Chakan

Chakan started as a character from a comicbook series called Thundermace, published by RAK graphics in Akron, Ohio. The character's "dark" edge immediately drew a following and quickly became RAKs most popular character. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Robert Kraus, the creator of Chakan, and Ed Annunziata, the producer of the Chakan Genesis game. Here is what they had to say about this dark and unusual character.

How did the character come about?

KRAUS: I drew a picture in my sketchbook of a cowboy-looking character that looked like a cross between a zombie and Clint Eastwood. I liked it and from there I made up the story of Chakan: The Forever Man.

Where did the background from the character come from?

KRAUS: I grew up in kind of a tough neighborhood. Some of the violence in the comicbook characters is based on things that I had seen growing up. But I'm not a violent person by nature.

How did you become involved with SEGA?

KRAUS: I met Ed Annunziata a few years ago at the Gen Con gaming convention. He expressed interest in the Chakan character. We kept in touch over the next few months and eventually came to an agreement about making a game based on the character.

What are your thoughts on the finished game?

KRAUS: I couldn't believe how lifelike the character was. It was amazing how they captured the spirit and the character of the comic. I really enjoyed it.

What got you interested in Chakan?

ED: His face. Then I learned the story I liked the fact that he was a reluctant super hero. He didn't do things for the good of doing them, he did them because he had to.

You were the "champion" of this character from the start. How did you convince SEGA to do the game?

ED: Persistence.

How long was Chakan in development?

ED: About a year and a half.

How were you able to capture the essence of the character?

ED: While at Gen Con (a role-playing convention) the idea of his movements came to me. I figured out the controls and mechanics and most of them were implemented.

What are your thoughts on the finished game?

ED: Chakan was built for the "real" gamer, someone who enjoys and excels at difficult games. In that aspect I think we succeeded.

Any tips for the player?

ED: See question two.

What does the future hold for Chakan?

ED: No one really knows what the future holds for Chakan, but always remember...He is the Forever Man.