Disappointing Follow-Ups - Game Sack

Episode 91 - Sometimes a sequel or a follow-up just doesn't live up to the standards of the original. Do people expect too much or did the developer make changes they shouldn't have?
Be sure to check out the Game Sack Episode Guide!
www.gamesack.net

[@madson-web]

"I'm pretty much sure there's never ever gonna be another good Blaster Master game" Fortunatelly we've got some really good ones recently. It's really fun watching these old episodes and seeing how things have changed

[@rars0n]

From what I recall, the guys who made ToeJam & Earl didn't want to make the sequel a side-scroller, but Sega basically forced them to do it anyway since they were the ones publishing it. In 2019, they had a Kickstarter for ToeJam & Earl Back In the Groove and this one plays pretty much like the first one. It's available on all the major platforms. If you like the first one, you'll probably like that one.

[@EwaY83]

Zelda II is a gem that few people enjoyed. Very sad, played it a lot when I was young.

[@jlite023]

Its literally the most underrated game of them all

[@hennsippin7156]

Had it when it came out and have great memories of me and my dad trading the controller when the other died until we beat it.

[@SpaceKappa]

My favorite thing about Game Sack (aside from all the great information) is the sound effects when they pop the games in. It's a small detail that makes a big difference.

[@MikeMintTV]

I fucking love you guys; the chemistry, the (subtle) biases, the format, everything. I really appreciate this gaming channel. Keep in mind I watch alot of them and this is absolutely my favorite. I always go to it when I need a "pick-me-up" or just to kill time and attain knowledge about one of my most beloved hobbies. Thank you guys, please don't stop.

[@BBall0027]

The "chick with the 'tude" from ESPN Extreme Games was actually ESPN's Suzy Kolber. She wasn't in the Greatest Hits release, renamed 1Xtreme, because Sony lost their license with ESPN.

[@sbamdq]

what a great show... GS has become my favourite show over time. Great job guys!

[@Thewesrobertson]

Suzy Kolber was a sportscaster from ESPN on the Extreme Sports game. I think her best bit of acting was fending off Joe Namath. Broadway Joe

[@MakillaGorilla3]

"LET ME BLAST IN PEEEEEACE!!!!" Christ, I lost it. Love you guys.

[@GameSack]

Not sure if Google+ shares videos automatically or not. If not, then here is the latest episode. I don't see it being automatically posted on the page but then again I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to Google + :)

[@jh6871]

You guys should also post them where the retro gamers reside: plus.google.com/u/0/communities/105504122390742183049

[@StumptownRetro]

Nah it's here. Dunno if I like this new system but it works I suppose.

[@CHOCOLATEPLAYSGAMES]

if you comment on a video google + shares it very ass

[@StumptownRetro]

@chocolateplaysgames I am getting an alert anytime someone comments on a video I comment on. Ridiculous.

[@CHOCOLATEPLAYSGAMES]

StumptownRetro me to

[@erikrass]

All hail Game Sack!! truly a great show. I hope you guys never lose your spark.

[@emilyblake4424]

Vandal-Hearts II, on the PSX. The first one had such great music, memorable characters made more alive by simultaneous personified text portraits and sprites (blinking, moving mouths via dialogue scroll, etc), and an incredibly deep story. So much detail went into making that game. Vandal Hearts II however suffers from a large cast of wholly unlikable characters (worsened by really ugly realistic-looking still-frame portraits), a completely forgettable plot, and some really unvaried battle objectives and dumb technical game play design choices.

[@sjake8308]

I think more than anything, Vandal Hearts II was let down by the nonsensical turn system. It became a sub-game where I had to factor in which of the enemies was going to attack which of my characters before I inputted a command. If it wasn't for that, I might have found the sequel to have been as enjoyable as the original.

[@MrVibeless]

Don't ever stop you guys are great viewing. I look forward to every episode!

[@theTMNTnerd32]

I just wanted to say u guys make such great videos. Ur editing is fantastic, and u always give us plenty of informal game reviews each video. I dont see how u make time to film everthing u do. Anyways, thanks again

[@animejoe7176]

More disappointing follow-ups: Hang-On GP 1995 < Super Hang-On Double Dragon V < Super Double Dragon Planet Harriers < Space Harrier II Sonic Adventure II < Sonic Adventure Gradius IV < Gradius III Fatal Fury III < Fatal Fury II Act Raiser 2 < Act Raiser ANY Mickey Mouse games that came after Castle of Illusion. ;)

[@jw6588]

Man, the timeless content on this channel is just amazing. Thanks, gents!

[@cccraigus]

Toejam and Earl 2 - Panic on Funkotron was awesome. I never had the original as a kid, I just had number 2 (I've still got the very same copy I remember buying as a kid), and I loved it.

[@num1shinfan]

Number two was better. These guys don't know what they're talkin about. funkitron had better gameplay, better graphics, better soundtrack. It had mini games and it was still challenging but not near as frustrating as the first one. It was an all-around better game.

[@24Johnny91]

we won't see a good blaster master ... turn on your switch. - I'm from the future

[@robertbarker5802]

Still hoping Limited Run or someone will put this on a cart.

[@jeremyallen7925]

I had to scroll down to see if anyone mentioned that one

[@dragonsneedtobereal]

I never understood the negativity directed at Zelda II. In retrospect, it's easy to say it's the black swan of the series, but the developers did try out new things in the sequel which is rare these days. The game was much more difficult which is good and bad, and I thought the RPG elements worked wonderfully. I think the music is the best of the series as well. You make good points though and I think it will undoubtedly remain a polarizing title for Zelda fans.

[@dowingba]

While it's a good game, it is BY FAR the worst Zelda game, ever, by a LONG shot. It is a very good thing they went back to basics for Zelda 3, the masterpiece.

[@manghariz2211]

@@dowingba to be fair The CDIs are much,much worse

[@Tolman18]

"Roddy, Roddy, Roddy, Let Me Blast In Peace!!!" One of my favorite quotes from Joe. Hahahaha always gets me to laugh.

[@idonotloveofficial]

The segments after the credits are always so funny - you guys are great writers!

[@DERMOMAN85]

Guys I'm from Dublin in Ireland. I only discovered your channel a few months ago and I love it. Please keep videos coming, I can't get enough and appreciate every last video so far

[@tetrisdave]

Awesome Thanks! Wish I could have a nice Guiness with you in Dublin.

[@josh24441]

Actraiser 2. The first was a great game. The second was pretty much unplayable.

[@RetroClash95]

josh ThisIsStupid unplayable if you’re a pleb

[@sjake8308]

Agreed. The controls in the second game were complete garbage (and what happened to the simulation levels?).

[@Angie2343]

Hey, Game Sack. I HAD Toejam and Earl: Panic on Funkotron, and I loved it. It's almost as good as what would happen if Invader ZIM had a 16-bit game. :)

[@MrEvilbaz]

Absolutely luv this show guys, keep up the fantastic work :-)

[@ProtoMario]

They did make a game about Pepsi... Pepsi man...

[@domonx2]

I actually played Pepsi man when I was a kid on a playstation 1 I think

[@blackandwhite7223]

At first I thought you were making a joke and there was no pepsi man, then I hit a wiki...

[@ProtoMario]

Spedtard and Chicken It isn't half bad, its hillarious too.

[@blackandwhite7223]

ProtoMario Yeah! I saw on a guy named stanburdman's channel. It's like temple run.

[@ArchaicStigma]

I honestly thought he was joking how haven't I heard of this game, it must be that much more awkward making a game without a mascot. But I would imagine game development would of been far cheaper back then even adjusting for inflation. Because the cloest thing we have these days is the BK games, which are more like mini games. But I don't think it made financial sense to make a full priced BK game. Although it could be good marketing, even if it doesn't turn out that great.

[@TheEpicMineMan]

Woo congrats for 30,000 subs!

[@colintallman2139]

"Pretty sure there will NEVER be another good Blaster Master game" HA! Eat those words!

[@GameSack]

I am glad to!

[@aymanmahmood2608]

Awesome video guys! I had some internet connection problems at my house so my bud told me you guys uploaded new video so i ran to a Café just to watch it! I even didn't bother the explosion near the Café which is normal thing at my Country "Iraq" but,in the end it was really worth it! GREAT video ^_^

[@tetrisdave]

Cool story! Thanks for watching.

[@aymanmahmood2608]

Thank you sir for the amount of entertainment you guys providing by your videos !

[@mitchjohnson4714]

" . . . but the hit detection is a bit wonky." Take a drink every time Joe says this.

[@danielscroble1925]

ESPN Extreme Games 1 was one of my favorite PS1 games, and is one of the first PS1 games I had. You guys brought back a lot of good memories with that one for me. Another great episode!

[@ark9075]

9 years ago? Thanks a lot KZbin suggestions

[@zrobeast]

"I could never stay mad at you, Joe." Aww... :3

[@gamertech360]

Love your videos guys, especially the endings lol priceless! What an awesome channel, 2 best friends talking about video games and giving each other crap.

[@marklinstom5145]

Nights, the sequel on the Wii wasn't as good as the original Saturn version.

[@TariqYasiinProd]

Why am I addicted to this channel? These two dudes are good at this, TV level quality.

[@samhain81]

Your videos make my every Sunday, thanks guys.

[@tetrisdave]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@Kingrat10111]

I personally think the second Toejam and Earl holds up so much better than the original

[@num1shinfan]

Everybody likes the second toe jam and Earl better. These guys are idiots

[@dukejaywalker5858]

"Don't worry, you won't get much exercise" -- you crack me up man!

[@BasementBrandon]

Great video as always guys. On a side note, I'd love to see some behind the scenes on your set-up and equipment as it's always top notch.

[@MPYarnall]

That's it, starting from Game Sack Episode 1, and keeping a tally of EVERY time they say the word enjoyable...

[@TheAtari7800Junkie]

The chick with attitude in ESPN Extreme Games is a young Suzy Kolber, who currently hosts NFL shows on ESPN. Also, you guys forgot to mention that ESPN Extreme Games was rereleased as extreme with the green Greatest Hits label, just with all the ESPN branding removed.

[@GameSack]

We didn't forget, we just didn't know that as once we own a game we don't usually look to purchase it again. I know my eyes always dart past the odd-labeled reduced price games. I don't want my friends to beat me up for being poor.

[@juiceala]

I'll be attacked for this but I thought Mario Galaxy was better than its sequel!

[@GameSack]

juice hedgehog I agree!

[@BonzaiThePenguin]

Mario Galaxy 2 somehow managed to feel like a beta rather than a finished product. There's a lot of clipping and animation issues, a ton of boss reuse, and most of the new enemies feel like bad concept art. Still a fantastic game with a lot of replay value, though.

[@plopgames6674]

BonzaiThePenguin jcvvbkookooioooooooiooooooooiiiiiiii8y**tijnb) I-bnjjl

[@farhan_jiwani]

I LOL'd at the Karnov ring tone haha

[@GreenTengu97]

Devil May Cry 2 epitomizes this for me. I don't think I've been more disappointed in a game. The first one was a fun, if rough around the edges hack and slash action adventure with fun combat, interesting environments, and challenging difficulty. Devil May Cry 2 has none of these. The combat was rendered incredibly unsatisfying, with the sword having all of the weight of a goddamn butter knife, and all the satisfaction of one used as a demon killing weapon, the environments were made too big and open for the design of the game (Resulting in some ABSOLUTELY HORRID MOMENTS WITH THE CAMERA. (Even worse than the first game if you can believe that.)) and of course, the difficulty was nerfed down by a ton, with the guns basically being a slow, tedious "Get out of battle free" card. It also somehow managed to have even worse cutscenes and story than the first game. Yes, the first game was notorious for having absolutely horrible voice acting, but at least that was entertaining. Here, the game has pretty much one stand-out laugh your ass out bad voice acting moment, and everything else is just a boring, incomprehensible mess. The worst thing a game can do is bore you, and Devil May Cry 2 did nothing but this, making the measly two hours I spent on the game feel like an eternity.

[@slyguythreeonetwonine3172]

Zelda 2 would be a great game if they removed the Zelda part. It would be great on it's own as something else, but with Zelda in it's name it is "that one" in the Zelda Franchise.

[@korohacker]

Seeing this episode again made me think of something. A lot of old game series like Pokemon and Zelda have been really pulling on the nostalgia and rose-coloured lenses factors to pull in older fans. Even Sonic has finally embraced this, and for the first time I see fans getting excited for a new Sonic game. Thing is, would that mean that triple A gaming franchises are stagnating in terms of creative freedom and innovation, having forced to belch out the same stuff as 10+ years ago just with some new stuffs added?

[@JoeFpoc]

i would have to say resident evil 6. i loved every new one out and played them non stop til the next one came out, heck i even bought systems based on them, ps1 for re3, ps2 re4, xbox360 re5 and couldnt wait to play re6, but what a tedious screw up that game was, from the crazy amount of quick time events to bad controls, to bad inventory screen, the nail in the coffin was having to reload unlimited ammo. nothing ruins mowing down zombies then only being able to fire for 2 seconds then pause 3 seconds to reload. great video as always.

[@BLOODSHO7]

Wow reloading ruins every game man i no wat u m33n i h8 2 reload man fking sux bawlz. Re6 was shocking gonna side with you on that but come on complaining about reloading? get real the game had hundreds more problems than that one insignificant one

[@JoeFpoc]

yes it did, that was just the nail in the coffin for me, even though it was a bad game i was thinking at least it will be fun to get the unlimited machine gun and mow down zombies like crazy but nope, have to stop every 2 seconds to reload, didnt have the unlimited rocket launcher either :(

[@BLOODSHO7]

JOE FPOC I cried when no unlimited launcher like such t33rs :'( i actually didnt care i played as much as i could stomach and traded it in before its price went down

[@tibonev]

Return of Strider. Also known as "Oh God, Why?"

[@tetrisdave]

Agreed. That game sucks. At least Capcom realized it and actually came out with Strider 2 on the PS1. It was much more enjoyable.

[@BasiliscusBasilica]

All of the Rocket Knight Adventures sequels were just heartbreaking honestly.

[@DreamcasticChannel]

I loved the Saturn version of Spot Goes to Hollywood! The levels in the Saturn/PS1 versions are completely different from the Genesis version. The isometric view does take a lot of getting used to but you do get the hang of it after a while.

[@TheAxeGrinder]

Come on, Panic On Funkotron was great!

[@MrSerpico145]

You are really firing me up to play some great classics, but I can't pull myself away from your episodes. You guys should be far more popular.

[@stellarthefeller]

Then Blaster Master Zero came around

[@lupin9790]

Great video guys keep up the good work!

[@sakusakusakuranyo]

I'd play a video game about Crystal Pepsi.

[@pretybombur9545]

+sakusakusakura nyo CRYSTALPEPSIMAN!!!!! dun dun dun dun dun dund dund dun don don dunna dun

[@nwawallace]

I would actually love a spin-off series based off what zelda 2 was doing. It's actually a great game if you get over your preconceived notions of what the zelda franchise "Should" have been based off the first game.

[@nwawallace]

***** Never mention that game again.

[@TheYzeman]

I agree. I liked Zelda 2 precisely because it was different. I will admit that I bought it new for $40 or $50 so I was kind of obligated to play through it back then, but it still a good game. One of my favorite NES games. I think if Zelda 2 played just like Zelda 1, same overhead style and everything, it may have actually got a bit boring and repetitive.

[@Lone432345]

Frankly i always thought the straight of the Zelda series. Was the fact that they change it up from time to time.

[@MordecaiWalfish]

Battle of Olympus

[@WskOsc]

Another excellent episode guys. There were a few sequels I didn't even know about but having seen some of these I think I'll give them a miss. I actually had the misfortune of owning Toejam & Earl 2 as a kid, needless to say, I mostly played the original. Keep the good stuff coming, I can't wait for the next episode!

[@Exavolt]

Holy crap Dave, where did you get that Bowser Evil Empire shirt? I need it lol

[@VectrexRoli]

Thank you so much for showing Excite Truck for the Wii. I heared a lot of good things about Excite Bots but unfortunately it never came out here in Europe. I didn´t even know that Excite Truck was existing and just got it from eBay. What a great game.

[@303HQ]

This show is great and the bits at the end are hilarious.

[@weirdproq]

Would you guys review Toejam & Earl 3/III for the Xbox sometime? I haven't really seen any professional reviews for that game yet and am wondering about this game.

[@SuperNorstShow]

I love Zelda 2 the adventure of Link, I actually had an easier time with than zelda 1. The mechanics of the game just suited me nicely and its nice to have a zelda RPG in my opinion.

[@SaturnMemories]

I actually prefer Panic on Funkotron over the original TJ&E. I pretty much lived and breathed platformers growing up, so that probably has a lot to do with it.

[@LouGojira2]

Good episode as always! :) A game I considered a disappointing follow-up was Crazy Taxi 2. I would play the first Crazy Taxi for hours at a time, but part 2 just fell a little flat by comparison and didn't hook me the way I hoped it would.

[@DocMcCray]

Bionic Commando. The first game on NES was spectacular. Took some time to get used to the momentum, but once I did, I was pulling all sorts of crazy stunts and challenges. I always wanted a sequel. Yet not one of the follow-ups *BC ps3/360, Rearmed, Rearmed 2) have come even close to capturing the magic of the original.

[@dukejaywalker5858]

Amen, brother!

[@dukejaywalker5858]

When I was I kid, I bought (and finished!) Zelda 2 before playing the original Zelda. I really loved it, and it remains one of my favorite games to this day. Maybe I would have been disappointed too if I had played them in the correct sequence, but I will always wonder if the game would have a better reputation today had it been released under a different name, and not connected with the Zelda franchise.

[@Locomamonk]

Great episode guys! A lot of games I've never heard of (I did know about Ernest Evans, but just about it alone). I hope we survive this whole KZbin+ fiasco, because I love commenting on your channel. Keep growing!

[@willian4428]

I love you guys, makes me remember my childhood.

[@RainePhoenix]

Toejam & Earl is one of my favorite co-op games ever.

[@thadialator]

You're absolutely right, a Crystal Pepsi game seems like a..............wait for it.............."clear" choice for a video game :-) Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.

[@stevehartley6479]

I knew there was going to be a bit about Zelda 2. Come on guys, give it another chance. It's a very fun game with a awesome open world that you can explore whenever you want which was taken away in later game ( Ocarina of Time ).

[@Lone432345]

I can get why some people might of had some problems with the change in style. But unlike Dave. I have never met a Zelda game i didn't like. Well at least the ones that were made by nintendo.

[@brydon10]

Really good one guys, loved the end bit

[@OmegaMaxter]

I'm really sad you didn't include Valis and Syd of Valis

[@mr.dueezy]

I loved the karnov music for your ringtone

[@MotleyDeth]

Lovin' the Karnov ringtone.

[@realtrisk]

Am I the only person in the world who thinks Toejam and Earl 2 is WAY better than the first one?

[@num1shinfan]

Wayyyyyyyy better Better soundtrack, better gameplay, better graphics oh, still challenging but not anywhere near as frustrating. Awesome mini games. It was an all-around Superior game

[@RhamosVhailejh]

Oh, man. This episode's post-credits skit was fantastic. Between Joe eating that card, and Dave's delightful corniness, I was simply in stitches. That's right. Stitches. Who even says that anymore? Apparently, I do. When regular words just won't do, and ya' just gotta' get archaic. Because Game Sack is just that funny. And happy! What an up-beat show. ^_^

[@RhamosVhailejh]

You guys should take all your post-credit skits, and put them into a single video of super awesome sauce. :D

[@slitheryjuggler94]

Zelda II, that game was awesome! It's one of the best in the series imo.

[@jezebelmei195]

Update on Blaster Master: Blaster Master Zero rocks

[@pingusupremacy6006]

zero blocks? I think this is blaster master zero not blaster master zero block

[@GoldGloves210]

Great show guys! I'm subbed for sure.

[@HistoricNerd]

Mhhhhhh that carpet in the intro. I just wanna lay on it.

[@OR2891]

Funny you guys mention Crystal Pepsi, maybe cover the Pepsi Man game in one of your Left In Japan eps (unless you already covered it I have a 50/50 feeling you either have or haven't covered that one). Disappointing follow up, if you're not sticking to the format of it following an original, Final Fantasy 8. My friend and I were just so let down by 8 in the way it played as well as the story. Same with FFX too, 9 had me hopeful the series was back on track and then I played the demo disc for X and just felt like, 'the fuck is this happy horse shit?'

[@mathewmccall6316]

Dave, that shirt is probably the best RATM reference ever.

[@mikeanaro]

I remember the sequel of Tiny Toons for Nes, the first game was awesome but the sequel was some weird boring park, the other one is a Nes game called Power Blade made by Taito, the sequel was horrible, dumbed down graphics totally different game. Double Dragon 2 from arcades I mean is not the exact game?

[@joystickjedi]

I think Dave needs to beat ZELDA 2 to get his card back. How does the NINTENDO guy not have that feather in his cap? HUH? HUH!!?!

[@tetrisdave]

I got plenty of feathers in my cap. I've beaten every Zelda game except for Zelda II, Majora's Mask and those crap CDi games. I have feathers for every other Zelda game out there.

[@joystickjedi]

David White YOU DIDN'T BEAT MAJORA'S MASK EITHER?? O_o ...better turn in your Nintendo Fun Club card too.

[@gozert1803]

We actually did get a good new Blaster Master game on the Switch! :)

[@B33FY2011]

Another great episode guy's love game sack just wish it was weekly don't get my game sack fix enough

[@TheRealMerchyBautista]

I love watching your old episodes every now and then because they are entertaining! However, watching your video on Blaster Master sequal, I laughed as you guys mentioned that there would never be another good blaster master game. Well, 3 years later we got Blaster Master Zero for the Nintendo Switch! And I got to be honest I was well surprised how good the game is! Gameplay, music, difficulty is all there! and its cheap to download! I hope you guys have the chance to play it and review it for us.

[@rockdrumsman]

I love the way Joe says.... "Let me blast in peace!!!!!" Hilarious xD

[@koopakape]

You guys just have the coolest damn shirts, I wish you had a list of links to where you got the ones you wear on the show or something, though I imagine it's a variety of different sites and stores and that'd probably be a bit of a hassle.. but still!

[@BIGGIEDEVIL]

Need a game sack bloopers video or a lets play with game sack would be cool too

[@googleboughtmee]

I was so upset about what they did to TJ&E2 i've still never played it to this day

[@jasonhubbard6775]

So glad you're wrong about Blaster Master never getting another entry. Not only do we now have Blaster Master Zero, but there's the sequel, too.

[@straitJacketFashion]

Dave, I'm liking your Rage inspired T-shirt - also where do you get a gamer card? I must have missed that whilst playing Valkyria Chronicles. By the way, is there any discernible difference between qualifiers for this episode and your previous games with disappointing sequels?

[@settingbros]

You truly are the best people on the planet.

[@tetrisdave]

Awww you're only saying that because it's true. Thank You!

[@rudytreadwell3050]

Metal Jesus liked, "Excite Bots" but man, does it suck compared to the original.

[@Cheesehead302]

Paper Mario:Sticker Star. This game left me so disapointed, because I was a huge Paper Mario fan and thought it would be the coolest thing ever to have Paper Mario portable.

[@spencerstevens2175]

This title reminds me of each subsequent episode of gamesac I watch. Jk I love you guys

[@mopedope7624]

19:30 😆 this is the comedic gold that separates Game Sack from other gaming channels