{{Short description|Cancelled video game}} {{good article}} {{Infobox video game | title = Cry On | image = Cry On logo.jpg | developer = {{ubl|[[Mistwalker]]|[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]}} | publisher = [[AQ Interactive]] | director = <!--Blank to suppress Wikidata--> | producer = {{ubl|[[Hironobu Sakaguchi]]|Takuya Iwasaki}} | artist = {{ubl|Kimihiko Fujisaka <small>(2005-2007)</small>|Manabu Kusunoki <small>(2007-2008)</small>}} | designer = <!--Blank to suppress Wikidata--> | writer = Hironobu Sakaguchi | composer = [[Nobuo Uematsu]] | platforms = [[Xbox 360]] | released = Cancelled | genre = [[Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]] | modes = <!--Blank to suppress Wikidata--> }}
{{Nihongo foot|'''''Cry On'''''|クライオン|Kurai On|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} was a cancelled [[action role-playing game]] in development by [[Mistwalker]] and [[Cavia (company)|Cavia]] for [[Xbox 360]]. Mistwalker founder [[Hironobu Sakaguchi]] acted as co-producer and writer, ''[[Drakengard]]'' artist Kimihiko Fujisaka was designing the characters, and composer [[Nobuo Uematsu]] was attached to the project. From 2007 onwards, artwork was redesigned by Manabu Kusunoki.
The storyline was based in a fantasy world equivalent to the [[Middle Ages]], where humans begin using a race called the Bogles for war. The plot would have followed lead protagonist Sally and her companion Bogle that could speak human language. The gameplay and narrative would have been designed to evoke emotion, and Sakaguchi was experimenting with different control schemes for each playstyle.
''Cry On'' was announced in 2005, shortly after the creation of publisher [[AQ Interactive]] as one of several next-generation titles. It had a budget of [[Japanese yen|¥]]1 billion and projected production time of up to two years. Following a prolonged media silence, AQ Interactive announced its cancellation in 2008, attributing it to current and projected market conditions. Reactions to its cancellation were generally negative. Sakaguchi reused designs in his later title ''[[Terra Battle]]'', and shared a concept trailer in 2014. Sakaguchi, Fujisaka and Uematsu later collaborated on ''[[The Last Story]]''.
==Concept and premise== ''Cry On'' was an [[action role-playing game]] set in a [[fantasy]] world themed after the [[Middle Ages]]. The narrative would have centered around the relationship between humans and small stone creatures called Bogles, which acted as protective charms. Some humans seek to use Bogles as weapons by restoring their ability to become giants. Players would take on the role of Sally, a girl with the power to restore Bogles to giant size, and she would be accompanied by a Bogle who spoke human languages.<ref name="GSinfo"/><ref name="IGNcry"/> Gameplay would have been divided between longer areas controlling Sally, and shorter sections using the Bogle. Each section would have had a different gameplay focus, and planned but undefined puzzle elements were featured.<ref name="IGNcry"/>
==Production== ''Cry On'' was being co-developed for the [[Xbox 360]] by [[Mistwalker]] and [[Cavia (company)|Cavia]], and set to be published by [[AQ Interactive]]. Mistwalker was a new studio working on multiple 360 projects including ''[[Blue Dragon (video game)|Blue Dragon]]'' and ''[[Lost Odyssey]]'', while Cavia was known for the ''[[Drakengard]]'' series.<ref name="FamInterview"/><ref name="GREU"/> Mistwalker founder [[Hironobu Sakaguchi]], known for his work on the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series, was co-producer and scenario writer.<ref name="FamInterview"/> The second producer was Takuya Iwasaki, who had worked on the [[Drakengard (video game)|original ''Drakengard'']] as line producer.<ref name="FamInterview"/><ref name= "EuroInterview"/> The characters were being designed by ''Drakengard'' artist Kimihiko Fujisaka, and the music was being composed by Sakaguchi's recurring collaborator [[Nobuo Uematsu]].<ref name="GSinfo"/><ref name="FamInterview"/> Uematsu, inspired by the game's themes, said that he would create an emotional and melancholy score.<ref name="FamInterview"/>
The game was Sakaguchi's first time creating an action RPG.<ref name="GSinfo"/> He estimated that production would require between 1.5 and two years of development time.<ref name="IGNcry"/> AQ Interactive allotted a budget of [[Japanese yen|¥]]1 billion (equivalent at the time to US$8.5 million).<ref name="GSinfo"/> According to a later statement from an artist who worked on the game, a version was also being developed for [[PlayStation 3]].<ref name="CryOnPS3"/> Development ran parallel to that of ''Blue Dragon'' and ''Lost Odyssey'', which Sakaguchi described as difficult for the team due to work pressure of producing multiple large-scale projects at once.<ref name="ITMsummary"/>
Commenting on the gameplay, Iwasaki said he aimed to combine Sakaguchi's knowledge of RPGs with Cavia's previous experience developing action titles.<ref name="FamInterview"/> During production, Sakaguchi was experimenting with multiple control schemes, including the possibility of using both controller sticks to manipulate the Bogle's actions. It was planned to have a playtime of between thirty and forty hours.<ref name="IGNcry"/> As with his other projects, Sakaguchi wanted the game to prompt emotion from players.<ref name="rpgamerCry"/> When announced, Sakaguchi said the scenario was roughly half-finished.<ref name="FamInterview"/> The central theme was the evocation of [[crying|tears]], in the context of both [[sadness]] and [[joy]].<ref name="GSinfo"/><ref name="FamInterview"/>
The visuals made use of cel-shading, with Sakaguchi describing it as not the typical cel-shading used in video games of the time.<ref name="IGNcry"/> While it looked like 2D animation, all graphics were 3D and made use of a special visual filter dubbed "Fujisaka shader" which produced the effect of drawn sketches in motion. Commenting on Fujisaka's designs, Sakaguchi praised them as bringing dignity alongside the theme of sadness.<ref name="FamInterview"/> By 2007, Fujisaka had been replaced by Manabu Kusunoki, an artist from [[Artoon]] who had done concept work for ''Blue Dragon''. Sakaguchi brought in Kusunoki after discussing the project with him and hearing his artistic suggestions.<ref name="FamArtoon"/> While Kusunoki was in charge of the artwork, Cavia remained as co-developer.<ref name="ParisInterview"/> Manabu became character and concept designer, resulting in an artistic shift for the game, with Sakaguchi wanting the art to be more realistic.<ref name="FamArtoon"/><ref name="ParisInterview"/>
''Cry On'' was announced to the public in December 2005.<ref name="rpgamerCry"/> It was shown off using a concept trailer, detailing its animation style, and gameplay and theme concepts.<ref name="FamInterview"/> It was one of several next-generation game titles announced by AQ Interactive following its formation earlier that year, alongside Cavia's ''[[Bullet Witch]]'' and ''[[Vampire Rain]]'' from Artoon.<ref name="GSinfo"/> It was Mistwalker's fourth announced project within 2005 following ''Blue Dragon'', ''Lost Odyssey'' and the [[Nintendo DS]] title ''[[ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat]]''.<ref name="rpgamerCry"/><ref name="ASH"/> The game's release was planned to follow ''ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat'' and ''Lost Odyssey''.<ref name="FamArtoon"/>
==Cancellation and legacy== In December 2008, [[AQ Interactive]] announced that ''Cry On'' had been cancelled. The company made the decision after analyzing the current and projected video game market.<ref name="CryCancelled"/> Several websites reacted to the cancellation with disappointment.<ref name="GREU"/><ref name="DigitalCry"/><ref name="JoyCry"/><ref name="SilCry"/> Between its announcement in 2005 and its cancellation in 2008, little was heard of the title, and ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s John Tanaka referred to it as [[vaporware]].<ref name="IGNcancelled"/> Kyle Hilliard of ''[[Game Informer]]'' compared the game's scenario, and general situation of [[development hell]], to ''[[The Last Guardian]]''.<ref name="GIinfo"/> In a 2014 interview, Sakaguchi said he has no plans to revive or revisit ''Cry On''.<ref name="TerraSil"/> Also that year, Sakaguchi released the original concept trailer through his YouTube channel.<ref name="GREU"/><ref name="GIinfo"/>
In a 2009 post on the [[Mistwalker]] website, Sakaguchi said that regretted being unable to tell the game's story.<ref name="MistSakaguchi"/> Fujisaka, who joined Mistwalker as an in-house artist, posted his concept art for ''Cry On'' on Mistwalker's website, both apologizing for its lack of release and feeling a lack of polish in the artwork.<ref name="FujisakaA"/><ref name="FujisakaB"/> When ''Cry On'' was mentioned in a 2009 interview, Uematsu felt glad it was cancelled as he was overworked during that period.<ref name="Uematsu"/> Sakaguchi, Fujisaka and Uematsu would all collaborate on Mistwalker's next project, ''[[The Last Story]]'' for the [[Wii]].<ref name="IwataAsks1"/><ref name="CGV1"/> Some enemy designs from ''Cry On'' were reused by Sakaguchi in the 2014 mobile game ''[[Terra Battle]]''.<ref name="TerraSil"/>
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em|refs= <ref name="FamInterview">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1170810_1124.html|script-title=ja:アニメを動かせる!? 坂口博信氏×キャビアの新作『クライオン』が発表【AQインタラクティブ戦略発表会】|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|date=2005-12-20|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006083036/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1170810_1124.html|archive-date=2010-10-06|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="FamArtoon">{{cite magazine | script-title=ja:Xbox 360 ストラテジー 2007 - ミストウォーカー | date=2007-01-30 | magazine=[[Famitsu|Famitsu Xbox360]] | issue=March 2007 | page=75 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | language=ja}}</ref>
<ref name="ITMsummary">{{cite web|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0604/06/news093_3.html|script-title=ja:トライエース、Xbox 360で新作RPGの開発を表明――「機動戦士ガンダム（仮）」実機映像も公開|language=ja|website=ITMedia|date=2006-04-06|access-date=2021-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803101723/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0604/06/news093_3.html|archive-date=2021-08-03|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name= "EuroInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_drakengard|title=Here be the makers of Drakengard!|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2004-04-19|access-date=2013-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040548/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_drakengard|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="rpgamerCry">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/122105a.html|title=Mistwalker Unveils Another Title|website=RPGamer|date=2005-12-12|access-date=2014-12-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231205705/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/122105a.html|archive-date=2014-12-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="IGNcry">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/22/japans-most-popular-developer-speaks|title=Japan's Most Popular Developer Speaks|author=Gantayat, Anoop|website=[[IGN]]|date=22 December 2005 |access-date=2014-12-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231204038/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/22/japans-most-popular-developer-speaks|archive-date=2014-12-31|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GSinfo">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sakaguchi-developing-new-action-rpg-for-xbox-360/1100-6141576/|title=Sakaguchi developing new action RPG for Xbox 360|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=2005-12-20|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818024615/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sakaguchi-developing-new-action-rpg-for-xbox-360/1100-6141576/|archive-date=2014-08-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="CryOnPS3">{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/was-cry-on-in-development-for-playstation-3-too/|title=Was Cry On In Development For PlayStation 3 Too?|author=Yip, Spencer|website=Siliconera|date=2011-08-08|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831175631/https://www.siliconera.com/2011/08/08/was-cry-on-in-development-for-playstation-3-too/|archive-date=2011-08-31|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="ParisInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.xboxyde.com/news_4539_en.html|title=Hironobu Sakaguchi interview|website=Xboxyde|date=2007-07-08|access-date=2021-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202200618/http://www.xboxyde.com/news_4539_en.html|archive-date=2008-12-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="ASH">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/05/final-fantasy-father-brings-ash-to-ds|title=Final Fantasy Father Brings Ash to DS|author=Gantayat, Anoop|website=[[IGN]]|date=2005-10-05|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126014708/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/05/final-fantasy-father-brings-ash-to-ds|archive-date=2021-01-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="CryCancelled">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3172061|title=AQ Interactive Announces Cancellation Of Cry On For Xbox 360|author=Barres, Nick Des|website=[[1Up.com]]|date=2008-12-25|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106021019/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3172061|archive-date=2010-01-06|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="IGNcancelled">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/25/cry-on-canned|title=Cry On Canned|author=Tanaka, John|website=[[IGN]]|date=2008-12-25|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311022950/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/25/cry-on-canned|archive-date=2014-03-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GIinfo">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/12/28/hironobu-sakaguchi-39-s-trailer-for-mistwalker-39-s-cancelled-cry-on-recalls-the-last-guardian.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231233429/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/12/28/hironobu-sakaguchi-39-s-trailer-for-mistwalker-39-s-cancelled-cry-on-recalls-the-last-guardian.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=December 31, 2014|title=Hironobu Sakaguchi's Trailer For Mistwalker's Cancelled Cry On Recalls The Last Guardian|author=Hillard, Kyle|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=2014-12-28|access-date=2014-12-28}}</ref>
<ref name="GREU">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/cry-on-is-cancelled/|title=Sakaguchi reveals teaser for long-cancelled Cry On|author=Holmes, Mike|website=[[Gamereactor]]|date=2015-01-03|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410124656/https://www.gamereactor.eu/sakaguchi-reveals-teaser-for-longcancelled-cry-on/|archive-date=2021-04-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DigitalCry">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a139344/xbox-360s-cry-on-cancelled/|title=Xbox 360's 'Cry On' cancelled|author=Langshaw, Mark|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=2008-12-27|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410124047/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a139344/xbox-360s-cry-on-cancelled/|archive-date=2021-04-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="JoyCry">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/aq-interactive-cans-xbox-360-rpg-cry-on|title=AQ Interactive cans Xbox 360 RPG 'Cry On'|author=Kietzmann, Ludwig|website=[[Joystiq]]|date=2008-12-26|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102154949/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/aq-interactive-cans-xbox-360-rpg-cry-on|archive-date=2009-01-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="SilCry">{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/cry-for-mistwalkers-cry-on/|title=Cry For Mistwalker's Cry On|author=Yip, Spencer|website=Siliconera|date=2008-12-25|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214045526/https://www.siliconera.com/2008/12/25/cry-for-mistwalkers-cry-on/|archive-date=2010-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="IwataAsks1">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-The-Last-Story/Vol-1-Hironobu-Sakaguchi-Kimihiko-Fujisaka/1-Directing-Again-After-Eighteen-Years/1-Directing-Again-After-Eighteen-Years-234082.html|title=Iwata Asks: The Last Story Vol 1 - Hironobu Sakuguchi and Kimihiko Fujisaka|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo UK]]|date=2010-08-17|access-date=2015-01-09|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131014233548/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-The-Last-Story/Vol-1-Hironobu-Sakaguchi-Kimihiko-Fujisaka/1-Directing-Again-After-Eighteen-Years/1-Directing-Again-After-Eighteen-Years-234082.html|archive-date=2013-10-14|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="CGV1">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/336378/features/sakaguchis-last-story/|title=Sakaguchi's Last Story|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|date=2012-02-20|access-date=2016-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221233615/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/336378/features/sakaguchis-last-story/?page=1|archive-date=2012-02-21|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="MistSakaguchi">{{cite web|url=http://www.mistwalkercorp.com/en/column_eng/pg97.html|title=Something New|author=Sakaguchi, Hironobu|website=[[Mistwalker]]|date=2009|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301021742/http://www.mistwalkercorp.com/en/column_eng/pg97.html|archive-date=2009-03-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="FujisakaA">{{cite web|url=http://www.mistwalkercorp.com/en/creator_eng/pg107.html|title=Fujisaka - Artist of Mistwalker|author=Fujisaka, Kimihiko|website=[[Mistwalker]]|date=2009|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328113053/http://www.mistwalkercorp.com/en/creator_eng/pg107.html|archive-date=2009-03-28|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="FujisakaB">{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2009/04/03/mistwalker-artwork-has-nothing-to-do-with-current-projects/|title=Mistwalker artwork has nothing to do with current projects|author=Nunneley, Stephany|website=[[VG247]]|date=2009-04-03|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006201010/http://www.vg247.com/2009/04/03/mistwalker-artwork-has-nothing-to-do-with-current-projects/|archive-date=2016-10-06|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Uematsu">{{cite web|url=http://www.originalsoundversion.com/of-mustaches-and-men-a-circus-of-an-interview-with-nobuo-uematsu/|title=Of Mustaches and Men: A Circus of an Interview with Nobuo Uematsu|author=Napolitano, Jayson|website=Original Sound Version|date=2009-07-23|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616231416/http://www.originalsoundversion.com/of-mustaches-and-men-a-circus-of-an-interview-with-nobuo-uematsu/|archive-date=2011-06-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="TerraSil">{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/hironobu-sakaguchi-development-mistwalkers-terra-battle/|title=Hironobu Sakaguchi On The Development Of Mistwalker's Terra Battle|author=Ward, Robert|website=Siliconera|date=2014-09-16|access-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129160937/https://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/16/hironobu-sakaguchi-development-mistwalkers-terra-battle/|archive-date=2015-01-29|url-status=live}}</ref> }}
{{Mistwalker}}
[[Category:Action role-playing video games]] [[Category:Cancelled Xbox 360 games]] [[Category:Cavia (company) games]] [[Category:Microsoft games]] [[Category:Mistwalker games]] [[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]