Vectorman 3
| Vectorman 3 | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Game dev |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Platform(s) | Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2 |
| Release | Cancelled |
| Genre(s) | Platform |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Vectorman 3 is a proposed third entry in the Vectorman series of video games published by Sega. Multiple proposals have been made, but none have ever been released.
Background and development
After a series of successfully developed games for the Sega Genesis video game console, developer BlueSky Software signed a contract directly with Sega to exclusively develop their next games for the platform.[1] Sega tasked them with creating a game centered around pre-rendered 3D models that could act as a competitor to Nintendo's huge Donkey Kong Country (1994) game, and retain interest in aging 16-bit Genesis console at a time when consumer interest was gravitating towards more advanced technology of new technology of the 32-bit generation of video game consoles.[2][3] The end result was Vectorman (1995), which was seen as a critical and commercial success on both fronts.[3] A sequel, Vectorman 2 (1996) was rushed to market within a year just prior to the end of the Genesis's lifespan. While Vectorman 2 was similarly praised for pushing the limits of the aging Genesis in a time where most other releases were low-effort licensed games at the end of the platform's lifecycle, it was generally viewed less positively than with is predecessor, and struggled to commercially compete with the Donkey Kong Country sequels in the same way.[4][5] Three separate efforts have been made to make a third entry in the Vectorman series.[6]
Sega Saturn and Dreamcast
The first attempt was for the Sega Saturn, the successor of the Genesis.[7] Sega, leading up to the Saturn's May 1995 North American launch, had shown their developers a preview of the Saturn hardware and its launch titles of Panzer Dragoon (1995) and Astal (1995).[6] The demonstration inspired BlueSky Software members to create their own pitch for a Vectorman on the Saturn.[6] The team created a detailed design document with visual sketches dubbedVectorman 3[8] and Vectorman Ultra.[6][8] However, by the time the team had completed Vectorman 2 and was ready to officially pitch the game to Sega, their contract for game development with Sega was terminated, completely stalling the project.[6] While no official reason for the end of the relationship, Sega was struggling financially at the time, with the end of the Genesis lifespan, the commercial failure of the 32X add-on, and the slow launch of the Saturn.[8] Concept art from the pitch later leaked onto the internet a decade later.[8] Publications interpreted the concept art to be for a game that would have been a 2.5D side-scroller with a graphical style that borrowed from both prior games.[8]
In 2000, when Sega had moved on to its next console, the Dreamcast, a number of members of BlueSky Software left to form their own company, VBlank.[6] The team created their own proprietary game engine and reached out to Sega to see if there was interest in working together again.[6] In response, Sega sent a list of their IPs they would be interested in reviving, with included Vectorman.[6] VBlank proceeded to create a short playable demo named Vectorman Neo; it involved Vectorman exploring a new alien planet.[6] However, Sega rejected the pitch, feeling Vectorman name lacked the name recognition by this point.[6] This completely stalled the project, and BlueSky Software went out of business the following year.[8]
PlayStation 2
In early 2003, rumors arose that Sega was again expressing interest in reviving franchises from the Genesis era, Vectorman being one of the games in contention.[9] In April 2003, Sega announced that a new Vectorman title was in development for the PlayStation 2.[10][11]
References
- ^ "Sega-16 – Interview: Richard Karpp (BlueSky Software Programmer)".
- ^ "Vectorman Review". 22 September 2008.
- ^ a b "Vectorman – Hardcore Gaming 101".
- ^ "Vectorman 2 – Hardcore Gaming 101".
- ^ "Vectorman 2: So Much Trash, So Little Time" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 88. Ziff Davis. November 1996. pp. 256–7.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20220929/283596699156308
- ^ '"Next Generation Magazine, "Vectorman 3 Due to Hit Saturn"
- ^ a b c d e f http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/vectorman-2/
- ^ https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/16/sega-classics-on-ps2
- ^ https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-vectorman-title-to-debut-at-e3/1100-6025488/
- ^ https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/22/hello-vectorman