Sonic The Hedgehog 4

[MAMA]

Wow, they have ears afterall!



http://www.gamespot.com/news/6216991.html

http://kotaku.com/5355153/sonic-retu...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.

Want.

[Slave]

*cries*

Although

I love how they say "is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots". I mean, I can understand having to build UP to 3D, but surely you don't need to move back to 2D step by step. You just DO it.

[Slave]

http://www.needlemouse.com/

This actually does seem like the best Sonic-related news since the initial leaks of Sonic Unleashed so whilst I am eager to see, I'm furthermore just waiting to see them cock it up.

[MAMA]

I know I shouldnt get my hopes up, but...

I wonder if this will be a full retail release or an XBL/PSN release? I can't imagine it going to Wii, it being HD, but then again..

[Lee]

I always wondered why they didn't keep Sonic with 2D gameplay but 3D graphics. It could be like Little Big Planet on speed.

[Slave]

For Sonic to go online-only would be a massive move, but then Sega have previously said that they will use the werehog engine in another game, which makes me think they might have a full retail release for something closer to Sonic Unleashed planned.

There was an interview with the Sega brand manager posted at Gamespot which makes for fairly interesting reading related to how they view the series:

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.

What is interesting/frustrating is how they seem unable to accept ANY criticism of the 3D iterations. The only game the guy really picks out as a fail was Sonic Chaos, although the core series is the one picked out as the highlight, so at least they know where it's at with the series.

I have to say, they don't seem particularly ENTHUSIASTIC about essentially undoing a good ten years of work on the series. It basically implies that it's all the fanboys fault for not moving on.

[MAMA]

Just give me Sonic & Knuckles 2 and I can die happy.

[Slave]

A game with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Robotnik would do me.

Looks like the "supporting" characters will be back though.

[MAMA]

A game with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Robotnik would do me.

Looks like the "supporting" characters will be back though.

Hopefully they're back in the same capacity as Sonic Unleashed (ie: you don't play as them, they're just there as part of the, erm, "story).

Unlike the 3D titles, this is going to sink or swim the franchise in my eyes; if they fuck this up then there is no hope.

[Slave]

That is the risk I suppose. I mean clearly, it won't be the end of the franchise because there really seems to be no quality control on some of the crap that gets released under the brand.

But from a fanboy/core gamer point of view, yes, Sonic's legacy really is the one thing that keeps people from not writing the series off. If they can't make this iteration work out, then you have to say "they can't do 3D, they can't do 2D...what can they do next?"

[Diddy]

I want ROBOTNIK, not EGGMAN

[Lee]

Aren't they pretty much the same thing!?

[Diddy]

But one is called Dr Robotnik. THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE CHANGED IT

[PercyPig]

The worst game he could come up with was Sonic Chaos?

No wonder the series is shit

[Diddy]

I liked Sonic Chaos (i think) ... and his only basis for criticism was that it was 8-Bit for an 8-Bit system!

What about bullshit like Sonic Drift?

[Slave]

The worst game he could come up with Sonic Chaos?

I know Though I suppose remembering the names of EVERY game they "didn't quite nail" would be a big ask.

[MAMA]

But one is called Dr Robotnik. THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE CHANGED IT

I know, that pisses me off too. Oh and get Sonic off Earth and kick his ass back to Mobius where it belongs.

[MAMA]

What about bullshit like Sonic Drift?

Or Sega All Stars Racing... coming soon!



....at least it looks pretty.

[Diddy]

I know, that pisses me off too. Oh and get Sonic off Earth and kick his ass back to Mobius where it belongs.

I'm glad you agree.

It's like having Santa Claus and suddenly starting to call him Xmasman

[Slave]

Eggman has always been his name in Japan though. Not that they can't localise it a bit, but Robotnik's back-story (ie. the Dr. Ovi Kintobor origin) is a very European thing and doesn't fit into the current games at ALL.

[MAMA]

It's like having Santa Claus and suddenly starting to call him Xmasman

But... that would be pretty awesome

Anyhow, Sega have started a countdown on their blog.. in a pretty strange manner that was probably designed to piss people off as much as possible. Classic Sega.

http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2010/01/...untdown-day-1/



..I'm going to go out on a titanium limb encased with reinforced concrete and say that Sonic will be the last one left.

[Slave]

Sega really had better not fuck this up. I think they're really going for the BIG re-launch
this year.

[MAMA]

Just hurry the fuck up Sega.

[Slave]

I had this rather WORRYING thought earlier that they could re-imagine the whole series and go for the female market with Amy as the lead character. But if this isn't heading to the Wii that would make little sense.

I'm suddenly wary that Shadow The Hedgehog could be a possibility.

[Slave]

Oh I see they're counting down to reveal playable characters. No Tails and Knuckles though...

[MAMA]

I had this rather WORRYING thought earlier that they could re-imagine the whole series and go for the female market with Amy as the lead character. But if this isn't heading to the Wii that would make little sense.

I'm suddenly wary that Shadow The Hedgehog could be a possibility.

*rocks back and forth covering ears*

[MAMA]

Oh I see they're counting down to reveal playable characters. No Tails and Knuckles though...

Yep. And I only noticed the exclusion of Tails and Knuckles when you mentioned it... hah! I'm sure they'll be in the game in some capacity, even if they aren't playable.

FYI Needlemouse was Sonics name before they settled on Sonic

[Slave]

I'd like Tails and Knuckles to be playable if they're going to be included...the only way I can really imagine the "hardcore" fans being happy at their exclusion is if the series went right back to its roots and had Sonic as the only playable character.

I'm not writing a game off before we have any SOLID information on it, but if they're trying to reluanch the series (which it seems they are as they're re-opening a Sonic The Hedgehog ride at Alton Towers in a few months) then to include anyone else above Tails and Knuckles would NOT fill me with confidence.

[Slave]

So it's CONFIRMED that Sonic will be the ONLY playable character. Plus some concept art of an enemy, funnily enough one that has been around since the ORIGINAL game. This is SO going to be a HD re-make of 'Sonic The Hedgehog'...

[Diddy]

Isn't that one if those cunts from the Metropolis zone?

A Sonic RIDE?

[Slave]

Work in progress:



http://sonicstadium.org/news/exclusi...rs-in-february

[Slave]

FUCKS SAKE.

[Diddy]

Oh isn't that just that pinball ride that has the inordinately long queues?

[Slave]

Yes, it's just being re-themed.

It's all just a good sign though that they are REALLY pushing to relaunch the series - we get a collection of the first four games for the DS in a few months too.

I can't help but get excited. I've been waiting for this for SO long.

[Diddy]

Yay!! Old Sonic games on yet another format but I'm still well up for it. ESSENTIAL

[MAMA]

Isn't that one if those cunts from the Metropolis zone?

Yep, looks smiliar.

I'm glad the Badniks are back, the straight-up robots they introduced to the game in '06 are aesthetically dull.

[Diddy]

*excite*

I dont know why I'm excited about another port of the Sonic games on the DS though I JUST AM. Mid-March it's looking like

[WiDGe->]

So, Mario is better than Sonic then?

[MAMA]

Oh no he di'int!

[Diddy]

-1 Widge