Well, no, not really. I can't back that up. If, in theory, Spinmaster only made the Bakugan videogame to test the waters and plan on making a sequel, what changes do you think they would make? I have some ideas that would be somewhat intricate, but would work with the current engine and thus would not consume as much time (Or memory space!)
1) In General:
Stick to the DS: This game is more oriented towards younger audiences with lower budgets, and the DS is the most common game console in the world. The graphics were fine and the gameplay relatively smooth on the system. Other systems were just sorta expensive and it just seems awkward to me when they're on a bigger screen when the DS is fine. This might be a personal bias, but I think I share it with a lot of people. Also, if you focus development onto a single console, then it's easier to make a better game.
Two Save Files: More on this later, but if there was another save file then it would increase the replay value as you would not have to delete your first game to try the game again from the start. It would be handled like Earthbound's save method, so you cannot accidentally delete your other file. (See: Fossil Fighters, Earthbound)
2) Character Creation:
Female Player Character Total no-brainer on this one. Pokemon took a sequel-and-a-half to do it, so give Bakugan a break! As several of Lord Darkus's photos of Bakucon are showing, Bakugan has a surprisingly large girl following, and just the addition of this feature would earn them points. (See: Pokemon Crystal onwards)
Better Customization Options: There need to be more options for customizing characters. Here's how I'd do it:
At the start of the game, you only have a few options, but as you play, you might get awarded some T-shirts and stuff or you might be able to buy some more (For reasonably cheap) later in the game. Being able to change your outfit with newer stuff is a visible representation of your progress into the game. Also, perhaps a few items can be universal; what would be a T-shirt on a guy could be a blouse on a girl but otherwise hold the same pattern. Add "Epic Headband" for finishing the game and we're solid! (See: Pokemon Battle Revolution, Soul Calibur IV, Elder Scrolls)
I'd also add a "Personality" option. Something that bothered me was that my main character didn't behave the way I expected him to. If several 'personalities' (Normal, Stoic, Hyper, Cute, Evil, etc) were added, then the character could be tailored more to a player's expectations. (See: Soul Calibur IV)
Utilize it in other areas of the game!
The limited number of characters to fight in the game was a little vexing to me. If the customization option was expanded, it could be programmed to be used in-game against random opponents (With a fail-safe to avoid making a clone of yourself), thus creating an expanded world. You'd only have to type in a few variables to make an entirely new character!
(See: Pokemon Battle Revolution, Soul Calibur IV)
3)Collection.
MOAR BAKUMUNS!! Another no-duh. If freeing up space is the problem, perhaps those Green-card animations can become the standard attack form. Also, the bakugan need to be made available in all attributes, which oughta be pretty simple.
Starters: Another matter of personal preference, but I think the game would have better replay value if your element choice actually affected which bakugan you start out with. This would also increase the replay value, as you could try the game with each starter and get the full dialog from each.
4)Battle:
"X" Marked cards: Not everyone likes the minigames, but I feel they are still a valid edition. By "X" cards, I don't mean those used by Spectra, I mean that in place of where the mini-game label is, there's simply an "X". In this case, it's the person with the highest G-power at the start who wins and there is no minigame. If someone dislikes the minigames, they can load their deck with "X" cards to avoid them. If people find simple points too dry or difficult, they'd just avoid putting "X" cards in their decks. This would also allow cards like "Duck and Win" to come in, as there would be no mini-game so the rules could do their work!
Mix Up the Minigames!: One problem I had is that each color of gate card would get two of the minigames. If all of the minigames were dispersed throughout the different gate card types rather than being reserved to one, different strategies could be implemented.
Remove the "Magnet" stat: This is the only stat where the higher it is, the worse-off you are. The only stats that really affect anything are Defense and Steering. However, when a stat is actually a detriment the higher it gets, it needs to be removed!
5) Story
Longer story! Easier said than done, but remember the Second Save and Starter options I mentioned? Here's where they come in: Each starter can get its own chapter where your character would have to battle them at some point. Just that adds six chapters to the game, though the player would have to play through a second time to get the chapter(s) they missed. Just that would work out! (See: Megaman Battle Network)
More Story-related areas: If your character had to travel to more locations than just the four in the first game: (Perhaps to a warehouse where a gang is hiding, maybe Marucho's place, the site of a hidden teleporter, or maybe Vestroia itself) It would be a more interesting and involved story where some random battles (Or not-so-random ones) could take place, rather than being limited to the tournament. This doesn't always mean an overworld map, but perhaps something more Phoenix Wright-ish where you can check out several areas. Maybe a scuffle or two happens in places like the Store. (See: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney)
Anyway, those are the basic additons I'd make to any sequel they'd make. Opinions?
