Murayama

[TheStrategist]

What ever happened to Y. Murayama? - the man in creating a great series. There have been so many rumors flying around about where he had gone to....Someone please fill in the gap...

[Synchysi]

Last I heard, SARSadmin discovered he had become a freelance novelist writing under the pen name of Inumura Koroku. He contacted Murayama and talked a bit, but I haven't heard anything other than that. I'm sure SARSadmin could go into more detail.
_________________

[Hrestelan]

First the rumour was that he left Konami because he wanted to do a Sasarai chapter in Suikoden 3, showing too much of Harmonia. Konami didn't want that, and forced him to change the plot, so he quit.

But last word I read from SARSadmin (on Gamefaqs was it?), was that Murayama wasn't much involved in S3 from the beginning. That he only did Thomas' chapters or something like that.

That's surprising to me. I thought always that the first rumour was true, because it fits the little mess that is Suikoden 3. The first three chapters are flawless IMO, and I see the plot going on brilliantly until chapter 4. When Murayama was supposed to have left, forcing a major change in the story.

So I don't have a clue now. But I'm awaiting any word from SARSadmin, since I'm always interested in any topic about Murayama.

[Maximillian]

I always doubted that rumor, as it seemed too made-up. It's like how primitive people saw thunder and lightning and said "The gods must be angry," trying to explain away what they couldn't comprehend. People didn't like some of Suikoden III and then heard that Murayama left, and somehow combined those two seperate events into the same thing. It was all too perfect for me to buy into...

But yeah, what Blue Moon said in his godly GameFAQs topic was that in Suikoden III Murayama was only involved in events outside the main plot, like Thomas' chapter and whatnot, and that he had most likely planned to leave Konami before Suikoden III was even in production. There is no provable validity to the Sasarai chapter rumor, and that Murayama is now a writer using a false name.

[Vextor]

Actually, Inuyama Koroku was not Murayama--although he is Murayama's friend. So, the truth about what happened to Murayama is a mystery.

[Hrestelan]

Forever a mystery, huh. Just like so many things in a Suikoden game.

[Sophita]

My guess is he lost interest in the series and decided to take off to seek his fortunes elsewhere.

I do think, however, that his departure must have upset things over at Konami - It certainly looks like there was a great deal of mix-up, because the first half of Suikoden III is certainly a much different game than the last half. It was like they realized that they were rapidly running out of time and had to rush things to finish the plot. The pace just goes from glacial to rushed in .5 seconds.
_________________

SCII month continues! DueFiumi.com

John Layfield wrote:

But bubbles... children love bubbles! XD

[Eggith Cyrene]

Another Reason Why Suikoden 3 Suffered was due to the series Compser getting married. And She followed tradition and quit. A real shame too.
_________________
"Hearing the CRY of VICTORY, He rests in Peace"



Suikoden 5 didnt make me less of a fan; it restored my faith after the abomination that was suikoden 4.

[Vextor]

Actually, Miki Higashino has returned to Konami recently after her 2 year maternity leave. Not sure if she is working with Suikoden though.