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{{good article}}
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: ] -->'''Sacnoth''' is a small Japanese based ] developer.
{{Short description|Japanese video game developer}}
Sacnoth’s high profile games include ] for the ], the original ] game for the ], and ] for the ].
{{Use British English|date=August 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{for|the short story|The Fortress Unvanquishable, Save for Sacnoth}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Aruze Global Trading Corporation
| native_name = アルゼグローバルトレーディング株式会社
| native_name_lang = ja
| romanized_name = Aruze Gurōbaru Torēdingu Kabushiki gaisha
| former_name = {{Unbulleted list|Sacnoth (1997–2002)|Nautilus (2002–2007)}}
| logo = Sacnoth logo.gif
| logo_caption = The original Sacnoth logo
| type = ]
| industry = ]
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1997|04|30}}
| founder = ]
| defunct = {{End date and age|df=yes|2009|02|01}}
| fate = Merged into Aruze Marketing Japan
| hq_location_city = ]
| hq_location_country = Japan
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap|Hiroki Kikuta (CEO, 1997–1999)|Matsuzo Machida (game director)}}
| products = '']''
| parent = ] (2002–2009)
}}


{{nihongo foot|'''Sacnoth Inc.'''|株式会社サクノス|Kabushiki gaisha Sakunosu|lead=yes|post=,|group=lower-alpha}} renamed {{nihongo foot|'''Nautilus Inc.'''|ノーチラス株式会社|Nōchirasu Kabushiki gaisha|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} in 2002, was a Japanese ] based in ]. The company was founded in April 1997 by ] with funding from ]; its staff, including Kikuta, were veterans of ]. While their first releases were the '']'' games for the ] (NGPC), the company was founded to produce '']'', a ] for the ]. The development of ''Koudelka'' was troubled due to creative differences between Kikuta and the rest of the staff, with Kikuta resigning as CEO following the game's release and being replaced by Jun Mihara. The company also released the NGPC game '']''.
== History ==
Sacnoth was created in 1997 by Hiroki Kikuta, best known for composing the music to ] series while working at ] and was set up with funding from the video game company ].


Following ''Koudelka'', the company went on to develop ] in the '']'' series. In 2002, ] acquired Sacnoth and renamed it to Nautilus. Under that name, the company developed two more ''Shadow Hearts'' games. As part of a larger reorganization within Aruze, Nautilus was renamed {{nihongo foot|'''Aruze Global Trading Corporation'''|アルゼグローバルトレーディング株式会社|Aruze Gurōbaru Torēdingu Kabushiki gaisha|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} and exited the video game business in September 2007 before being absorbed into another Aruze subsidiary in February 2009. The work of Sacnoth for the NGPC has been mentioned positively in articles on the console, while the ''Shadow Hearts'' series retains a cult status and is remembered for its setting and gameplay. Multiple former employees joined ].
The company suffered after their first major project, the RPG ], received poor critical reviews and little word of mouth. It was also soon revealed that internal quarrels within Sacnoth had led to a compromised product. Kikuta had wanted to develop an action-based battle system, citing Resident Evil as a source of inspiration. However, his employees were adamant about releasing something closer to the kind of games that Square had been making.


==History==
Most people agreed that the game showed some promise, but had serious flaws, particularly in the combat system. Disheartened by the political friction within Sacnoth, as well as the financial condition of SNK, Kikuta resigned.
===1997–2000: First games, ''Koudelka''===
] founded Sacnoth in 1997.]]
Sacnoth was founded by ], a former composer for ] who worked on '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref name="RocketInterview"/> While at Square, Kikuta wanted to direct his own game but, due to the strict hierarchical structure at the company, could not move beyond his role as a composer.<ref name="StingInterview1"/> Searching for a means of expanding his role, he was introduced by a business advisor to the chairman of ]. During their talk, Kikuta outlined many perceived pitfalls he saw emerging in the ] (RPG) genre.<ref name="RocketInterview"/> The company was founded on 30 April 1997, with Kikuta as its CEO.<ref name="SacnothBeginning"/> While SNK provided funding for the company, it had little involvement in its products and creative direction, with SNK's Norimasa Hirano describing Sacnoth as an independent developer.<ref name="SNKsacnoth"/> Sacnoth's headquarters were based in ].<ref name="SacnothBeginning"/><ref name="NautilusJP"/>


Sacnoth developed their first two projects in parallel: '']'' for the ], and the '']'' duology for the NGPC.<ref name="SacnothQA"/> The ''Dive Alert'' games were their first releases in Japan and were promoted as part of the portable's early line-up.<ref name="SacnothGames"/><ref name="SacnothNeo"/> It was also one of the last NGPC games released in North America.<ref name="GSsnk"/> ''Koudelka'' was born from Kikuta's wish to create a "] RPG", beginning development of the title following the company's foundation.<ref name="RocketInterview"/><ref name="StingInterview1"/> Kikuta acted as the game's director, producer, writer and composer.<ref name="RocketInterview"/> His original plan for the gameplay and combat was to combine mechanics from ] and ]s, breaking away from RPG trends.<ref name="StingInterview2"/> The rest of the staff were reluctant to do this, and they instead created a traditional turn-based battle system without his involvement.<ref name="RocketInterview"/>
] Entertainment took control of Sacnoth after SNK folded in 2000. Sacnoth became Nautilus for the development of the sequel ] and future video games. However, in early 2007 Aruze publicly announced dissolving Nautilus and various creative members have since left the company.


Kikuta resigned as Sacnoth's CEO following the release of ''Koudelka'' in 1999, later founding the music label Norstrilia.<ref name="HavenInterview"/><ref name="GSint"/> Kikuta was replaced as CEO by Jun Mihara.<ref name="SacnothChange"/> The last game developed by Sacnoth under SNK was '']'', a tactical RPG released in 1999 for the NGPC.<ref name="SacnothGames"/><ref name="GSsnk"/> During this period, SNK ran into financial troubles and was bought out by ] in January 2000.<ref name="NautilusInterview"/><ref name="IGNsacnoth"/><ref name="GuardianSNK"/> ''Faselei!'' was one of the last games produced for the NGPC, as Aruze pulled the console from sale in June 2000.<ref name="GSsnk"/><ref name="DreamcastNeo"/>
== Games ==
''']''' is one of the most popular, and technically impressive games for the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Its timing was unfortunate and the game was released just weeks before the Neo Geo Pocket Color and associated stock was recalled after SNK’s bankruptcy. Outside of Japan the game was only released in the United Kingdom in 'clamshell' case format during the lifespan of the NGPC as a viable system.
]


===2001–2009: ''Shadow Hearts''===
Neo Geo fan sites and ebay sellers put the number of copies released into circulation at about 10,000 with only 5000 being sold due to the recall. This rarity, along with its technical superiority in terms of graphics and sound when compared to its peers on the same system has made the game very sought after and has resulted in high prices on internet auction sites. However, when recalled NGPC systems were resold in game stores in 2004, the lost stock of the US version of Faselei! was included in one of the add-on game packages available, and helped to drive prices down.
Following ''Koudelka'', '']'' began development for the ], directed and written by ''Koudelka'' ] Matsuzo Machida (credited as Matsuzo Itakura).<ref name="GSinterview"/><ref name="ShadowDengeki"/><ref name="SHinterview"/> Mihara acted as the game's producer.<ref name="SacnothChange"/><ref name="Shadow1Liners"/> Using the setting of ''Koudelka'', Machida created a traditional RPG that blended ] with alternative history.<ref name="ShadowDengeki"/><ref name="SHinterview"/> Released in 2001, ''Shadow Hearts'' was the first RPG published by Aruze.<ref name="AruzeRPG"/><ref name="ShadowJPdate"/> ''Shadow Hearts'' was the last game developed by Sacnoth under that name.<ref name="NautilusInterview"/>


In November 2002, Sacnoth was acquired by Aruze and renamed Nautilus, carrying over its original staff.<ref name="NautilusInterview"/><ref name="AruzePDF"/><ref name="ShadowNautilus"/> The responsibilities of Nautilus were divided between developing further ''Shadow Hearts'' titles and supporting the production of Aruze's ] machines.<ref name="NautilusJP"/> The company's first title under the Nautilus name was '']'', a sequel to ''Shadow Hearts'' featuring many of the same staff.<ref name="NautilusInterview"/><ref name="RPGFcovenant"/> Using feedback from the first ''Shadow Hearts'', Machida added more comedic elements.<ref name="SHinterview"/> ''Covenant'' was released in Japan in 2004.<ref name="ShadowDengeki"/> The team also created a director's cut of the game.<ref name="NautilusInterview"/>
''See ] for details of Sacnoth's other games''

After the release of ''Covenant'', '']'' entered into production. The game was completed on a very tight schedule and focused on refining the battle system of ''Covenant'' instead of adding new elements.<ref name="ShadowNautilus"/><ref name="Shadow3Liners"/><ref name="Shadow3Interview"/> ''From the New World'' is a ] featuring new characters to reach a wider audience.<ref name="Shadow3Interview"/> The game was released in Japan in 2005, coming to Western countries through third-party publishers over the next two years.<ref name="NautilusEnd"/><ref name="SH3dateNA"/><ref name="SH3ghost1"/> Plans to continue the ''Shadow Hearts'' series were never realized.<ref name="SHinterview"/>

By February 2007, Nautilus had become absent from Aruze's financial statements, prompting rumours that the company had been ].<ref name="NautilusEnd"/> The studio was renamed Aruze Global Trading on September 21, 2007, during large-scale structural changes within Aruze.<ref name="SacnothAruzeA"/> Under its new name, Aruze Global Trading was not involved in game development.<ref name="DestructFeelplus"/> The company was merged into another Aruze subsidiary, Aruze Marketing Japan, on February 1, 2009. Aruze Marketing Japan was itself merged into Aruze in June of that year.<ref name="SacnothAruzeB"/> Several of Sacnoth's staff eventually joined ], which helped develop games like '']'' and '']''.<ref name="DestructFeelplus"/><ref name="FeelplusA"/><ref name="FeelplusB"/>

===Legacy===
Sacnoth is noted as being one of a group of video game companies—alongside ], ] and ]—founded by Square staff who had worked on notable titles produced during the 1990s. Writing in a feature for '']'', Todd Ciolek noted the positive responses to the studio's work on ''Shadow Hearts'', though felt ''Koudelka'' was inferior compared to their other work.<ref name="ANNstudios"/> In an article on the NGPC for '']'', Jeremy Parish noted Sacnoth as one of the best developers to work with the console due to their work on ''Dive Alert'' and ''Faselei!''.<ref name="USGngpc"/> ''Faselei!'' has been remembered or ranked as one of the best NGPC games of all time, and become a collector's item.<ref name="GSsnk"/><ref name="RetroList"/><ref name="HC"/> The ''Shadow Hearts'' series has also seen a positive reception over time and maintained a cult following, with many noting its gameplay design and combination of alternate history and Lovecraftian horror in its setting.<ref name="ShadowRetro1"/><ref name="ShadowRetro2"/>

==Games developed==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Platform(s)
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | 1999
| '']''
| ]
| Released in two editions: ''Becky's Version'' and ''Matt's Version''<ref name="SNKdive"/>
|-
| '']''
| ]
|
|-
| '']''
| Neo Geo Pocket Color
|
|-
! scope="row" | 2001
| '']''
| ]
| Last game developed under the "Sacnoth" title<ref name="NautilusInterview"/>
|-
! scope="row" | 2004
| '']''
| PlayStation 2
|
|-
! scope="row" | 2005
| '']''
| PlayStation 2
|
|}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="ANNstudios">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2013-02-06|title=The X Button – Squared Circle|last=Ciolke|first=Todd|website=]|date=2013-02-06|access-date=2017-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209060440/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2013-02-06|archive-date=2013-02-09|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SacnothQA">{{cite web|url=http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/qanda/faq06.html|title=Sacnoth Q&A|page=6|language=ja|publisher=Sacnoth|access-date=2018-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021020100436/http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/qanda/faq06.html|archive-date=2002-10-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SNKsacnoth">{{cite magazine|title=An Interview with Norimasa Hirano|magazine=Gamers' Republic|issue=13|publisher=Millennium Publishing|date=June 1999|page=63|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamers_Republic_Issue_13/page/n63}}</ref>

<ref name="SacnothNeo">{{cite magazine|title=Neo Geo Pocket Launch – Neo Geo Pocket Color|magazine=Gamers' Republic|issue=13|publisher=Millennium Publishing|date=June 1999|page=65|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamers_Republic_Issue_13/page/n65}}</ref>

<ref name="SacnothBeginning">{{cite web|url=http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/text/co.html|script-title=ja:サクノス – 会社紹介|trans-title=Sacnoth – Company introduction|language=ja|publisher=Sacnoth|date=1999|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990826074328/http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/text/co.html|archive-date=1999-08-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RocketInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.rocketbaby.net/interviews_hiroki_kikuta_1.html|title=Interviews – Hiroki Kikuta|website=RocketBaby|date=2001|access-date=2017-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031012035609/http://www.rocketbaby.net/interviews_hiroki_kikuta_1.html|archive-date=2003-10-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="StingInterview1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sting.co.jp/create/interview/003_1.htm|script-title=ja:クリエイターインスピレーション Vol. 3 – 菊田 裕樹|trans-title=Creator Inspiration Vol. 3 – Hiroki Kikuta|language=ja|website=Sting|date=2000-05-25|access-date=2017-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010218182002/http://www.sting.co.jp/create/interview/003_1.htm|archive-date=2001-02-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="StingInterview2">{{cite web|url=http://www.sting.co.jp/create/interview/004_1.htm|script-title=ja:クリエイターインスピレーション Vol. 4 – 菊田 裕樹|trans-title=Creator Inspiration Vol. 4 – Hiroki Kikuta|language=ja|website=Sting|date=2000-06-14|access-date=2017-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001216210300/http://www.sting.co.jp/create/interview/004_1.htm|archive-date=2000-12-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="HavenInterview">{{cite web|url=http://squarehaven.com/news/2007/01/22/Hiroki-Kikuta-jp-i/|script-title=ja:天使の怖れ:菊田 裕樹インタビュー上|trans-title=Angel's Fear: Interview with Hiroki Kikuta|language=ja|page=2|website=Square Haven|date=2007-01-22|access-date=2017-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602204842/http://squarehaven.com/news/2007/01/22/Hiroki-Kikuta-jp-i/|archive-date=2016-06-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GSint">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24920|title=Interview: Magical Planet – The Music of Hiroki Kikuta & Yoko Shimomura|author=Jeriaska|date=2009-08-31|website=]|access-date=2009-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108204316/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24920|archive-date=2009-11-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SacnothChange">{{cite web|url=http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/text/co.html|script-title=ja:サクノス – 会社紹介|trans-title=Sacnoth – Company introduction|language=ja|publisher=Sacnoth|date=2000-04-01|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010212202902/http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/text/co.html|archive-date=2001-02-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SacnothGames">{{cite web|url=http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/products/|script-title=ja:サクノス – Products|trans-title=Sacnoth – Products|language=ja|publisher=Sacnoth|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010429060042/http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/products/|archive-date=2001-04-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GSsnk">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-history-of-snk/1100-6089278/|title=The History of SNK|last=Provo|first=Frank|website=]|date=2004-06-11|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426204523/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-history-of-snk/1100-6089278/|archive-date=2018-04-26|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGNsacnoth">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/26/now-playing-in-japan-361|title=Now Playing In Japan|website=]|date=2001-01-26|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917064840/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/26/now-playing-in-japan-361|archive-date=2012-09-17|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GSinterview">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-sacnoth/1100-2630061/|title=Q&A: Sacnoth|last=Strohm|first=Alex|website=]|date=2000-09-19|access-date=2017-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010629165928/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2630061,00.html|archive-date=2001-06-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ShadowDengeki">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/soft/recommend/sh2/index.html|script-title=ja:インタビュー: 『シャドウハーツII』|trans-title=Interview: "Shadow Hearts II"|language=ja|website=]|access-date=2018-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527002743/http://dengekionline.com/soft/recommend/sh2/index.html|archive-date=2016-05-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GuardianSNK">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2005/apr/27/revengeofsnk|title=Revenge of SNK|last=Stuart|first=Keith|magazine=]|date=2005-04-27|access-date=2022-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918193644/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2005/apr/27/revengeofsnk|archive-date=2014-09-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SHinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.geekgamer.it/2016/01/intervista-a-matsuzo-machida-e-miyako-kato-il-duo-creativo-dietro-alla-serie-shadow-hearts/|title=Intervista a Matsuzo Machida e Miyako Kato: il duo creativo della serie Shadow Hearts|trans-title=Interview with Matsuzo Machida and Miyako Kato: the creative duo of the Shadow Hearts series|last=Robuschi|first=Majkol|language=it|website=GeekGamer.it|date=2016-01-02|access-date=2017-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308043952/http://www.geekgamer.it/2016/01/intervista-a-matsuzo-machida-e-miyako-kato-il-duo-creativo-dietro-alla-serie-shadow-hearts/|archive-date=2016-03-08|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Shadow1Liners">{{cite web|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/shadowheartsliners/|title=Shadow Hearts Original Soundtrack Commentary|last=Schweitzer|first=Ben|website=Video Game Music Online|date=2013-05-09|access-date=2018-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621092011/http://www.vgmonline.net/shadowheartsliners/|archive-date=2017-06-21|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AruzePDF">{{cite press release|url=https://www.universal-777.com/en/ir/library/pdf/financial/financial_2018_12_e.pdf|title=Financial Information as of December 31, 2018|page=5|publisher=]|date=2018-12-31|access-date=2022-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824173722/https://www.universal-777.com/en/ir/library/pdf/financial/financial_2018_12_e.pdf|archive-date=2022-08-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AruzeRPG">{{cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20010126/aruze.htm|script-title=ja:アルゼ、プレイステーション2用RPG「シャドウ ハーツ」を発表|trans-title=Aruze Announces RPG "Shadow Hearts" for PlayStation 2|language=ja|website=Game Watch Impress|date=2001-01-26|access-date=2022-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628134826/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20010126/aruze.htm|archive-date=2013-06-28|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ShadowJPdate">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/data/news/2001/5/14/e7ba38d7be2b1ee4d0e8414e358cc18b.html|script-title=ja:佐藤藍子さんをＣＭに起用！ アルゼ、『シャドウハーツ』完成記者発表会|trans-title=Aiko Sato has been appointed as a CM! Aruze, "Shadow Hearts" Completion Press Conference|language=ja|website=]|date=2001-05-14|access-date=2018-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219145840/http://dengekionline.com/data/news/2001/5/14/e7ba38d7be2b1ee4d0e8414e358cc18b.html|archive-date=2018-12-19|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="NautilusInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/interviews2005/index2.html|title=RPGFan Exclusive Interview #2: Nautilus, Aruze Consumer Game Division|last=Winkler|first=Chris|website=RPGFan|access-date=2014-02-15|date=2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126055339/http://www.rpgfan.com/features/interviews2005/index2.html|archive-date=2014-11-26}}</ref>

<ref name="DreamcastNeo">{{cite magazine|title=NGPC: How Will We Miss Thee...|magazine=]|issue=8|publisher=]|date=2001-11-08|page=12|url=https://archive.org/details/OfficialSegaDreamcast8Nov2000/page/n15}}</ref>

<ref name="NautilusJP">{{cite web|url=http://www.nautilus-crew.com/profile01.html|script-title=ja:ノーチラス株式会社 – 会社概要 –|trans-title=Nautilus Inc. – Company Profile –|language=ja|publisher=Nautilus|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051124032424/http://www.nautilus-crew.com/profile01.html|archive-date=2005-11-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RPGFcovenant">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2003/1625.html|title=Shadow Hearts 2 Details Announced|last=Winkler|first=Chris|website=RPGFan|date=2003-06-18|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127091135/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2003/1625.html|archive-date=2017-11-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ShadowNautilus">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/26/shadow-hearts-3-odaiba-roundtable|title=Shadow Hearts 3: Odaiba Roundtable|last=Alfonso|first=Andrew|website=]|date=2005-09-26|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928050956/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/26/shadow-hearts-3-odaiba-roundtable|archive-date=2012-09-28|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Shadow3Interview">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/shadow-hearts-3/652895p1.html|title=Shadow Hearts: From the New World TGS Roundtable|last=Nutt|first=Christian|publisher=]|date=2005-09-22|access-date=2018-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604163358/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/shadow-hearts-3/652895p1.html|archive-date=2016-06-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Shadow3Liners">{{cite web|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/shadowhearts3liners/|title=Shadow Hearts -From the New World- Original Soundtrack Commentary|website=Video Game Music Online|date=2013-05-09|access-date=2018-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329111937/http://www.vgmonline.net/shadowhearts3liners/|archive-date=2015-03-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SNKdive">{{cite web|url=http://www2.neogeo.co.jp/soft/c_dive/index.html|script-title=ja:ダイヴアラート|trans-title=Dive Alert|language=ja|publisher=]|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000303074948/http://www2.neogeo.co.jp/soft/c_dive/index.html|archive-date=2000-03-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SH3dateNA">{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2006/03/06/shadow-hearts-rises-again/|title=Shadow Hearts rises again|last=Yip|first=Spencer|website=Siliconera|date=2006-03-06|access-date=2019-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018044916/https://www.siliconera.com/2006/03/06/shadow-hearts-rises-again/|archive-date=2010-10-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SH3ghost1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ghostlight.uk.com/news.php?article=25|title=Shadow Hearts: From The New World|publisher=Ghostlight|date=2007-04-02|access-date=2019-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516004336/http://www.ghostlight.uk.com/news.php?article=25|archive-date=2007-05-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="NautilusEnd">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2007/1070.html|title=Exclusive: Aruze Talks Shadow Hearts|last=Winkler|first=Chris|website=RPGFan|date=2007-02-20|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324200557/http://www.rpgfan.com:80/news/2007/1070.html|archive-date=2017-03-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SacnothAruzeA">{{cite press release|url=https://ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/6425/ir_material3/129253/00.pdf|title=Information Regarding Business Realignment|publisher=]|date=2007-10-03|access-date=2022-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824170639/https://ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/6425/ir_material3/129253/00.pdf|archive-date=2022-08-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SacnothAruzeB">{{cite press release|url=https://universal-777.com/en/news/pdf/2009/20090427_e.pdf|title=Announcent Regarding the Absorption Type Merger (Simplified/Short Form Merger) of a Consolidated Subsidiary (Aruze Marketing Japan Corporation)|publisher=]|date=2009-04-27|access-date=2022-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808234836/https://universal-777.com/en/news/pdf/2009/20090427_e.pdf|archive-date=2022-08-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="DestructFeelplus">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/shadow-hearts-team-is-behind-lost-odyssey-they-kept-this-quiet-why--57907.phtml|title=Shadow Hearts team is behind Lost Odyssey: They kept this quiet, why?|website=]|last=Sterling|first=Jim|author-link=Jim Sterling|date=2007-12-06|access-date=2008-06-15|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211080103/http://www.destructoid.com/shadow-hearts-team-is-behind-lost-odyssey-they-kept-this-quiet-why--57907.phtml|archive-date=2008-12-11}}</ref>

<ref name="FeelplusA">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/12/18/shadow-hearts-lives-on-as-a-slot-machine/|title=Shadow Hearts Lives On As A Slot Machine|last=Yip|first=Spencer|website=Siliconera|date=2008-12-18|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723053953/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/12/18/shadow-hearts-lives-on-as-a-slot-machine/|archive-date=2014-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="FeelplusB">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/12/01/lost-odyssey-developer-making-no-more-heroes-heroes-paradise/|title=Lost Odyssey Developer Making No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise|last=Yip|first=Spencer|website=Siliconera|date=2009-12-01|access-date=2018-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201002114/http://www.siliconera.com/2009/12/01/lost-odyssey-developer-making-no-more-heroes-heroes-paradise/|archive-date=2016-02-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="USGngpc">{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/neo-geo-pocket-color-the-portable-that-changed-everything|title=Neo Geo Pocket Color: The Portable That Changed Everything|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|website=]|date=2014-10-28|access-date=2022-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031232925/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/neo-geo-pocket-color-the-portable-that-changed-everything|archive-date=2014-10-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RetroList">{{cite magazine|title=Neo Geo Pocket Gamer – Perfect Ten Games|date=August 2005|magazine=]|issue=20|page=55|publisher=]}}</ref>

<ref name="HC">{{cite web|last=Alonso|first=Álvaro|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/20-mejores-juegos-neo-geo-pocketngp-color-63872|title=Reportaje: Los 20 mejores juegos de Neo Geo Pocket/NGP Color|trans-title=Feature: Top 20 Neo Geo Pocket/NGP Color Games|website=]|publisher=]|date=February 2, 2014|access-date=2021-11-11|language=es|archive-date=2021-09-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902174259/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/20-mejores-juegos-neo-geo-pocketngp-color-63872|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ShadowRetro1">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/12/14/remembering-shadow-hearts.aspx|title=Remembering Shadow Hearts|last=Wallace|first=Kimberley|magazine=]|date=2012-12-14|access-date=2018-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705131437/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/12/14/remembering-shadow-hearts.aspx|archive-date=2018-07-05|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ShadowRetro2">{{cite web|url=https://killscreen.com/articles/the-immortal-weirdness-of-shadow-hearts/|title=The Immortal Weirdness of Shadow Hearts|last=Breault|first=Chris|website=]|date=2016-04-22|access-date=2018-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705130428/https://killscreen.com/articles/the-immortal-weirdness-of-shadow-hearts/|archive-date=2018-07-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20001017144501/http://www.sacnoth.co.jp/}} (archived in 2000)
*Gamespot's Sacnoth Page


{{Shadow Hearts series}}
*A review of Faselei! with screenshots
{{SNK}}
{{Portal bar|Companies|Japan|Video games}}
{{Authority control}}


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*Aruze Talks Shadow Hearts
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Latest revision as of 17:58, 4 August 2024

Japanese video game developer

For the short story, see The Fortress Unvanquishable, Save for Sacnoth.
Aruze Global Trading Corporation
The original Sacnoth logo
Native nameアルゼグローバルトレーディング株式会社
Romanized nameAruze Gurōbaru Torēdingu Kabushiki gaisha
Formerly
  • Sacnoth (1997–2002)
  • Nautilus (2002–2007)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
Founded30 April 1997; 27 years ago (1997-04-30)
FounderHiroki Kikuta
Defunct1 February 2009; 15 years ago (2009-02-01)
FateMerged into Aruze Marketing Japan
HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
Key people
  • Hiroki Kikuta (CEO, 1997–1999)
  • Matsuzo Machida (game director)
ProductsShadow Hearts
ParentAruze (2002–2009)

Sacnoth Inc., renamed Nautilus Inc. in 2002, was a Japanese video game developer based in Tokyo. The company was founded in April 1997 by Hiroki Kikuta with funding from SNK; its staff, including Kikuta, were veterans of Square. While their first releases were the Dive Alert games for the Neo Geo Pocket Color (NGPC), the company was founded to produce Koudelka, a role-playing video game for the PlayStation. The development of Koudelka was troubled due to creative differences between Kikuta and the rest of the staff, with Kikuta resigning as CEO following the game's release and being replaced by Jun Mihara. The company also released the NGPC game Faselei!.

Following Koudelka, the company went on to develop the first game in the Shadow Hearts series. In 2002, Aruze acquired Sacnoth and renamed it to Nautilus. Under that name, the company developed two more Shadow Hearts games. As part of a larger reorganization within Aruze, Nautilus was renamed Aruze Global Trading Corporation and exited the video game business in September 2007 before being absorbed into another Aruze subsidiary in February 2009. The work of Sacnoth for the NGPC has been mentioned positively in articles on the console, while the Shadow Hearts series retains a cult status and is remembered for its setting and gameplay. Multiple former employees joined Feelplus.

History

1997–2000: First games, Koudelka

A bespectacled Hiroki Kikuta, in a plaid shirt and a stocking cap
Hiroki Kikuta founded Sacnoth in 1997.

Sacnoth was founded by Hiroki Kikuta, a former composer for Square who worked on Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana and Soukaigi. While at Square, Kikuta wanted to direct his own game but, due to the strict hierarchical structure at the company, could not move beyond his role as a composer. Searching for a means of expanding his role, he was introduced by a business advisor to the chairman of SNK. During their talk, Kikuta outlined many perceived pitfalls he saw emerging in the role-playing game (RPG) genre. The company was founded on 30 April 1997, with Kikuta as its CEO. While SNK provided funding for the company, it had little involvement in its products and creative direction, with SNK's Norimasa Hirano describing Sacnoth as an independent developer. Sacnoth's headquarters were based in Tokyo.

Sacnoth developed their first two projects in parallel: Koudelka for the PlayStation, and the Dive Alert duology for the NGPC. The Dive Alert games were their first releases in Japan and were promoted as part of the portable's early line-up. It was also one of the last NGPC games released in North America. Koudelka was born from Kikuta's wish to create a "horror RPG", beginning development of the title following the company's foundation. Kikuta acted as the game's director, producer, writer and composer. His original plan for the gameplay and combat was to combine mechanics from simulation and adventure games, breaking away from RPG trends. The rest of the staff were reluctant to do this, and they instead created a traditional turn-based battle system without his involvement.

Kikuta resigned as Sacnoth's CEO following the release of Koudelka in 1999, later founding the music label Norstrilia. Kikuta was replaced as CEO by Jun Mihara. The last game developed by Sacnoth under SNK was Faselei!, a tactical RPG released in 1999 for the NGPC. During this period, SNK ran into financial troubles and was bought out by Aruze in January 2000. Faselei! was one of the last games produced for the NGPC, as Aruze pulled the console from sale in June 2000.

2001–2009: Shadow Hearts

Following Koudelka, Shadow Hearts began development for the PlayStation 2, directed and written by Koudelka art director Matsuzo Machida (credited as Matsuzo Itakura). Mihara acted as the game's producer. Using the setting of Koudelka, Machida created a traditional RPG that blended Lovecraftian horror with alternative history. Released in 2001, Shadow Hearts was the first RPG published by Aruze. Shadow Hearts was the last game developed by Sacnoth under that name.

In November 2002, Sacnoth was acquired by Aruze and renamed Nautilus, carrying over its original staff. The responsibilities of Nautilus were divided between developing further Shadow Hearts titles and supporting the production of Aruze's pachinko machines. The company's first title under the Nautilus name was Shadow Hearts: Covenant, a sequel to Shadow Hearts featuring many of the same staff. Using feedback from the first Shadow Hearts, Machida added more comedic elements. Covenant was released in Japan in 2004. The team also created a director's cut of the game.

After the release of Covenant, Shadow Hearts: From the New World entered into production. The game was completed on a very tight schedule and focused on refining the battle system of Covenant instead of adding new elements. From the New World is a spin-off featuring new characters to reach a wider audience. The game was released in Japan in 2005, coming to Western countries through third-party publishers over the next two years. Plans to continue the Shadow Hearts series were never realized.

By February 2007, Nautilus had become absent from Aruze's financial statements, prompting rumours that the company had been dissolved. The studio was renamed Aruze Global Trading on September 21, 2007, during large-scale structural changes within Aruze. Under its new name, Aruze Global Trading was not involved in game development. The company was merged into another Aruze subsidiary, Aruze Marketing Japan, on February 1, 2009. Aruze Marketing Japan was itself merged into Aruze in June of that year. Several of Sacnoth's staff eventually joined Feelplus, which helped develop games like Lost Odyssey and Ninety-Nine Nights II.

Legacy

Sacnoth is noted as being one of a group of video game companies—alongside Monolith Soft, Love-de-Lic and Mistwalker—founded by Square staff who had worked on notable titles produced during the 1990s. Writing in a feature for Anime News Network, Todd Ciolek noted the positive responses to the studio's work on Shadow Hearts, though felt Koudelka was inferior compared to their other work. In an article on the NGPC for USgamer, Jeremy Parish noted Sacnoth as one of the best developers to work with the console due to their work on Dive Alert and Faselei!. Faselei! has been remembered or ranked as one of the best NGPC games of all time, and become a collector's item. The Shadow Hearts series has also seen a positive reception over time and maintained a cult following, with many noting its gameplay design and combination of alternate history and Lovecraftian horror in its setting.

Games developed

Year Title Platform(s) Notes
1999 Dive Alert Neo Geo Pocket Color Released in two editions: Becky's Version and Matt's Version
Koudelka PlayStation
Faselei! Neo Geo Pocket Color
2001 Shadow Hearts PlayStation 2 Last game developed under the "Sacnoth" title
2004 Shadow Hearts: Covenant PlayStation 2
2005 Shadow Hearts: From the New World PlayStation 2

Notes

  1. Japanese: 株式会社サクノス, Hepburn: Kabushiki gaisha Sakunosu
  2. Japanese: ノーチラス株式会社, Hepburn: Nōchirasu Kabushiki gaisha
  3. Japanese: アルゼグローバルトレーディング株式会社, Hepburn: Aruze Gurōbaru Torēdingu Kabushiki gaisha

References

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