Shaq is Crowdfunding "Shaq-Fu 2," Sequel to Horrific 1994 Video Game

Electronic Arts In 1994, Electronic Arts and a now-defunct game developer (Delphine Software International) collaborated on the Shaq-led Sega Genesis/Super

Electronic Arts

In 1994, Electronic Arts and a now-defunct game developer (Delphine Software International) collaborated on the Shaq-led Sega Genesis/Super Nintendo game Shaq Fu, in which 2D O'Neal had to use kung fu to rescue a boy in Tokyo. Pretty much everyone hated it, because it sucked. Now, Shaq and Big Deez Productions have turned to IndieGogo to crowdfund a PC sequel, Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzO5OSpwbp8]

Here's a peek at the new graphics:

IndieGogo

As for the very obvious question "Why do Shaq and Big Deez need our money?": they dressed up the answer in some "partnership" nonsense. Perhaps they're trying to gauge interest before investing any more of their own money, or just want to use the campaign for some publicity (happy to oblige).

I'm also surprised they're doubling down on the name of the original, but it sounds like some kind of redemption project:

Shaq Fu is what the original game should have been – an instant classic.  We're talking Streets of Rage meets Street Fighter meets Devil May Cry. It’s a modern day take on the classic beat ‘em up.  Play as Shaquille O’Neal – learn hundreds of moves and battle techniques, take on thousands of enemies with dozens of cool melee weapons, battle bosses in dynamic arenas, master cool finishing moves and play with your buddies in COOP mode or against each other in player vs player combat.

But wait, just how bad was the original? Well, people behind the website shaqfu.com started its own crowdfunding project -- the Shaq Fu Liberation Fund -- in an attempt to eradicate every copy of Shaq Fu in existence, in order "to obtain a Shaq-Fu-free world for our children to grow up in." Why?

1. You prevent other generations from feeling the corruption of this game and its evil.

2. You clear up the enormous copies of Shaq-Fu lying on the shelves in used console game stores. By doing so, you remove it from public display so that people will not be reminded of the game's existence.

3. Purchasing many copies of the game shifts the demand schedule, consequently raising the price. Even though it costs you more money, it reduces the incentive for a non-liberator to buy the game; a worthwhile sacrifice.

4. By getting it from another person, you remove the burden and embarrassment they feel.

So, clearly Shaq & Co. have some atoning to do. As one of the poor souls who shoveled a few driveways to save up enough for that video game atrocity, this time my adult funds will find a different IndieGogo effort.

Last, check out this pretty outstanding video on the matter:

[

FTW