Thunder Force VI Coming Soon!

New THUNDERFORCE coming soon! The Tecno Soft website is a simple white screen with the preceding text. Yes, there is a Tecno Soft website and it will probably be updated soon with screenshots, wallpapers, and videos now that Thunder Force VI has been officially unveiled in this week's issue of Famitsu. 1up provided a brief translation of the exciting info regarding the resurrection of the balls-to-the-walls shooter franchise. Thunder Force VI was supposed to come out a number of years ago on the Dreamcast, but the game was cancelled and Tecno Soft was deemed dead. Now, over ten years after part V graced the Saturn and PlayStation, Thunder Force VI will finally get released on the PS2.

Thunder Force VI is being developed by a team at Sega with lots of previous shooters under their belt. The team is also apparently big fans of the Thunder Force series. Like Thunder Force V, part VI will have 3D graphics with 2D gameplay. The ORN Empire has returned, but now it seems you can choose between the trusty Rynex last seen in Thunder Force IV, or the new Phoenix. Five weapons are available at the go and can be upgraded along the way to save the galaxy. Six stages are being developed with the fire, ice, and burnout out colony stages making appearances.

Alright, as a teaser feast your eyes and ears on the original promo trailer Thunder Force VI from 2000. I wonder how much of the cancelled Dreamcast original is being retained in the new PS2 version.

 

Two years ago I submerged myself into a Thunder Force spectacular stupor for a month and played through Thunder Force II - V and the two side games, Thunder Spirits and Thunder Force AC. The original Thunder Force was on the Sharp X1 computer, so actually being able to find and play the original is a very rare thing. Here's a suggestion; Tecno Soft and/or Sega could release the original Thunder Force as an extra on the disc or as a downloadable title. That way many fans would finally be able to play it.

Thunder Force VI will be available in Japan on October 30th. I know it's unlikely, but I'm really hoping the game gets localized for the US. If only Working Designs was still around, we'd have a sure shot at seeing part VI in the 'states. At the very least some company could distribute the game on PlayStation Network or Xbox LIVE, but I'd much rather have this on a disc. Regardless of what happens, it's good to see Tecno Soft back on the shooter block. Welcome back, Tecno Soft.

- Shawn - 07/09/08