Platform Game Flashback 2 Announced
Microids has announced Flashback 2, a sequel to the iconic platformer from the early 90s. The title will be released in 2022. Paul Cuisset, the creator of the original, will be working on it.
Microids and Paul Cuisset announced today on Twitter that Flashback 2, the sequel to the 2D arcade game from 1992, is being developed. First installment gained an iconic following thanks to some pretty good animations for the time, as well as a complex and engaging storyline. Once started, the story of the brilliant scientist Conrad B. Hart simply had to be told to the end. In 2022, PC and console users will be able to see its continuation.
At this point nothing is known about the project. We have the above logo, approximate release date, and the promise of new information coming "soon". We can only wait with hope that the enthusiasm of Stephane Longeard, CEO of Microids, the company responsible for Flashback 2, and Paul Cuisset, one of the 'fathers' of the original and co-founder of the now-defunct Delphine Software, will translate into the quality of the upcoming second installment. The gentlemen seem satisfied with the cooperation so far:
"We are super excited to offer the fans a sequel to this masterpiece of the French video game history. At Microids, we thrive for delivering projects highlighting the craft of talented individuals. Paul Cuisset is a French hall of famer known internationally. We are proud to work hand in hand with him and his team on this project," stated Longeard.
“Developing a sequel to Flashback is an idea I’ve had for a very long time. I can’t wait for players to discover the new adventures of Conrad B. Hart, a character created almost 30 years ago. With Microids, we are really aiming to please the fans of the original title while being appealing to any players with a weak spot for futuristic games” adds Cuisset.
The fans of the original mentioned by Paul Cuisset could feel that the Flashback IP has not been definitively abandoned and a full-fledged sequel is possible - it's just strange that the devs seem to ignore Fade to Black from 1995 in their statements (the first-ever TPP game), which already told the further fate of Conrad B. Hart. A source of hope for fans may have been the refreshed version of the first installment, titled Flashback: 25th Anniversary and released on PC, PS4, XONE and Switch in 2018.
Now that work on Flashback 2 has been confirmed, one can only wonder if the title will turn out to be something entirely new, or perhaps a just refreshed version of Fade to Black. The lack of mention of that game may - but doesn't have to - suggest the latter. It wouldn't be seen as an easy way out but as a real tribute to the fans of the series. On the other hand, in the case of the project's success, perhaps soon after we would even get a third installment. Well, Hart's fans have waited more than a quarter of a century, so they should be able to handle a few extra months.
