Missing Sequels

[Sen]

Not every franchise has what it takes to last forever. Some have the stamina to last a dozen sequels, and that doesn’t include spinoffs. Others only make it to a pair or a trilogy. Sometimes we finish a first game thinking that a second is a sure thing, only to face the truth that not so much as a rumor has surfaced in years. What did you think had the potential to endure? Here are some of mine:

Bloodrayne
I only played the second one, but it was a bloody good time. Rayne could pull off some truly gruesome maneuvers, and even though the game wasn’t spectacular, all the acrobatics, dismemberment, and vampire action was a blast. I’m sure it was the pair of awful movie adaptations that permanently stained this series’ reputation, but I’d like to think that someday this franchise will return from the dead (oh! crappy pun).

Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
I really thought this game (one of the GameCube’s absolute best) would turn into a series. It could have been just another average survival-horror title, but the game’s sanity gimmick made it the stuff of legend. This game messed with your head so effectively that it broke the fourth wall in unforgettable ways. While Silicon Knights, the studio that birthed this gem, went on to other projects (such as the superb remake, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes; also on the GameCube), I’ve heard nothing of them returning to the horror racket. A real shame too, since their one foray into that category saw them manage to rival genre-leaders Resident Evil and Silent Hill. I’ll never give up hope for a sequel.

Gex
There were three games in this series, of which I only played the first two. While they weren’t exactly the most amazing platformers, what made them special was Gex, a talking gecko. He was voiced by a comedian named Dana Gould, who did a very nice job of filling that lizard with personality. It was never a dull moment with Gex, as he was always spouting one-liners and dishing out the sarcasm. I always felt the character was potential mascot material, but he unfortunately disappeared into obscurity.

[Cyrus the virus]

Super Mario RPG. I realize they made and continue to make plenty of similar Mario RPGs, but I wanted to see more in that particular universe, with those types of sprites. The GBA RPGs are similar, but slower, less interesting, less subtle humor. There was something about Super Mario RPG (and I swear it is not nostalgia) that gave it incredible charm that hasn't been matched since. I want to see Geno explored more, even a Johnny spinoff? What did Mallow do afterward... etc. Booster! Ah!

Breath of Fire. Okay, so there are five games, but there should be more. They finally got the concept of the dragon transformations right in the third one, only to take steps backward in the future. A brand new story with a protagonist not named Ryu and no Ninas, but in the same kind of universe, could be great.

Shadow of the Colossus. Fuck it, I know they aren't making more, and I know it's a bit repetitive, but I would play more. I think most of people who have played and enjoyed the game would like to delve more into the mythology and that particular story - what happened after? What happened earlier? There's a lot more to explore here.

Circus Charlie. This shit had staying power.

[moogle]

Originally Posted by Sen

Gex
There were three games in this series, of which I only played the first two. While they weren’t exactly the most amazing platformers, what made them special was Gex, a talking gecko. He was voiced by comedian named Dana Gould, who did a very nice job of filling that lizard with personality. It was never a dull moment with Gex, as he was always spouting one-liners and dishing out the sarcasm. I always felt the character was potential mascot material, but he unfortunately disappeared into obscurity.

The Gex games were great. I'm kind of glad they stopped where they did, though. I wasn't as impressed with Gex 3 as the second game. This series could have suffered the same kind of fate as Crash or Spyro.

Here's a list of my candidates for revival:
-Oddworld (we were promised a quintology)
-Psychonauts (I don't think Schafer approves of sequels, anyway... or am I thinking of someone else?)
-Stretch Panic - This game was more of a novelty than anything, but a sequel, if executed right, could be amazing.
-Donkey Kong Jungle Beat - I want a legitimate sequel for the Wii that also supports the bongos. I refuse to play with the nunchuck.
-Zanac (will never happen because Compile is long gone)
-Klonoa - We're getting a remake of the original, but I want a sequel. Preferably part of the main series, but even one on the DS in the style of the GBA games would be nice.
-Rollcage - Stage II was damn near perfect, they just need to give it a graphical overhaul, tweak a few things here and there, and you've got a great bargain-bin title for the Wii.
-Strider (pleeeeeease)
-Gradius - sure, they released a game on WiiWare (which, to be fair, is great), but I want Gradius VI, complete with controllable options.
-Tomba! (must stay 2(.5)D though)
-Jumping Flash (can't stress this one enough)
-Space Harrier (what ever happened to Planet Harrier?)

[Cyrus the virus]

I thought Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath looked really, really great but never really got the opportunity to try it. I should really hunt it down sometime, but I'm not sure if the ammo system would be intriguing or annoying in the long run. It looked neat though.

Strider could have a great transition into the new generation if they make it different from Ninja Gaiden or whatever. Set it apart and all that.

[moogle]

Actually I never got around to playing Stranger's Wrath either, though I'd like to. I really liked the original Playstation games (Abe's Oddysee/Exodus). I remember being really pissed they released Munch's Oddysee on Xbox when it was originally going to be on the PS2. Back in the days where I had a raging, irrational hatred for the Xbox. Ah....

Regarless of whether or not I've played the entire series, I still want to see it completed.

[Sushi_b]

Originally Posted by Cyrus the virus

Breath of Fire. Okay, so there are five games, but there should be more. They finally got the concept of the dragon transformations right in the third one, only to take steps backward in the future. A brand new story with a protagonist not named Ryu and no Ninas, but in the same kind of universe, could be great.

Capcom has recently stated that they have no intention of getting back into the BoF series any time soon. A shame really. I suppose that the big risk they took in Dragon Quarter wasn't very good because the game didn't sell very well. I even remember it hitting bargin bins for 10 dollars.

There are tons of games they could get a sequel.

Panzer Dragoon as a series has always been fantastic. I would love for them to make more but I realize that every single game has sold poorly despite being one of the highest rated overall series' ever to be released. I can't blame SEGA for not putting resources into another project.

Shining Force has been dying for a new Strategy RPG installment after all those previous attempts at an Action RPG level. We do have Shining Force Feather, but no word on it coming to North America at this time.


For the hell of it I'm going to throw in Star Tropics. It's been a very long time since Mike has had an adventure (Maybe 15 years or more now?). Could be neat to get that going on the Wii with some motion sensed yo-yo action.

Still waiting on a possible new F-zero game to come out for the Wii in the near future. Seems like Nintendo has really been lacking on good racing games since the 64. Aside from their home grown series.

Grandia IV has a much nicer ring to it, rather then Grandia Online...

Landstalker is a game that SEGA should reteam up with Climax to give another chance. Timestalkers doesn't count. A good series with potential that just never got past that first title.

[Scream] River City Ransom 2[End Scream]


Last but not least, a true Phantasy Star title. In the traditional sense.

[Luisfe]

Originally Posted by Blue

Fucking Luigi's Mansion.

Motion control would suit that game perfectly.

I have others... I'll list them later.

Shiiit, you are right.

[Cyrus the virus]

Man, fuck Capcom. Do they expect series to work when they make the most compelling aspect of the protagonist something you can't use? When you're expected to restart the game multiple times? When all the colors are black or navy blue or grey? Pff.

Go back to the BoF3 dragon system and build an interesting story around it. Three was really, really good in a lot of ways, the series could still be a success. They should hire me.

[Sushi_b]

Originally Posted by Cyrus the virus

Man, fuck Capcom. Do they expect series to work when they make the most compelling aspect of the protagonist something you can't use? When you're expected to restart the game multiple times? When all the colors are black or navy blue or grey? Pff.

Go back to the BoF3 dragon system and build an interesting story around it. Three was really, really good in a lot of ways, the series could still be a success. They should hire me.

NOOOOOOO. Cyrus, your continued devotion to BoF III has tormented me for years. I think it's the weakest in the series and you've always maintained it to be your favorite. If anything think that they were on the right track trying something different with Dragon Quarter (far from perfect but neat). I like the other games but if BoF is to come back it's going to take a massive effort to make it exciting and appealing again.

[Cyrus the virus]

Sir you must simply replay it for your memory is tainted, of course!

Beautiful art, awesome dragon system, shitty desert (but whatever dude we can look past that), awesome party members (not Momo), compelling story (at least RE: brood), wicked-ass magic... Srsly! It definitely didn't have the best music though.

Two things I've loved about Breath of Fire more than just about any other RPG series is: the boss sprites and the battle music (especially in II).

Dragon Quarter just kind of pissed me off. To be honest, I played it on a shitty TV that had something burned out inside of it, so everything usually played dark. This probably didn't help. But honestly, not being able to use my wicked dragon powers? I dunno. I could give it another chance.

But III, dude. Come on. Replay it! Remember when Ryu would chuck his sword aside and turn into a dragon? That was awesome. I loved the aesthetics of it more than anything, but I'm kind of a sprite whore.

PS: This is an awful post but I can't help ranting incoherently about Breath of Fire

[Sushi_b]

Ack, Alright I'll shoot back with my thoughts.

Breath of Fire III was one of those games that took me a long time to track down (not that long I suppose as I finally got it slightly some time before IV came out). I was really anticipating the game a lot because I liked the first 2 titles. I finally got it and I liked the first part of it, despite how much Teepo sucked.

I found that the more the game went on, the less I was enjoying it. I didn't care much for the characters aside from Garr and Rei. The music, as you said, wasn't particularly memorable. Nor was a lot of other things besides the ludicrous encounter rate which made BoF II look like cake. I really disliked the sprite town building too.

One thing that was really improved upon I thought was the fishing aspect. I liked trying to catch the different fish and having those assortments of lures added some depth to it. One of the best parts overall.

I guess one other thing that was a bit annoying was that you had to use Rei in his Weretiger form and he was so sporadic and unpredictable. He was killing his team mates as much as he was attacking the real enemies half of the time. I thought it was cool at first until I died a number of times using this ability.

Maybe some day I'll go back and try the game again but I got to the end of the game and didn't bother to finish the last boss. I'd have to start over to try and regrasp it all but I just don't have the time to do so any more.

I think the art was really colourful and pleasant in III, just as you said, but IV takes it all for art direction and animation for the series.

[Cyrus the virus]

Didn't like Teepo? I had trouble convincing myself he was a dude at first.

I don't mind the encounter rate too much, except for certain areas where I'd just like to avoid battles altogether (running to see Bunyan in the forest to learn new skills), the pace is pretty quick so I can deal with it. Breath of Fire II I can't forgive for the final dungeon, where the encounter rate actually rises. What the hell?

You only HAVE to use Rei as Weretiger in one battle, and that's only if you revive him. I think the form's pretty clever in that he'll initially be focused on the enemy, but progressively has a higher chance of hitting his allies. You'll notice the first one or two hits always hit the baddies, so if you time it well it can be useful. I prefer him in his normal form anyway, using Masters to boost his attack power and speed.

The last boss is pretty cool, but I prefer the boss just before it, which hardly fits on the screen. Yeesh. I actually really liked the story (when it wasn't moving really slowly during certain lapses), which helped.

As for IV, I've never really been a fan of the art. I feel like if every single color in the game was one shade lighter I'd like it a lot more. It seems too dark to me for some reason, but maybe that's my old bastard TV influencing me again.

[drunken monk]

Shenmue - I dont need to say anything about this one. Ive said many times that my life will never be complete until I see an end to the story.

Advent Rising - It was full of glitches and lacked polish but it was damn fun. The art style was great, the story was amazing and sound track is one of my favs. It was planned to be a trilogy and they spoke a bit about how the main characters powers would progress over each entry. I was super excited about it to say the least. Its sad because I think the series could have been successful.