RIP Rieko Kodama (1963-2022)

Not a name I am at all familiar with unlike some of the more prolific video game figures who have passed as of late. That being said, when I heard her accolades and her work and involvement with Sega throughout the years. I couldn’t help but take a deep dive. I invite you all to do the same.

Condolences to the family, friends and those who were apart of her life. You will be missed.

As a bonus, here is a translated page, shared from a Sega Saturn magazine. This might be the most prolific to me from her work. But if I am being honest, Skies of Arcadia, Phantasy Star etc. she definitely has a full portfolio. Enjoy!

Main Header

「かわいさと美しさ抜群」

“Outstanding cuteness and beauty!”

「魔法騎士レイアース」

Magic Knight Rayearth

「生き生きとしたキャラにはファンも納得!」

“Fans will be satisfied with the lively, expressive characters!”

Top-right bubble:

  • Completion: 60%
  • Release planned: August
  • Price: 4,800 yen

Right Side Vertical Text

「サターン RPG! PART 2」

“Saturn RPG! Part 2”


Section: Drawing Diary System

「絵日記システムで楽しさ倍増」

“The Picture Diary System doubles the fun!”

This section explains a unique feature where the characters keep illustrated adventure journals.

Translation summary:

  • The game includes a diary/sketchbook feature.
  • During save points, the three heroines draw pictures about their adventures.
  • The drawings change depending on events and progress.
  • The article says the sketches are cute and humorous.
  • It emphasizes that each character has her own personality and drawing style.

Small caption near the doodle drawing:

“Being able to see the illustrated diary entries the three girls drew like this is one of the fun parts of the game.”


Section: Field and Dungeon Graphics

「フィールドもダンジョンもとってもキレイ!」

“The fields and dungeons are very beautiful too!”

Translation summary:

  • The article praises the field graphics and atmosphere.
  • It says the environments feel mysterious and colorful.
  • The characters are rendered adorably.
  • It mentions players will enjoy exploring and discovering what happens next.

Small captions around screenshots mention:

  • Cute monsters
  • Beautiful snowy scenery
  • Warm-looking interiors
  • Mysterious ice-themed environments

Bottom Section

「システムあれこれ 秘話に直撃だ!」

“Various system secrets — direct interview!”

This is an interview with the developers.


Interview Box

「魔法騎士レイアース 開発者再びINTERVIEW」

“Magic Knight Rayearth — Developers Interviewed Again”

The developer shown is:

Rieko Kodama

(小玉理恵子)

She was a major developer at Sega and often called the “First Lady of RPGs.”

Summary of the interview:

  • They wanted to faithfully recreate the atmosphere of the original anime/manga.
  • Considerable effort was put into character animation and event scenes.
  • The diary system was added to make the characters feel more alive and personal.
  • They focused heavily on emotional storytelling and cute interactions.
  • The developers hoped fans of the original work would enjoy the game world and character expressions.

Bottom Copyright

「© CLAMP・講談社・読売テレビ・電通 / TBS © SEGA ENTERPRISES LTD. 1995」

This credits:

  • CLAMP
  • Kodansha
  • Yomiuri TV
  • Dentsu
  • TBS
  • Sega Enterprises

https://segaretro.org/Rieko_Kodama

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