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{{nihongo foot|'''''Thunder Force VI'''''|サンダーフォース VI|Sandaa Fōsu VI|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2008 [[shoot'em up|horizontal-scrolling shooter]] video game developed and published for the [[PlayStation 2]] by [[Sega]]. The game places the player in the role of a starship that must eradicate the Orn Faust empire before they destroy all of Earth. The player must complete each stage by shooting down enemies and avoiding collisions with them and their projectiles, using an arsenal of powerful weapons to destroy them. It is the sixth and final entry in the long-running ''[[Thunder Force]]'' video game franchise, and the only one to not be developed by series creator [[Technosoft]]. |
{{nihongo foot|'''''Thunder Force VI'''''|サンダーフォース VI|Sandaa Fōsu VI|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2008 [[shoot'em up|horizontal-scrolling shooter]] video game developed and published for the [[PlayStation 2]] by [[Sega]]. The game places the player in the role of a starship that must eradicate the Orn Faust empire before they destroy all of Earth. The player must complete each stage by shooting down enemies and avoiding collisions with them and their projectiles, using an arsenal of powerful weapons to destroy them. It is the sixth and final entry in the long-running ''[[Thunder Force]]'' video game franchise, and the only one to not be developed by series creator [[Technosoft]]. |
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''Thunder Force VI'' was originally being designed for the [[Dreamcast]] by Technosoft in 2000; very little work was completed, and production was halted after Technosoft folded into Japanese pachinko manufacturer Twenty-One Company. Sega acquired the rights to revive the project in early 2007. Development was led by Tetsu |
''Thunder Force VI'' was originally being designed for the [[Dreamcast]] by Technosoft in 2000; very little work was completed, and production was halted after Technosoft folded into Japanese pachinko manufacturer Twenty-One Company. Sega acquired the rights to revive the project in early 2007. Development was led by Tetsu Okano, also known as [[:ja:ゾルゲ市蔵|Zolge Ichizo]], known for his work on titles such as ''[[Segagaga]]'', ''[[Astro Boy: Omega Factor]]'' and ''[[Gunstar Super Heroes]]''. He looked to games such as ''[[R-Type Final]]'' for inspiration, deciding to create a game that went "back to the roots" of the series instead of making drastic changes to the core gameplay. Okano worked to assemble a team of designers that were fans of the ''Thunder Force'' series and had prior experience with working on shooters, gathering several from [[Taito]] and [[Konami]] to assist in production. The game was intended to be the first under the "Project STG" brand name, intended for remakes and reboots of older shoot'em up franchises. Versions for the [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation Portable]] and arcades were briefly considered but later scrapped. |
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''Thunder Force VI'' was met with a mixed reaction from critics, with complaints being directed towards its blurry visuals, short length, soundtrack and for mostly consisting of "recycled" stages and mechanics found in earlier games in the franchise. Fans of the series were especially negative towards the game for lacking originality and innovation, alongside it being mostly a rehash of its predecessors. Its gameplay, graphical style and weapon variety were often the subject of praise. |
''Thunder Force VI'' was met with a mixed reaction from critics, with complaints being directed towards its blurry visuals, short length, soundtrack and for mostly consisting of "recycled" stages and mechanics found in earlier games in the franchise. Fans of the series were especially negative towards the game for lacking originality and innovation, alongside it being mostly a rehash of its predecessors. Its gameplay, graphical style and weapon variety were often the subject of praise. |
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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In 2000, ''Thunder Force'' creator [[Technosoft]] withdrew from game development, making ''[[Thunder Force V]]'' the final entry in the series. In 2001, former Technosoft composer [[:ja:九十九百太郎|Hyakutarō Tsukumo]] released an album titled ''NOISE Game Music Vol. 3 – Broken Thunder'', which included music for an imagined sixth game. Also in 2001, Sega released ''[[Segagaga]]'', which included a shoot 'em up [[minigame|mini-game]] titled ''R-720'', styled after ''Thunder Force'' and using music from the ''Broken Thunder'' album.<ref name="NLife"/> Also included was "Syrinx," a player ship designed by a fan named Garow as part of an independent project titled ''TF Forever''. When selecting Syrinx in ''R-720'', a CG video created by Garow would play.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Garow |title=セガガガの映像 |url=http://libertyhp.blog35.fc2.com/blog-entry-102.html |website=TF |accessdate=12 August 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629181111/http://libertyhp.blog35.fc2.com/blog-entry-102.html |archivedate=29 June 2016 |language=Japanese |date=3 June 2007}}</ref> |
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''Thunder Force VI'' was originally being developed for the [[Dreamcast]] by series creator [[Technosoft]], reportedly being in production in early 2000.<ref name="Kotaku"/><ref name="Broken Thunder"/> Aside from an early test video showing an early introduction sequence and several pieces of music, very little progress was made; it was indefinitely shelved during early stages of production after Technosoft folded into Japanese pachinko manufacturer Twenty-One Company.<ref name="Broken Thunder">{{cite web |last1=Kalata |first1=Kurt |title=Broken Thunder |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/broken-thunder/ |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725074529/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/broken-thunder/ |archivedate=25 July 2019 |date=10 December 2016}}</ref> The composer for the project released the music as part of a soundtrack album, titled ''NOISE Game Music Vol. 3 – Broken Thunder'', encompassing both tracks from ''Thunder Force VI'' and other games in the series, such as ''[[Thunder Force V]]''.<ref name="NLife"/> |
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| ⚫ | In early 2007, [[Sega]] acquired the license to create a new ''Thunder Force'' game from Technosoft and parent company Twenty-one.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Toyotomi |first1=Kazutaka |title=アイエヌエイチ、池袋ギーゴ「3大シューティング祭り」 会場に200人以上のファンが集結! |url=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080901/stg.htm |website=Game Watch |publisher=Impress Group |accessdate=5 April 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901154845/http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080901/stg.htm |archivedate=1 September 2008 |language=Japanese |date=1 September 2008}}</ref> Development was headed by Sega producer Tetsu Okano, also known as [[:ja:ゾルゲ市蔵|Zolge Ichizo]], who had previously produced ''Segagaga''.<ref name="Edge"/> Okano claimed to be a big fan of the ''Thunder Force'' series and was interested in producing a full-length sequel for a modern platform.<ref name="Edge"/> Okano worked to assemble a development team that were also fans of the series and had prior experience with designing shooters, gathering several designers from [[Taito]] and [[Konami]] to assist in production.<ref name="Edge"/><ref name="1UP"/> He looked to Irem's ''[[R-Type Final]]'' for potential inspiration, choosing to "go back to the roots" of the series instead of trying to incorporate nothing but new ideas and change the core gameplay.<ref name="Edge"/> The project's budget was minimal.<ref name="Edge"/> Okano stated he would have liked to produce an arcade version, but of the [[List of Sega arcade system boards|Sega arcade boards]] in use at the time, NAOMI was outdated, and Lindbergh would have been too expensive to use, with no comfortable middle ground.<ref name="Edge">{{cite web |author1=Edge Staff |title=Saving Shooters |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/saving-shooters/ |website=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509031613/http://www.edge-online.com/features/saving-shooters/ |archivedate=9 May 2013 |pages=1–5 |date=5 November 2008}}</ref> The soundtrack was composed by Tamayo Kawamoto of ''[[RayForce]]'', Gō Satō of ''[[Raiden (series)|Raiden]]'', and Motoaki Furukawa of ''[[Gradius]]'', among others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thunder Force VI (2008) PlayStation 2 credits |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/ps2/thunder-force-vi/credits |website=MobyGames |accessdate=12 August 2020}}</ref> Garow's Syrinx was brought back as the ultimate form of the player ship. |
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[[File:Dreamcast-Console-Set.jpg|thumb|right|''Thunder Force VI'' was originally being developed for the Dreamcast. When Technosoft was folded into Twenty-One Company before it could be finished, Sega acquired the rights to revive it and release it as a full game.]] |
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| ⚫ | In early 2007, [[Sega]] acquired the license |
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Okano claimed that ''Thunder Force VI'' would be the first game under the "Project STG," a brand name which he intended to be used for a potential series of shoot 'em up revivals and reboots, including ''[[Space Harrier]]'' and ''[[Fantasy Zone]]''.<ref name="1UP"/><ref name="Edge"/> He stated in an interview that more games would likely be released under the Project STG name if ''Thunder Force VI'' proved to be a success.<ref name="Edge"/> Okano considered porting the game to [[Xbox 360]] or [[PlayStation Portable]] for an overseas release if it performed well, stating it would do best as a download title.<ref name="Edge"/> Sega officially announced the game in July 2008 through ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine, releasing several screenshots and promotional videos through their official website.<ref name="Kotaku"/> Twenty-one quietly updated their official website announcing their intentions to revive the series with Sega, alongside the game's release.<ref name="NLife">{{cite web |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |title=Feature: The History Of Technosoft's Thunder Force Series |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/09/feature_the_history_of_technosofts_thunder_force_series |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713114435/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/09/feature_the_history_of_technosofts_thunder_force_series |archivedate=13 July 2019 |date=20 September 2016}}</ref> ''Thunder Force VI'' was published for the PlayStation 2 in Japan on October 30, 2008.<ref name="Kotaku">{{cite web |last1=Ashcraft |first1=Brian |title=A Decade Later, We Get New Thunder Force Game |url=https://kotaku.com/a-decade-later-we-get-new-thunder-force-game-5023224 |website=[[Kotaku]] |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202181244/https://kotaku.com/a-decade-later-we-get-new-thunder-force-game-5023224 |archivedate=2 December 2019 |date=9 July 2008}}</ref><ref name="1UP">{{cite web |last1=Grifford |first1=Kevin |title=Thunder Force VI Revealed For PS2 |url=http://www.1up.com/news/thunder-force-revealed-ps2 |website=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[IGN]] |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523063622/http://www.1up.com/news/thunder-force-revealed-ps2 |archivedate=23 May 2011 |date=9 July 2008}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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Revision as of 22:45, 12 August 2020
| Thunder Force VI | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Sega |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Designer(s) | Tetsu Okano |
| Composer(s) | Tamayo Kawamoto Motoaki Furukawa Go Sato Tsuyoshi Kaneko |
| Series | Thunder Force |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Horizontal-scrolling shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Thunder Force VI[a] is a 2008 horizontal-scrolling shooter video game developed and published for the PlayStation 2 by Sega. The game places the player in the role of a starship that must eradicate the Orn Faust empire before they destroy all of Earth. The player must complete each stage by shooting down enemies and avoiding collisions with them and their projectiles, using an arsenal of powerful weapons to destroy them. It is the sixth and final entry in the long-running Thunder Force video game franchise, and the only one to not be developed by series creator Technosoft.
Thunder Force VI was originally being designed for the Dreamcast by Technosoft in 2000; very little work was completed, and production was halted after Technosoft folded into Japanese pachinko manufacturer Twenty-One Company. Sega acquired the rights to revive the project in early 2007. Development was led by Tetsu Okano, also known as Zolge Ichizo, known for his work on titles such as Segagaga, Astro Boy: Omega Factor and Gunstar Super Heroes. He looked to games such as R-Type Final for inspiration, deciding to create a game that went "back to the roots" of the series instead of making drastic changes to the core gameplay. Okano worked to assemble a team of designers that were fans of the Thunder Force series and had prior experience with working on shooters, gathering several from Taito and Konami to assist in production. The game was intended to be the first under the "Project STG" brand name, intended for remakes and reboots of older shoot'em up franchises. Versions for the Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable and arcades were briefly considered but later scrapped.
Thunder Force VI was met with a mixed reaction from critics, with complaints being directed towards its blurry visuals, short length, soundtrack and for mostly consisting of "recycled" stages and mechanics found in earlier games in the franchise. Fans of the series were especially negative towards the game for lacking originality and innovation, alongside it being mostly a rehash of its predecessors. Its gameplay, graphical style and weapon variety were often the subject of praise.
Gameplay
Thunder Force VI is a horizontal-scrolling shooter video game. The player controls a starship that must make it to the end of each stage by destroying incoming enemies and avoiding collisions with them and their projectiles.[1] Stages feature 3D visuals while taking place on a 2D plane, occasionally zooming the camera towards and away the player.[2] Two starships are available at the beginning of the game — the RVR-001 "Phoenix" and the Rynex-R — both of which have different weapon loadouts and playstyles.[1] Additional ships can be unlocked by progressing through the game and completing specific objectives.[1][2] The player has access to five different weapon types, each having varying abilities and strengths; unlike earlier games in the series, the player starts with all of them, without needing to collect them while progressing through stages.[2] The primary weapon is the "Craw", which can be launched at enemies to create powerful electric charges that obliterate anything in their path.[1] Other weapons include a twin shot, a backwards shot, and a free-range homing shot.[1]
Plot
Thunder Force VI is set in the year A.D. 2161, ten years after the events of its predecessor Thunder Force V. After the artificial intelligence known as the "Guardian" is destroyed, Earth returns to an age of prosperity and peace. Shortly after this, an extraterrestrial race known as the "Orn Faust" make contact with Earth and begin to invade the planet, leaving the Unified Earth Fleet powerless and nearly destroyed. The Unified Earth Government discovers several strange readings from its analysis report of an underground chamber on the island of Babel, where the Guardian was once installed. The readings lead to the location of technology related to the "Vasteel", the starship that had destroyed the Guardian long ago that has since been abandoned and sealed away to protect it. When researchers analyze the technology, they discover that the Vasteel was originally named the "Rynex", a powerful weapon that had been used by the Galaxy Federation extraterrestrial power to combat the Orn Empire, the leader of the Orn Faust. Scientists design a new starship called the RVR-001 "Phoenix", based on the Vasteel's technology, to destroy the Orn Faust and to save all of mankind from destruction.
Development
In 2000, Thunder Force creator Technosoft withdrew from game development, making Thunder Force V the final entry in the series. In 2001, former Technosoft composer Hyakutarō Tsukumo released an album titled NOISE Game Music Vol. 3 – Broken Thunder, which included music for an imagined sixth game. Also in 2001, Sega released Segagaga, which included a shoot 'em up mini-game titled R-720, styled after Thunder Force and using music from the Broken Thunder album.[3] Also included was "Syrinx," a player ship designed by a fan named Garow as part of an independent project titled TF Forever. When selecting Syrinx in R-720, a CG video created by Garow would play.[4]
In early 2007, Sega acquired the license to create a new Thunder Force game from Technosoft and parent company Twenty-one.[5] Development was headed by Sega producer Tetsu Okano, also known as Zolge Ichizo, who had previously produced Segagaga.[6] Okano claimed to be a big fan of the Thunder Force series and was interested in producing a full-length sequel for a modern platform.[6] Okano worked to assemble a development team that were also fans of the series and had prior experience with designing shooters, gathering several designers from Taito and Konami to assist in production.[6][7] He looked to Irem's R-Type Final for potential inspiration, choosing to "go back to the roots" of the series instead of trying to incorporate nothing but new ideas and change the core gameplay.[6] The project's budget was minimal.[6] Okano stated he would have liked to produce an arcade version, but of the Sega arcade boards in use at the time, NAOMI was outdated, and Lindbergh would have been too expensive to use, with no comfortable middle ground.[6] The soundtrack was composed by Tamayo Kawamoto of RayForce, Gō Satō of Raiden, and Motoaki Furukawa of Gradius, among others.[8] Garow's Syrinx was brought back as the ultimate form of the player ship.
Okano claimed that Thunder Force VI would be the first game under the "Project STG," a brand name which he intended to be used for a potential series of shoot 'em up revivals and reboots, including Space Harrier and Fantasy Zone.[7][6] He stated in an interview that more games would likely be released under the Project STG name if Thunder Force VI proved to be a success.[6] Okano considered porting the game to Xbox 360 or PlayStation Portable for an overseas release if it performed well, stating it would do best as a download title.[6] Sega officially announced the game in July 2008 through Famitsu magazine, releasing several screenshots and promotional videos through their official website.[9] Twenty-one quietly updated their official website announcing their intentions to revive the series with Sega, alongside the game's release.[3] Thunder Force VI was published for the PlayStation 2 in Japan on October 30, 2008.[9][7]
Reception
Reviews for Thunder Force VI were often mixed, with common complaints being towards its unbalanced difficulty level, soundtrack and usage of assets and entire stage designs from earlier entries in the series. Fans of the series were particularly negative towards it for failing to live up to prior Thunder Force games and for greatly lacking in both innovation and originality.[3]
Japanese publication Famitsu criticized the game for relying mostly on stages and concepts from earlier games in the Thunder Force series, saying that it lacked innovation and originality. They praised the 3D graphics for being used in an interesting way throughout the game, but disliked the textures themselves for being low-textured and unappealing to look at.[10] MeriStation variety of weapons within the game, particularly the CRAW for being greatly improved over the one featured in its predecessor Thunder Force V, but were disappointed towards the level design for being too similar to those in prior entries, as well as its graphical style for being inferior to games like Gradius V.[11] MeriStation applauded its soundtrack for its "techno new age" vibe and for the gameplay still being enjoyable and fun to play, although were critical of its short length.[11] They expressed hope in the game being released outside Japan for services such as Xbox Live Arcade, writing: "In a world dominated by 3D and high definition, the appearance of jewelry like this is worthy of admiration."[11] Edge Spain disliked its overly-easy difficulty level and for reusing assets and ideas from older Thunder Force titles.[12]
In a 2016 retrospective review, Hardcore Gaming 101 stated it felt like a "step back" compared to games such as R-Type Final and Gradius V for its blurry textures, bland soundtrack, and for greatly lacking in originality, specifically criticizing the game for simply lifting entire stage ideas from earlier entries in the series.[2] In light of their criticism, they commended the game's 3D graphics and overall gameplay for still staying true to the series' core, concluding their review with: "Though it’s a bit disappointing that Thunder Force VI feels so recycled, at its core, it’s still a well-made shooter that pulls off the difficult task of appealing to both casual and hardcore shooter fans."[2] In a retrospective coverage of the series, Nintendo Life was critical of the its short length and lack of unique ideas, disliking that it simply reused ideas from other games in the Thunder Force franchise instead of utilizing original mechanics and concepts.[3]
Notes
References
- ^ a b c d e Thunder Force VI PlayStation 2 instruction manual (PDF) (in Japanese). Japan: Sega. 30 October 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Kalata, Kurt (10 December 2016). "Thunder Force VI". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ a b c d McFerran, Damien (20 September 2016). "Feature: The History Of Technosoft's Thunder Force Series". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ Garow (3 June 2007). "セガガガの映像". TF (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
- ^ Toyotomi, Kazutaka (1 September 2008). "アイエヌエイチ、池袋ギーゴ「3大シューティング祭り」 会場に200人以上のファンが集結!". Game Watch (in Japanese). Impress Group. Archived from the original on 1 September 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Edge Staff (5 November 2008). "Saving Shooters". Edge. pp. 1–5. Archived from the original on 9 May 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ a b c Grifford, Kevin (9 July 2008). "Thunder Force VI Revealed For PS2". 1UP.com. IGN. Archived from the original on 23 May 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ "Thunder Force VI (2008) PlayStation 2 credits". MobyGames. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
- ^ a b Ashcraft, Brian (9 July 2008). "A Decade Later, We Get New Thunder Force Game". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2 December 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ a b "サンダーフォースVI [PS2] / ファミ通.com". www.famitsu.com. Retrieved 2018-07-27.
- ^ a b c d Pino García, Francisco Gabriel (29 December 2008). "Thunder Force VI: Legend of the Wings". MeriStation. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ "Nuevo - Thunder Force VI" (in Spanish). No. 34. Edge Spain. 2008. p. 63. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
External links
- Official website (in Japanese)