Editorial - Expanding The Franchise

Before The Conduit appeared on the market in 2009 the Wii had no true FPS game. Sure many would argue for the opposite but nothing that created a such a strong following as The Conduit had been conceived. Thankfully High Voltage Software saw this hole and decided to capitalize on this. Now here we are nearly 2 years later and many of the core followers are still playing the game. However, many of the games followers have yearned for much more. Once more High Voltage has stepped in to fill the void.

Let's see now we've had about 4 different release dates for Conduit 2 at the time of this writing. Yet, has our want for the game wavered? Honestly, no. The Conduit Portal continues to grow, we're getting new members frequently, and even SEGA recognizes us. (See the Destructoid live show - Fabian calls us out) Hows that for a two year gap? Let's get down to business now, other than releasing Conduit 2 tomorrow one thing HVS and SEGA can do would be expanding the series.

Recently, HVS announced they would be releasing a 3DS game based on The Conduit Franchise. Amazing what importance an unreleased console is receiving. So let's think for a minute, we're now receiving 2 games from the studios of HVS and possibly SEGA; both of which are unreleased; both of which are being eagerly awaited. I love the idea of expanding the franchise, its exactly what needs to be done to get the Conduit brand out there.

Let's analyze what could be coming. What we know is that it will be related to The Conduit of course, but what exactly does it mean? Here's some possibilities of what may be coming.

The Conduit: Before The Invasion

Who is Ford?

As the title says this game would be centered all around the time before the mass invasion and attack of The Trust began. This story would open up with Mr. Ford being inducted into the Secret Service (the induction being the tutorial part of the game) and would follow his exploits all the way up to when Ford saved the President from being shot. To me this would be ideal as to know the actual history of Ford. How he got his skill, why he joined the service, and how he got to the top. 

Sadly the only lapse here is who would Mr. Ford be fighting against? Sure you could throw a Drudge in here or there but the Trust is obviously out of the question (remember he "trusts" them when he originally joins them). So this game would probably end up being a CoD style game where you just fight terrorists. Not too innovative there, yet still seriously fun. This of course would also mean the game would be too close to Goldeneye but since its not on Wii this isn't too much of a major problem.

Conduit: Uprising

Sure Ford is the main protagonist in the Conduit franchise but why not borrow an idea from the oh so popular Halo Franchise and follow someone else in the story. Obviously the invasion is World Wide and other people are fighting for their freedom so why not follow a side story. What's great with this is that it allows HVS to create a brand new story. In Halo Reach we always new that Noble Team was to die why not have the person we follow be of major importance to Mr. Ford in an indirect way. After sacrificing his/hers all to aid in the protection of the planet why not have them meet an untimely end in one last heroic act to ensure that Ford or the planet survives. Not only would this make a great twist in the plot but it would give the story of the game a depth that a precious few franchises have. Plus, we'd be thrown on an emotional roller coaster that would make us want to stop Adams more than ever before.

Although I'd love to see this game being created its major flaw is taking away the importance of Ford as the only protector. If this isn't delivered correctly then it may do to Ford what Metroid: The Other M did to Samus. Yet, I'm sure HVS could incorporate this one quite easily. 

Conduit Aftermath

This one is a no brainer, a tie in for Conduit 2 and a possible Conduit 3. Since we don't know exactly what happens at the end of Conduit 2 this one is a little hard to make out. In a nutshell this game would be what Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories did for the Kingdom Hearts franchise; create an entirely new game without making it a true sequel. I'm not going to be throwing out ideas here because I have nothing to build off of but this worked well with Kingdom Hearts and I'm sure it could also work for The Conduit.

Major problem here is that Conduit 2 would have to end with a set up for this game and could possibly end up being a near sequel to the game that is vital to even think of playing Conduit 3. Doing so would kill the fanbase that is unable to purchase a 3DS.

Three different ideas for a 3DS game. One of these could be exactly what HVS is planning or they could all be total misses. Whatever the case, HVS has a fresh set or cards to play with. Depending on how they play them they could make the Conduit name etched forever in the fame in all gamers. 

Do you think any of these would be fun? Think one of these is coming? or If something else is arriving upon our unknowing minds. Vote on the poll to left for which one you think would be best.

To me April couldn't come any faster.