A Spark On the Move – Spark the Electric Jester 3 Announced for Nintendo Switch
Sonic as a franchise inspired my developers. One would assume that would be only in the 2D space, with many examples like Freedom Planet having great success. But one franchise that originated in the Sonic fandom is Spark the Electric Jester.
The series started on PC with the original being a 2D title, but the series eventually went 3D. Spark the Electric Jester 2 released on Xbox consoles after its PC launch and the third game in the series is now coming to Nintendo Switch.
What is Spark?
Spark the Electric Jester series began its origins from the Sonic fan-gaming space. Taking ideas utilized from Sonic After the Sequel, LakeFeperd began development on his own original IP. The IP would meld elements from multiple franchises; Sonic’s high-speed platforming, level design elements from Mega Man X, and a ‘costume’ system heavily inspired by Kirby Superstar.
Releasing on PC in 2017, the title released to critical success and sold well enough to fund two sequels that entered the 3D realm. These 3D titles, taking inspiration from the Sonic Adventure series and Metal Gear Rising for it’s combat systems, showed impressive results.
A near one-man team making 3D Sonic-esc experiences that genuinely rival Sonic Team’s efforts? As Lord Sonic, I loved Spark 2 and really enjoyed the time I put into Spark 3. The series at this time of writing seemingly is finished, with the developer now working on other new IP.
Spark 3 Announced for Nintendo Switch
The developer recently announced the third title is making its way to the Nintendo Switch, being developed by Freak Zone Games. LakeFeperd said the following on the game’s status on Nintendo Switch;
Just letting you guys know so you know what to expect!
On #SparkTEJ3 switch performance, we're doing out best to get a stable 30fps but there will be times were the game dips quite below that. #SparkTEJ3 was made with PC hardware in mind so the porting process involved a lot of…
— LakeFeperd (Feperd Games) (@LakeFeperd) May 10, 2024
Knowing how even recent Nintendo efforts struggle performance wise on Switch, it is refreshing seeing a developer come out and be transparent how their title will run on the console.
Spark the Electric Jester 3 is currently out on PC and is Steam Deck verified.
Overall Thoughts
One of my biggest issues with this series is how Spark has such little presence on console. Sure, Spark 1 doesn’t require a monster PC to run it but the original never coming to consoles is disappointing.
However, with both the sequel and the third installment having console versions, the series is slowly becoming more accessible to people.
My only issue with the series is a lackluster narrative. Otherwise, this entire franchise is some of the best Sonic-inspired adventures one could ask for. Level design that invites exploration, a movement system that gives you so many options, and a combat system that has genuine depth if you engage with it.
This series goes above and beyond when it simply ‘needed’ to be a Sonic clone. But defying that fate and being it’s own franchise, using it’s inspirations to move beyond what SEGA and Sonic Team have accomplished, is inspiring. Expect further coverage on this series in the future at Lords of Gaming and let us know if you play the Switch version in the future!
