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{{Short description|Japanese video game screenwriter}}
⚫
{{nihongo|'''Masato Kato'''|加藤 正人|Katō Masato|born March 28, 1963}} is a [[Japanese people|Japanese]] [[video game]] [[Game artist|artist]], [[scenario writer]] and [[Video game producer|director]]. In the early days of his career, he was credited under the pseudonyms of "Runmaru" and "Runmal".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9008133 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5x0etnLIt?url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9008133 |title=The Chrono Trigger - Ninja Gaiden Connection |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=October 28, 2009 |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Entertainment, Inc.]] |archive-date=March 7, 2011 |access-date=March 7, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He then joined [[Square (video game company)|Square]], and was most famous for penning the script of ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'' (based on a story draft by [[Yuji Horii]]), as well as ''[[Radical Dreamers]]'', ''[[Xenogears]]'', ''[[Chrono Cross]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' and parts of ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''.
{{Infobox person
| name = Masato Kato
| birth_name =
| native_name = 加藤 正人
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1963|03|28}}
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| years_active = 1988–present
| other_names =
| occupation = Video game artist, writer
| alma_mater =
| employer =
| notable_works =
}}
⚫
{{Nihongo|'''Masato Kato'''|加藤 正人|Katō Masato|born March 28, 1963}} is a [[Japanese people|Japanese]] [[video game]] [[Game art design|artist]], [[scenario writer]] and [[Video game producer|director]]. In the early days of his career, he was credited under the pseudonyms of "Runmaru" and "Runmal".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9008133 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035726/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9008133 |title=The Chrono Trigger - Ninja Gaiden Connection |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=October 28, 2009 |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Entertainment, Inc.]] |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=March 7, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He then joined [[Square (video game company)|Square]], and was most famous for penning the script of ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'' (based on a story draft by [[Yuji Horii]]), as well as ''[[Radical Dreamers]]'', ''[[Xenogears]]'', ''[[Chrono Cross]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' and parts of ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''.


== Biography ==
== Biography ==
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===Square Co.===
===Square Co.===
Masato Kato's first title at Square was ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'' as the game's story planner and script writer. The game's composer Yasunori Mitsuda have considered Kato to be one of the game's directors.
⚫
Masato stated that ''[[Chrono Cross]]'' development encountered difficulty in expanding the game world due to hardware limitations, and that they crammed as much data as they could onto the game disk.<ref name="cram">{{cite web|url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/GamePro_Interview.html|title=Interview with Masato Kato|access-date=2013-03-01|publisher=[[GamePro]]|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/67CihBHJ8?url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/GamePro_Interview.html|archive-date=2012-04-26|url-status=live}}</ref> Conversely, developing the multiple game endings was seen as easier, on par with [[Chrono Trigger]] as a bonus for players who finished the game.<ref name="cram"/>

⚫
Kato stated that ''[[Chrono Cross]]'' development encountered difficulty in expanding the game world due to hardware limitations, and that they crammed as much data as they could onto the game disk.<ref name="cram">{{cite web|url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/GamePro_Interview.html|title=Interview with Masato Kato|access-date=2013-03-01|publisher=[[GamePro]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325204759/http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/GamePro_Interview.html|archive-date=2012-03-25|url-status=live}}</ref> Conversely, developing the multiple game endings was seen as easier, on par with ''Chrono Trigger'' as a bonus for players who finished the game.<ref name="cram"/>


===Freelance works===
===Freelance works===
Kato left Square after designing the plot of ''[[Final Fantasy XI|Final Fantasy XI: Rise of the Zilart]]'' to become a freelance scenario writer. In addition to games for different companies, he has continued to work on [[Square Enix]] projects such as the ''[[Friends of Mana|World of Mana]]'' series, an enhanced port of ''Chrono Trigger'' for the Nintendo DS, and three more expansion chapters for ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]''.
Kato left Square after designing the plot of ''[[Final Fantasy XI|Final Fantasy XI: Rise of the Zilart]]'' to become a freelance scenario writer. In addition to games for different companies, he has continued to work on [[Square Enix]] projects such as the ''[[Friends of Mana|World of Mana]]'' series, an enhanced port of ''Chrono Trigger'' for the Nintendo DS, and three more expansion chapters for ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]''.


In 2017 he released a spiritual successor to the [[Chrono (series)|Chrono series]] for iOS and Android, titled "[[Another Eden]]: The Cat Beyond Time and Space." Similar to the SNES hit Chrono Trigger, Another Eden also involves time travel, where players get to explore three time periods out of ancient, contemporary, and the future. Additionally, the game features an opening theme created by Yasunori Mitsuda, who also worked on Chrono Trigger‘s music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/09/09/chrono-trigger-xenogears-writers-smartphone-rpg-another-eden-tgs-2016/ |title=Chrono Trigger And Xenogears Writer’s Smartphone RPG Another Eden To Be At TGS 2016 |date=September 9, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502202233/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/09/09/chrono-trigger-xenogears-writers-smartphone-rpg-another-eden-tgs-2016/ |publisher=Siliconera|archive-date=May 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2017 he released a spiritual successor to the [[Chrono (series)|Chrono series]] for iOS and Android, titled "[[Another Eden]]: The Cat Beyond Time and Space." Similar to the SNES hit Chrono Trigger, Another Eden also involves time travel, where players get to explore three time periods out of ancient, contemporary, and the future. Additionally, the game features an opening theme created by Yasunori Mitsuda, who also worked on Chrono Trigger‘s music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/09/09/chrono-trigger-xenogears-writers-smartphone-rpg-another-eden-tgs-2016/ |title=Chrono Trigger And Xenogears Writer's Smartphone RPG Another Eden To Be At TGS 2016 |date=September 9, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502202233/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/09/09/chrono-trigger-xenogears-writers-smartphone-rpg-another-eden-tgs-2016/ |publisher=Siliconera|archive-date=May 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Writings===
===Writings===
In 2005, Masato Kato also collaborated with [[Yasunori Mitsuda]], longtime friend and music composer, to write a [[short story]] titled ''Five Seasons of kiЯitɘ'', which Mitsuda accompanied with music on his album ''[[kiЯitɘ]]''. The story and soundtrack have also been presented in [[opera]] form.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.procyon-studio.com/kirite/kirite_and_endless.html |title=Five Seasons of kiЯitɘ |access-date=February 16, 2007 |author=Procyon Studio staff |publisher=Our Millennial Fair |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678Z9q0mM?url=http://www.procyon-studio.com/kirite/kirite_and_endless.html |archive-date=April 23, 2012 }}</ref> Prior to this, Mitsuda composed the soundtrack for several of Kato's games, including ''[[Chrono Cross]]'' and ''[[Xenogears]]''.
In 2005, Masato Kato also collaborated with [[Yasunori Mitsuda]], longtime friend and music composer, to write a [[short story]] titled ''Five Seasons of kiЯitɘ'', which Mitsuda accompanied with music on his album ''[[kiЯitɘ]]''. The story and soundtrack have also been presented in [[opera]] form.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.procyon-studio.com/kirite/kirite_and_endless.html |title=Five Seasons of kiЯitɘ |access-date=February 16, 2007 |author=Procyon Studio staff |publisher=Our Millennial Fair |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206073211/http://www.procyon-studio.com/kirite/kirite_and_endless.html |archive-date=February 6, 2012 }}</ref> Prior to this, Mitsuda composed the soundtrack for several of Kato's games, including ''[[Chrono Cross]]'' and ''[[Xenogears]]''.


==Gameography==
==Games==
Masato Kato has been credited for the following games:<ref name="works">{{cite web|url=http://mitsuda.cocoebiz.com/friends/kato.html |title=This month's friend… Masato Kato |access-date=November 22, 2008 |author=Procyon Studio staff |date=November 1999 |publisher=Procyon Studio |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724162937/http://mitsuda.cocoebiz.com/friends/kato.html |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }}</ref>
Kato has been credited for the following games:<ref name="works">{{cite web|url=http://mitsuda.cocoebiz.com/friends/kato.html |title=This month's friend… Masato Kato |access-date=November 22, 2008 |author=Procyon Studio staff |date=November 1999 |publisher=Procyon Studio |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724162937/http://mitsuda.cocoebiz.com/friends/kato.html |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }}</ref>


=== Early games ===
=== Early games ===
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* ''[[Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos]]'' (1990): movie director, scenario, pictures <ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos]]'' (1990): movie director, scenario, pictures <ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom]]'' (1991): director of action sequences <ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom]]'' (1991): director of action sequences <ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water]]'' (1992): assistant director, planner, script writer, graphics<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oct-net.ne.jp/~bgr/gsl/pc98/fushiginouminonadia/nadia.html |script-title=ja:不思議の海のナディア |access-date=November 22, 2008 |publisher=Game Staff List |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678ZAhQF5?url=http://www.oct-net.ne.jp/~bgr/gsl/pc98/fushiginouminonadia/nadia.html |archive-date=April 23, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (video game)|Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water]]'' (1992): assistant director, planner, script writer, graphics<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oct-net.ne.jp/~bgr/gsl/pc98/fushiginouminonadia/nadia.html |script-title=ja:不思議の海のナディア |access-date=November 22, 2008 |publisher=Game Staff List |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212200857/http://www.oct-net.ne.jp/~bgr/gsl/pc98/fushiginouminonadia/nadia.html |archive-date=February 12, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Princess Maker 2]]'' (1993): planner, script writer, graphics<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Princess Maker 2]]'' (1993): planner, script writer, graphics<ref name="works"/>


===Square===
===Square===
* ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'' (1995): story planner, script writer<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'' (1995): director (uncredited), story planner, script writer<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Radical Dreamers: Nusumenai Hōseki]]'' (1996): director, scenario and script writer<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Radical Dreamers: Nusumenai Hōseki]]'' (1996): director, scenario and script writer<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' (1997): event planner, script writer<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' (1997): event planner, script writer<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Xenogears]]'' (1998): event planner, script writer, lyricist<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Xenogears]]'' (1998): event planner, script writer, lyricist<ref name="works"/>
* ''[[Chrono Trigger#PlayStation release|Chrono Trigger]]'' ([[PlayStation]] enhanced port) (1999): supervisor<ref name="ultimania">{{cite book|year=1999 |editor=Studio BentStuff |title=Chrono Cross Ultimania |url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/Ultimania_Developer_Interviews.html |pages=476–477 |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |isbn=4-925075-73-X |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418044713/http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/Ultimania_Developer_Interviews.html |archive-date=April 18, 2009 }}</ref>
* ''[[Chrono Trigger#PlayStation|Chrono Trigger]]'' ([[PlayStation]] enhanced port) (1999): supervisor<ref name="ultimania">{{cite book|year=1999 |editor=Studio BentStuff |title=Chrono Cross Ultimania |url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/Ultimania_Developer_Interviews.html |pages=476–477 |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |isbn=4-925075-73-X |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418044713/http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/Ultimania_Developer_Interviews.html |archive-date=April 18, 2009 }}</ref>
* ''[[Chrono Cross]]'' (1999): director, scenario and script writer, event planner, FMV storyboard <ref name="ultimaniacross">{{cite book|year=1999 |title=Chrono Cross Ultimania |url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/Supporting_Material_Translation.html#Developer_Interviews |pages=478–481 |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |isbn=4-925075-73-X |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119231921/http://chronocompendium.com/Term/Supporting_Material_Translation.html |archive-date=2010-11-19 }}</ref>
* ''[[Chrono Cross]]'' (1999): director, scenario and script writer, event planner, FMV storyboard <ref name="ultimaniacross">{{cite book|year=1999 |title=Chrono Cross Ultimania |url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/Term/Supporting_Material_Translation.html#Developer_Interviews |pages=478–481 |language=ja |publisher=Square Enix |isbn=4-925075-73-X |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119231921/http://chronocompendium.com/Term/Supporting_Material_Translation.html |archive-date=2010-11-19 }}</ref>
* ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' (2002): plot conception and events, lyricist<ref name="ffxinovelettes" />
* ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' (2002): plot conception and events, lyricist<ref name="ffxinovelettes" />
Line 40: Line 58:
===Freelance===
===Freelance===
* ''[[Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean]]'' (2003): scenario writer, screenplay<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/previews/baten-kaitos |title=Baten Kaitos Preview |access-date=October 11, 2004 |last=Smith |first=David |date=November 22, 2008 |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Entertainment, Inc.]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523072401/http://www.1up.com/previews/baten-kaitos |archive-date=May 23, 2011 }}</ref>
* ''[[Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean]]'' (2003): scenario writer, screenplay<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/previews/baten-kaitos |title=Baten Kaitos Preview |access-date=October 11, 2004 |last=Smith |first=David |date=November 22, 2008 |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Entertainment, Inc.]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523072401/http://www.1up.com/previews/baten-kaitos |archive-date=May 23, 2011 }}</ref>
* ''[[Deep Labyrinth]]'' (2006): scenario writer<ref name="deepmana">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/deeplabyrinth/ |title=Deep Labyrinth |access-date=November 22, 2008 |last=McCarroll |first=John |date=August 16, 2006 |publisher=RPGFan |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678ZCVaPh?url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/deeplabyrinth/ |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Deep Labyrinth]]'' (2006): scenario writer<ref name="deepmana">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/deeplabyrinth/ |title=Deep Labyrinth |access-date=November 22, 2008 |last=McCarroll |first=John |date=August 16, 2006 |publisher=RPGFan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405022939/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/deeplabyrinth/ |archive-date=April 5, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Dawn of Mana]]'' (2006): scenario writer<ref name="deepmana" />
* ''[[Dawn of Mana]]'' (2006): scenario writer<ref name="deepmana" />
* ''[[Children of Mana]]'' (2006): scenario writer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/100305a.html |title=Children of Mana's Development Team Announced |access-date=February 16, 2007 |last=Boulette |first=Bryan |date=November 22, 2008 |publisher=RPGamer |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5w3DNQt4c?url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/100305a.html |archive-date=January 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* ''[[Children of Mana]]'' (2006): scenario writer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/100305a.html |title=Children of Mana's Development Team Announced |access-date=February 16, 2007 |last=Boulette |first=Bryan |date=November 22, 2008 |publisher=RPGamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525092343/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/100305a.html |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* ''[[Heroes of Mana]]'' (2007): scenario writer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2006/091306a.html |title=Square Enix Unveils Final Fantasy XII Sequel, Three More Games |access-date=November 22, 2008 |last=Boulette |first=Bryan |date=September 13, 2006 |publisher=RPGamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930030533/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2006/091306a.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* ''[[Heroes of Mana]]'' (2007): scenario writer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2006/091306a.html |title=Square Enix Unveils Final Fantasy XII Sequel, Three More Games |access-date=November 22, 2008 |last=Boulette |first=Bryan |date=September 13, 2006 |publisher=RPGamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930030533/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2006/091306a.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* ''[[Sands of Destruction]]'' (2008): scenario writer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2008/1149.html |title=Sega Announces Original DS RPG |access-date=April 23, 2008 |publisher=RPGFan |last=Winkler |first=Chris |date=April 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678ZDs5PX?url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2008/1149.html |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Sands of Destruction]]'' (2008): scenario writer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2008/1149.html |title=Sega Announces Original DS RPG |access-date=April 23, 2008 |publisher=RPGFan |last=Winkler |first=Chris |date=April 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308020641/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2008/1149.html |archive-date=March 8, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Chrono Trigger#Nintendo DS release|Chrono Trigger]]'' ([[Nintendo DS]]) (2008): supervisor<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/07/a-clearer-look-at-chrono-trigger-ds-additions/ |title=A Clearer Look At Chrono Trigger DS' Additions |access-date=October 7, 2008 |publisher=Siliconera |author=Spencer |date=October 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678ZEPHDQ?url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/07/a-clearer-look-at-chrono-trigger-ds-additions/ |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Chrono Trigger#Nintendo DS|Chrono Trigger]]'' ([[Nintendo DS]]) (2008): supervisor<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/07/a-clearer-look-at-chrono-trigger-ds-additions/ |title=A Clearer Look At Chrono Trigger DS' Additions |access-date=October 7, 2008 |publisher=Siliconera |author=Spencer |date=October 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425190712/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/07/a-clearer-look-at-chrono-trigger-ds-additions/ |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Final Fantasy XI|A Crystalline Prophecy: Ode to Life Bestowing]]'' (2009): plot conception<ref name="ffxinovelettes">{{cite web
* ''[[Final Fantasy XI|A Crystalline Prophecy: Ode to Life Bestowing]]'' (2009): plot conception<ref name="ffxinovelettes">{{cite web
|url=http://blog.square-enix.com/ff11/2008/11/the_adventure_continues_with_t.html
|url=http://blog.square-enix.com/ff11/2008/11/the_adventure_continues_with_t.html
Line 60: Line 78:
* ''[[Shiren the Wanderer (2008 video game)|Shiren the Wanderer]]'' (2008): scenario writer<ref name=shiren>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/504552656|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=June 3, 2020|title=Final Fantasy VII Writer Sees End of The Nintendo Era|date=May 31, 2010|author=Ashcraft, Brian}}</ref>
* ''[[Shiren the Wanderer (2008 video game)|Shiren the Wanderer]]'' (2008): scenario writer<ref name=shiren>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/504552656|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=June 3, 2020|title=Final Fantasy VII Writer Sees End of The Nintendo Era|date=May 31, 2010|author=Ashcraft, Brian}}</ref>
* ''[[Shiren the Wanderer 4]]'' (2010): scenario writer<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ashcraft|first1=Brian|title=Final Fantasy VII Writer Sees End of The Nintendo Era|url=http://kotaku.com/5551618/final-fantasy-vii-writer-sees-end-of-the-nintendo-era|website=Kotaku|access-date=25 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041846/https://kotaku.com/5551618/final-fantasy-vii-writer-sees-end-of-the-nintendo-era|archive-date=26 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''[[Shiren the Wanderer 4]]'' (2010): scenario writer<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ashcraft|first1=Brian|title=Final Fantasy VII Writer Sees End of The Nintendo Era|url=http://kotaku.com/5551618/final-fantasy-vii-writer-sees-end-of-the-nintendo-era|website=Kotaku|access-date=25 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041846/https://kotaku.com/5551618/final-fantasy-vii-writer-sees-end-of-the-nintendo-era|archive-date=26 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''[[Ninja Gaiden 3]]'' (2012): story<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/716536/team-ninjas-yosuke-hayashi-talks-ninja-gaiden-3 |title=Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi Talks Ninja Gaiden 3 |access-date=2013-03-01 |first=Heidi |last=Kemps |date=September 21, 2011 |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678ZFYcuM?url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/716536/team-ninjas-yosuke-hayashi-talks-ninja-gaiden-3 |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[Ninja Gaiden 3]]'' (2012): story<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/716536/team-ninjas-yosuke-hayashi-talks-ninja-gaiden-3 |title=Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi Talks Ninja Gaiden 3 |access-date=2013-03-01 |first=Heidi |last=Kemps |date=September 21, 2011 |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011032300/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/716536/team-ninjas-yosuke-hayashi-talks-ninja-gaiden-3/ |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[The Legend of Legacy]]'' (2015): writer<ref name=legacy>{{cite web|url= https://kotaku.com/the-legend-of-legacy-doesn-t-live-up-to-its-pedigree-1686229651|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=May 23, 2020|date=February 17, 2015|title=The Legend of Legacy Doesn’t Live Up to Its Pedigree|author=Eisenbeis, Richard}}</ref>
* ''[[The Legend of Legacy]]'' (2015): writer<ref name=legacy>{{cite web|url= https://kotaku.com/the-legend-of-legacy-doesn-t-live-up-to-its-pedigree-1686229651|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=May 23, 2020|date=February 17, 2015|title=The Legend of Legacy Doesn't Live Up to Its Pedigree|author=Eisenbeis, Richard}}</ref>
* ''[[Another Eden]]'' (2017): scenario director, script writer, concept artist<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamebiz.jp/?p=169447 |title=Tokyo Game Show 2016: Another Eden draft illustrations by Masato Kato |date=September 17, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220155836/http://gamebiz.jp/?p=169447 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=live|publisher=Gamebiz.jp }}</ref>
* ''[[Another Eden]]'' (2017): director, scenario, script writer, concept artist<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamebiz.jp/?p=169447 |title=Tokyo Game Show 2016: Another Eden draft illustrations by Masato Kato |date=September 17, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220155836/http://gamebiz.jp/?p=169447 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=live|publisher=Gamebiz.jp }}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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{{Ninja Gaiden series |state=expanded}}
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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kato, Masato}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kato, Masato}}
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:1963 births]]

Latest revision as of 10:55, 27 March 2024

Masato Kato
加藤 正人
Born (1963-03-28) March 28, 1963 (age 61)
Occupation(s)Video game artist, writer
Years active1988–present

Masato Kato (加藤 正人, Katō Masato, born March 28, 1963) is a Japanese video game artist, scenario writer and director. In the early days of his career, he was credited under the pseudonyms of "Runmaru" and "Runmal".[1] He then joined Square, and was most famous for penning the script of Chrono Trigger (based on a story draft by Yuji Horii), as well as Radical Dreamers, Xenogears, Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy XI and parts of Final Fantasy VII.

Biography[edit]

Early years[edit]

Kato first worked for Tecmo on Captain Tsubasa and the Ninja Gaiden series. On his first three games, he moved from graphics, to graphics and scenario writing, to also directing the action elements. He went on to work for Gainax.

Square Co.[edit]

Masato Kato's first title at Square was Chrono Trigger as the game's story planner and script writer. The game's composer Yasunori Mitsuda have considered Kato to be one of the game's directors.

Kato stated that Chrono Cross development encountered difficulty in expanding the game world due to hardware limitations, and that they crammed as much data as they could onto the game disk.[2] Conversely, developing the multiple game endings was seen as easier, on par with Chrono Trigger as a bonus for players who finished the game.[2]

Freelance works[edit]

Kato left Square after designing the plot of Final Fantasy XI: Rise of the Zilart to become a freelance scenario writer. In addition to games for different companies, he has continued to work on Square Enix projects such as the World of Mana series, an enhanced port of Chrono Trigger for the Nintendo DS, and three more expansion chapters for Final Fantasy XI.

In 2017 he released a spiritual successor to the Chrono series for iOS and Android, titled "Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space." Similar to the SNES hit Chrono Trigger, Another Eden also involves time travel, where players get to explore three time periods out of ancient, contemporary, and the future. Additionally, the game features an opening theme created by Yasunori Mitsuda, who also worked on Chrono Trigger‘s music.[3]

Writings[edit]

In 2005, Masato Kato also collaborated with Yasunori Mitsuda, longtime friend and music composer, to write a short story titled Five Seasons of kiЯitɘ, which Mitsuda accompanied with music on his album kiЯitɘ. The story and soundtrack have also been presented in opera form.[4] Prior to this, Mitsuda composed the soundtrack for several of Kato's games, including Chrono Cross and Xenogears.

Games[edit]

Kato has been credited for the following games:[5]

Early games[edit]

Square[edit]

Freelance[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Parish, Jeremy (October 28, 2009). "The Chrono Trigger - Ninja Gaiden Connection". 1UP.com. UGO Entertainment, Inc. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved March 7, 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Interview with Masato Kato". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2012-03-25. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
  3. ^ "Chrono Trigger And Xenogears Writer's Smartphone RPG Another Eden To Be At TGS 2016". Siliconera. September 9, 2016. Archived from the original on May 2, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  4. ^ Procyon Studio staff. "Five Seasons of kiЯitɘ" (in Japanese). Our Millennial Fair. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 16, 2007.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Procyon Studio staff (November 1999). "This month's friend… Masato Kato". Procyon Studio. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  6. ^ 不思議の海のナディア (in Japanese). Game Staff List. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  7. ^ Studio BentStuff, ed. (1999). Chrono Cross Ultimania (in Japanese). Square Enix. pp. 476–477. ISBN 4-925075-73-X. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009.
  8. ^ Chrono Cross Ultimania (in Japanese). Square Enix. 1999. pp. 478–481. ISBN 4-925075-73-X. Archived from the original on 2010-11-19.
  9. ^ a b c d e "The Adventure Continues With Three All-New Final Fantasy XI Expansion Chapters!". Square Enix. November 22, 2008. Archived from the original on January 6, 2009. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  10. ^ Smith, David (November 22, 2008). "Baten Kaitos Preview". 1UP.com. UGO Entertainment, Inc. Archived from the original on May 23, 2011. Retrieved October 11, 2004.
  11. ^ a b McCarroll, John (August 16, 2006). "Deep Labyrinth". RPGFan. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  12. ^ Boulette, Bryan (November 22, 2008). "Children of Mana's Development Team Announced". RPGamer. Archived from the original on May 25, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2007.
  13. ^ Boulette, Bryan (September 13, 2006). "Square Enix Unveils Final Fantasy XII Sequel, Three More Games". RPGamer. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  14. ^ Winkler, Chris (April 23, 2008). "Sega Announces Original DS RPG". RPGFan. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2008.
  15. ^ Spencer (October 7, 2008). "A Clearer Look At Chrono Trigger DS' Additions". Siliconera. Archived from the original on April 25, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2008.
  16. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (May 31, 2010). "Final Fantasy VII Writer Sees End of The Nintendo Era". Kotaku. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  17. ^ Ashcraft, Brian. "Final Fantasy VII Writer Sees End of The Nintendo Era". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 26 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  18. ^ Kemps, Heidi (September 21, 2011). "Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi Talks Ninja Gaiden 3". G4TV. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
  19. ^ Eisenbeis, Richard (February 17, 2015). "The Legend of Legacy Doesn't Live Up to Its Pedigree". Kotaku. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  20. ^ "Tokyo Game Show 2016: Another Eden draft illustrations by Masato Kato". Gamebiz.jp. September 17, 2016. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
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