Toby Fox’s interview of the Yume Nikki dev is strange and delightful

Toby Fox gives almost every piece of work a humorous twist. We know that his articles don’t differ from any other. In his most recent installment of his monthly column for Famitsu, “Toby Fox’s Secret Base,” the creator did a games journalism first and interviewed the elusive creator of the indie cult-hit Yume Nikki, Kikiyama. The interview is equal parts bizarre and delightful — Fox only asked yes or no questions — and is definitely worth a quick read for anyone that wants a good chuckle.

It starts out as normal. Fox was a major contributor to indie hits like The UndertaleAnd DeltaruneReflects on the long-lasting impact of Yume Nikki. For those who don’t know, Yume NikkiIt is a 2004 dreamy, ethereal RPG. The game, which doesn’t have combat, character levels, or a super clear story, garnered a cult-following for its unique artistic vision. Kikiyama is the mysterious creator. He had not given an interview before Fox interviewed him.

As Fox explains, he didn’t think Kikiyama would talk to him, but put some restrictions on the interview to try and make it more approachable to the developer. Fox was limited to asking yes/no questions. Kikiyama was also able to choose the questions Fox asked. In the interview, Fox self-narrates his thought process in between Kikiyama’s one-word responses.

Fox wants to find out if Kikiyama enjoys making little characters. This section has been translated and is available here Twitter user ChartThe complete text is available here:

#4 Did you often draw creatures and scenes in Yume Nikki’s style before you made the game?

This is why I was asking this question. I used to draw strange creatures during school. Yume Nikki’s art felt to me like something you would think about at school or work, and then jot down in a corner of your notebook. It’s a great way to express yourself.

Answer: Yes.

Toby’s response to the answer: I knew it!! You were that type of person, I knew. Well I’ll ask another then, I’m sure you’ve drawn something other than creatures before…

There are some additional informative pieces. Fox then asks Fox if Kikiyama has played. LSD Dream Emulator Osamu Sato was an early-era PlayStation 2 game that allowed you to walk in a variety of surreal and trippy environments. Kikiyama said yes, so it’s possible it could have influenced the creation of Nikki. Also, at the end, the only question not answered in a yes or no format tells us what Kikiyama’s Denny’s order would be.

It’s goofy. It’s fun. And it’s definitely a whole lot of Toby Fox. You can read the full English version on the translator’s website.