Inside Scoop: The Untold Story Behind Baten Kaitos' Name - Bandai Namco's Surprising Secret!

Bandai Namco, the publisher of the Baten Kaitos series, initially opposed using the game's title before it was released. However, in June, it was announced that these two classic GameCube RPGs will be released on the Switch in September as a remastered package. This exciting development brings these cult classics to Nintendo's current console, with various improvements for a better gaming experience. These enhancements include a cutscene skip function, auto-save feature, and other enhancements to make the games more accessible to new players.

Originally developed by Monolith Soft and tri-Crescendo, the Baten Kaitos games were published exclusively for the GameCube by Namco (prior to its merger with Bandai). Although the games were highly regarded by critics, they did not achieve significant commercial success. As a result, they gained a loyal following among fans, and the upcoming re-release on the Switch provides another opportunity for players to discover and enjoy these overlooked JRPGs. It is worth noting that the director of the games has recently disclosed that Namco was initially hesitant about using the "Baten Kaitos" name.

Baten Kaitos director, Yasuyuki Honne, revealed on Twitter that the game's name faced opposition from Namco. Despite resistance from higher-ups, Honne stuck with the original title for the duology. Honne also discussed the development of Baten Kaitos, sharing that the name originated from naming the airship. The game's terminology and in-universe elements evolved from this initial name, with the help of the story's writer. Honne also mentioned that incorporating constellation names facilitated the localization process.

While many fans eagerly anticipate the release of the Baten Kaitos port on the Nintendo Switch, there are also concerns among some enthusiasts. Specifically, these concerns revolve around certain aspects of the game, such as its locked 30 FPS frame rate instead of a boosted 60 FPS, and the absence of an English dub for the Baten Kaitos remasters. Another worry arises regarding Bandai Namco's handling of this release, considering the criticism faced by the Tales of Symphonia remaster for lacking polish. Some fans fear that a similar lack of attention may be apparent in the treatment of Baten Kaitos. Mark your calendars for the exclusive launch of Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster on September 19, available only for the Nintendo Switch.

Source: Nintendo Everything