Designing Bayonetta Part 3 – Rodin and Enzo
August 21st, 2009 by Mari Shimazaki
Filed: Bayonetta, Community, Games, PlatinumGames
Hi everyone. Character designer Mari Shimazaki here with you again.
I’m back from Comic Con!
I went in place of Kamiya-san, who was suddenly unable to attend. It was a totally packed couple of days, so see JP’s report for all the details.
A picture of me with the Bayo-Gals, who were passing out flyers around town in San Diego. I was really happy, you know, seeing stuff like this. I got excited and jumped in there with them for a picture grinning ear to ear…
So now on to Rodin and Enzo.
Here are your odd couple. As promised, they are very Blues Brothers-esque.
First up is Rodin.
You might have seen him all over a section of our Japanese homepage known as “The Gates of Hell.” Rodin is a demon gunsmith who plays a big-brother role to Bayonetta. Unfortunately, I can only show you the final design, but I can share that Rodin wasn’t his original name, and he was a far funkier man at first.
I have memories of designing him and thinking that he had that so-called “spirit of an artiste,” meaning he was a man who loves fine antiques and music. I would imagine that Rodin would listen to some records, get into the groove of things, and then get down to business making weapons… Even now, Rodin’s love of music still remains ever so slightly as a part of his character profile, and that love is reflected in a gameplay element.
This is the underground informant, Enzo.
I designed Enzo with the idea in mind that he adores the Italian Mafia, but his personal hobbies are decidedly more bourgeois. Contrary to expectations, he is also a devoted husband and father to a large family. And boy is he a talker! That’s about it, I suppose. Enzo got OK’ed in only three days, so it’s actually kind of hard to remember these things! (Hehe…)
As he so eloquently explained in his blog post recently, modeler Kenichiro Yoshimura modeled Enzo for me, although he did seem to have a very strange affection for the character. It was COMPLETELY different from when he was modeling Luka (a character you see in the trailers)! (LOL)
I thought that Bayonetta is actually a game about glasses, so everyone should be wearing them! Hence the addition of Enzo’s (sun)glasses. Coming up with each and every character’s glasses was a secret source of enjoyment.
I wanted to end with another picture from my trip to Comic Con.
We had an autograph signing at the User Event (even though the game isn’t out yet), and someone brought an Okami art book! Another person brought their PS3 system! And another brought their Devil May Cry package! It was really a day to take in how excited and grateful our fans are.
I really want to do an event like this in Japan, too! Please make it happen, Hashimoto Producer!!
Until next time!
(NOTE: Higher resolution versions of the concept art in this post can be found on the PlatinumGames Inc. Flickr Page)
9 Comments Add Your Own
Humberto Posted on August 21, 2009 at 10:22 pm
HEY! That's me right there at the last picture getting my copy of the Okami art book signed, she made me a small illustration of Issun with a marker on top of her signature. You can't see my face, but maybe that's for the best. Anyway, thanks again for comming to San Diego, don't be strangers, your always welcome here.
baberific Posted on August 22, 2009 at 12:34 am
Rodin, I'm guessing that Mephisto was his prototype name?? Anyways, a man that can light cigarettes with his own finger rocks!!
Enzo?? a family man? This I like!
I've been lovin' the character designs so far, so keep up the good work Mari!
Pheonix03 Posted on August 22, 2009 at 4:40 am
Awesome designs as always Shimazaki-san!! I really like the depth and style in each character.
SonicTHP Posted on August 22, 2009 at 1:14 pm
The character designs of the game have been nothing short of impressive. The talent behind them is self evident.
FAUNA Posted on August 23, 2009 at 2:15 am
Rodin seems like really a cool character.
Rizhall Posted on August 23, 2009 at 5:40 am
Nothing like a picture of 4 hot women to brighten an early day =)
Mephisto is a demon gunsmith, eh? Is he the mastermind behind the infinite ammo guns? Dante buys from him too, no? =P
Crow T. Robot Posted on August 23, 2009 at 12:50 pm
@Rizhall: Oh yes, I fell in love with Miss Shimazaki when I first saw her. *ahem* Anyways….I'm a LITTLE surprised there isn't anything on Luka's design, not that I care but fair is fair.
twenty1 Posted on August 27, 2009 at 8:21 am
great post Mari PG just gets more awesome by the game and blog….a definite supporter here
billy boone Posted on September 23, 2009 at 10:28 am
great post ,mari. i really admire your work in this game and i must say, u look even better than the ladies that are in the pic with u.! i say that with all honesty, u are hot!!!!!!!!!