In a new interview with 4Gamer (translated from Nintendo Everything), Triangle Strategy producer D2R Items spoke about the graphic style, and the way it's being implemented in future games for the company. When the interviewer expressed shock that more independent games haven't been able to replicate the style, Asano revealed the reason being that it's pretty expensive!
"It's most likely worth noting that it's cost is higher than you'd think. In this regard, it's an ideal match for the titles coming from Square Enix. There's probably nothing to gain from copying other companies," Asano told 4gamer.Fortunately this cost won't stop Square Enix from releasing more games that follow this model.
Remakes of Live a Live is set to be released exclusively on Nintendo Switch in July, as a remake of Dragon Quest III is currently working on. There are many other games that could benefit from the design and style, and it'll be fascinating to discover exactly what Square Enix does with HD-2D next. Although the company has evidently invested in this graphic style, Asano went on to declare that there isn't a present "definitive bible," and it will continue to evolve from gaming to.
"We haven't created anything like that. The way it's expressed differs per title, so the HD-2D experience will differ slightly each time. When you play Live A Live for example it's the prehistoric setting that's different. Best place to buy D2R items scene will be different to the sci-fi tale.