After yesterday's surprise announcement, publisher Taito and developer Natsume Atari have released a new trailer for the upcoming Pocky & Rocky 2021. Likely a placeholder name until a better title comes along, the trailer shows off the visual style of this sequel and it looks absolutely amazing. I'm not sure why more developers don't utilize traditional sprite work in HD, because it really shines here.
Not only do we have some footage from the game, but Natsume Atari has confirmed the title will be heading west too. CEO Hiro Maekawa stated in a press release, "We are very excited to be working together with Natsume Atari and its Tengo Project team to bring the latest chapter of the series to the west! Pocky & Rocky 2021 is a sequel that will be released more than two decades after the release of the original title for SNES. We hope that Pocky & Rocky 2021 will not only cater to fans who used to play the game, but also to new players!"
While the footage looks incredibly reminiscent of the first game, Natsume Atari notes this is not a remake. Think something more along the lines of Wild Guns Reloaded, another project by Tengo Project (the team directly involved in Pocky & Rocky 2021). It may share visuals and mechanics, but this will be an all-new adventure for the dynamic duo.
"It is a joy to continue Pocky and Rocky's adventures over twenty-five years later with the same development team," programmer Toshiyasu Miyabe said. "We are excited to be developing Pocky & Rocky 2021 to reach a new generation of gamers and reconnect with players who are already familiar with the bold pair, Pocky and Rocky, and their fun adventures. Stay tuned in the coming months as we reveal more about the mystery that awaits!"
The original SNES Pocky & Rocky is something of a cult-classic. Not exactly a big game back in the day, it has lived on through YouTube Let's Plays and various streams. The game's co-op functionality was also way ahead of its time and makes it a joy to play with a friend. If 2021 can retain all of that, it will be a worthy successor to this fantastical title.