Pico 2/Development

This page documents the development history and eventual cancellation of the game Pico 2.

Development

Following the success of Pico's School, fans eventually started begging for a sequel.^[1] In response, Tom Fulp announced that he was working on a sequel on August 22 of 1999,^[2] and later on September 26th, he stated that Pico 2 was "slowly rolling towards the finish line."^[3] In December, the now-defunct Voice of the Outworld (EVOTO) showcased a picture of the in-development Pico 2,^[4] but this picture has been lost to time. Behind the scenes, Tom Fulp soon lost interest in the project and eventually decided to scrap it completely, as it didn't live up to his expectations.^[1]

In June 2000, Fulp posted four screenshots of Pico 2 as proof it was in the works.^[5] However, on October 18 of 2001, Fulp announced that the old version of Pico 2 had been scrapped and that he had now been working on the new version. In addition, he asked the community how the control scheme should be, and what abilities Pico should have.^[6] On October 24th, he stated he was considering playfield depth for the Pico 2, asking the community about the idea of characters getting smaller as they moved up higher on the screen.^[7] This decision ended up making it into the game.

On October 26th, Fulp put up a preview page for the new version of the game.^[8] In the page, he explained the mechanics, controls, and hinted at what the story would be like, additionally to providing teasers and revealing MindChamber as the new artist behind the game. On November 19th, Fulp stated that work on the game was progressing, while also mentioning a problem he came across with Flash's swapdepth function.^[9] On November 25th, Fulp revealed the concept art made for potential redesigns of Pico and other characters.^[10]

On January 6 of 2002, Pico 2's Newgrounds Literature page was updated to include rough drafts of the game's backdrops^[11] and one of the problems Fulp came across regarding the pseudo-3D visuals.^[12] After months of no news, Fulp announced on February 8 of 2003 that he was back to work on Pico 2, without giving further details.^[13] However, this was ultimately the last time he would ever give an update regarding Pico 2's development. Years later, on February 26 of 2014, Tom Fulp brought up the idea of remaking Pico 2 on Unity and revealed more information on the game's story,^[14] although he did not follow through with the former.

Trivia

In the forum thread where Tom Fulp announced Pico 2's concept art, he mentioned ideas for a Pico 3, where Pico would venture around the globe, and that a Pico 4 had been considered with an older Pico in mind.^[15] It is unlikely these concepts will ever be made into games, as Pico 2 has been cancelled.
Tom Fulp planned on selling merch of the game on CafePress.

Gallery

One of the teasers Tom Fulp posted for the old demo of Pico 2. Note the birds on the metal fence and the trees, which are absent in the demo accessible to Newgrounds supporters.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Screenshot of an early build of Pico 2. Note that Pico is holding a MP5K instead of an AK-47.
Another screenshot of an early build of Pico 2. Note Nene's earlier sprite and Darnell's miscolored sleeves.
Early idle sprite of Pico. The only difference is a line on his teeth.
Early front walk animation for Pico with a fatter head shape.
Early 3/4 front walk animation for Pico with a different head shape.
Early idle animation of Pico wielding a MP5K.
Early animation of Pico firing a MP5K.
Early animation of Pico drawing and firing a MP5K.