Spark the Electric Jester Series - Black Mage Benjamin

[@BenjaMage]

I've got a review out now on Spark the Electric Jester 3! Link to it below! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKu7lKaiZ6-BrLs

[@SoundsideSherry]

Bringing the wallet joke full circle like that caught me *completely* off guard, and I sure do hope that gets brought up in the full version of Spark 3.

[@mammon8683]

Outside of Freedom Planet; Spark Is truly another good example fo a worthy spiritual successor to Sonic and despite almost remind abit of Ristar If he grew up to be his own performer (Unlike a certain Balan for Nights), I truly got a shocking blast out of both this and It's sequel and wish the best of luck for more of Spark's greatest adventures yet and always shock It to'em!

[@sergiomendoza5165]

Yeah

[@StoryTeller796]

Can I only get Freedom Planet and Spark by fan-sites or are they on Steam, Switch, or/and Playstation?

[@sergiomendoza5165]

@@StoryTeller796 Ps4,Steam & Switch can play Freedom Planet

[@adamdenardis5438]

It's got some Dynamite Headdy in there too! Very Sega!

[@suckapunch565]

Funnily enough Freedom Planet reminded me more of Ristar than Spark did.

[@CMGThePerson]

"You seriously didn't need to go this hard" The series

[@raddreokami6892]

Finally. Someone giving one of my favorite indie series the attention it deserves.

[@neptuniamarina4924]

I always felt bad for this game, Given that Sonic mania completely overshadowed it. I never even knew there was a sequel until now.

[@diamonddust4486]

Farks campaign in Spark 1 also contains the same boss music, and adds the lyrics after the boss reaches 50% health. Just like in Spark 2.

[@titansparrow64]

Ah heck yeah! I still haven’t played these games yet (besides Spark 3’s Demo, really fun), but I would really like to in the future. What I have done is listen to their OST’s and damn, they are a jam to listen to (especially Spark 2’s). I also recently played both Sonic Adventure 1 & 2 for the very first time; while the games has dated in some aspects (graphics, voice acting, and certain characters), I had a good time with these games and I really hope we can get another 3D Sonic game similar to them them that’s just as fun (and it doesn’t have to be a Sonic Adventure 3).

[@GatorRay]

The fact that Nintendo will allow literal asset flips on the Switch eshop while rejecting games like these is just SAD! Also think I'm gonna call a game that feels like it wants to commit to and at the same not commit to being a beat em up Sonic Heroes Syndrome.

[@mr.sentryanddispenser]

It has more to do with the engine,it's hard to port a clickteam fusion game to switch without third party help that LakeFeperd probably can't afford

[@GatorRay]

@@mr.sentryanddispenser Okay.

[@Spectral_Waves]

Nintendo is fucking trash. Hope you don't support them anymore

[@leritykay8911]

Running through the levels in Spark 2 is pretty fun, sure, but most of my fun in this game came from getting every medal. Just the thrill of finding speedrunner-esque shortcuts and skips for timed challenges, and going through levels thoroughly for score missions. Usually score missions can be a bore in games, where you have to meticulously collect everything you can in a level. But in Spark 2, right after the timer hits the five minute mark, you begin to rapidly lose score, so you're encouraged to grab everything you can in the level while still being fast. I also like all the alternate routes in the game. In the very first level, you can immediatly ditch the main path by """Spindash jumping""" to a nearby building and complete most of the levels by dashing from building to building, collecting goodies

[@MaoRatto]

To me, I can see this being the Indie answer to Sonic inspired games, but actually succeeding sonic due to 1. Actually works, 2. Wow the polish, 3. It chases a similar or the same audiance that loved Sonic's 2d and 3D outings, but does something DIFFERENT.

[@leritykay8911]

16:08 I used the "Brawl" powerup throughout most of the game, since it lets you hold the dash button to float for longer in midair. I didn't even realise that Edgy had 3 midair dashes lol

[@valfrey]

sooo glad to see you played and enjoyed these games, but more importantly i really appreciate that you’re putting the song titles in the video now!!! i think everyone should be doing that

[@galacticaracer]

Great video, looking forward to your coverage of Spark 3. Also, I would suggest learning about the Magnet Dash. While it was broken in Spark 2 (as a speedrunning glitch), it is more polished in 3, being a proper, but hidden mechanic.

[@selomon100]

Cool coverage on both game, they deserve it! ^^ Oh, and random info : there is also vocal song in spark 1, they appear during multiples extra boss battles that Fark meet throught his campaign. Now that you got the hang of the parry in Spark2, his campaign should be bore doable for you now!

[@Flamestar320]

I really hope that this series gets released to consoles someday. I'd love to get them on Switch.

[@Tenna5468]

Glad ya covered the Spark series, I love the entire series despite some issues (nothing is perfect and I am fine by that). On few things that I'd like to point out, there is a lock on, by pressing the f key on keyboard for example, you can lock to enemies but by holding it up, you can charge up your heavy attack too.) On the idea of Fark being created by Freom but also suppossed to backstab him, there is a theory that Clarity (while she was growing) reprogrammed that mission about backstabbing Freom to Fark. These were the things I wanted to point out, but overall. Glad you enjoyed the games.

[@Tenna5468]

Clarity is the character that the third game will be focused on to a degree.

[@BenjaMage]

Ah, I wasn't aware of the lock-on button; good to know! And interesting theory there. Guess we might find out more about that in Spark 3, given it seems like Clarity's gonna be Spark 3's villain.

[@Tenna5468]

Oh yeah, and Fark was made to look like Spark to not raise any suspicion of his true origin, which the gallery explained.

[@monodam190]

Well, you helped sell me on these two games, gonna go ahead and get them, thanks for showing me them~

[@Triforce_of_Doom]

okay you mentioning them adding vocals to the boss themes during the final phases is just reminding me of how Metal Gear Rising would basically advance the boss theme by the health meter. I love shit like that.

[@Maioly]

19:50 that was in the first game too, in fark's unique boss fights in his story mode.

[@Megaman12Protoman14]

It's a shame you never played Fark's campaign before this. It makes the standard boss theme stand out since it's just the "Special Boss" music used for his run through the stages. Music's a huge thing for me, so that being brought back felt like a lead up into the final boss theme of Spark 2 adding lyrics to Spark 1's OST. Regardless, it's great that you made a video on the Spark series. I love it to death and wish I could convince more of my friends to try it out.

[@jaketaller8567]

22:52 Benjamin: I am cool with the existence of a reaper jester. Spinel: Allow me to introduce myself.

[@goldenlightning8842]

So glad to finally see new content revolving around this game series I've been a fan of Lakefeperd ever since I played Sonic before the sequel YEARS ago Spark is truly something I wish Sonic was a lot of sonic fans hate hearing when people point at this game and say THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT RIGHT but truthfully Spark 2 is 3d action platforming perfection imo like yeah SA2 ans SA1 and yadda yadda but age is kicking those games asses while Spark 2's action platforming never ceases to hype me up

[@AeroDragon2]

Well that's two games that are getting added to my steam wishlist. Also I massively approve of how awesome the wind ability in the first game seems to be. Also, I was getting serious What I'm Made Of vibes from that vocal final boss theme in the second game, is that just me?

[@cybermage_nova]

I’ve been eyeing these games recently, now I have a reason to try these games out~! I need something short and fun to play~! Thank you Benjamin~!

[@marxtheenigma873]

9:50 A space battle above a fast moving landscape? That sure is also familiar...

[@Randomperson27468]

Thanks for making this video. I'm a fan of this small independent franchise. I hope your video helps increase its popularity.

[@zoruacrossing8726]

It's such a wonderful treat to see someone give the Spark games some love, LakeFeperd deserves so much credit for these games. Makes me wish I actually had a PC that could run Spark 2... Great entertaining video as always!

[@aedansmith6696]

Finally at a time I can see it! I played the first demo when it came out, as well Sonic After the Sequel, so I'm very curious about this.

[@ZeekeyProductions561]

Spark is probably one of my favorite takes on 2d platformers, the design, story, and gameplay. I love how Sparks original goal was just chasing Fark to prove him wrong, and to get cash, ended up changing to stopping an entire robot army. I love how the design is so good, but simple. The gameplay is so much fun and allows for lots of speed run potential

[@StrayCatAnimations]

Great video as always! It's really great to hear your thoughts on Spark, as he really is a great example of taking a unique spin on the Sonic formula and making it their own

[@Princess36621]

1) That Sigma joke got a snicker out of me. 2) I never thought of Sonic and Kirby being mixed together while this game was made. 3) The music tracks for the second game's bosses sound amazing! Also, I was going to make fun of Fark sounding a lot like Fart, but Andrew beat me to it.

[@tonysonic456]

Man, these games look so fun. Why aren't they on consoles, especially the Switch? These kinds of games would thrive on the Switch.

[@zennistrad]

I think Lake Fepard said that he tried to submit Spark 2 for Switch but it wasn't approved. No idea why not though

[@tonysonic456]

@@zennistrad Yeah, why wouldn't it be? If A Hat in Time can get on the Switch, what's stopping Spark 1 and 2?

[@galacticaracer]

@@tonysonic456 Well OBVIOUSLY it was to save room for Popeye.

[@tonysonic456]

@@galacticaracer That crappy remake of the arcade game? I would take the Kingdom Hearts Cloud versions over that.

[@galacticaracer]

@@tonysonic456 Yeah, I was poking fun at how they would turn down this game but approve games of low quality like Popeye.

[@Megaboom-ml2fq]

I didn't know a thing about these games until today. And I already love them

[@geraldjoe7094]

These games are pretty amazing. I am very glad you talk about them because they deserve all the attention they can get. Great review!

[@isenokami7810]

So, I bought these games shortly after watching this. Not just because you endorsed them, but because you gave the impression that these Sonic-esque games had a combat focus. For the longest time, I’ve wanted a combat focused Sonic style game; I was thinking Adventure style meets Platinum games. Failing that, though…yeah, the four stages I’ve played of Spark 1 so far do a great job of that Sonic + combat. Glad I bought these.

[@troxel3599]

About spark 2's story not lining up with spark 1 : there has been an update to spark 1 after its release that has rewritten its story

[@cybermadness2503]

Another amazing video on another amazing game! Well done, Ben!!👍 Say Benjamin, seeing as you mostly do *Childhood Games*, I was wonder in you could review any cartoon-show based games in future? Like some of the paw Scooby-Doo games or the Ed, Edd n Eddy video game. Just a suggestion.

[@BenjaMage]

Hmm. I'll definitely think about it.

[@themirrorsamurai8885]

Oh, this was a fun video. As a big fan of Kirby, I really like the idea of a speed-focused game with a Copy Ability-like system, and I'm definitely interested in trying Spark 1 for myself some time. Spark 2 not so much, but Spark 3 looks like it's heading more in the right direction for me. Who knows, maybe they'll let us fight with wallets...

[@maroonkennedy6213]

I was introduced to Spark via a Sonic YT channel showcasing Spark 3 last year and I really need to play Spark 1 and 2

[@erindelgado9639]

Wow, Spark the Electric Jester looks very cool and yeah, it does take a lot of examples from Sonic, Kirby & Megaman. (Plus nice jab at the 2010s Era of Sonic.XD) Oh and happy birthday buddy, as sorry if I didn't get you a gift this year. Curious will you review Freedom Planet or Spider-Man PS4 as I love those games, plus my birthday is coming soon?

[@soulfuxion699]

Glad I picked the game up then. Wasn't sure on my own judgement when getting the first game, but from playing a bit, it's definitely a good title. Looking forward to trying more of the series!

[@Alpha-oo8]

Considering the good level of fun I’ve had with the last decade of sonic games, that’s setting a high benchmark!

[@ajustice90]

Okay, this video has really sold me on these games,. I'll but them some time in the near future.

[@CureCrystal1]

and now the most obivious joke i can think of regarding the first few cutscenes of the game "THEY TOOK OUR JOBS!!"

[@matthewmarkiewicz5206]

Good news BenjaMage! Spark 3 has been released to steam today, and hopefully you can make a video about it soon

[@RandommBoyo]

Spark 3 is what I'd wish Frontiers and overall Sonic games in the future would be. A perfect mix of speed and combat.

[@starbit5065]

Spark was a series I’ve seen and heard about here and there, but never picked up. I remember being taken aback when I first discovered the sequel was fully in 3D, and I didn’t even know a third game was being made until I saw this video. I’m really going to need to play these for myself now, huh?

[@kurtisharen]

What I think is kind of amusing is that LakeFepard seems to continue making freeware games and demos that in hindsight could be seen as test runs for things he needs for his commercial games. You already mentioned that he had made the Sonic fan-games prior to making Spark, which actually uses the same engine. He also released a 3D "F-Zero"-esque arcade racer prior to releasing Spark 2. I believe it was a test-run on the loops and wall-running systems for Spark 2, because the gimmick to his racing game was that "Down" is whatever direction all four tires are facing when driving on a surface, with later levels including driving atop twisting tubes and roads that would be insane even by Sonic's standards. He made a later 3D arcade racing demo, this time with a survival mechanic and Sonic-esque Boost ability. I'm not entirely sure, but I think that some element of this demo is going to be implemented in Spark 3, whenever it comes out. None of his demos ever seem to end up with a finished game later on down the road, but like I said earlier, they all seem to have something in common with a later commercial game, like a test-run of some intended game mechanic.

[@Sonicfalcon16]

To this day the only sonic adventure like game I can play is spark the electric jester 2 and 3. im glad they exist

[@MetaKnuxXbeats]

As a huge fan of Sonic, Kirby, and Megaman, this series is pretty much my perfect dream game as it mixes elements from all three series into one series of games.

[@alexandrpeterberg390]

About the boss track in Spark 2, that track was also present in Spark 1 in Fark story. And Freom MKIII in Spark 2 was also present as the final boss in Fark's story. Just letting you know.

[@Eichro]

Man I love Spark so much (the first game, haven't tried 2 yet), and I think you nailed why. The one thing holding it back (other than the very clumsily exposed story which kind of underdoes the game's solid world building) is that the game is patched with duct tape, super glitchy, underperformant and with quite janky menus as well. It's also the biggest reason why you and I hate the big robots so much, as they can grab you from anywhere on the screen if the game feels like. To be fair, it was made with Multimedia Fusion of all things, which isn't exactly a state-of-the-art engine these days. Despite that it's a fantastic game that just doesn't get the appreciation it deserves. Some people say it overstays its welcome but I couldn't get tired of its gameplay even if I tried.

[@Nathan-rb3qp]

I wish Spark 1 would get ported to the switch.

[@Turbanoma]

Damn so cool to see reviews and general opinion on your favorite series. I like spark with all my heart and 500 hours of gameplay in the them. I even helped to create first spark mod on original engine. It's nice to look that your favourite game is something for other peop

[@kingofnerds1841]

If you 100% Spark 2, you unlock Super Fark to play as in the regular stages! It looks absolutely ridiculous and I love it!

[@Mardanzo]

I actually enjoyed the Fark campaign in the first game more than the main campaign, his parry mechanic is tricky at first but becomes a total blast when you master it

[@MrSkysenGames]

I remember streaming these games a couple years ago. Instantly noticed the Sonic/Kirby/MegaMan inspirations. Really enjoyed the first, though some parts were definitely a challenge. I, too, found myself dashing by some late game enemies out of frustration because, ugh, just die already! Floundered on some bosses, but it's a learning process. Spark 2...kind of fell flat for me. It had the spectacle in some places, as you said, but it was overall less enjoyable for me. Some of the speed segments were okay, but I somehow got lost in more than one level and had to hunt for the right paths. Completely lost track of how many times I had to redo some bosses, but I think that's just me having trouble with third person combat.

[@Vee_Sheep]

the second i heard the boss theme gain _vocals_ with butt rock lyrics about these robot's freedom i knew i had to grab the second game immediately i *LIVE* for this sort of unrestrained cheese

[@andrewhaase1826]

Fark, not to be confused with "Fart the Electric Jester."

[@StoryTeller796]

8:24 how?

[@tailsmonster12]

SPARK 3 LAUNCHED ITSSS SOOO GOOOOOD

[@neptunestarprime]

19:27 I feel another game did this thing as well but I forgot the name of game it's name

[@Stapey100]

Metal gear rising

[@neptunestarprime]

Thanks

[@LuccianoBartolini]

Oooooh, Brazilian AND Sonic inspired (among others) this is in my track list. Thanks for this video.

[@Waffletigercat]

I loved the first Spark. Spark 2 was also enjoyable, but I definitely liked the first game better. I haven’t tried Spark 3 yet, but plan to at some point. Also, small trivia note: The hoverboard copy power is clearly inspired by the old SEGA Genesis game Kid Chameleon.

[@Cyberbrickmaster1986]

I still wish the original was ported to consoles like the Nintendo Switch!

[@jess648]

Spark 3 seems like it’s shaping up to be a really solid, long game

[@WhatISawJuly7th]

||

[@Thedragonlover95]

And as a fan of jester themes, I approve!

[@thebaku818]

Where is the full spark 3 release?

[@Lakefront_Khan]

Welcome back.

[@Thegamingtrouge]

I might need to get those games now Thanks Ban 😁

[@BovineDesigns]

He looks like a more serious version of Wander from Wander over Yonder.

[@Loganmccoy1996]

As a Sonic fan boy I cannot believe I’ve never played any of these!!

[@stevenzupo6861]

Not gonna lie, Sparks 2’s gameplay kinda sounds like a mix of Sonic Adventures, with surprisingly No Straight Roads.

[@yassergharbi1013]

16:45 game name?

[@Celestial914]

16:42 what is that game called?😊

[@BenjaMage]

Dust: An Elysian Tail

[@RescueSquadCulp]

Am new to your channel looking forward to Spark 3👋

[@KaiboStudios]

2:55 Wait...wait hold on... DID THIS MAN TAKE SHADOW'S DRIP???

[@KazeShikamaru]

Us Sonic fans always making magic. I hope Sega gives him a call.

[@calebpowell7418]

FARK TOOK HIS JAAAAHB

[@greatsageclok-roo9013]

0:26 Good... *draws R.Y.N.O.* Now don't push your luck on us again. (I'm obviously exaggerating for a laugh, mate.)

[@ChrisTM]

16:42 What game is this ?????

[@BenjaMage]

Dust: An Elysian Tail

[@Princess36621]

One thing I forgot to mention was I thought the whole robots replacing people at their jobs was a bit unsettling to put it lightly. Also EJ definitely stands for Electric Jester.

[@wrightcore3367]

Spark the Electric Jester 2 seems like a more humorous Shadow the Hedgehog, down to the MC being a product of the main villain.

[@gothnerd887]

3:08 I like Sigma's goth makeover

[@Eichro]

16:41 which game is this?

[@BenjaMage]

Dust: An Elysian Tail.

[@MissJackietheLakester]

I think Fark’s gameplay in the first game is just as fun as Spark once you get accustomed to the moveset.

[@papaG6423]

This just looks like Beam Kirby with a Sonic body lol

[@gazeffmhu2374]

please someone tell these games are available on switch i wanna buy em

[@BenjaMage]

Unfortunately, Spark 1's exclusive to PC (and was made on a game engine that porting to console with is very difficult to do), and Spark 2's only on PC and Xbox (apparently LakeFeperd tried to get it on Switch, but Nintendo rejected it).

[@galacticaracer]

@@BenjaMage Well obviously it was to make room for games of high quality that Nintendo seeks to have in its store, like Popeye (yes, I am still salty that they turned down Spark 2 but not Popeye, or any other game made by that dev).

[@ShiningStar5022]

@@BenjaMage Hopefully Spark 3 is ported to Switch, but I am not holding my breath.

[@GamingWarlord64]

I booted up Spark 2 again right befor i saw this

[@Chaoszidenrules]

What was that actiony game with the lightning attack you showed during this, I kinda wanna give that a whirl

[@BenjaMage]

The one at 16:44? That's "Dust: An Elysian Tail".

[@sergiomendoza5165]

The creator of that series made a "Friday night funkin mod" then is solid honestly.

[@bomberman9296]

14:25 this robot is empty yeet

[@nekon_ravenfox]

well i got both spark 1 and 2. i beat spark and fark storys on 1 cant do 2 as computer cant hand graphics on it and also spark 3 from what i know is fully out

[@austinmorrison6953]

I still think Spark deserves porting onto consoles

[@hattoripool1533]

I only played the second game but it was extremely fun

[@marxtheenigma873]

1:14 he was originally purple?? That's just a humanoid Marx

[@alvred9065]

Is it just me or does Freome’s shoes look just like Shadow’s?

[@Kakuyawolf3456]

I need to get this games

[@ilikecurry2345]

So we've gone from Sonic CD to Mega Man X to Sonic Adventure 2 to Crash Twinsanity, without the Cortex bits.