New 2D Sonic

[jackaroo]

Here come the first couple of Tidbits. First off :
Sonic is the only character playable in the game.
There will be no new characters (Playable or Otherwise)

And also we have a bit of concept art for an enemy :
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/...7bde8f91_m.jpg

Heres where I got the info :
http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2010/01/...d-concept-art/

Good to see things have started coming out for the project. Even if it is a just a small bit of Info like this. Hopefully we can get a couple of screenshots next. Or some concept art for Sonic at least

[lordbowser]

YES! I love that robotic crustacean.

[SegaFan]

Sonic is the only character playable in the game.
There will be no new characters (Playable or Otherwise)

It's worrying that this is their big selling point. Right from the beginning almost all Sonic games have introduced more characters, playable or otherwise, despite myths and false memories it has never been just about Sonic.

I hope this game isn't going to be pure nostalgia and nothing new. Sonic Rush showed that there was still room for new ideas in 2D Sonics and I hope this will also be more than just a retro-style game.

[Angelic Lapras King]

Well I'm glad they're not increasing the ever so big cast of Sonic characters we love and hate, but I'm betting maybe Tails and Knuckles will be DLC...

[slavko123496]

That would be awesome! I also highly hope this game will be ported to WiiWare, I mean most of the Sonic fan-base are owning Nintendo consoles! Sonic Golden Collection actually gives me some hope for this game! I gave up on it before because I went to the freaking "needlemouse.com", damn you IGN!

If this game is anything like Sonic Advance I'm good, I don't have high hopes for this to be like Classic Genesis Trilogy... Sonic Rush sucked as*! I hated the emphasize on speed, Sonic Advance had good platforming so thats the reason why I enjoyed it alot.

[SegaFan]

It would be really disappointing if it ended up as download only. The last thing I want is a Sonic game that only lasts the lifespan of the console, let's hope Sega do the right thing and make it a proper release.

[Ouenben]

Originally Posted by SegaFan

It's worrying that this is their big selling point. Right from the beginning almost all Sonic games have introduced more characters, playable or otherwise, despite myths and false memories it has never been just about Sonic.

However it's well known one of the main complaints about sonic games of the last decade have been the inclusion of his stupid friends whose levels usually sucked. I'd say this is far from worrying as to be fair tails and knuckles were the only good friends sonic's ever had. Though knuckles levels on sonic adv 1 + 2 were pretty bad.

[SegaFan]

However it's well known one of the main complaints about sonic games of the last decade have been the inclusion of his stupid friends whose levels usually sucked. I'd say this is far from worrying as to be fair tails and knuckles were the only good friends sonic's ever had. Though knuckles levels on sonic adv 1 + 2 were pretty bad.

It's a well known complaint, but my least favourite Sonic games in the last 10 years were Sonic and the Secret Rings and Sonic and the Black Knight, which both just had Sonic as the only playable character. Sega has already done "just Sonic", several times, and that never stopped the complaints. Or perhaps it's the gameplay that people really don't like and not the number of characters, but the only complaints I've had about the gameplay were times where it lacked variety which could have been solved by having more characters.

It may be controversial, but the best designed Sonic game in my opinion was Sonic 2006. OK it was ruined by glitches, but on paper it had the best levels, the best balance and choice of characters. That was just enough to make up for its faults and I really enjoyed it, actually. Compare and contrast to Sonic Unleashed which had no glitches but quite safe and less interesting design (although the PS3/360 version was better balanced and I enjoyed that version at least).

If I'm being negative about Needlemouse I don't mean to be. I'll still get it and look forward to it. I like how Sonic appears in different types of games. I just don't understand why exactly this game needs to exist. It's giving critics everything they've asked for but it's nothing that other recent games haven't given before that were ignored anyway. Whatever they do to please critics it will be ignored, so if they're going to still make Sonic games then why not go with what works than what critics (who don't play them anyway) think they want?

[Ouenben]

Originally Posted by SegaFan

If I'm being negative about Needlemouse I don't mean to be. I'll still get it and look forward to it. I like how Sonic appears in different types of games. I just don't understand why exactly this game needs to exist. It's giving critics everything they've asked for but it's nothing that other recent games haven't given before that were ignored anyway. Whatever they do to please critics it will be ignored, so if they're going to still make Sonic games then why not go with what works than what critics (who don't play them anyway) think they want?

Well the critics/old sonic fans etc were asking for a simple sonic only side scrolling game like those of the 16 bit days.

Sonic rush was a step in the right direction but still not a touch on the original mega drive games as it was far too speed based and not enough platforming/exploration.

Sonic unleashed was even worse for being far too focused on speed but also through those crappy werewolf levels in between and had the stupid story/hub stuff too.

[Mickeymac]

I just hope they bother to do something remotely new, instead of just releasing Sonic 1 over again. I mean, at the very least I hope it's more like the daytime missions in Sonic Unleashed. Still, it's a Sonic game, so I'll support it no matter what.

[Ouenben]

Originally Posted by Mickeymac

I just hope they bother to do something remotely new, instead of just releasing Sonic 1 over again.

This is a whole new game.

I mean, at the very least I hope it's more like the daytime missions in Sonic Unleashed.

They were far too speed focussed. Holding down X usually would comprimise of 90% of the level. They need to slow him down a bit at some places have some real platforming and exploration again.

Still, it's a Sonic game, so I'll support it no matter what.

I don't understand this logic

[Mickeymac]

Originally Posted by Ouenben

This is a whole new game.





They were far too speed focussed. Holding down X usually would comprimise of 90% of the level. They need to slow him down a bit at some places have some real platforming and exploration again.





I don't understand this logic

I mean I hope they don't make it play exactly like the old games and feeling more like deja vu rather than something new. It probably will, and there's probably nothing wrong with that, it's just that I do like that the Sonic series is always innovating rather than trying to release the same game over and over again.

As for my 'logic', I just mean that I've always liked the Sonic series, no matter what gameplay direction it takes, and I'm confident I'll like this new one all the same.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Betagam7

I could see this coming to be honest. The success of so many 2D comebacks via download and Nintendo's imminent new Super Mario Bros retail title has made it a given.
Who'd have thought in 1996 when the Saturn and N64 were getting to grips with 3D that in 2010 we'd be seeing 2D Sonic and Mario games released

We had to look towards new franchises to give us 2D platforming goodness in those tough times.

Originally Posted by Angelic Lapras King

Or stick to Advance/Rush series for more recent 2D goodness. Un

I remember hearing a rumor last year that Sega were considering porting the Advance trilogy to Wiiware since you can't play the games on DSi...

Those games were great (well, at least Advance 2 and Rush 1)! If the new Sonic game is made by Dimps, chances are that it too will be fun. It would be cool of Sega to port the Advance games to the DS. I wish publishers would port Game Boy Original/Advance games on DSiWare. Unless Nintendo is holding them back for plans of a future portable VC, I don't see why not.

Originally Posted by SegaFan

I don't know why people ignore the Advance/Rush games, there have been 6 original 2D Sonic platformers in the last 10 years (compared to one Mario), they may not be identical to the 16-bit games but if this new game was true and there was one more it would be no more of a "long awaited comeback" than the next FIFA, right?

Nostalgia is a horrible thing. Yeah, I believe they are all great games and all, but don't compare Sonic to FIFA. Even the latest Sonic games (I personally don't enjoy the console ones that I've played) have more soul than that generic sports game.

Originally Posted by slavko123496

That would be awesome! I also highly hope this game will be ported to WiiWare, I mean most of the Sonic fan-base are owning Nintendo consoles! Sonic Golden Collection actually gives me some hope for this game! I gave up on it before because I went to the freaking "needlemouse.com", damn you IGN!

If this game is anything like Sonic Advance I'm good, I don't have high hopes for this to be like Classic Genesis Trilogy... Sonic Rush sucked as*! I hated the emphasize on speed, Sonic Advance had good platforming so thats the reason why I enjoyed it alot.

Sonic Rush was a great game. Try to play it with a not biased mindset (ie don't try to compare it to other Sonic games). Plus, it has one of the best Sonic soundtracks of all time (just as good as, if not better than, the 16 bit games music). Jet Grind Radio inspired music is pure awesomeness.

Originally Posted by Mickeymac

I mean I hope they don't make it play exactly like the old games and feeling more like deja vu rather than something new. It probably will, and there's probably nothing wrong with that, it's just that I do like that the Sonic series is always innovating rather than trying to release the same game over and over again.

As for my 'logic', I just mean that I've always liked the Sonic series, no matter what gameplay direction it takes, and I'm confident I'll like this new one all the same.

You liked those crappy Game Gear Sonic games (I mean the nontraditional platforming games, not Sonic 1, 2, Triple Trouble, and Chaos)?

[Mickeymac]

Originally Posted by Refa

You liked those crappy Game Gear Sonic games (I mean the nontraditional platforming games, not Sonic 1, 2, Triple Trouble, and Chaos)?

Yeah, except for Sonic Blast and Sonic Labrinth. I don't know what they were thinking there.

[SegaFan]

Nostalgia is a horrible thing. Yeah, I believe they are all great games and all, but don't compare Sonic to FIFA. Even the latest Sonic games (I personally don't enjoy the console ones that I've played) have more soul than that generic sports game.

All I was saying is that both series had a lot of games but trust me, the worst Sonic has more soul than the best generic sports game.

If the new Sonic game is made by Dimps, chances are that it too will be fun.

Dimps are still great for making Sonic rush but lost a bit of my respect after they did the Wii/PS2 daytime levels of Sonic Unleashed which weren't their usual standard (then again, that whole version of Unleashed wasn't good). They've made some great Sonic games but Dimps is no longer the guarantee of quality it was.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by SegaFan

All I was saying is that both series had a lot of games but trust me, the worst Sonic has more soul than the best generic sports game.

I'd take pretty much any EA NHL game over basically any Sonic game in terms of pure gameplay quality. But if we're talking "soul" as some kind of classic-imbuing intangible, then I'd still say that NHL 94 has as much soul as Sonic 2.

Depending on what kind of game this new Sonic ends up being (WiiWare rebirth-style throwback or full-fledged retail upgrade à la NSMBW), I may get it or I may avoid it. I don't think I've ever played a Sonic game that I've liked more than about the "tolerable" level. Not adding any new asinine Saturday morning cartoon furryfodder friends to the game sounds like a good step in the right direction, at least.

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by Mickeymac

I just hope they bother to do something remotely new, instead of just releasing Sonic 1 over again.

They will probably make him a sword-wielding werehog.
I wouldn't expect much from a dying franchise.

[Radretrogamer]

Originally Posted by Kiwi the Tortoise

They will probably make him a sword-wielding werehog..

on a hover board

[PoisonRamune]

Sonic can do anything he wants as long as he's not making out with white girls.

[jackaroo]

Originally Posted by PoisonRamune

Sonic can do anything he wants as long as he's not making out with white girls.

I couldnt agree more.

[Ouenben]

Earlier today, Dutch fansite SegaOnline posted information from an anonymous source claiming to have insider knowledge of Project Needlemouse’s development. The website ran the story as a rumour earlier today, before mysteriously disappearing from view.
Key details that were revealed to SegaOnline included the game’s name, ‘Sonic 4′; that the game will only be released on Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network; and that this will be the first in a series of similar games. The website’s source claims that the game will be titled “Sonic 4: Episode 1″, but says that despite the implications, each ‘Episode’ will be a full game in its own right.
On top of this, the anonymous source has said there will be 7 Chaos Emeralds, a return of the ‘Zone’ and ‘Acts’ level structure, and that the game will begin in ‘Splash Hill Zone’ and finish in ‘E.G.G. Station Zone’.

So yeah this is rumour/from an 'anonymous' source but if these details are true it could be quite good
No Wiiware version? Hmm seems silly for Sega to not have some sort of Wii version of the game considering Sonic sells best on Wii.

[LinkFanatic]

I sorta stopped playing Sonic games after the one with Tails. I lost interest in it halfway through that game (Sonic 2, I think). I did enjoy the Sonic Spinball, but that was about it.

[Ouenben]

http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6249457....topstory;title

and there we have it all 3 consoles.

Motion controls for Wii/PS3... for some reason.

and it's called Sonic 4: Episode 1

[jackaroo]

Originally Posted by Ouenben

http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6249457....topstory;title

and there we have it all 3 consoles.

Motion controls for Wii/PS3... for some reason.

and it's called Sonic 4: Episode 1

Ah you beat me too it. Also a bit of music from the game too :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMwKBg-VcpA

It is actually from the game. It was put up on segas main page for all of tuesday but taken down after that. Still it sounds quite sonic like.

Im even more excited for the game now. I do wish it wouldve been proper 2D instead of 2.5D but im not complaining.

[Betagam7]

I still don't get how the "Pikachu in a Sombrero" sillouette matches up to the final logo.

[hansolo350]

Originally Posted by Betagam7

I still don't get how the "Pikachu in a Sombrero" sillouette matches up to the final logo.

Did you actually see the picture before it stopped working?

Am I the only one who doesn't like how it is called Episode 1?

[Yossarian]

Originally Posted by hansolo350

Did you actually see the picture before it stopped working?

Am I the only one who doesn't like how it is called Episode 1?

Oh...because of the Phantom Menace associations. A little imagination wouldn't have hurt.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this pans out though.

[Ouenben]

its worth noting theres a mystery platform with a lock symbol on it as far as which systems it's being released on at the end of the video.

Steam? Itunes? Mobile? PSP?

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by hansolo350

Did you actually see the picture before it stopped working?

No. Care to elaborate?

[hansolo350]

Originally Posted by Betagam7

No. Care to elaborate?

http://pressthebuttons.typepad.com/....d54c970c-800wi

[slangman]

Originally Posted by hansolo350

Am I the only one who doesn't like how it is called Episode 1?

Nope, I also disapprove of this. Should have just called it Sonic the Hedgehog 4.


I am curious how this will turn out as a downloadable title. However since this is Sega we are talking about, I won't get too excited about this until the last minute assuming this turns out to be any good.

[PoisonRamune]

Sonic 4: We're Going to Nickel and Dime You Over the Course of 6 Months
Doesn't quite roll off the tongue like episode 1.

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by hansolo350

http://pressthebuttons.typepad.com/....d54c970c-800wi

err...well yeah, obviously I saw that, hence my refering to it as "Pikachu in a sombrero".

I don't get how the sillouette ended up matching up to the current logo though, which is a completely different shape.

[TechnoSuperguy]

This looks like it's gonna be an awesome game. I was hoping for a nostalgic, purely 2D sequel to Sonic 3, but at least we finally get to see a classic-style Sonic game in 2.5D. I hope they fix his running animation though, because right now, it looks like he's hopping across a hot sidewalk.

Originally Posted by Betagam7

err...well yeah, obviously I saw that, hence my refering to it as "Pikachu in a sombrero".

I don't get how the sillouette ended up matching up to the current logo though, which is a completely different shape.

According to this article, Sega was so secretive about Needlemouse that not even the trailer developers knew what the real logo looked like, so they had to improvise. From the looks of it, the silhouette from the first trailer is nothing more than a darkened version of the Sonic 1 logo.
http://local-static1.forum-files.fob...6/Sonic1HD.jpg
Yup. Thanks to that silhouette, we were made to think all this time that Sonic would return to his classic appearance, and now it turns out the silhouette wasn't even for the right logo. *facepalm*

[jackaroo]

Originally Posted by TechnoSuperguy

This looks like it's gonna be an awesome game. I was hoping for a nostalgic, purely 2D sequel to Sonic 3, but at least we finally get to see a classic-style Sonic game in 2.5D. I hope they fix his running animation though, because right now, it looks like he's hopping across a hot sidewalk.

According to this article, Sega was so secretive about Needlemouse that not even the trailer developers knew what the real logo looked like, so they had to improvise. From the looks of it, the silhouette from the first trailer is nothing more than a darkened version of the Sonic 1 logo.
http://local-static1.forum-files.fob...6/Sonic1HD.jpg
Yup. Thanks to that silhouette, we were made to think all this time that Sonic would return to his classic appearance, and now it turns out the silhouette wasn't even for the right logo. *facepalm*

Sega sure know how to screw us over lol.

As for the episodic content, there was some leaked information a while back that said each episode will be a full length game featuring 6-7 zones. In the leaked information it also revealed that the game was called Sonic The Hedgehog 4 and would be subtitled Episode 1. It also revealed a couple of zone names too. As we can see they hit the nail on the head with it being called Sonic 4 : Episode 1. So its possible they were right about it being a complete game. And in the interview its stated that it should be thought of like Sonic 3 & Sonic and Knuckles. Both are complete games and Sonic 3 is like Episode 1 whilst Sonic & Knuckles is like Episode 2.

Also the website is up too sonicthehedgehog4.com and contains several countdown timers. What they count down too though I dont know. Its also rumoured the mystery 4th platform is the Iphone due to an image found on the website earlier on :
http://www.tssznews.com/2010/02/04/s...atform-iphone/

[SegaFan]

Everything looks great apart from it being download only. It will be the one Sonic game that collectors will have trouble getting their hands on in the future, unless a proper physical copy is released someday. But then again since it's Sonic 4 so I'm willing to forgive even the episodic content this time. But even now I'm concerned about the future of this title when my PS3 comes to the end of its lifespan.

As for the 4th platform, the only viable one sounds like the PSP to me unless they're making 2 seperate games.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Pretty sure it'd be iPhone/iPad.

[PoisonRamune]

Am I the only person that feels pretty indifferent to this whole thing?
Not like I don't want this to be made, but I'm also not jumping on a couch screaming about this game either.

[Tides of Chaos]

Originally Posted by TechnoSuperguy

This looks like it's gonna be an awesome game. I was hoping for a nostalgic, purely 2D sequel to Sonic 3, but at least we finally get to see a classic-style Sonic game in 2.5D. I hope they fix his running animation though, because right now, it looks like he's hopping across a hot sidewalk.

Yeah, I was really hoping for a normal 2D style instead of 2.5D. 2D looks really nice with current technology, why don't they use it more often? And yeah, the running animation is terrible, it looks like he's in moving in slow motion jumping over imaginary objects instead of running on a flat surface. And the title is terrible. Putting "Episode 1" at the end seems like a bad marketing move. Just plain old Sonic the Hedgehog 4 sounds epic while putting Episode 1 at the end makes it sound like something incredibly lame/cheap. I would change it if I were Sega, but Sonic has been selling well even with all his crap games so I doubt they would.

[SegaFan]

Just plain old Sonic the Hedgehog 4 sounds epic while putting Part 1 at the end makes it sound like something incredibly lame/cheap. I would change it if I were Sega, but Sonic has been selling well even with all his crap games so I doubt they would.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is definitely the right name, but if they're planning more than one episode in the same project (which it looks like) how else are they going to number them without adding "Part 1" etc.? I would prefer a full retail game over an episodic game, but since they're apparently going for episodic I think adding "Part 1" is quite an undistracting way of doing it.