From the beginning it was pretty clear we wanted to create two characters for 11-11: Memories Retold. One on each side of the field. Two soldiers on opposite ends. Two soldiers with an ambiguous relationship torn between their humanity and the cruelty of the war, between duty and empathy. Two soldiers joining the frontlines for different reasons but who, through the circumstances of the war, would be bound by a same fate.
Obviously the two characters have their stories but now is the time for introduction rather than spoilers. For now let us say that 11-11: Memories Retold ambitions to be a game of perspectives and so their two main characters have very different ideas about the war.
Harry is a photographer with very idealistic views on what the war is. As most people of his age, he goes on the frontlines to impress and become a hero. On the other side, Kurt is a German engineer with more maturity. While proud of his country and driven by duty, he is drawn into war without believing in it.
We had grand ideas for these characters and thought they deserved to be interpreted by actors that would give 11-11: Memories Retold voices to be heard by many. It is not typical for arthouse games to be able to get that kind of treatment. We usually find workarounds and rely on text or use gibberish vocals as we did in Valiant Hearts.
This time Bandai Namco was willing to follow our crazy ideas and so they started to approach voice talents for us. Pretty soon it became obvious that names we were dreaming about could become a reality.
Elijah Wood is known for his love of videogames and working projects of high artistic value. It also turned out he was a huge fan of Aardman movies. Elijah really connected with the vision and what we were trying to achieve with 11-11: Memories Retold. That is a game with strong narratives which portrays war in a different fashion than what you usually see in videogame blockbusters. He was also struck by the artistic approach and the very unique visual style reminding of oil-on-glass paintings
It is funny to think that much like Kurt & Harry, Sebastian Koch is really different from Elijah. He is obviously older but he also has a different background with a great deal of acting performed in arthouse films before participating to larger productions. He was really impressed by the quality of the narratives. Being less familiar with videogames, it was very exciting for him to join a project where the audience or to be more specific the player has an influence on how the story unfolds. He also has a strong connection with Kurt for personal reasons and really brought something to the character that transpires into the game.
We can’t wait to show you more and put the game in your hands. There are still many surprises ahead for you up to the release. 11-11: Memories Retold will be available on November, 9th.
Elijah Wood has been working as an actor for the past 26 years with credits such as “The Lord Of The Rings” trilogy, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” as well as the SpectreVision productions of “Open Windows” and “Cooties.” In 11-11: MEMORIES RETOLD, Elijah portrays the voice of Harry, a Canadian-American photographer who joins WWI only to discover will discover the realities of war on the frontlines.
With more than 30 years on stage, television or movie theater screens, Sebastian Koch is especially famous for his parts in “Homeland”, “Bridges of Spies” and “The Life of Others”. As Kurt in 11-11: MEMORIES RETOLD, he will embody Kurt, a German engineer who is does not believe in the war in spite of a strong sense of duty for his country.
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