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In this episode, we're talking about sequels. It seems like every game is guaranteed a sequel these days, and some of them are warranted, and some are not. Of course, which ones are which are a matter for debate, so Neal, lasz, DP, and I spend some time talking about games that need more sequels, and games that instead need to be put on the shelf.

We even talk about Final Fantasy and Square Enix a bit, but, spoiler alert: nobody actually says that Final Fantasy should be a series that dies with a whimper. Why not? You'll have to listen.

Source: The CoNcast Subscription Feed, The CoNcast on iTunes

Good discussion, I can't believe it took me a week to notice there was a new Concast out (I'll just blame Lasz for not plugging it enough). It's interesting that you guys were talking about Lasz being on a cell phone in Hungary because A) I am in Poland right now in the same time zone as Hungary, and B) I just met a Hungarian person today and we were talking about the language.

Anyway, I would love to see a sequel to Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. I'm aware that they exist, but they are all either on systems I don't have and don't plan on ever having (i.e. Nintendo systems) or released only in Japan. Capcom, why have you forsaken me?

I can't say I really wish any particular series would stop making sequels because I can just not buy them if I don't like them. However, I do wish they'd stop naming games "Final Fantasy Number hyphen Number." I mean, there are several FFVII spin-offs of varying kinds (PS2 spin-off sequel, PSP prequel, CGI movie, OVA) and none of them are called Final Fantasy VII-2. Why can't they come up with original Titles with the Final Fantasy world they are set in coming after? The idea of naming something Final Fantasy Ten Two or Final Fantasy Thirteen Three just makes me think they aren't really trying anymore with their writing.

Edit: I just noticed it hasn't been a week, I just assumed it was posted on a Monday.

This post has been edited by ElPanachino on 2nd September 2013 00:15

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Wha? Thanks to me?

DuckTales remastered! Very cool!

Yeah, that game went on my Steam wishlist pretty quickly.

> "hardcore parkour"

For a moment there, I thought you were talking about Mirror's Edge. Since it was on the most recent Humble Bundle and the trailer used that pun to describe that game.

Also, someone is on Skype. I thought that was me until I backed up the recording and replayed it...

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As for the topic:

Sequels I'd like to see:
1. Castlevania: not so much a sequel as an expansion. I think the Belmont timeline is kinda chock full of games already and the parts that aren't have been blocked off canon declarations (such as there being no Belmonts after Richter until Julius, and forcefully linking the timeline to Bram Stoker's novel). But thanks to the idea of multiple timelines, we could rather easily find a new one that's got a lot of room for expansion -- and the most promising one, in my opinion, is that of Castlevania: Circle of the Moon. Instead of telling a story of Belmonts (and Belnadeses), why not tell a new story of Baldwins and Graveses? This way we could start fresh with a new timeline, do all sorts of new stuff, star new characters, create new series lore, and much more. Most importantly...it would be a handy excuse to create more intricate castle designs to set metroidvania games in.
2. Fortune Summoners: this brilliant little indie platformer action RPG ends with a very intriguing sequel hook...but no sequel exists.
3. Energy Breaker: not a sequel but a remake. This obscure SNES gem has an intriguing story and strategy depth rivalling that of the Fire Emblem series. Update the graphics, make the gameplay a bit less tedious, give it an official translation, and let it shine!

I can't think of anything that shouldn't have sequels. Though I can certainly think of a bad sequel: there's a series from the 8-/16-bit era called Valis, which was at the time a mediocre series best known for being an imitation old-Castlevania-style platformer starring hot anime chicks with swords. The company behind it died, I think, and the IP was largely forgotten but ended up at one point getting a hentai installment. Longtime fans of the series (as few of them as there were) were very disappointed. Especially as some of the main-series games had actually started improving, taking lessons from the Castlevania series's innovations. But then...yeah. I don't know what the series is up to now, though.

I guess if you're talking about individual games, and their narratives, I certainly think that a lot of stories that end conclusively really shouldn't get sequels. For example, while I haven't played Chrono Cross, I don't think I like the idea of Chrono Trigger getting a sequel -- I liked it as it was, conclusive happy ending and all.

I think the same applies to a lot of games with a strong story component. I can't exactly think of how a sequel to Final Fantasy VI would make sense -- unless perhaps you make it a game about rebuilding the world, for example.

This post has been edited by Glenn Magus Harvey on 2nd September 2013 21:23

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Check the "What games are you playing at the moment?" thread for updates on what I've been playing.

You can find me on the Fediverse! I use Mastodon, where I am @[email protected] ( https://sakurajima.moe/@glennmagusharvey )

I'm surprised they never made a sequel to Strider (nes). From the wikipedia article it sounds like it's still quite a popular story.

Quote (finalalias @ 3rd September 2013 22:40)

I'm surprised they never made a sequel to Strider (nes). From the wikipedia article it sounds like it's still quite a popular story.

Careful what you wish for, buddy. They announced a Strider sequel / remake / re-imagining a few months back. First DuckTales, and now this. Capcom's aiming right at the childhood.

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this is a blog mostly about comics and videogames
END SPOILER

Quote (ElPanachino @ 1st September 2013 20:10)

Anyway, I would love to see a sequel to Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. I'm aware that they exist, but they are all either on systems I don't have and don't plan on ever having (i.e. Nintendo systems) or released only in Japan. Capcom, why have you forsaken me?

I can't say I really wish any particular series would stop making sequels because I can just not buy them if I don't like them. However, I do wish they'd stop naming games "Final Fantasy Number hyphen Number." I mean, there are several FFVII spin-offs of varying kinds (PS2 spin-off sequel, PSP prequel, CGI movie, OVA) and none of them are called Final Fantasy VII-2. Why can't they come up with original Titles with the Final Fantasy world they are set in coming after? The idea of naming something Final Fantasy Ten Two or Final Fantasy Thirteen Three just makes me think they aren't really trying anymore with their writing.

My brother would be thrilled for such a Monster Hunter release as well. I've never quite understood why they were so Nintendo-determined.

This is a little off topic I suppose, but since 'FFXIII-3' is officially titled 'FFXIII: Lightning Returns,' do you prefer that?

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Currently Playing : Final Fantasy V
Most Recently Beat : Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
Favorite Game : Final Fantasy X

The newest CoNcast is up! Have a listen!

Quote (Death Penalty @ 6th September 2013 10:26)

My brother would be thrilled for such a Monster Hunter release as well. I've never quite understood why they were so Nintendo-determined.

This is a little off topic I suppose, but since 'FFXIII-3' is officially titled 'FFXIII: Lightning Returns,' do you prefer that?

1. I suspect that Capcom-America signed a contract with Nintendo. . . regardless, I feel very betrayed by Capcom since the MH series was made big by the PSP.

2. I did not know that, but I do like that better (not that I'm a fan of FFXIII). Unfortunately, XIII-2 is still XIII-2.

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Wha? Thanks to me?

Whoa! Thanks for the heads up Lasz!