14 Facts About Koichi Ishii

1.

Koichi Ishii, sometimes credited as Kouichi Ishii, is a video game designer perhaps best known for creating the Mana series.

2.

Koichi Ishii joined Square in 1987, where he has directed or produced every game released in the Mana series.

3.

Koichi Ishii has contributed to several games in Square Enix's SaGa and Final Fantasy series, and created the well-known chocobo and moogle characters.

4.

Koichi Ishii worked on Final Fantasy I, II, and III, as well as SaGa Frontier.

5.

Koichi Ishii was invited to work on the original Final Fantasy in 1986, and helped develop the crystal theme that became a recurring motif of the series.

6.

Koichi Ishii wanted to create a game called "Seiken Densetsu" in 1987, but Square rejected the idea before he even finished planning it.

7.

Koichi Ishii was able to develop it in the early 1990s as a Final Fantasy Gaiden.

8.

Koichi Ishii was involved in the development of the Sword of Mana and all other World of Mana games.

9.

Koichi Ishii left Square Enix after the release of the World of Mana series.

10.

Koichi Ishii was the original director for the MMORPG Final Fantasy XI and continued to be a central team member throughout the development of its first expansion, Rise of the Zilart.

11.

Koichi Ishii's guiding principle throughout the initial development cycle, according to a 2016 interview, was to both create compelling world and setting for the game as well as emphasize teamwork among players.

12.

Koichi Ishii formed the new developer Grezzo in April 2007.

13.

Koichi Ishii is noted for his use of an active real time battle system, a pioneering move at the time.

14.

Koichi Ishii was praised for his use of cutting-edge technologies such as Mode 7 graphics to create a 3D feel.