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Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - "Return to form for a beloved series" Eurogamer 9/10

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Posts

  • Just Like ThatJust Like That Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Xagarath wrote: »

    This sort of thing with Sonic would be amazing. Just keep it 2D with pretty hand drawn HD graphics, keep the levels fast, NO auto-aiming attacks. A Metroid-style hub area would be awesome too, maybe with some optional/hidden levels. If they made a really epic, long 2D Sonic game in this style my brain would explode with happiness. I would gladly give Sega $60 for that.
    No, no, no.
    Keeping the levels fast gave us Sonic Advance 2. We don't ever want that again.

    I don't mean that the levels should beat themselves just from you holding right on the d-pad, just that there should be significant sections of the levels where you can run without worrying about bumping into something and stopping the momentum dead. Sure, they should have areas where you stop running and have to figure something out/interact with the environment, but the levels shouldn't be an obstacle course either.

    See: level designs for Sonic 1, 2, 3

    Just Like That on
  • carmofincarmofin Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Xagarath wrote: »

    This sort of thing with Sonic would be amazing. Just keep it 2D with pretty hand drawn HD graphics, keep the levels fast, NO auto-aiming attacks. A Metroid-style hub area would be awesome too, maybe with some optional/hidden levels. If they made a really epic, long 2D Sonic game in this style my brain would explode with happiness. I would gladly give Sega $60 for that.
    No, no, no.
    Keeping the levels fast gave us Sonic Advance 2. We don't ever want that again.

    I don't mean that the levels should beat themselves just from you holding right on the d-pad, just that there should be significant sections of the levels where you can run without worrying about bumping into something and stopping the momentum dead. Sure, they should have areas where you stop running and have to figure something out/interact with the environment, but the levels shouldn't be an obstacle course either.

    See: level designs for Sonic 1, 2, 3

    um no, sorry, but thats what all new sonic games are like, the secret is that there need to be significant sections where you DONT run, thats EXACTLY what they dont get about speed, if you run fast ALL the time, speed loses meaning, it doesnt feel fast anymore. however, when you spend a few minutes platforming and THEN you start running downhill, THAT feels good and satisfying. i also remember that occasionally sonic used to roll so fast he would outrun the camera, its little things like that that made you feel the speed.

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  • KorKor Known to detonate from time to time Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    I'm not an expert on the matter, but I'd say Sonic 1 had way more platforming to it than Sonic 2 and 3 did.

    Hell, the entire second or third zone in Sonic 1 was almost nothing but platforming.

    Kor on
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  • elliotw2elliotw2 Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Yea, Sonic 1 was very platforming focused, Sonic 3 I felt went too far into the obstacle course style of level design at times, and Sonic 2 was a decent balance between the two

    elliotw2 on
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  • KorKor Known to detonate from time to time Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    elliotw2 wrote: »
    Yea, Sonic 1 was very platforming focused, Sonic 3 I felt went too far into the obstacle course style of level design at times, and Sonic 2 was a decent balance between the two

    Exactly.

    Sonic 2 felt like, okay, which path looks like it might give me the most speed?

    Sonic 3 felt like, okay which speedy path should I take?

    As in, every path in Sonic 3 felt like it was a roller coaster, it was just a matter of which one did you want to go on.

    Whats funny is that even though Sonic 3 and S&K were developed along side each other, I still feel that S&K kinda falls back closer to Sonic 2.

    Kor on
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  • elliotw2elliotw2 Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Which would explain why I hate Sonic 3, but love S&K

    elliotw2 on
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  • XagarathXagarath Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Sonic 3&K is the best of all worlds.

    Xagarath on
  • APZonerunnerAPZonerunner Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Kor wrote: »
    elliotw2 wrote: »
    Yea, Sonic 1 was very platforming focused, Sonic 3 I felt went too far into the obstacle course style of level design at times, and Sonic 2 was a decent balance between the two

    Exactly.

    Sonic 2 felt like, okay, which path looks like it might give me the most speed?

    Sonic 3 felt like, okay which speedy path should I take?

    As in, every path in Sonic 3 felt like it was a roller coaster, it was just a matter of which one did you want to go on.

    Whats funny is that even though Sonic 3 and S&K were developed along side each other, I still feel that S&K kinda falls back closer to Sonic 2.

    Well, together, they make a pretty balanced experience, and that's about right, I think. Together it is to this day the best Sonic experience. Even Sonic 3 opens up more once you've got S&K locked on, especially playing as Knuckles.. plenty of secret areas for him.

    I will forever wish for them to release a version of that game that has the two joined properly, with the level order rejigged so Flying Battery follows Ice Cap.

    APZonerunner on
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  • agoajagoaj Top Tier One FearRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    They should release the next sonic games in halves. Just get half a disc first.

    agoaj on
    ujav5b9gwj1s.png
  • APZonerunnerAPZonerunner Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Well, ironically, if the rumours are true then Project Neddlemouse is "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode 1" for XBLA and PSN.

    APZonerunner on
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  • agoajagoaj Top Tier One FearRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Well, ironically, if the rumours are true then Project Neddlemouse is "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode 1" for XBLA and PSN.

    But I need something physical, to fill my urge to connect thingies.

    agoaj on
    ujav5b9gwj1s.png
  • UnbreakableVowUnbreakableVow Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Well, ironically, if the rumours are true then Project Neddlemouse is "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode 1" for XBLA and PSN.

    That would be a pretty ballsy and awesome move

    UnbreakableVow on
  • FremFrem Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    They must really think they've got a great game on their hands if they're calling it Sonic 4. Either that, or SEGA's marketing department is manipulating us again. They've become remarkably adept at that.

    Frem on
  • APZonerunnerAPZonerunner Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    The rumour looks pretty true, anyway. Two sega sites posted it and they both pulled it down, and Sega's PR are more stoic then I've ever seen them when asked about it - and those guys are usually really laid back and willing to speak off the record.

    The rumours said it was "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode 1" for XBLA and PSN. Sonic only playable character, first zone is "Splash Hill Zone" and the last was "E.G.G. Station Zone" - Egg something, anyway.

    APZonerunner on
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  • RestartRestart Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    It makes a lot of sense looking at it from a MegaMan 9 perspective. They're wanting to bring back classic fans and assure them it REALLY is a new entry to the classic series they loved, so they just call it Sonic 4. On top of that, they want to release even more sequels, as they know the potential success of this will let them reuse the engine for further games.

    Only difference between Sonic and MegaMan is, MegaMan already had 8 games and Sonic has only had '3' (rather, a named 3), so releasing a Sonic 5 and 6 after would seem kind of strange for the series.

    As long as it really is its own complete game, and there's no reason it shouldn't be, I'm happy. Also allows them to add improvements the fans might be looking for after the first installment, like multiplayer (if it is missing).

    Restart on
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  • KorKor Known to detonate from time to time Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Honestly, I'd be fine if it didn't have that episode 1 part.

    If they released Sonic 4 this year, and Sonic 5 the next, I'd be perfectly fine with that.

    Kor on
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  • UncleSporkyUncleSporky Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    I'm hoping that they're releasing them episodically for XBLA/PSN, and then collecting it on disc for Wii later. There's really no logical reason they should skip out on the console that had their last good 3D Sonic game.

    UncleSporky on
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  • FremFrem Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    The only thing that bothers me about "episodic" is that the old Sonic games weren't actually very long. It implies we'd be getting something shorter than an already reasonably short (by today's standards) game. Perhaps each one will be the full length of one of the old games and the "episode" label will be used to justify the 1-2 hour length?

    Frem on
  • LBD_NytetraynLBD_Nytetrayn TorontoRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    LBD, that's probably infractable if you don't put it behind a spoiler. I don't really care, I'm just sayin'. :)

    I've seen those pics before and they are really awesome.

    Thanks. When I posted that, for some reason I was blanking on how to make it smaller to avoid screen-stretch. :P I completely forgot about the spoiler tag.
    agoaj wrote: »
    Well, ironically, if the rumours are true then Project Neddlemouse is "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode 1" for XBLA and PSN.

    But I need something physical, to fill my urge to connect thingies.

    I would not be at all surprised if they did not eventually release a bunch/all of them on a disc.
    Frem wrote: »
    The only thing that bothers me about "episodic" is that the old Sonic games weren't actually very long. It implies we'd be getting something shorter than an already reasonably short (by today's standards) game. Perhaps each one will be the full length of one of the old games and the "episode" label will be used to justify the 1-2 hour length?

    That's what it sounds like. Somewhere in there, it was said that each ep would be the "length of a full game."

    LBD_Nytetrayn on
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  • cloudeaglecloudeagle Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    I'm hoping that they're releasing them episodically for XBLA/PSN, and then collecting it on disc for Wii later. There's really no logical reason they should skip out on the console that had their last good 3D Sonic game.

    There's not, but when have Sega's plans for Sonic made sense in the last five years?

    cloudeagle on
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  • Brainiac 8Brainiac 8 Don't call me Shirley... Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Sonic 4? Yea baby.

    Yea, I hope they're taking a page from Capcom's book of reviving a classic character by taking them back to their roots.

    It's worked wonders for Mega Man, as MM9 has sold very well, and MM10 looks to do no different.

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  • MastaPMastaP Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/27/project-needlemouse-community-challenge-2-new-concept-art-and-a-very-special-reward/
    4309916425_ea669c31b9_o.jpg

    New concept art, a contest calling for fan art of badniks, and more teasers.

    Plus this: "Speed is something that is not given; but rather earned through dedication. Speed is not found by simply pushing a boost button, but by building momentum. It is the reward for skill in the face of difficult challenges – this kind of speed is the most exhilarating, not only because it is fast, but because of the pure perfection such speed exemplifies. This is the truth of the original Sonic games – and this is the truth of Project Needlemouse."

    MastaP on
  • TurkeyTurkey So, Usoop. TampaRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    I remember TSR talking about going to a meeting with some Sega people, to discuss Sonic games.

    Is this the result?

    Turkey on
  • XagarathXagarath Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    MastaP wrote: »
    http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/27/project-needlemouse-community-challenge-2-new-concept-art-and-a-very-special-reward/
    4309916425_ea669c31b9_o.jpg

    New concept art, a contest calling for fan art of badniks, and more teasers.

    Plus this: "Speed is something that is not given; but rather earned through dedication. Speed is not found by simply pushing a boost button, but by building momentum. It is the reward for skill in the face of difficult challenges – this kind of speed is the most exhilarating, not only because it is fast, but because of the pure perfection such speed exemplifies. This is the truth of the original Sonic games – and this is the truth of Project Needlemouse."

    Good gods.
    Took them long enough.

    Xagarath on
  • donhonkdonhonk Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Sega, you better fucking hope hes called Robotnik.

    I WILL HAVE NOTHING LESS

    donhonk on
  • TurkeyTurkey So, Usoop. TampaRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    donhonk wrote: »
    Sega, you better fucking hope hes called Robotnik.

    I WILL HAVE NOTHING LESS

    But then this song won't make any sense!

    Turkey on
  • agoajagoaj Top Tier One FearRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    I am Robotniiiiiik!
    Suck my diiiiiiick!
    It's here to stiiiiiiick!

    agoaj on
    ujav5b9gwj1s.png
  • TigTig Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    MastaP wrote: »
    Plus this: "Speed is something that is not given; but rather earned through dedication. Speed is not found by simply pushing a boost button, but by building momentum. It is the reward for skill in the face of difficult challenges – this kind of speed is the most exhilarating, not only because it is fast, but because of the pure perfection such speed exemplifies. This is the truth of the original Sonic games – and this is the truth of Project Needlemouse."

    and with one quote, I'm back in the goddamn sonic cycle.


    damn.

    Tig on
  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Nothing beats the Flying Battery song. That track blew me away in my youth and awesome remixes are out there.

    Fuck yes.

    Cantido on
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  • UncleSporkyUncleSporky Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Yes. Flying Battery is the greatest and that is its greatest remix.

    You know what, I found out something a few days ago that I never knew before: there is actually a flying battery in the Flying Battery zone. Or, if nothing else, a yellow cylinder setpiece that is only used once in the game to my knowledge. I never found it in all these years of playing that level. Seen briefly at the end of this video (may want to mute the music depending on your preferences):

    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5kh94_race-for-the-flying-battery-battery_videogames

    UncleSporky on
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  • DunxcoDunxco Should get a suit Never skips breakfastRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    That's the route I normally take though the level anyway, UncleSporky. Amazing how much stuff you can still unearth in this gem.

    Dunxco on
  • elliotw2elliotw2 Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Tig wrote: »
    MastaP wrote: »
    Plus this: "Speed is something that is not given; but rather earned through dedication. Speed is not found by simply pushing a boost button, but by building momentum. It is the reward for skill in the face of difficult challenges – this kind of speed is the most exhilarating, not only because it is fast, but because of the pure perfection such speed exemplifies. This is the truth of the original Sonic games – and this is the truth of Project Needlemouse."

    and with one quote, I'm back in the goddamn sonic cycle.


    damn.


    Man, if this game sucks, I'll either go shoot Sega's PR guys, or go get them a medal for being the best in their field. I don't know which, because they do make everyone go play the Sonic games, but the Sonic games have been bad recently

    I need more lime here.

    elliotw2 on
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  • UncleSporkyUncleSporky Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Dunxco wrote: »
    That's the route I normally take though the level anyway, UncleSporky. Amazing how much stuff you can still unearth in this gem.

    Seems slower to me that way, though I guess I don't know whether it is. But it requires choosing to go to the left twice and also waiting for appearing platforms to show up, things I do not do in a Sonic game. :)

    UncleSporky on
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  • LBD_NytetraynLBD_Nytetrayn TorontoRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    A hidden message from the data file of the new production art file:
    The fact that you're actually looking in the comments section of this image speaks volumes - and that's a good thing. So here's an extra crumb for you to follow: February is going to be a very good month.

    Intriguing.

    Also, the contest seems to be a grand-slam, so we should see some goodies come Monday.

    LBD_Nytetrayn on
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  • cloudeaglecloudeagle Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    The "speed is earned by building momentum" thing means they're definitely listening to the fans. However, I'm afraid they'll listen to the fans a little too much and make it an utter pain in the ass to get any sort of speed whatsoever. Again, beaten puppy syndrome.

    cloudeagle on
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  • LewiePLewieP Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Listening to 'fans' is the worst thing that they can do.

    LewieP on
  • KupiKupi Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    LewieP wrote: »
    Listening to 'fans' is the worst thing that they can do.

    Listening to the fans who gave a damn before the series became a mascot dumpster, then.

    Kupi on
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  • HenroidHenroid Mexican kicked from Immigration Thread Centrism is Racism :3Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    LewieP wrote: »
    Listening to 'fans' is the worst thing that they can do.

    NEEDS MORE AMY
    You mean like that?

    Henroid on
  • blaze_zeroblaze_zero Registered User regular
    edited January 2010
    The only characters this games needs are Sonic and Robotnik.

    blaze_zero on
  • LBD_NytetraynLBD_Nytetrayn TorontoRegistered User regular
    edited January 2010
    Do Badniks count as characters?

    At any rate, if the rumor about them going episodic is true, I wouldn't mind seeing Tails and Knuckles later, provided they play as they did in Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

    LBD_Nytetrayn on
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This discussion has been closed.