Big news for nostalgic gamers: a new Jumping Flash game for PlayStation VR is officially on hold. Shuhei Yoshida, former president of SIE and a key player in the PlayStation VR and PlayStation VR 2 marketing, has confirmed that the project, initially in development, has been canceled.
Before we dive into that, let’s set the stage. The gaming landscape has seen a thrilling resurgence of classic titles through modern licensing deals. Franchises like Patapon and Everybody’s Golf are proof that Sony’s looking to revive some of its most beloved offerings. But it wasn’t just these titles that were under consideration.
Yoshida recently revealed that prior to this wave of nostalgia-driven projects, the company explored bringing other dormant franchises into the virtual reality realm. Among the contenders was the iconic PS1 platformer, Jumping Flash. This game first hit shelves in 1995, developed by Exact and Ultra, featuring an innovative take on the platforming genre.
So, what went down in those early development stages? According to Yoshida, several developers were eager to license Jumping Flash for adaptation into their VR projects. He noted, “Some developers wanted to license Jumping Flash to develop it into a part of their new VR game,†though he didn’t specify which team was at the helm of this endeavor.
Speaking of remakes, one project that did see the light of day is Fantavision 202X. This title was revitalized by Cosmo Machia, a development team formed by some of the original creators. It shows just how much potential there is for transforming these classic experiences into the modern gaming landscape.
The cute little jumps and quirky platforming of Jumping Flash may not be making its VR debut, but it certainly hasn’t been forgotten. The game was even referenced in 2024’s Astro Bot, with a collectible Bot modeled after the charming protagonist. This nod illustrates the ongoing love for the original title, keeping the spirit alive for both old fans and new players alike.