As a carpenter and woodworker, Nathan’s life has been all about creating something tangible with his hands. The smell of freshly cut wood, the sound of the saw slicing through the timber, and the satisfaction of shaping an idea into reality are experiences that bring him immense joy. His 24 years as a tradesman have given him a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a sense of pride in his work. If I weren’t an actor or voice actor, this is the path I would choose to follow – building beautiful things with wood and sharing my creations with the world.
In the expansive world of Warframe, which has persisted for numerous years and amassed a considerable following, one might assume that securing renowned voice actors for characters would be a straightforward process. Indeed, this assumption holds true. For the upcoming project, Warframe: 1999, we are thrilled to announce the participation of Ben Starr (Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI), Alpha Takahashi (Ayumi Komiko in Starfield), and Nick Apostolides (Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil 4 Remake). I was fortunate enough to interview these talented individuals at TennoCon, where we delved into their careers and discussed the intricacies of Warframe: 1999.
I want to start off by hearing about each of your characters.
As a gamer, I assume the role of Zeke in this game. It’s amusing that he’s the lead singer of a 90s boy band in the storyline. Sadly, I can’t reveal too many details about the events unfolding.
Aoi here, I’d describe myself more as Arthur’s loyal companion rather than an equal in coolness.
Though Aoi may come across as tranquil with her white and blue motif, don’t let that deceive you. Beneath her composed exterior lies a heart brimming with fervor. She’s deeply invested in her friendships and commitment to the Hex group. I can’t wait for fans to discover this depth and enthusiasm within her character.
Ben: I represent the character Arthur. He’s a forerunner of Excalibur. He holds the leadership role in our squad. So, he embodies that strong and resourceful spirit, much like a dedicated Boy Scout. I picture him as the central force that keeps all other characters functioning within our group.
He serves as our entrypoint to Warframe in the year 1999. He won’t be your only encounter. There’s a toughness about him that’s appealing, yet you’ll also get a glimpse of his more sensitive side during the demo.
Despite being a leader, he values teamwork and frequently asks for others’ keys, as I learned from Reb when she mentioned that the first time we’ll encounter Arthur, he’ll be irritated yet again due to misplacing his keys once more.
In a relaxed and relatable manner, I acknowledge that’s fantastic. I consider myself an easy-going individual, but just like any other person, I get flustered when I misplace my keys or wallet – these being the two items I frequently use. Despite their tough exterior, they possess vulnerabilities, showcasing their human side in a subtle yet significant way.
You in particular (Ben) are coming into Warframe as the poster boy of the expansion. Are you feeling any pressure to deliver?
C: I find it quite unsettling as I care about people’s opinions of me. Yet, Digital Extremes have been exceptionally nurturing and involved throughout this experience. Their unwavering support has made me feel secure and valued. Reb, Megan, and the whole team have welcomed us with open arms, creating a fantastic environment to thrive in and enjoy our work. They’ve consistently backed us up and provided the necessary support at every stage.
Although it may be intimidating for some to introduce the newest Warframe character, which we’ve named “1999,” the exciting part is that there are many other intriguing characters to connect with in the game. Feel free to admire Aoi, Amiya, and all the other captivating personalities instead!
Aoi is the second character we were introduced to. How are you feeling about being in the deuteragonist role?
I can relate to that feeling of being taken aback when something becomes real after only existing as an abstract concept in our minds. Remember when I was eagerly anticipating the release of a new anime series, but didn’t fully grasp the extent of its popularity until I saw its posters and banners everywhere? The moment I stumbled upon it on a digital billboard, it hit me like a wave – people were indeed coming for this, and the reality of it all suddenly became tangible. It’s an exhilarating experience that reminds us of the power of collective enthusiasm and the impact of visual reminders on our subconscious minds.
As a gamer, I was primarily excited about the prospect of socializing and having fun when Digital Extreme invited me here. The creators have consistently emphasized this aspect to both the community and us developers. It’s not just about making the game; it’s also about enjoying the journey together. And what a fantastic ride it has been!
For each of you, is 1999 going to be your introduction to Warframe, or have you had any experience with it beforehand?
I’m new to Warframe despite being a seasoned gamer with 35 years of experience. I find it remarkable that I haven’t tried it before, as it appears to be more than just a game. The community here, and those watching the preview tomorrow, number around half a million, and they are known for their unwavering devotion and loyalty.
I’m thrilled to contribute in some way to that project and be a team member. I’m eager to deepen my knowledge about it and give it my all. The 1999 version of the game particularly resonates with me; its style really appeals to me, and I’m just happy to be on board.
I began playing Warframe without initially realizing its true identity. For a considerable amount of time, I was unaware that my role in the game was that of a Warframe. I hadn’t been assigned a codename yet, and I used a different name for my character instead. I was confused, wondering what exactly I was supposed to do. It took me quite some time before I received any visual representation of my part in the game.
As someone who’s deeply engrossed in the guessing game, I must admit that the director and creators have been exceptionally generous with their support and guidance. They’ve made the learning process an enjoyable journey for me, despite the long hours ahead. Currently, my main goal is to make up for lost time and join the 1999 era as soon as possible. However, with an estimated 200 hours yet to be clocked in, it seems like a daunting task that requires unwavering dedication and perseverance from someone who’s been on this path for quite some time.
B: I’m a bit like these two. I love playing video games.
As an avid video game enthusiast, I can’t get enough of the community and content surrounding this vibrant world. Be it podcasts, YouTube videos, or articles, I consume it all. My fascination goes beyond just playing the games; I’m drawn to the culture that thrives around them. Warframe may not be part of my gaming repertoire yet, but its success story is undeniable in the video game industry. With a dedicated fan base that pours so much passion into the game and receives an equal amount of love back, it’s no wonder Warframe has flourished for ten years and continues to grow.
Digital Extremes values their fanbase, who in turn are deeply connected to the company. This bond is evident with the appointment of their new creative director, who previously held a communications role for an extended period. Her mark is distinctly visible in this game.
When I recognized exactly what it involved, I couldn’t pass up the chance to join in. After all, reaching such a position requires immense commitment to both the craft and the fans.
So you all spoke about enjoying games. What is your favourite video game?
A: The game I cannot stop raving about is Final Fantasy VIII. I’ve been vocalizing my love for it for quite some time now. At the Golden Joysticks event, I even donned a Final Fantasy VIII t-shirt to show my support.
For me, that game stood out as a true game-changer. And it’s quite something, isn’t it, Nick, that we’re here together? Because Resident Evil 4 is undeniably among my top favorite video games ever made. I played the remake almost obsessively last year, pouring countless hours into it. Do you remember our initial encounter, Nick? I was so excited, because you were none other than Leon Kennedy!
Have you heard of Puyo Puyo before? Think of it as Tetris with the added element of slime. It’s an older game now, but I used to play it frequently. Other than Final Fantasy, I find myself indecisive between versions 7 and 8. As for Kingdom Hearts, being a huge Disney fan, I was thrilled when they created a game based on the Disney universe.
I’ve been an avid gamer for as long as I can remember, and over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of playing some truly exceptional video games. Among them, there are five that hold a special place in my heart.
When you took over Leon Kennedy (Nick), there were quite a few story voice actors already behind him. How were you feeling stepping into his shoes? Because he was already a massive character.
N: A strong wave of emotions hit me when I received the call. The moment was otherworldly, almost causing me to faint. It felt like an inner joy and elation. But soon after, reality set in. As a fan, I recognized that my favorite voice actors aren’t me.
As a devoted fan, I felt the weight of responsibility. He is an iconic figure, brought to life by remarkable actors. My goal wasn’t to compete or surpass previous portrayals. Instead, my aim was simply to do him proud and honor his legacy. The thought of disappointing fans was a heavy burden, but I knew I had to stay true to the essence of who he is.
Among the original four, he is the one I most admire and had the privilege of working with. He taught me the skills for voiceover work. I was able to express in person how much I look up to him, and he may have been a significant influence on my acting career. Consequently, I wouldn’t consider myself the “favorite Leon” but rather the fortunate one who had the opportunity to learn from him.
Alpha, you are in Warframe now, and you were previously in Starfield and Cyberpunk, three big science fiction games. Were you intentionally moving into this genre?
It’s surprising to me that I wasn’t aware of that before. I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. As for discoveries, who knows? Perhaps the next one will be as extraordinary as finding extraterrestrial life. It’s amusing, really, because for about a decade, I didn’t land human roles in my acting career. My resume includes on-stage productions where I played non-human characters, such as a scorpion. I’m simply glad to be human now.
Ben, you have just come off a big role, playing Clive in Final Fantasy XVI. Have you noticed any parallel between Clive and Arthur?
B: Both roles involve the same actor, but for each part, you need to start anew and ask yourself: What does this character necessitate from me to contribute to the plot?
Each time I encounter a new situation, I don’t think about taking this and that for myself. Instead, Reb urged me to focus on the sensation of gears crunching against the earth. That’s the feel I should aim for.
For each of the characters you’ve played, are there any that you would like to revisit at some point in the sequel or prequel?
A: The initial game I played was Quantum Break, developed by Remedy Entertainment. I’ve even had the chance to meet Sam Lake and we’re now acquainted. However, the frustrating part is that they incorrectly spelled my name on the credits, so mine appears as Ben Star with only one R.
As a gamer and an actor with the screen name “Ben Star” (one R included), I take pride in ensuring my online presence is accurate. I’ve come across instances where my IMDB page misrepresents the spelling of my name. To rectify this, I plan on reaching out to their support team and politely asking for the correction. This way, future fans and industry professionals can easily find and recognize me by the correct moniker – Ben Star, one R.
The first video game character I created is worth revisiting for me because it was a fighting game, and as a kid, I spent countless hours playing Street Fighter 2. I enjoyed pounding virtual foes on the screen. Plus, that character wasn’t human – it was a ghost.
In simpler terms, I truly enjoyed myself. Someone even approached me in here and expressed their enduring affection for my character. I’m flattered, as they hold a special place in my heart as well.
I don’t have much experience as a voice actor yet. I’ve only lent my voice to a few characters, one of them being Frank Bowers, in the popular series “Life is Strange.” It was an amazing opportunity for me to be part of such a great franchise and bring a character to life.
His intentions were somewhat unclear, making him a multifaceted and intriguing character. With an air of the East Coast about him, he served as the right-hand man to the primary antagonist in the tale. Engagingly portraying this character with my Eastern flair was an enjoyable experience for me.
I drew upon my Boston accent subtly and aim to use it more frequently in my professional life. This confidence is elusive to perfect. For those from the East Coast, it resonates. For others, it’s a challenge to grasp. Similarly, Frank Bowers in Life is Strange carries this distinctive trait.
Do any of you have a favourite mobile game to play?
At present, I’ve been enjoying Warframe on my mobile device. I’m taken aback by how flawlessly it runs. Previously, I was unaware of the capabilities of graphic-intensive games on mobile platforms. To my surprise, Warframe delivers an excellent experience.
A: Mobile gaming on my iPhone has been an unusual pastime of mine since its acquisition 12 years ago. Initially captivated by the ability to access games that weren’t readily available otherwise, I found myself engrossed in titles like Cut the Rope, Angry Birds, and Temple Run. However, my fascination didn’t stop there; I also discovered Broken Sword 1 and 2.
The first time I encountered them, I was playing Knights of the Old Republic on my mobile device. I know some might consider this blasphemy, but I believe this classic video game, which I played on my mobile, is among the best ever created.
N: And for me, Solitaire. That’s it.
If you weren’t actors and voice actors, what would you be doing?
N: I’ve had numerous past lives, and if given the chance, I would be a carpenter or woodworker. My passion lies in working with wood, and for the past 24 years, I’ve been a skilled tradesman. Creating structures brings me immense joy.
Deep down, I strongly desire to become an alpaca. This feeling brings immense joy to me, and I am convinced that it will bring happiness to others as well. They simply radiate joy.
As a child, I harbored two aspirations: becoming an actor or a high-speed train conductor. However, I developed a deep-rooted fear towards the swiftly passing trains at my nearby railway station. Truly, they moved at an alarming speed.
I’ve often pondered that if I were to don the hat of a high-speed train conductor, perhaps I could conquer my deep-rooted fear. Alternatively, had my life taken a different turn, I’d be cruising around as a dedicated train driver instead of treading the boards as an actor.
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2024-07-29 16:19