Noriyoshi Oba
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese game designer and producer
best known for his role as head of Sega
Studio OverWorks. Currently Ohba is working at Premium Agency with other former Sega designers.
In 2002, while promoting Shinobi (PlayStation 2)
Obha San revealed that he was involved with the franchise since Revenge of Shinobi (1989). In an interview with IGN
he revealed that he was directly involved in the development of the critically acclaimed Brawler
trilogy Streets of Rage
(1991–1994).
During the SEGA Saturn era the development teams at SEGA decided to develop original IPs over sequels sequels, as evident by Yuji Naka
lack of involvement in any new Sonic the Hedgehog games. Similarly work on Obha San's Streets of Rage and Shinobi games was outsourced to external studios (The Streets of Rage game was released without the SOR name), however a new Shinobi game titled Shinobi Legions
was produced for the SEGA Saturn without Obha San's involvement. Notable franchises that Obha San helped create for SEGA Saturn included Clockwork Knight
(1994), Blazing Heroes (1995), and Sakura Wars
(1996) series among several others games. While his games were all critically and commercially successful in Japan former SEGA president Bernie Stolar
decided against localizing most of his Saturn games.
(Creator of the Phantasy Star Series
) started his own studio called OverWorks (word play on Ohba's name).
The studio continued work on the Sakura Taisen series which weren't given a Western Release during Ohba's career at SEGA, in 2001 along with Rieko Kodama Ohba produced Skies of Arcadia
(Eternal Arcadia in Japan) for Dreamcast which was a critically acclaimed RPG similar to the Mega Drive Phantasy Star games.
Ohba then started work on the reimaginign of Shinobi on the Dreamcast while the game had progress significantly in development due to SEGA's decision to discontinue support for the Dreamcast development of the game was moved to Playstation 2
which caused a six month delay in release.
In 2002, Ohba supervised the development of the newest version of Shinobi for the PlayStation 2, followed by the sequel/spin-off Nightshade (videogame) (Kunoichi in Japan).
He left Sega in 2005 and joined GungHo Entertainment
, where he became director of newly created GungHo Works
. The subsidiary studio was shuttered in fall 2009 due to the mediocore press Ragnarok Online DS
& Mimana Iyar Chronicles received.
Since 2010 March, Ohba has joined Premium Agency, a Japanese studio where the CEO is another ex-SEGA employee who also worked at Shenmue
.
Game producer
A video game producer is the person in charge of overseeing development of a video game.The earliest documented use of the term producer in games was by Trip Hawkins, who established the position when he founded Electronic Arts in 1982...
best known for his role as head of Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
Studio OverWorks. Currently Ohba is working at Premium Agency with other former Sega designers.
Education and Start
Information is sparse on the Early Career of Noriyoshi Ohba his first game WonderBoy in Magic Land came out in 1988, and Ohba was born in 1963. From this information it is possible to infer that he was under 25 when he started work at SEGA.1989 - 1998 Main Stream Success
It can be argued that Ohba San was at the height of his popularity during the SEGA MegaDrive era unfortunately designers at SEGA during those years were credited under aliases therefore Obha did not receive credit for his work on the system.In 2002, while promoting Shinobi (PlayStation 2)
Shinobi (PlayStation 2)
Shinobi is a 3D action-adventure video game developed by Overworks and published by Sega as part of the Shinobi series. It was released for the PlayStation 2 console on November 10, 2002 in North America; December 5 in Japan; and May 15, 2003 in Europe. The game stars the ninja Hotsuma, who wields...
Obha San revealed that he was involved with the franchise since Revenge of Shinobi (1989). In an interview with IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
he revealed that he was directly involved in the development of the critically acclaimed Brawler
Beat 'em up
Beat 'em up is a video game genre featuring melee combat between the protagonist and a large number of underpowered antagonists. These games typically take place in urban settings and feature crime-fighting and revenge-based plots, though some games may employ historical or fantasy themes...
trilogy Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage, known in Japan as , is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Sega in 1991 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the first installment of the Streets of Rage series which was followed by Streets of Rage 2 and Streets of Rage 3. The game was also converted over to Sega's Game...
(1991–1994).
During the SEGA Saturn era the development teams at SEGA decided to develop original IPs over sequels sequels, as evident by Yuji Naka
Yuji Naka
, is a video game designer and programmer, best known as the former head of Sonic Team, a group of Sega programmers/designers, where he was the lead programmer of the original Sonic the Hedgehog....
lack of involvement in any new Sonic the Hedgehog games. Similarly work on Obha San's Streets of Rage and Shinobi games was outsourced to external studios (The Streets of Rage game was released without the SOR name), however a new Shinobi game titled Shinobi Legions
Shinobi Legions
Shinobi Legions, known as Shinobi X in Europe and Shin Shinobi Den in Japan, is a video game in the Shinobi series, developed and published by Sega in 1995 for Sega Saturn.-Storyline:...
was produced for the SEGA Saturn without Obha San's involvement. Notable franchises that Obha San helped create for SEGA Saturn included Clockwork Knight
Clockwork Knight
Clockwork Knight is a side-scrolling platformer video game, released for the Sega Saturn in Japan on December 9, 1994, as a launch title in the U.S. on May 11, 1995, and in Europe on July 8, 1995. It was followed by a sequel, Clockwork Knight 2....
(1994), Blazing Heroes (1995), and Sakura Wars
Sakura Wars
is a Japanese media franchise created by Ouji Hiroi, and is developed and owned by Sega and licensed by Red Entertainment and Sega. The franchise centers on a series of dramatic fantasy and science-fantasy tactical role-playing adventure video games, which consist of tactical wargame and dating sim...
(1996) series among several others games. While his games were all critically and commercially successful in Japan former SEGA president Bernie Stolar
Bernie Stolar
Bernard "Bernie" Stolar is an American businessman who worked in the video game industry for several important companies. His career started at Atari where he worked initially in the coin-op arcade division and eventually moved over to the home division in charge of platforms like Atari Lynx. He...
decided against localizing most of his Saturn games.
1989 - 2004 OverWorks
In 1998, in order to prepare for the Dreamcast launch with a strong software lineup SEGA expanded their in-house R&D teams, giving them full creative autonomy outside the walls of SEGA. Along with Rieko KodamaRieko Kodama
is a video game designer. She has been involved with some of Sega's high profile projects such as Alex Kidd, the Phantasy Star series, Sonic The Hedgehog, Shinobi, Skies of Arcadia, and several other A-list games.-Education:Born in Kanagawa, Japan, she began her education undecided between art and...
(Creator of the Phantasy Star Series
Phantasy Star series
is a series of console role-playing video games and other supplementary media created by Sega. The original game debuted in 1987 on the Sega Master System with Phantasy Star, and continues into the present with Phantasy Star Universe, Sega's foray into the realm of MMORPGs...
) started his own studio called OverWorks (word play on Ohba's name).
The studio continued work on the Sakura Taisen series which weren't given a Western Release during Ohba's career at SEGA, in 2001 along with Rieko Kodama Ohba produced Skies of Arcadia
Skies of Arcadia
Skies of Arcadia, released in Japan as , is a console role-playing game developed by Overworks for the Dreamcast and published by Sega in 2000. Skies of Arcadia Legends, a port, was released for the GameCube in 2002. Legends was also in development for the PlayStation 2; however, the PS2 version...
(Eternal Arcadia in Japan) for Dreamcast which was a critically acclaimed RPG similar to the Mega Drive Phantasy Star games.
Ohba then started work on the reimaginign of Shinobi on the Dreamcast while the game had progress significantly in development due to SEGA's decision to discontinue support for the Dreamcast development of the game was moved to Playstation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
which caused a six month delay in release.
In 2002, Ohba supervised the development of the newest version of Shinobi for the PlayStation 2, followed by the sequel/spin-off Nightshade (videogame) (Kunoichi in Japan).
He left Sega in 2005 and joined GungHo Entertainment
GungHo Online Entertainment
GungHo Online Entertainment is a Japanese videogame corporation. They are primarily known for hosting the Japanese server of Ragnarok Online, as well as their development of Ragnarok DS for the Nintendo DS.-History:...
, where he became director of newly created GungHo Works
GungHo Online Entertainment
GungHo Online Entertainment is a Japanese videogame corporation. They are primarily known for hosting the Japanese server of Ragnarok Online, as well as their development of Ragnarok DS for the Nintendo DS.-History:...
. The subsidiary studio was shuttered in fall 2009 due to the mediocore press Ragnarok Online DS
Ragnarok Online DS
Ragnarok DS is a game based on the MMORPG Ragnarok Online that was released in Japan on December 18, 2008. It was announced that publisher Xseed Games has teamed up with developer GungHo Online Entertainment to bring the game to North America, February 16, 2010...
& Mimana Iyar Chronicles received.
Since 2010 March, Ohba has joined Premium Agency, a Japanese studio where the CEO is another ex-SEGA employee who also worked at Shenmue
Shenmue
is a 1999 open-world adventure video game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Dreamcast, produced and directed by Yu Suzuki. Suzuki coined a genre title, "FREE" , for the game, based on the interactivity and freedom he wanted to give to the player...
.
List of major works
| Title | Year released | Platform | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wonder Boy in Monster Land Wonder Boy in Monster Land Wonder Boy in Monster Land is an action role-playing platform video game developed by Westone. It was released by Sega for the arcades in 1987 and for the Sega Master System in 1988; Activision released the game for the Amiga, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, and Atari ST... |
1988 | Sega Master System Sega Master System The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe.... |
Director |
| The Revenge of Shinobi The Revenge of Shinobi The Revenge of Shinobi, published in Japan as is a video game developed and published by Sega in 1989. It was the first Shinobi game developed for the Sega Mega Drive, and was later released on the coin-operated version of that console, the Mega-Tech.... |
1989 | Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) | Director |
| Streets of Rage Streets of Rage Streets of Rage, known in Japan as , is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Sega in 1991 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the first installment of the Streets of Rage series which was followed by Streets of Rage 2 and Streets of Rage 3. The game was also converted over to Sega's Game... |
1991 | Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) | Director |
| Streets of Rage II | 1993 | Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) | Producer / Director |
| Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, released in Japan as , is an action game developed and published by Sega for the Mega Drive/Genesis console that was released in 1993.It is the direct sequel of the 1989 game The Revenge of Shinobi... |
1993 | Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) | Producer |
| Streets of Rage III | 1994 | Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) | Producer |
| Clockwork Knight Clockwork Knight Clockwork Knight is a side-scrolling platformer video game, released for the Sega Saturn in Japan on December 9, 1994, as a launch title in the U.S. on May 11, 1995, and in Europe on July 8, 1995. It was followed by a sequel, Clockwork Knight 2.... |
1994 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... |
Producer |
| Blazing Heroes | 1995 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... |
Producer / Director |
| Iron Storm: World Advanced strategy | 1995 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... (only Japan) |
Producer |
| Let's Make a J-League Pro Soccer Club | 1996 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... (only Japan) |
Producer / Director |
| Sakura Wars Sakura Wars is a Japanese media franchise created by Ouji Hiroi, and is developed and owned by Sega and licensed by Red Entertainment and Sega. The franchise centers on a series of dramatic fantasy and science-fantasy tactical role-playing adventure video games, which consist of tactical wargame and dating sim... |
1996 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... |
Producer / Director |
| Daytona USA Daytona USA Daytona USA may refer to:* Daytona USA , a 1993 arcade racing video game* Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition, exclusive home-based extension of the first game* Daytona USA 2, the sequel to the original game... |
1997 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... |
Producer / Director |
| Advanced World War | 1997 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... (only Japan) |
Producer |
| Let's Make a J-League Pro Soccer Club II | 1997 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... (only Japan) |
Director |
| Sakura Wars II | 1998 | Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... |
Producer |
| Skies of Arcadia Skies of Arcadia Skies of Arcadia, released in Japan as , is a console role-playing game developed by Overworks for the Dreamcast and published by Sega in 2000. Skies of Arcadia Legends, a port, was released for the GameCube in 2002. Legends was also in development for the PlayStation 2; however, the PS2 version... |
2000 | Dreamcast | Producer |
| Sakura Wars III | 2001 | Dreamcast | Producer |
| Sakura Wars IV | 2002 | Dreamcast | Producer |
| Shinobi Shinobi Shinobi is the Japanese word for male ninja. It may also refer to:*Shinobi , a series of video games**Shinobi , the original video game in the series developed by Sega**Shinobi , the PlayStation 2 sequel... |
2002 | Playstation 2 PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan... |
Producer |
| Skies of Arcadia Legends | 2002 | GameCube | Producer |
| Nightshade | 2003 | Playstation 2 PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan... |
Producer |
| Dragon Treasure | 2003 | Sega Arcade (only Japan) | Producer |
| Lilliput Kingdom | 2004 | Gameboy Advance (only Japan) | Producer |
| Dragon Treasure 2 | 2004 | Sega Arcade (only Japan) | Producer |
| Blood Will Tell Blood Will Tell Blood Will Tell, released as in Japan, is a PlayStation 2 game released by Sega. It is based on the Japanese manga series Dororo, which was created by Osamu Tezuka. It concerns a hero named Hyakkimaru, who has had much of his body stolen by forty-eight fiends, and has prosthetic replacements... |
2004 | Playstation 2 PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan... |
Producer |
| Sakura Wars V Episode 0 | 2004 | Playstation 2 PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan... |
Producer |
| Sangokushi Taisen Sangokushi Taisen Sangokushi Taisen is a card-based real-time strategy arcade game based on the Three Kingdoms period of China.-Gameplay system:The game itself has an input system in which cards are placed on a sensitive playing area... |
2005 | Sega Arcade (only Japan) | Producer |
| Sakura Wars V | 2005 | Playstation 2 PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan... |
Producer |
| Ragnarok Online DS Ragnarok Online DS Ragnarok DS is a game based on the MMORPG Ragnarok Online that was released in Japan on December 18, 2008. It was announced that publisher Xseed Games has teamed up with developer GungHo Online Entertainment to bring the game to North America, February 16, 2010... |
2008 | Nintendo DS Nintendo DS The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP... |
Director |
| Mimana Iyar Chronicles | 2009 | Sony Playstation Portable | Director |