Sega: Buy ThunderForce VI and we’ll make a new Space Harrier
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Japan, News, Sony PlayStation 2. Tagged with Space Harrier, Tez Okano, ThunderForce VI.
In a recent interview with Edge, Tez Okano, the director of ThunderForce VI, made quite a bold statement in regards to reviving the classic franchise Space Harrier. It seems that if any die-hard fans of the Space Harrier franchise want to see a new title, they will need to buy (and most likely force their friends and neighbours to buy) a copy of the upcoming PS2 shooter, ThunderForce VI.
“I need to demonstrate our approach is viable. But for my next step, I’d really like to work on Space Harrier. This is a unique game in Sega’s history that projected us into some incredible worlds and experiences. But the success of Thunder Force VI is the key to any future projects.”
Hmm. I’m not sure what to make of this. I know there are quite a few ThunderForce fans out there who are excited about the upcoming title, but are there that many? And considering the title is (so far) only scheduled for release in Japan, that is certainly going to cut down the amount of potential buyers.
I don’t think there are as many Space Harrier fans out there these days (as compared to the ’80s/’90s), but it would be decent of Sega to set a ‘deal’ like this with a game that has more chance of doing well than a niche, Japan-only title, on a last gen console.
Or even better would be to say “buy ThunderForce VI and we will bring you Shenmue 3, Shenmue Online and the Ryo Hazuki Adventures anime!” :o)
[Source: Edge via Kotaku]
Comments on this article
There have been 16 responses to this article.
Lol, why do they bring it then on PS2 where nobody buys it?? They should bring it for Xbox360, PS3 and Wii and THEN talk about sales.
Ali
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 5:48 am.
They should also bring it in the West.
City Hunter
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 6:10 am.
@ALI
You must live under a rock, the ps2 is still the most successful platform ever made and still sells very very well. The pS2 is still the best platform for this sorta thing, because all lot of us, hard core shmup fans have no real need for next gen system in regards for shmups at the moment. most of the best shmups are on 16,32 and 128 bit machines my friend. plus, most of 360 or ps3 fanbase wouldn’t appreciate it for what it is. most of them want there gears of Grand theft auto or some shit like that.
released on ALL systems, never hurts at all.
BitMaster
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 6:22 am.
BTW you guys!!!!!!!!you call yourself oldschool Sega heads! then read this..
Tez Okano is an amazing and unknown game designer. he previously worked on treasures Astroboy and other great Sega franchises. I don’t think he has ever made a soso game and unlike Headstrong studios or the team that did Golden Axe Beast Rider, this guy and is good understanding of good game design and mechanics, is the perfect. He knows the oldschool Sega we know, intimately and knows how to deliver to our kind.
lets support this..like I said b4 on my Shenmue 3 post..support shit like this and later on there will be other rewards.
BitMaster
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 7:15 am.
sry for the typos, its in the AM here XD
**this guy and HAS** good understanding of good, game design and mechanics, MAKES him the perfect choice for tasks like this**
BitMaster
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 7:18 am.
@Bitmaster
Then look at the recent Yakuza 2 sales in US and Europe and at the Thunderforce VI sales in Japan and then tell me if they sold “very very well”.
Ali
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 9:49 am.
sega is just being dumb !!!!!!
thunerforce is old and nobody cares about the game !!!!!
why dont they make space harrier using an enhanced panzer dragoon orta engine and i would buy it in an instant.
p.s sega please let sega of japan develop all the games
and just have sega of america just translate them because
we all know secret level is making them look real bad!!!!!!!
dredragoon
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 12:39 pm.
Talk for yourself, I’ve been anticipating more Thunder Force games for many years, but after playing TFVI… I don’t think they did a good job at all.
landman
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 1:15 pm.
Thunderforce is old and no one cares about it? What makes you think that Space Harrier is a brand-new franchise and all gamers appreciate the game? lol!
Bring on Thunderforce! Bring on Space Harrier! :)
segamon
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 1:16 pm.
Space Harrier was my introduction to SEGA, and convinced me to get the Sega Master System. I would love to see a new Panzer Dragoon, but I think at least in the West it’s a mistake to keep making games for the PS2.
emmett The Crab
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 1:33 pm.
Thunderforce 4 is my favorite game of all times, and the only reason that makes me plug my megadrive every few years (normally I emulate it)
landman
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 2:07 pm.
TF a franchise no one cares about lol…
Anyway some very interesting points from the man that brought back TF ( god bless him) :
http://www.edge-online.com/magazine/saving-shooters
Psycho_Echidna
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 2:20 pm.
Screw a new Space Harrier, I’m still trying to get Space Harrier 3D on Master System!
Gamerschoice
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 3:24 pm.
i has a nes it is popular console
sega should releaes games on nes
Kogen
Posted November 5th, 2008 at 3:57 pm.
@ALI
what are you talking about???
yakuza 2 did extremely well in japan and here. There is a real good reason you cant find the game at gamestop or most local retailers and yakuza 2 still upholds its 30$ average price tag on ebay. OH NEVER MIND! its 30-40$ game on ebay. Yakuza 2 was 30 brand new and now fetching a 40 and climbing on the aftermarket. It didn’t make TOP sales because they didn’t produce this game in record number, but it sold and is selling out none the less. So please don’t bring next gen for this into the picture.
if you dont believe the ps2 was the most and still is the most successful system to date, you have homework to do.
BitMaster
Posted November 6th, 2008 at 7:15 am.
Very interesting interview Psycho_Echidna… Why seganerds only commented on Space Harrier? he also wants to make a new Fantasy Zone, FANTASY ZONE!!!!!!!!!
landman
Posted November 6th, 2008 at 2:20 pm.