New 2D HD Sonic Game!!!!

[Stevorooni]

KOTAKU (http://kotaku.com/5355153/sonic-returns-in-new-2d-hd-game)


It appears that Sega may actually have been listening. After years and years of (mostly) awful 3D Sonic games, the company is now teasing something called "Project Needlemouse", billed as a return to the Sonic of old.

"Old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay" says Sega of America's Ken Balough. "Many liked the daytime stages in Unleashed, but wanted to see a game that plays purely similar to the early games of the Genesis. Project Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots."

The teaser clip's tagline reads "Speed returns, in an all new 2D adventure built from the ground up", with Balough confirming the game will, rather than be a retro-remake, be an all-new game built in HD.


If it's like Sonic 2 or even Sonic Advance, but with beautiful HD graphics, I will be happy.

Things that will ruin this game:

- Crappy extra characters, SOMETHING the SOMETHING. I want a maximum of 4 players for co-op/vs fun. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy, they must all spin into a ball and their 'extra' moves should be kept to a minimum.

- Dialogue. Any dialogue at all. I want no voices.

- A plot that extends beyond "Eggman stole the chaos emeralds and turned fuzzy rabbits into robots"

- Any game mode besides 2D platforming

Discuss!

[FrozenSoul80]

Holy shit, this can't be happening.

This game is going to be shit, I know it. We all know they are going to find some way to **** this up. Prove me wrong, Sega, that's a challenge!

[Surgeon.]

Agree with pretty much everything Stevo said.

That being said, it's definitely a step in the right direction.

[This_is_me]

I would be soooo happy if they would include a catchy soundtrack again, although Sega is not having a very good record brining out any solid games for a while.

[Blue]

Stevo is exactly right.

Hell, I'd love an HD remake of Sonic 2 with Knuckles and Amy, stage select, 4-player online multi and … That's it, really.

I'm not getting excited for this at all, because knowing Sonic Team they'll do everything Stevo told them not to do, and **** it up completely.

So basically, I'm expecting another ****ing Sonic Rush.

[Xanafalgue]

I am fapping.

[FX-GTZ]

Other features include shadow, creame, knuckles, Amy,and Golden sonic obviously.

Tails comes as standard of course, with a flying plane dropping bombs from above all over the 2D land.

Dont want, get out of my *****ing life SEGA.

[FrozenSoul80]

To be honest, any characters other than Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Robotnic would be too many. Amy is a shit character, leave her at the door.

It's a shame Michael Jackson is dead, it would be kickarse if Sega could hire him then rip off his music.

[FX-GTZ]

Dispite being apparently 2D, is ALL of it 2D? Maybe it will look similar to this...

http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/936/936409/sonic-unleashed-20081208102854432.jpg

Is that a good thing or not? Because i gave up on sonic looooooong ago.

[Stevorooni]

Sega could redeem themselves if the first level involved killing all of the extra shit characters.

Blaze: Sonic I need your hel.. * Palm tree speared through gut *
Sonic: DIE BITCH!
Silver: What did you do that for? * Gets pushed into volcano *
Sonic: There's only one hedgehog in this game
Cream: You wouldn't hurt me would you?
Sonic: No, I won't * Knuckles throws Cream into space *

[FrozenSoul80]

Sega could redeem themselves if the first level involved killing all of the extra shit characters.

Or claiming it was a horrible dream.

[MacGuyver]

But I thought they couldn't make a new 2D Sonic game because you would be able to finish it too quickly, so they'll need to put a whole lot of extra crap in there to slow it all down. :p

[FX-GTZ]

Makes the stages longer, simple as that, add more alternate routes and springboards and loops and those spikes that seem to stop you in a single frame. Actually screw the spikes.

[Blue]

It will be 2.5D.

[FX-GTZ]

GameSpot: Why do you think Sonic has lasted almost 20 years now? What’s his appeal?
Ken Ballough: Sonic is a gaming legend, first and foremost. He comes from a series of games that defined a generation in gaming history, and his iconic personality was the epitome of speed in the early ‘90s, pushing the limits of what gamers knew and expected from high speed action and platforming games. Throughout the years, Sonic has evolved with numerous different adventures, and likewise his appeal has also spread for different reasons. Many older gamers appreciate him most for his attitude and the speed of his 2D games, while some younger and newer fans look up to him for his courage and his freestyle personality. Sonic appeals to many different people for many different reasons, but if there's one thing that has always stayed appealing, it's this: He's fast, he's blue, and he's a way fast cool hedgehog.
GS: What games do you think have captured that essence best over the years?
KB: Personally, the games that first come to mind are the Sonic Legacy titles, (Sonic 1, 2, 3, & Knuckles), Sonic Adventure, Sonic Rush, and Sonic’s speed in Sonic Unleashed. I think each of those games did a great job at propelling the series forward to a new generation, both visually and in terms of gameplay.
GS: What games do you think didn’t quite nail it?
KB: I think Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos was put in a bit of a situation. Coming out on the Master System with 8-bit graphics after you had seen Sonic on the Genesis in full 16-bit glory was a bit rough. Visually and speed-wise, it was just not as impressive as its Genesis brethren.
GS: Do you think the expansion of the universe with additional characters helped or diluted Sonic’s image?
KB: I think it definitely added more depth to the character and created a much richer universe. A solid supporting cast gives you options, not only where to go with the story, but also where gameplay can go. I remember the first time I saw Sonic 2. What really stood out to me was the inclusion of Tails. I thought the idea of Sonic having a sidekick was awesome, but even more so was the fact that you could actually play Tails. I remember spending countless hours playing Sonic 2 with my little brother. Then came Knuckles which was that final ingredient. If you think about it – you had all the key elements that make up your quintessential superhero; Speed, Flight and Strength. Once Sonic 3 came out, you felt like you had everything you needed. In the end I think Sonic’s image is much stronger because you have a solid core of supporting characters. Sonic is still Sonic, and he’s still your main hero; the rest of the cast just gives you a richer tapestry.
GS: Who do you think were the most successful companions and who do you think he could have done without?
KB: I think when it comes to characters, it’s all about what you do with them. It takes time to develop a cast and for them to find their niche. A lot depends on if there is a good story that allows the character to develop and grow. Tails and Knuckles, to me, are essential to Sonic. They bring the perfect blend of personalities to the mix. But those two have had over 14 years to grow. I think Shadow, Silver, Blaze, and Rouge have also been developed really well into interesting characters. I would love to see Tikal developed because I think she could be very interesting as well. I think the one character that has yet to find his place is Bark the Polar Bear. I hope he does eventually – it’d be nice to have a cool bear character.
GS: Over the past 19 years Sonic has been in a variety of different games, some of which were a stretch. Were there any that didn’t happen because they were a little too out there?
KB: Not to my knowledge – there are definitely a lot of ideas that come up when we make games – any game. Some are left on the discussion table and some incorporated into the final product. The great thing about working on the Sonic franchise is that it’s a wonderfully collaborative effort, so we definitely try and refine good ideas and make them work within the gameplay framework. I have yet to be part of a project that was cancelled while in development.
GS: Looking back now, what do you think the biggest challenges have been in updating Sonic?
KB: When you break it down to the fundamentals, Sonic games stand for high speed action with an edgy attitude. And it’s this essence that you want to keep, regardless of the platform. Sonic has such a rich history and a wide assortment of adventures, that in reality, our biggest challenges at SEGA are outdoing what we did before. How can we make the speed work better? Can he go faster? How do we build levels that allow Sonic to go to new places? These questions are what keep us working towards bigger and better games.
GS: Sonic CD is touted as the best Sonic ever made in some fan circles. Do you agree? Do you or the team see another as being the all time best?
KB: Sonic been around for almost 20 years, so people have grown up with Sonic on several different platforms at different ages. I’m partial to Sonic 3 – Sonic and Knuckles being my all time favorite, but that may be because I have the fondest memories playing that game. I definitely loved Sonic CD, and the great thing about this franchise is that there is a lot of choices and it’s not hard to search for the Sonic adventure that’s right for you.
GS: Why did Sega decide to bring Sonic back to 2D? Did the success of Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure play a part?
KB: Old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay. Many liked the daytime stages in Unleashed, but wanted to see a game that plays purely similar to the early games of the Genesis. Project Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots.
GS: What can you tell us about the game?
KB: I can tell you it’s a brand new 2D adventure coming out in 2010, it’s in HD, and to definitely stay tuned.
GS: With HD makeovers of classic games being popular right now, can we expect the game to use chunky old school sprites or hi-res HD sprites?
KB: You can definitely expect HD graphics.
GS: Thanks for your time.


Also, from Neogaf: http://i29.tinypic.com/3168dhi.jpg

So is this is a hint of a remake and not a new 2D Sonic adventure?

[Stevorooni]

It's a brand new Sonic adventure, so not a remake of an old 2D game.

I hope they steal all the elements from the old 2D games though

[FrozenSoul80]

But I thought they couldn't make a new 2D Sonic game because you would be able to finish it too quickly, so they'll need to put a whole lot of extra crap in there to slow it all down. :p

It wouldn't be an issue if they released small, downloadable games.

[Citizen Erased]

Who want to place a bet that it will be the first good Sonic game in ages.

[JubeiSaotome]

Sonic Adventure 3?

[AranchineD]

But I thought they couldn't make a new 2D Sonic game because you would be able to finish it too quickly, so they'll need to put a whole lot of extra crap in there to slow it all down. :p

Oh, that excuse only applies when the last game they made was shit. >_>

[Jickle]

Stevo if you could get your old Sonic comic and replace "Please let me die" with "No, I want to live now!", that would be great.

[banjoeskimo]

So basically, I'm expecting another ****ing Sonic Rush.

Seriously? Rush was awesome. Rush Adventure would have been better if they cut out the shitty touch mini-games, but the platforming was solid. I'd be stoked if they did an HD Rush entry.

[Stevorooni]

Stevo if you could get your old Sonic comic and replace "Please let me die" with "No, I want to live now!", that would be great.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/Stevorooni/sonic2.jpg

[Watchers]

The old Sonic games haven't aged well, imo. Too much 'OMG SURPRISE SPIKES'. Must've been more fun when I was a kid - I played the shit out of them.

Basically, I would want it to be like Splosion Man, but faster paced. Challenging, needing timing, but not unfair.

[FX-GTZ]

Tuning your Sega Master system into a snowy channel helps to make it feel old school, sure we dont have to play it that way anymore, but if you want to play it how you did as when you were younger...

[Blue]

Tuning your Sega Master system into a snowy channel helps to make it feel old school, sure we dont have to play it that way anymore, but if you want to play it how you did as when you were younger...We don't? I can only play my MegaDrive by tuning an RF on an old TV.

How do you do it on a new TV!?

[FX-GTZ]

How do you do it on a new TV!?

I wouldnt have a goddamn clue, it probably wont tune into hd set top box channels, i havent tried that though so i dont have a clue about it.
Back when (when i was like 9) the AV channel was occupied by the Super nintendo though, we would play the Sega Master System on channel 4. The TV we had didnt have AV1, AV2, AV3 etc, because it didnt have multiple Av's built into it.

[FrozenSoul80]

We don't? I can only play my MegaDrive by tuning an RF on an old TV.

How do you do it on a new TV!?

Could you do an auto-tune while the device is turned on? I might try it later and see what happens, I'm kinda worried now about how I'm going to use my old consoles when all my CRT TVs kick the bucket :/

[StorminNorman]

The only way this will be good is if it's an exact remake of Sonic CD with HD graphics.

Anything less will suck, because Sonic CD is the only good Sonic game.

[ThePhotoshop]

Hell, it's about time

[Blue]

Could you do an auto-tune while the device is turned on? I might try it later and see what happens, I'm kinda worried now about how I'm going to use my old consoles when all my CRT TVs kick the bucket :/Nope. Doesn't pick them up. :( NFI why though.

Wish the MD had AV cables.

[FrozenSoul80]

Nope. Doesn't pick them up. :( NFI why though.

Wish the MD had AV cables.

Is this auto-tuning on the analogue or digital setting? It doesn't make any sense, I thought old consoles sent out a signal that is processed just like a TV transmission. Guess old consoles are more technical than I'm giving them credit for :/

[FX-GTZ]

Try and see if any of this helps, http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090820104653AAu8Z19.

Hooking it up through a vcr sounds useful, probably a bit fiddly too though.

[Blue]

I'll try. VCR actually does work, and it's not a bad last resort. Good idea.

[Fenrir]

Could you do an auto-tune while the device is turned on? I might try it later and see what happens, I'm kinda worried now about how I'm going to use my old consoles when all my CRT TVs kick the bucket :/
Hmm, I'll probably fall back on emulators for this. The sturdiest of my oldschool consoles, my SNES, fizzled out ~2-3 years ago; the SEGA consoles I had (Master System, Mega Drive) both died around the time their respective eras were wrapping up. The point is that these consoles die at some point, so the TV isn't the only concern.

Things that will ruin this game:

- Crappy extra characters, SOMETHING the SOMETHING. I want a maximum of 4 players for co-op/vs fun. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy, they must all spin into a ball and their 'extra' moves should be kept to a minimum.
TBH, I don't think it's the new characters being included that caused problems - well, with a few obvious exceptions - rather, that they were made playable for significant portions of the games, and instead of just being Sonic alts, were essentially glorified minigame characters with poorly fleshed-out gameplay at best.
The crappy attempts at dialog/extensive plot were also problems intertwined with the new characers, but you can have new characters without them detracting from Sonic.

Point is, you throw in extra characters to flesh out the world aesthetically - SEGA's misstep was in making them do stuff.

- Any game mode besides 2D platforming
It still shits that SEGA haven't nailed the third dimension with Sonic - the thing is, SA2 *nearly* had it one third of the time. >_>
There was a bit of gameplay cruft in the Sonic/Shadow segments, but they were largely the speedy platforming Sonic is meant to be about, and the snowboarding and even grinding elements worked well.

It's just a shame that SEGA have cocked up 3D so much that we wouldn't dare hope for a decent 3D iteration.

I would be soooo happy if they would include a catchy soundtrack again, although Sega is not having a very good record brining out any solid games for a while.
Actually, I think they should license a few tracks from the "guitar virtuoso" crop, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai and the like. Tracks like Satriani's "Crystal Planet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLJtO_iRbA8)" and Vai's "Freak Show Excess" always struck me as Sonic soundtrack material.

[FrozenSoul80]

Oh crap, that reminds me; if Shadow is anywhere near this game I am going to rage so hard (possibly hurting people). We get it, you are an evil version of Sonic, now just go away.

[Fenrir]

Yar, my teen self ate up the whole ostensibly Walton Simons-esque anti-hero Sonic-alt style exuded by Shadow; but he's a dead horse at best.

[Citizen Erased]

What I would like to see in this new game:

No stupid plots
No secondary charactors
No Weapons
No driving sections
No QTE
NO bullet time

[FX-GTZ]

What I would like to see in this new game:

No stupid plots
No secondary charactors
No Weapons
No driving sections
No QTE
NO bullet time

No crappy music?
GFHvxuuOymo

[FrozenSoul80]

You're crazy, that music is genius!

[JubeiSaotome]

SA1 had the best OST IMO

l9Uh_lVMO8U

[Watchers]

The song for the final level on Sonic and the Secret Rings on Wii was awesome. Shame about all the other songs...

[FrozenSoul80]

Nothing will beat the Sonic 3 and Knuckles soundtrack. The music in those two games were really something special.

qsGgaUfgTs0

1K1rV9kFs6I

EmCi-Le_jME

[AranchineD]

Don't forget the final boss music for Sonic 3 & Knuckles!

[Xanafalgue]

Nothing will beat the Sonic 3 and Knuckles soundtrack. The music in those two games were really something special.

Agreed. Why can't they just give us Sonic & Knuckles 2? :confused:

[dinopoke]

1K1rV9kFs6I


This was always amazing.

[T Strife]

Nothing will beat the Sonic 3 and Knuckles soundtrack. The music in those two games were really something special.

1K1rV9kFs6I

Podcast pimpage (http://pixelhunt.com.au/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=241). 23:34, to be specific. I'd link to the music directly but that allows for less shameless Pixlhunt promotion.

Sonic 3K did indeed have an amazing soundtrack. It even has a kinda messed-up story behind it to boot, which I am deciding right here and right now is enough to make it truly historic.

[Xanafalgue]

Time for a bump.

Sega have confirmed that Sonic is the ONLY playable character in this game - yay!

Also, some concept art that you've all probably seen already

http://i48.tinypic.com/2qaspao.jpg

PLEEEASE don't **** this up...

[Clockw0rk]

I still have no faith in this game. They will find a way to fark it up, I guarantee it.

[Citizen Erased]

http://i48.tinypic.com/2qaspao.jpg

GIANT.ENEMY.CRAB

[Gutsman Heavy]

Time for a bump.

Sega have confirmed that Sonic is the ONLY playable character in this game - yay!


And after the first level Sonic is trapped in the stone boots of game play extension and has to use the emerald mace to fight enemies in slow and clunky action levels for the rest of the game.

[Clockw0rk]

Just out how they're going to screw it up - Sonic is the only playable character.
All the others will appear as computer controlled NPCs who tag along for quests.

[McChimp]

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3177625

1up article about this, where they point out that: "The eliminated roster included several D-list Sonic celebrities, including Shadow, Chip, Vector, Froggy, and even the humorous entry "Sonic's new friend Mr. Needlemouse." But strangely absent from the list were the two characters that started the trend of Sonic's colorful cast, Tails and Knuckles. Since they were never on the list, they were never eliminated. We're betting those two will show up in some capacity, at least as unlockable characters."

Interpretation: Sega wants to please the masses......to an extent.

[Clockw0rk]

Tails and Knuckles were pretty cool. I wouldn't mind if they were included to some extent.

[Stevorooni]

I don't mind Tails and Knuckles, they served a purpose of being other spinny characters to use in multiplayer. But the 6 million other stupid characters were completely unnecessary and the Nintendo equivalent would be adding another Mario brother in every game.

Alfonso: "Hi I'm Alfonso, another Mario Bro"
Giuseppe: "Hiya Alfonso"
Luigi: "I'ma Luigi, I'ma number one!"
Vito: "How's it-a going?"
Paolo: "Now-a there are 15 of us!"
Mario: "Mama mia... was a slut!"

Nintendo did kind of do it though, I mean... Waluigi....

So I'm ok with Tails and Knuckles, and possibly Amy to round it out to 4 characters (ala Sonic Advance) but just don't give them any friggen dialogue or cutscenes. It's a great idea Sega, you'll save money on voice actors!

[tau]

Tails and knuckles would be totally fine. They're part of what made sonic so awesome in the first place.


Also lol at that concept art. HEY LOOK! Here's the concept for a crab with an open pincer! BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! IT CLOSES ARE YOU EXCITED YET?

[Stevorooni]

I would love it it Eggman has kidnapped all of Sonic's crappy friends, Sonic fails to save them and they all die.

IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO START THE HEALING PROCESS SEGA

[tau]

Maybe they're inside a giant robot version of themselves as bosses. And killing the boss kills them. YAY

[AranchineD]

They're in one of those Eggpods at the end of the level, but in the first for the series it introduces some RPG elements in the form of choice & consequence - you can choose to ignore the Eggpod, causing them to suffocate inside the metal container

[Stevorooni]

They're in one of those Eggpods at the end of the level, but in the first for the series it introduces some RPG elements in the form of choice & consequence - you can choose to ignore the Eggpod, causing them to suffocate inside the metal container

and if you choose to save them it formats your hard drive because that's what you deserve.

[tau]

Which brings us to the next brand new feature, Desktop Computer Friend Codes! Link your computer for even more added interactive entertainment!

[Watchers]

http://i48.tinypic.com/2qaspao.jpg

GIANT.ENEMY.CRAB

Pretty sure that's just the standard crab enemy that was in the very first Sonic game...

[Fenrir]

Interpretation: Sega wants to please the masses......to an extent.
I'm not aware of any evidence that the masses really care.

That said, I really don't get why Sega are attempting to please the "core" gamer microcosm of their market. Are we loud enough to taint the image of their mascot? Have the last few Sonic games actually sold poorly? Do they just plain agree with us, marketing aside?

Anyway, S3&K is probably my favourite Sonic game, and I enjoyed the different gameplay frameworks of Tails and Knuckles, so I don't think a Sonic game has to only have "Sonic" and optionally "characters that play identically to Sonic" to be enjoyable. Sega just seem to've kept throwing obtuse gameplay roles at the others ever since, or something, like clunky robots and minigame-esque treasure hunts. >_>

[Ninjalada]

I will hold off on jizzing in my pants until I actually play the game. If it's anything like the OG Sonic, a massive nut will be busted indeed.

[Blue]

Pretty sure that's just the standard crab enemy that was in the very first Sonic game...That's the point.

Although I'm not sure if it's in the original. It made an appearance in the sequel, certainly.

[Watchers]

It definitely was in the first.

[castr8or]

It definitely was in the first.

different crab in the first sonic

they scuttled along and shot bullets out of the claws iirc

pretty sure the red one was introduced in sonic 2

then again i could be totally wrong

[dinopoke]

I just boot the two games up to find out.

The crab in the first game is similar to it except it had two equal sized claws, a red face and grey instead of white.

I could not find a crab in Sonic 2. >_>

[castr8or]

I just boot the two games up to find out.

The crab in the first game is similar to it except it had two equal sized claws, a red face and grey instead of white.

I could not find a crab in Sonic 2. >_>

yeah its not in sonic 2...

maybe sonic 3 or Knuckles

I seem to recall that it punches at you with the claw

[This_is_me]

I just boot the two games up to find out.

The crab in the first game is similar to it except it had two equal sized claws, a red face and grey instead of white.

I could not find a crab in Sonic 2. >_>

I would believe it was in the Metropolis Zone.;)

[Dr Skinnybones]

yes indeed.

is this planned for digital distribution or boxed retail?
I only ask because it keeps me awake at night that, potentially, they could still water the game down to stretch out the play time for value's sake.

[castr8or]

I would believe it was in the Metropolis Zone.;)

http://info.sonicretro.org/Shellcracker

huzzah

i knew it was sonic 2
and you people made me doubt myself :)

[Ryan Hayward]

I never liked the sonic games except for Sonic 2. The rest of them have been totallly over-rated garbage. Bring back Bubsy!!

[Blue]

I would believe it was in the Metropolis Zone.;)Shit yeah it was. Didn't think it was in the first game …

Incidentally, Metropolis Zone and Chemical Plant zone have truly incredible music. I only hope that the music in this game lives up to those past glories.

[dinopoke]

I would believe it was in the Metropolis Zone.;)

Boy, am I red!

I haven't played much of Sonic 2.

[Creedy]

New game is rumored to be Sonic 4 and it's rumoured to be "episodic". Each episode contains a complete amount of zones and 7 gems though.
It was TSSZNEWS that had the scoop but it seems they were asked to remove their story by Sega. Looks like their sources may have been a bit to good.

http://www.tssznews.com/2010/01/22/eu-report-dishes-on-project-needlemouse/

"UPDATE: Though we have not yet received any cease and desist orders from Sega itself, we have been asked by the original source to remove our story–as they now have–and that request is being considered. At the same time, TSSZ News has learned of information that would confirm some, if not all of the below information–information we are trying to independently verify, and for that reason cannot yet disclose. Be assured we aren’t sitting by idly–we are working hard to bring you the latest details.
Our original story follows below."

*EDIT*

Orginal story said this.

Download Only? Sonic 4? Zone Names? All Inside
Let’s get right to it: The Dutch website SegaOnline is citing an anonymous source that is claiming to know a lot more about Project Needlemouse than anyone right now. We’d like to share that information with you.

Their report states that Needlemouse will be called Sonic 4. That had been referred to as an internal name by 1UP.com yesterday.

SegaOnline’s source claims that the game will only be for XBOX Live and the Playstation Network. That is something that has been hinted at previously by Sega employees. It looks increasingly likely that Wii users will be shutout of the next proper Sonic.
But here’s something no one saw coming–the game will be the first in a series.

Their source claims a name of Sonic 4: Episode 1. While that indicates piecemeal content, the downloads will be a full game, according to the information SegaOnline sent into us via News Tips:

Sonic 4 Episode 1, is going to be a full game. So that means 7 chaos emeralds and of course the purpose of defeating Dr. Eggman. You start in the Splash Hill Zone and finish in the E.G.G. Station zone.

Yes, those are zone names. Splash Hill Zone and E.G.G. Station Zone appear to be in, according to the source. We don’t know how many other zones are to be expected, but 7 with some special stages in the mix may be a good bet right now.
Their information claims the classic structure of acts and zones will be returning, but it’s not clear whether that means a 3 act or 2 act structure.

They, like us, are treating the information as rumor because of the nature of the source, and Sega has yet to comment on the report. However, in recent days, SegaOnline has been a very reliable source on Sonic information; they were first in the world to reveal Sonic Adventure’s re-release to XBOX Live. That’s why we’re taking the information seriously, and that’s why you should too.

We will wait for word from Sega on this story, a developing story. TSSZ News will follow up with anything more that we hear. We give great thanks to SegaOnline for tipping us off via our News Tips system.

[Ryan Hayward]

Sounds like they want to test the waters more than anything with a re imagining of Sonic in HD, old school style. No doubt if it sells and is brilliant, we'll be seeing it on every format known to man eventually and with more goodness to come.

[Nic Xtreme]

Wait, what?! Sonic Adventure is coming to XBLA?

[Dr Skinnybones]

I never liked the sonic games except for Sonic 2. The rest of them have been totallly over-rated garbage. Bring back Bubsy!!

Overrated garbage? My good man, Bubsy is not a good game, if anything, it was well overrated.

[Ninjalada]

One thing I never understood - when did Dr Robotnik become Dr Eggman? And why?

[AranchineD]

Actually it was Eggman who became Robotnik, then went back to Eggman.

[FrozenSoul80]

I thought the name difference was just a regional thing?

[AranchineD]

That's how it went yeah, he was always Eggman in Japan, but he became Robotnik over in the west, at least for a while.



At least that's what I thought. Looking on Wikipedia it seems Dr. Robotnik is his actual name, and Dr. Eggman is just an alias because, you know, he looks like an egg. WHAT IS THIS, the sneaky bastards found a way to get around the differing names >_>

[FrozenSoul80]

There are a few crazy regional differences in the Sonic franchise, most notably the location of the planet the games take place on.

[Blue]

Yeah, his name is Dr. Ivor Robotnik, or something like that, but they ditched that to make it consistent with the Japanese name, or maybe because Dr. Eggman is a more kiddie-friendly name than Robotnik. Anyway, I'll call him Robotnik to my dying day.

So, this all sounds good. As long as it maintains the same aesthetics as the originals, and has awesome old-school music instead of that Sonic Rush crap, I'm sold.

[Dr Skinnybones]

Dr Eggman is the Japanese name, Dr Robotnik is the Western name.
In Sonic Adventure, they reconciled the two by having his name as Robotnik but the characters refer to him as Eggman, as an insult. After that, they just went with Eggman.

Similar thing with the planets. Sonic was always intended to be on Earth but during an interview Naka was talking about the mobius strips in Sonic 2 (those things that loop Sonic on the horizontal axis). It was taken to mean the planet was mobius. This was then cemented by the comics, cartoons etc.
Or so I've heard.

[Xanafalgue]

**** 'Eggman', I want Robotnik back!

[JubeiSaotome]

http://us.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicthehedgehog4episode1/news.html?sid=6249445&tag=topslot;thumb;1&mode=previews

[borgster101]

Teaser looked pretty much like exactly what people wanted for years ... episode 1? So how many levels/worlds per episode?

[Natrak]

Yeah, I think that's now the big question mark. How are Sega going to handle pricing and the amount of content?

[AranchineD]

Teaser looked pretty much like exactly what people wanted for years ... episode 1? So how many levels/worlds per episode?

Didn't someone post earlier in the thread that every episode would be a full game equal to the size of one of the original games?

[Stevorooni]

* sniff * It's everything I've ever wanted

[Ninjalada]

http://us.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicthehedgehog4episode1/news.html?sid=6249445&tag=topslot;thumb;1&mode=previews

404 – Page Not Found

:(

[JubeiSaotome]

http://kotaku.com/5463913/project-needlemouse-is-sonic-4-episode-i

Sonic's run animation looks half-assed, though.

[tau]

I can't help but wonder... what new content can they add without filling fanboys with pure rage? If you've all been wanting a sonic game that's like the old ones, well, when was the last time you played through sonic 1-3/knuckles?

[Ryan Hayward]

Its funny how much fun the old games still are. Phantasy Star 4 still manages to blow away most modern rpgs with excellent witty and funny exchanges and a very quick pace. Then there's Phantasy Star 2 and its bitch-hard difficulty....

Sonic 2 is still hugely playable and challenging too. More of that and I'll be a happy camper...

[Ninjalada]

All I want is this music for every single boss fight.

gUDp-DkScts

[Blue]

http://kotaku.com/5463913/project-needlemouse-is-sonic-4-episode-i

Sonic's run animation looks half-assed, though.Agreed.

Also, yeah, the thing with this game is that they'll either make it Sonic 3 HD, as close to the originals as possible, or they'll add new elements and everyone will complain. Back in the day, however, I never bothered with Sonic 1, as I'd already played the far-superior 2, and I didn't spend much time with 3 or Knuckles, because I'd already become tired of the formula after countless hours playing 2. I haven't touched the games for years, and really, even though I will always love Sonic 2, without the nostalgia this new game will be nothing more than a short-lived distraction. I can't help but feel as if I've moved on. I'd rather just have a beautifully-constructed 2.5D remake of Sonic 2.

[Gutsman Heavy]

argh, they better fix that "power-walk" running animation! Otherwise I'm pretty stoked.

Hopes they will call Robotnick, Robotnick and not Eggman if they are serial about this being a real Sonic 4.

[AranchineD]

All I want is this music for every single boss fight.

gUDp-DkScts

It's a very good theme, but the boss music in Sonic 3 is better.

[Ninjalada]

It's a very good theme, but the boss music in Sonic 3 is better.

No way!

[FrozenSoul80]

You're both wrong, Sonic and Knuckles had the best boss music.

[RunningMild]

Yeah, I think that's now the big question mark. How are Sega going to handle pricing and the amount of content?

I'm going to take a wild guess and say 'poorly'. This is a new Sonic game after all, so they have to screw up something... :p

Hopefully they don't though, because that trailer looked cool. Makes me want to finish Sonic 2.

[AranchineD]

You're both wrong, Sonic and Knuckles had the best boss music.

Hey, wait a minute...

[Australian Ninja]

Charmy the Bee is best, he needs his own game. Make it happen SEGA.

[Blue]

It's a very good theme, but the boss music in Sonic 3 is better.Sonic 2 had the best music of the series, though.

Chemical Plant Zone
Metropolis Zone

[Xanafalgue]

Sonic 4? YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY :D

[This_is_me]

We all no that the chrome gadget theme was the best of the lot.:cool:

[Fenrir]

I didn't spend much time with 3 or Knuckles
Bah, S3&K is the best Sonic game ever.

EDIT: no website link (http://www.sonicthehedgehog4.com/) yet?

[AranchineD]

what

Sonic & Knuckles is a terrible Sonic game. The downfall of the franchise began with that game.

Sonic 2 had the best music of the series, though.

Chemical Plant Zone
Metropolis Zone

Ice Cap Zone automatically wins this argument

[Ryan Hayward]

I have fond memories of Sonic 3 but only because after Sonic 2, it was a walk in the park. :-)

[Fenrir]

what

Sonic & Knuckles is a terrible Sonic game. The downfall of the franchise began with that game.
no u


Also, I said S3&K.

[Dr Skinnybones]

Sonic 3&K was sweet, but Sonic 2 is best.

[JubeiSaotome]

Big the Cat clearly needs his own game.

[JubeiSaotome]

pVI6Agm1-kY

[castr8or]

pVI6Agm1-kY

i disagree with what they are saying, the problem with sonic isn't that its the same thing over and over again, the problem is that they deviated from what was actually good in an attempt to be new and refreshing (or just chase the competition) and failed in the execution of that product. The 2d sonic's were great, sonic 1, 2, 3 and S&K are still 4 of the greatest platformers out there. Its the other games that were problematic.

[Ryan Hayward]

The funny thing 'bout the older sonic games is that I never raced through the levels like you were supposed to. I deliberately took my time to explore every nook and fanny.

[RunningMild]

The 2d sonic's were great, sonic 1, 2, 3 and S&K are still 4 of the greatest platformers out there.

They've recently been released on DS as 'Sonic Classic Collection', in case anyone's interested.

[McChimp]

They've recently been released on DS as 'Sonic Classic Collection', in case anyone's interested.

Good emulation of the games too. Tempted to get it, maybe even the Limited Edition, IF it comes down in price.....

http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/163209-sonic.jpg

[Australian Ninja]

Good emulation of the games too. Tempted to get it, maybe even the Limited Edition, IF it comes down in price.....

http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/163209-sonic.jpg

Sonic Mega Collection is still better value, and can be bought for peanuts. Depends on how bad you want the same games again on a different platform.

[Ryan Hayward]

You would think with the popularity of the old sonics and the fact that Sega has milked the compilations to death, that they would have got off their fat asses and given us another 2D Sonic years ago....
They really are dipshits.

[McChimp]

Sonic Mega Collection is still better value, and can be bought for peanuts. Depends on how bad you want the same games again on a different platform.

I'd pick it up just for the portability, as I can't always get near the TV if I ever crave a bit 'o old-school.

[RunningMild]

I'd pick it up just for the portability, as I can't always get near the TV if I ever crave a bit 'o old-school.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Getting all four games on XBLA is way cheaper, but paying extra for portability is a factor...

[McChimp]

One of my co-workers at GAME bought it and says it's REALLY laggy at times, like it's a dodgy port/ emulation, which is disappointing for, what, an 18 y/o game on 5 - 6 y/o hardware.

[Xanafalgue]

Oh. My. God. **** you Sega!

http://www.thelostgamer.com/2010/04/08/latest-leaked-sonic-4-video-is-worst-thing-weve-ever-seen/

[AranchineD]

First the shitty music, now this.


I just can't help but laugh.

[Nic Xtreme]

Oh god. You'd think that moving development over to Dimps, the Sonic Rush people, things would be different. Evidently not ;_;

[FrozenSoul80]

What the **** is this shit. I watched 15 seconds and I'm already feeling motion-sick. **** you, Sega, I knew you couldn't get anything right.

EDIT: Turns out I was at the 43 second point. Either way, I actually feel nauseous.

[tau]

*head explodes as the world spins*

[Fenrir]

To be fair, it does sort-of give off the same novelty flavour as the (also totally shit) 3D bonus emerald-search sections of the original games. Doesn't belong in the main act sequence, though.

[Clockw0rk]

I'm not passing judgement until the game is released. My hopes are still pretty low, and this doesn't help much.

[Stevorooni]

Hopefully it's only 1 act




and there's a way of skipping that 1 act completely, kind of like how you could skip that mission in MW2 because it may cause offense.

[JubeiSaotome]

How does any developer think that this would be "fun" to play?

[RunningMild]

It's not loading on my browser, even after installing the latest Flash player.

EDIT: Nope, two different computers and two different browsers and it's not loading in any of them. Is there another link to the video elsewhere, like on Youtube?

EDIT 2: Is this the one?

http://vodpod.com/watch/3374197-video-sonic-4-footage-has-a-mine-cart-a-mine-cart

Yeah, it looks pretty awful. Having steps that you can't even jump over without multiple goes =/= fun. Also, , it's not helped by the fact that the guy playing it has clearly never played it before.

What's worse is you know the PS3 version will have some shitty Move support, and God help you if you're playing it on Wii...

Dare I say VINTAGE SONIC TEAM?