO-68K event in 2025.
The game utilizes a MIDI controller, specifically the KORG nanoKONTROL2, to provide an interactive experience distinct from standard mouse or keyboard inputs. Ichikawa emphasized that the game remains playable without a MIDI controller, ensuring accessibility while rewarding those who use the hardware. The interface incorporates 80s-style arcade aesthetics, including a 100-yen coin icon licensed from Seimitsu Industry, to evoke the atmosphere of classic Namco titles.
Yuriko Keino, known for her work on Dig Dug, contributed not only the music but also handled sound effects and English localization. Keino noted that the game's sound design leverages the KORG KAMATA plugin, allowing for richer compositions than the hardware-constrained 8-channel sound chips she used during her tenure at Namco in the 1980s.
Ichikawa views game development as a mission to provide entertainment that relieves stress. By creating unique, tactile experiences like Dropping Drops, he aims to offer players a refreshing escape, continuing his long-standing commitment to independent game development.
