by Libe Goad

PLATFORM: PS2

PUBLISHER: Eidos/Fresh Games

DEVELOPER: Eidos

GENRE: Action

ESRB: Teen

We recently chatted with Kevin Gill of Fresh Games about the US version of Mr. Mosquito. Originally called Ka in Japan, this charming, oddball title is due on these shores in March. In the game, you play a blood-sucking mosquito who thrives off a hapless Japanese family.

What does KA mean?
Ka, when translated directly means "mosquito."

Why did Eidos decide to bring KA to the US market?
We decided to bring games like Mister Mosquito and Mad Maestro because there was a wealth of incredible games that were coming out in Japan, that were not going to be put out here in the US and in Europe. A lot of people were importing the games, but we wanted hardcore gamers everywhere to be able to buy these games at their local store.

On the surface the games are very "quirky" or "odd," but when you get beneath the surface, you realize that the gameplay is outstanding, the depth these games have to offer is incredible, and the polish and attention to detail that is put in to them is obvious.

Video games are an art form in Japan. And we wanted that represented here in its purest form. Not another character-based sequel, not another movie license, not another "extreme sports" game. That's what we call the corporate gaming formula. We wanted to break some rules, and break some of the barriers that exist in this industry, in reguard to "What type of games do people really want to play?" Many of the major magazines wrote that games like Mad Maestro and Mister Mosquito were brilliant games, and it was a shame that these games would never see the light of the day outside of Japan, where they both top 10 titles. We agreed that they were brilliant, and decided to take a chance by releasing them here.

Do you have any idea what age group and gender will most likely be interested in this boutique-style game?
When you sit down and play Mister Mosquito, you realize that it is something like you've never played before, but something that plays like a dream. Intuitive controls, imaginative level designs, addictive gameplay and everything you could want from a game. The beauty of these games is that the care that went in to making them is equally apparent to the hardcore gamer, as well as the casual gamer.

That's the thing about truly great video games. There is a pick up and play aspect that is enough to get you hooked, and there is a depth of gameplay that keeps you coming back for more. So, to sum it up, the magic of these Fresh Games is that male or female, young or old, hardcore gamer, or casual gamer, there are aspects of the games that will appeal directly to you. It blurs the lines between age and sex, which most games don't.