We’ll be working on a review for Thunder Ray, so I got in touch with Purple Tree to talk a bit about the game and its development. Come check it out!
PS4Blog: Good morning! Thank you for joining us today. Could you please help us get started by telling our readers a bit about yourself and your work?
I am Pablo Cerrutti, the co-founder of Purple Tree, a venture that took root in 2011. With nearly two decades of industry immersion, I’ve cultivated a deep-rooted passion for graphic design and its intersection with the gaming realm. My journey has been a dynamic one, with a rich involvement in art direction, user experience (UX), and graphic design.
In my formative years, I honed my skills by crafting web games for influential companies such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Disney. These experiences propelled me forward, setting the stage for my specialization: 2D arcade games that resonate with players, evoking nostalgia for the gameplay sensations reminiscent of the SNES and original PlayStation eras. I aim to craft experiences that linger in players’ memories, much like the classics that have left an indelible mark on gaming history.
PS4B: On that note, Thunder Ray will be making its way to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on September 14. What can you tell us about this project?
Thunder Ray represents a game that has occupied our aspirations for several years, and at long last, the opportune moment to bring this vision to life has presented itself. Infused with an ardent admiration for the Punch-Out!! series, our hearts have yearned to forge a path to create our rendition of this iconic franchise. With the passage of time and the absence of a fresh iteration since the Wii version, we deemed it imperative to take the reins and manifest our interpretation.
PS4B: What drew you to work on a game like Thunder Ray? It’s certainly very different from Golazo! and Pets No More.
Our extensive history of collaborating with prominent franchises has endowed us with a wealth of experience, rendering us adept and versatile in accommodating diverse gameplay styles. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to innovation and adaptation, a quality honed through years of collaborating with notable names. What truly galvanized us to embark on this journey is our uncharted territory in the realm of intense and gritty gameplay.
PS4B: Now that Thunder Ray is ready to go, what’s next for the studio? Will you continue to work on more content for the game, or will you take a break?
Laughter is our pause button! Jokes aside, breaks have been a rarity for us as we’re in a perpetual state of motion. We’re currently fervently engrossed in the development of not one but two projects slated to debut in the early months of 2024. Furthermore, the fervor doesn’t stop there; we’re also dedicatedly crafting a DLC for Thunder, ensuring that the thunderous excitement reverberates even further. Our unyielding dedication is the driving force behind our ceaseless momentum.
PS4B: Are there any plans for a physical release of the game? I’d love to have a mini-artbook/instruction booklet to go along with a Nintendo Switch or PlayStation physical copy.
Absolutely, the gears are in motion for a physical release, although, due to non-disclosure obligations, I’m unable to divulge further details at this juncture. On another creative front, the concept of an art book is currently in the works. While the format—be it physical or digital—is still being defined, the essence of encapsulating our artistic journey remains at the heart of this endeavor. Rest assured, the art book will be a testament to our passion and craftsmanship.
PS4B: And that’s all the time we have for today. Is there something else you’d like to add before we go?
Certainly! Join us in extending our wishlists to the game as it continues to evolve. To stay seamlessly connected and up-to-date with all the exciting developments from Purple Tree, make sure to follow us on our vibrant array of social media platforms. Your support is what propels us forward, and we can’t wait to share our journey with you!
