Project Needlemouse IS ACTUALLY SONIC 4 [Archive]

Regulus Tera

01-09-2010, 02:17 PM

(Original thread title: Project Needlemouse (that Sonic retro game) may have never actually existed)

First there was this (http://www.tssznews.com/2010/01/08/how-secret-is-needlemouse-not-even-the-trailer-dev-saw-it/):

But What Does �Without a Character� Mean?

If you thought you were in the dark on the upcoming Project Needlemouse, imagine how clueless the firm who produced the original trailer felt.
The San Francisco based Integrated Alchemy Media, an online marketing boutique who specializes in �disruptive� video, did not see a second of the next Sonic. That�s according to their boisterous Vimeo relay of the trailer. They had a week to put together something out of nothing, and it worked�within 2 days, their trailer was viewed by at least 100,000 people in their estimation.

But there may be some holes in their PR push�some very big holes. It appears Project Needlemouse is a tentative title. At the time of the spot�s production, there was no title, no logo, and�well, we�ll let the bold portion speak for itself:

SEGA came to Integrated Alchemy Media without a game, without a title, without a logo, without a character, and with a challenge: Make fans of Sonic the Hedgehog excited about his return in the game you�re not going to show. We had one week. But we also had Trevor Gavin, Ryan Berkey and Vadan Less This 30 second teaser got 100,000 views in its first 48 hours and the mission was a total success.

�What�s this �without a character� business? Could the next major Sonic game have been so early in development that, as of September, it wasn�t determined whether Sonic, as we know him, would be the lead? That would certainly put a chink in the armor of many fans� opinions thus far, who think this could be Sonic�s return to 2D glory.

But because this all but affirms the trailer was made from nothing�and perhaps as part of a shotgun announcement based on bark more than bite�and we still have nothing, it�s tough to pin down what more to take from this, other than Project Needlemouse will likely not be the final title, and Alchemy Media accomplished its goal quite successfully.

What do you think? Do you think Sega would even consider nixing Sonic in a lead role for such a well-hyped project? And what of this �without a game� talk? Tell us in the comments section.
We give great thanks to ShadiWulf for sending this in to our News Tips system. If you have news to share, be sure to share it by clicking News Tips at the top of every page.

And now, this (http://www.tssznews.com/2010/01/09/integrated-alchemy-pulls-needlemouse-description/):

Nothing to see here� right?

Yesterday, we brought you the story of how advertising firm Integrated Alchemy Media was approached by Sega to create a �Project Needlemouse� teaser in only a week, despite never seeing the game itself or any materials relating to it. This was by Integrated Alchemy�s own admission, right on their Vimeo page for the teaser itself. Emphasis on �was�, because today, that description has been completely removed � leaving just the video itself.

This is most likely a move to quell the collective confusion and bewilderment spawned by Integrated Alchemy�s original statement on the teaser. Some fans took it as a bad omen � that the teaser was simply cashing in on nostalgia seeing as Integrated Alchemy did not actually know what the game looked or played like. Indeed, despite the teaser suggesting otherwise, �Project Needlemouse� may not even be going in a retro direction at all.
If at least the date at the end of the teaser is to be believed, �Project Needlemouse� is slated for release this year � meaning that real, actual, solid information is only months away (my bet is on E3 in June). We�ll keep you posted.

The Sonic Cycle has evolved into the Sonic Paradox. Announcement, excitement, revelations, disappointment..... but this time there is NO GAME to hold these stages together.

It's mind-blowing. Only Sega could not-make-a-game and have it still suck.

Nightshine

01-09-2010, 02:21 PM

I'm officially boycotting Sega and all related products.

BitVyper

01-09-2010, 02:42 PM

The Sonic Cycle has evolved into the Sonic Paradox.

I'm waiting for the Sonic Tesseract, myself. Sonic doesn't need fewer dimensions - he needs more.

Mirai Gen

01-09-2010, 02:45 PM

Jesus, they're becoming a parody of themselves.

Bells

01-09-2010, 02:58 PM

http://i36.tinypic.com/2e1uljl.jpg

Sonic doesn't need fewer dimensions - he needs more.

He needs a new company!

For fucks sake, will somebody buy SEGA already?! Or burn it to the ground, either way is good right now

Kim

01-11-2010, 07:57 PM

A Needlemouse Countdown Quiz (http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/11/project-needlemouse-character-countdown-day-1/)

I like that they seem to be mocking themselves with this, though it is more than likely unintentional. I am curious as to how many will get the ax, though the sad fact is that even if they cut everyone but Sonic, that doesn't mean that they won't cram other characters into the cutscenes.

Kyanbu The Legend

01-11-2010, 08:17 PM

LOL Sega... just when we think you can't bury sonic any deeper, you come out a surprise us with this. Bravo, I take it you'll be doing this from now on? Though I guess it's under standable if your doing this JUST to screw with the Sonic Fanbase (which I supect is in chaos right now). Hell seeing how the fans act, I'd probably do this crap too. XD

Personally though, they should have waited till April Fools Day, release a tech demo of a 2D.5 Sonic stage cleverly disguised as a gameplay trailer then say this at the very end. It would have been the perfect April Fools gag of the year.

Regulus Tera

01-11-2010, 11:28 PM

Kyanbu The Legend

01-11-2010, 11:39 PM

Shade, Frogy, Tikal, Chip, Charmy, and Big won't make the cut.

Also chances of Mr.Needlemouse will be replacing Sonic aren't pretty slim. Hell, this might be the Blue Blur's last game before being replaced/reconned out of existence.

I also love how Tails and Knuckles aren't on the list. Which means they are either the only other playable characters besides sonic and the list is just to screw with the fans even more. Or they really got rid of 2 of possibly the only few characters that haven't been ruined by the 3D games.

Kim

01-13-2010, 12:33 PM

http://i49.tinypic.com/20aautz.jpg

For a while, I thought this was real, and started to worry that Shadow the Hedgehog would be the main character. Was glad to find out that was not the case.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4268720261_9d873179ee_o.jpg

Donomni

01-15-2010, 03:19 PM

Durp: (http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/15/project-needlemouse-character-countdown-finale-and-concept-art/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4276408713_b15c435ef1_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4276408701_82bfe71a84.jpg

Still being skeptical, considering while Sonic may be the only playable character, but he may still get NEW FRIENDSHURRRR... either that or this is gonna be a remake. :/

Mirai Gen

01-15-2010, 03:25 PM

I suppose the most important facet of the Sonic Cycle is Sega desperately trying to build hype.

EDIT: Day 6 is them rejecting Sonic.

Regulus Tera

01-15-2010, 03:28 PM

Well technically you could only play as Sonic in Sonic and the Werewolf-thingy travel the world.

bluestarultor

01-15-2010, 03:31 PM

I suppose the most important facet of the Sonic Cycle is Sega desperately trying to build hype.

EDIT: Day 6 is them rejecting Sonic.

That still would leave leave Tails, Knucles, and Silver. Well, and probably a million others. Was Espio on that list?

Silver would have been really cool if they'd just handled him right. Maybe a retcon?

Magic_Marker

01-15-2010, 03:32 PM

Hey, hey guys.

Do you guys ever remember Sonic 2? Man, that game was great, I heard they made a third one but after that Sega lost funding and no other sonic games were made.

This happens a lot to things I like. Matrix never got a sequel. Star Wars stopped after just three movies, I even heard that they were going to make a Star Trek series with some captain named "John Archer."

Too bad none of those things ever got made.

Regulus Tera

01-15-2010, 03:45 PM

From the comments at the blog:

Hah, thousands of people want Sonic alone? You guys Do realize it�s but a single portion of the Sonic huge fanbase that�s been asking for it, although a very loud portion, and most people complaining about side characters aren�t even fans at all?

There�s thousands and thousands of websites and message boards dedicated to single characters of the Sonic franchise out there, and it�s all those fans that you are going to alienate if you keep neglecting everyone besides Sonic himself, like you did in Unleashed.

I just lost all interest for this game myself, I hope you�ll see your mistake and use a larger part of the cast in the future games�

I�m kind of upset� I mean, a game with only Sonic; it�s gotta be boring. I was really hoping for Shadow.
But yeah, I saw this coming.
And ha-ha, that was really funny of you, SEGA. |:/

There are no facepalms big enough.

Not that I have any faith in this project to begin with.

Edit: Quote:
What� I was really expecting Shadow to be playable with Sonic, i�m slightly disappointed.

Quote:
I was hoping to Tikal and Shade�

Posted by Robotonik (from CIS) on January 15th, 2010 at 11:33 am

Quote:
I admit, I saw this coming, can�t say I�m not a little disapointed though, not even Tails or Knuckles? I was also kinda hoping for Tikal or Amy� Aw well, I can wait, I mean, I�m sure SEGA will come to it�s senses and bring back Classic Amy one day. =P

Thanks SEGA, can�t wait~

Quote:
Thank you so much Sonic Team!! I honestly loved the Adventure series, Shadow the Hedgehog, Heroes, Sonic Unleashed, and even �Sonic the Hedgehog� with all it�s problems, but I�m extremely excited about playing a new side-scroller Sonic. Please, please, please release on 360.. and also, please leave Sonic the way he is now, as much as some of the older fans like Sonic as a fat child. I�m an older fan who prefers Sonic�s more teenage form. I�m looking forward to some bad-ass special stages to start collecting my chaos emeralds like the old days. Keep it up Sonic Team! -from a fan who has never lost faith. :)

Posted by Crazy Phil on January 15th, 2010 at 11:43 am

Sonic fans are terrible human beings.

Magic_Marker

01-15-2010, 03:50 PM

True Fact: Today's generation of Sonic Fans are also Teabaggers.

krogothwolf

01-15-2010, 04:08 PM

I don't really understand how there could be a new generation of sonic fans, they must be masochists.

Mirai Gen

01-15-2010, 04:09 PM

I mean, a game with only Sonic; it’s gotta be boring.
http://pics.livejournal.com/miraigen/pic/000qk56z

Locke cole

01-15-2010, 04:09 PM

Still being skeptical, considering while Sonic may be the only playable character, but he may still get NEW FRIENDSHURRRR...

"no new characters � playable or otherwise."

Kroze Gamegod

01-15-2010, 04:10 PM

I must admit, I am kinda sad that there is no Tails/Knuckles but if it means an ACTUALLY good game, I will be happy.

01d55

01-15-2010, 04:12 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4276408701_82bfe71a84.jpg

I know that guy! He's a badnick from Sonic 2's Metropolis Zone.

bluestarultor

01-15-2010, 04:12 PM

I must admit, I am kinda sad that there is no Tails/Knuckles but if it means an ACTUALLY good game, I will be happy.

Tails and Knuckles weren't on the list and therefore haven't been rejected. ;)

Locke cole

01-15-2010, 04:12 PM

'm a bit worried that they won't even try to explain why none of the entourage is in the game, though.
Could be another "Sonic gets spat out into an alternate-reality" game, but I dunno.

Daimo Mac, The Blue Light of Hope

01-15-2010, 04:23 PM

To me, Sonic has always been Sonic, Tails and Knuckles (never played Master System Sonic, only Genesis era).

Donomni

01-15-2010, 04:36 PM

"no new characters � playable or otherwise."

They could easily roll out the woodland creatures from the Genesis games you freed and go all "Well, they were already in a Sonic game, so they aren't exactly new...".

When it comes to Sonic, one must always assume some level of suckage nowadays.

Regulus Tera

01-15-2010, 04:39 PM

I must admit, I am kinda sad that there is no Tails/Knuckles but if it means an ACTUALLY good game, I will be happy.

Neither Sonic in Arabia with waggle or Sonic around the World in Eighty Days had any other playable characters except Sonic. The lack of shitty friends doesn't exempt the game from being shitty.

Kroze Gamegod

01-15-2010, 04:42 PM

Although there has always been one thing that has stayed consistantly amazing through the entire Sonic series which everyone seems to forget: The Music

Say what you will about Sonic 2006 but the music was awesome in it...

Ryong

01-15-2010, 05:11 PM

Neither Sonic in Arabia with waggle or Sonic around the World in Eighty Days had any other playable characters except Sonic. The lack of shitty friends doesn't exempt the game from being shitty.

Correct me on this one if I'm wrong, but wasn't Sonic and the Secret Rings good? Yeah, it's a departure on the normal formula, but it's not bad.

Professor Smarmiarty

01-15-2010, 05:31 PM

Locke cole

01-15-2010, 05:33 PM

Correct me on this one if I'm wrong, but wasn't Sonic and the Secret Rings good? Yeah, it's a departure on the normal formula, but it's not bad.

Yeah, I hear the only major complaint is the on-railsness of the gameplay and having to upgrade Sonic.
I can see where that comes from though; Genesis Sonic really wasn't all that fast. Sure, he was like way ahead of, say, Mario in the speed factor, but precision platforming was still the name of the game, and putting you on rails kind of hinders that, a lot.

Kerensky287

01-15-2010, 05:48 PM

bluestarultor

01-15-2010, 05:56 PM

I wish someone from the Sonic Team would watch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hik-TeGQIn0&feature=channel) these (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YDrVRqmrLY&feature=channel). In the second one, the Game Overthinker describes a game I would LOVE to play.

But I dunno, for now I'm thinking that they may be doing something good with this. As long as it isn't a rerelease of Sonic 2... or a Megaman 9-style throwback, graphics and all... or a half-assed effort of any kind.

They say it's going to be HD sprites, so no, it's not going to be a throwback. They're finally taking a step in the right direction by taking Sonic out of 3D, but they're not throwing their hands up quite yet.

Kyanbu The Legend

01-15-2010, 06:55 PM

After looking at that crab and seeing sonic as the only playable character. I'm convinced now that they are reseting the franchise. If so then that means that we won't be seeing anyone else but Sonic, tails, knuckles and maybe Amy ever again.

Except as multiplayer characters in 2P mode.

Regulus Tera

01-15-2010, 11:30 PM

Sonic R?

What, you cannot feel the sunshine?

Yumil

01-15-2010, 11:35 PM

What, you cannot feel the sunshine?

I know I can. (http://www.quackerandbowen.com/sonicr.html)

Regulus Tera

01-16-2010, 12:04 AM

From the Sega forums:

[Sonic Adventure 2]storyline were great!

hey can you guys make shadow the hedgeehog 2?? plz, i really like shadow (hes my favorite ^_____________^)?

thanks, i love u sega

PLEASE SONIS MUST NOT SMILE!!!

THIS IS WHAT MADE HIM SO COOL IN THE FIRST VERSION, HE WAS A BADASS!

(I know I usually don�t une caps but this one is coming from the bottom on my heart).

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! I WAS HOPING THIS WOULD BE ONE OF THE BEST SONIC GAMES EVER AND THEY RUINED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eh� I dunno if I am really glad about that, to be honest. Sonic�s means a world full of lovely characters to me, so seeing less of those may make it quite the bit boring to me personally� guess we shall see.

I must say I�m HUGELY disappointed. I agree with everything ilcane87 said. I didn�t stay a Sonic fan because I only liked the classics, I stayed a Sonic fan because I liked that Sonic always brought something new to the table. Theres was always something to look forward to or be curious about. Granted the whole execution of bring news elements and characters in a game were a mess but I felt there was improvement in recent Sonic games regarding that problem.

This game is really for radical retro fans who can�t let go of the past because they refuse for change. Fans who gave up on Sonic�s potential future in 3D simply because a few years have being rocky for him, yet forget games like SA1 and 2. I know not all classic Sonic fans are not like that (I�m not) but it seems most are, these days and it�s gotten to be annoying

...

The classics made me become a Sonic fan but it was SA1 and 2 that kept me a fan and kept me interested in Sonic after my teen years. Otherwise I would have lost interest a long time ago. And the last thing I want is for Sonic to go backwards when there is still great potential for him and the rest of the characters without them going backwards in progress. I don�t want to play a game that feels exactly like a game I already have. Playing only as Sonic is boring to me. Don�t get me wrong Sonic is one of my favorite characters but I want the option to play as other characters,(or at least let them be in the story)

With Sonic The Hedgehog on the 360 this great adventures continued. Except some annoying bugs and frustrating battles with the other characters, and redoing the same bosses or levels the game was amazing. The speed-sections blew everyone away, and the platforming part of the game was just like it should be. Sonic on the 360 was well done�.

dah i was pissed amy wasnt in it but i got over it! sonic & sega all-stars racing is coming out so at least i get to play as her in that! :) ! i was hoping this would be a sonic only game because when i saw shadow up there AFTER amy rose i almost died! and i never played the originals, but apperently they were good if all these people care soooooo much. but could you please (in the next games) bring back some characters. especially mighty. i loved him! well maybe not because hes been dead for a while, but as long as tails is in it i guess ill be happy (:

what the heck only sonic.noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

shadow is gone?!NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!oh well, sonic is better than nothing

Gonna miss Shadow D:

This just makes Shadow the Hedgehog 2 more likely
Do not question my logic
>>>>>>>>>>>:CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
SHADOWISMYLOVEILOVEHIMFOREVERNEVERGONNAGIVEHIMUPNE VERGONNALETHIMDOWN
�
/notsarcasticbutstillexcited

Why there will be no Tails or Knuckles in this game? This is not acceptable! You say �To the thousands of you out there asking for a game where Sonic is the only playable character � rejoice.�? Stupid excuse, liars.
For what was all of this damn �Character Countdown�?! In order to make it clear that in the game will be only Sonic? Or we all did that just for a concept art? For one picture with Shellshocker?! We want screenshots!!
You must do something worthy! Something like Sonic Next Gen, but with Love Story (SonAmy, ShadRouge or maybe KnuxRouge (I am so tired of this love triangle� Rouge always confuses me. Is she loves both of them?)) and at least 6 playable characters, while retaining the spirit of �old� Sonic! You can do it, can�t you? ;)

where's the nearest suicide booth so that I can shove these people in it

phil_

01-16-2010, 12:43 AM

where's the nearest suicide booth so that I can shove these people in itI think you already found it. You're just not using it hard enough. Also, the booth can not kill itself, much to it and its family's shame

Corel

01-16-2010, 12:57 AM

Sonic R?

What, you cannot feel the sunshine?

Fun fact; I've met the guy who composed the Sonic R music.

I was torn between shaking his hand and throttling his neck.

By the way, Super Sonic needs a nerf.

Kyanbu The Legend

01-16-2010, 01:31 AM

Fun fact; I've met the guy who composed the Sonic R music.

I was torn between shaking his hand and throttling his neck.

By the way, Super Sonic needs a nerf.

Remove the "getting hit doesn't cause you to lose rings" and he should be balanced enough.

bluestarultor

01-16-2010, 01:35 AM

@ RTpost: Holy geez! And here I thought it was just that Sonic Team was retarded when they were just catering to a very vocal retarded minority. That's almost forgivable!

I mean, when sales speak, it's not like they were being proven wrong or anything. Hopefully, sales will speak a bit louder this time and all these "true fans" will get over themselves and realize that having more characters just makes for a bloated, intolerable cast. Although some of the older ones have finally gotten development, so I can't really fault them for, like, maybe a Rouge cameo or two at this point. Just not adding another million woodland creatures like they have been with every installment since the series went south.

(Edit: If it's not clear, I'm being humorous with this post, or at least the first part. I swear, none of those people were probably even born yet when the series got its start, so they don't know what a good Sonic game is.)

Jagos

01-16-2010, 08:26 AM

*knocks on Sega's Door*

Hello? Can I borrow a cup of sugar? This is Nintendo with a good idea of releasing old games on the Wii Console. Oh, you want to use the Wii for old games? Why sure. Maybe we can get a few pints going and you might actually grow to prominence again. *laughs*

Locke cole

01-16-2010, 11:56 AM

They've already released a number of Genesis Sonic games on the Virtual Console, though.

Mirai Gen

01-16-2010, 05:03 PM

*knocks on Sega's Door*

Hello? Can I borrow a cup of sugar?

"Sorry, we don't have any sugar, but we do have a whole lot of suck."

Jagos

01-16-2010, 07:41 PM

They've already released a number of Genesis Sonic games on the Virtual Console, though.

*Knocks on Capcom's Door*

We [Sega] just need a little more to take a few pints of "Winning Formula" Kool-Aid and make better games in 2D so people realize that Sonic was a helluva lot more fun on the Genesis. Can we borrow your recipe for Bionic Commando and Mega Man and make more money than you?

Kyanbu The Legend

01-18-2010, 05:20 AM

It's not that 3D Sonic wouldn't work. It's just difficult for Sonic Team to get right for some reason. Might be understandable but given their competence level it's most likely not.

So yeah I'm still not giving up on the idea that 3D sonic can be done right.

Regulus Tera

02-04-2010, 12:33 AM

Happens at: Midnight PST | 3AM EST | 8AM GMT | 5PM JST (http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/fullscreen.html?mode=a&year=2010&month=2&day=4&hour=00&min=0&sec=0&p0=256)

http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/02/03/project-needlemouse-midnight-reveal/#more-4091

What is Project Needlemouse? Well, you’ll soon know. We will be unveiling Project Needlemouse at midnight (US Pacific time) TONIGHT on GameSpot!

That’s all we can say for now, but you’ll know more in just a few hours! So put on a pot of coffee, and stay up late for all the Needlemouse-y goodness.

What Will Be Revealed
- Name of the game
- "an extra bonus"

What We Already Know

2D
2010 Release
A strong possibility of the game being a downloadable title
It is NOT a remake
Of the following characters, only Sonic is in the game:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4265851561_c7ba867eea_m.jpg

Trailers and Artwork
Teaser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-MTCp3wHBI
Music Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZF__kFSYv4

Concept Art
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4276408701_82bfe71a84_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/segaamerica/4276408701/sizes/o/in/set-72157623216035872/) http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4325445765_6f04476638_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/segaamerica/4325445765/sizes/o/in/set-72157623216035872/) http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4326183302_e0b0b48368_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/segaamerica/4326183302/sizes/o/in/set-72157623216035872/) http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4309916425_bd4308916d_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/segaamerica/4309916425/sizes/o/in/set-72157623216035872/)

It's like a Dojo! update! But without the awesome?

Arcanum

02-04-2010, 12:54 AM

I've heard accusations flying about that it might be Sonic 4. I seriously hope that's the case since Sonic 2, 3, and Sonic And Knuckles are among my favorite games from my childhood, second only to Mega Man 2 and SMB3.

I wish I could stay up until the announcement happened but I have class tomorrow morning. I guess I'll just check it during my break.

Kim

02-04-2010, 12:58 AM

Concept art for the game is incredibly underwhelming when it's all stuff that we've seen before.

bluestarultor

02-04-2010, 01:05 AM

Concept art for the game is incredibly underwhelming when it's all stuff that we've seen before.

Not sure, but maybe that was the point. Like, "hey, bet half of you spermatozoa haven't seen any of this stuff, so NOW who are the 'real' Sonic fans?"

Kim

02-04-2010, 01:15 AM

Not sure, but maybe that was the point. Like, "hey, bet half of you spermatozoa haven't seen any of this stuff, so NOW who are the 'real' Sonic fans?"

I know. It's just, as much as I am a fan of the old games and Sega giving them a nice long handjob any chance they get is awesome, they've been rereleased over and over again to the point where finding out Sonic 2 isn't on a particular electronic device is a surprise. I guess I wish they'd shown off concept art for new levels or enemies alongside the old stuff, because seeing a badass new robot for Robotnik to pilot is more intriguing to me. They already claim it's a return to the old. I don't need that proved to me unless it's in a gameplay trailer.

Mirai Gen

02-04-2010, 02:33 AM

Sonic through Sonic 3 and Knuckles is pretty much the main way Sega's keeping afloat these days.

Well, before Bayonetta anyway. I might hate that game but I understand when it sells well.

Regulus Tera

02-04-2010, 03:11 AM

It's Sonic the Hedgehog 4, and it's downloadable from PSN, XBLA and Wiiware.

Also, it's episodic.

Kim

02-04-2010, 03:11 AM

Downloadable and Episodic (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicthehedgehog4episode1/news.html?sid=6249445&tag=topslot;img;1&mode=previews)

Looks pretty, I guess.

EDIT: This trailer is disturbingly reminiscent of the MM9 trailer. Kinda wish they'd gone for 2D sprites instead of this 2.5D nonsense, but that's a petty complaint.

THERES A STORY AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRG H

The Wii will use motion control sometimes and the PS3 will use six axis sometimes. Guess I'm getting the 360 version.

Mirai Gen

02-04-2010, 03:21 AM

Sorry, Sega, not convinced. Quit with the dickteasing and just release some gameplay; you've only had ten years to make this game, I'm sure you have something lying around somewhere.

Regulus Tera

02-04-2010, 03:32 AM

So I'm guessing Sonic CD ain't canon now? I thought consensus was that that was a good game.

Kyanbu The Legend

02-04-2010, 03:39 AM

Hey they actually made Sonic 4. Looks good so far, but I'll need to see more before I'm convinced that they really did go back to basics. I love the 2.5D graphics though. :)

Regulus Tera

02-04-2010, 03:42 AM

His running animation is shit.

Btw this is for you noncon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDul0hUz2Og

Kyanbu The Legend

02-04-2010, 03:44 AM

His running animation is shit.

Agreed.

I'm almost willing to look past that if the level design and speed is good old genesis speed (or better).

bluestarultor

02-04-2010, 03:47 AM

Actually, it's HD sprites, not 2.5D. Or at least that's what they billed it as. I have to admit I'm disappointed by the video quality. Very hard to make a decent distinction.

Regulus Tera

02-04-2010, 03:49 AM

They are not sprites. Those are full 3D models.

bluestarultor

02-04-2010, 03:55 AM

Well, I'll just step aside, then. It's not what was said in an interview I recall reading, but for all I know, it could have changed, and I really don't care enough to bicker about it.

Mirai Gen

02-04-2010, 03:57 AM

So I'm guessing Sonic CD ain't canon now? I thought consensus was that that was a good game.
Sonic CD came out before Sonic 3.

'Sides who the fuck had a Sega CD.

HEY GUYS LET'S PLAY SOME NIGHT TRAP

Kyanbu The Legend

02-04-2010, 03:58 AM

Sonic CD came out before Sonic 3.

'Sides who the fuck had a Sega CD. HEY GUYS LET'S PLAY SOME NIGHT TRAP

Bought mine for PC. Gonna miss playing it after I upgrade though. It's a pretty fun game.

Tera, Sonic CD takes place between the events of Sonic 1 and Sonic 2 If I remember correctly.

Kim

02-04-2010, 04:16 AM

Well, I'll just step aside, then. It's not what was said in an interview I recall reading, but for all I know, it could have changed, and I really don't care enough to bicker about it.

GS: In terms of graphics, the game appears to use 3D graphics. Why take that route instead of an HD makeover or a more traditional approach like Capcom's recent Mega Man games?

KB: One of our goals was to make a gorgeous-looking 2D Sonic game. This approach allows fans new and old to see what a 2D Genesis-style game would look like today with modern graphics.

When it comes down to between what we're seeing and hearing right now and what they may have said at some point in the past I'm siding with the former.

Regulus Tera

02-04-2010, 05:13 AM

Sonic CD came out before Sonic 3.

'Sides who the fuck had a Sega CD.

HEY GUYS LET'S PLAY SOME NIGHT TRAP

Through the dark, to the light. It's a super sonic flight.

Gotta keep it goin'! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPC8W672mXc)

Green Spanner

02-04-2010, 08:44 AM

Haha! Nice try Sega, but you can't fool me!

You're going to force in some shitty gameplay mechanic at the last minute, aren't you?

Seriously, call it Sonic 4 all you like, I shan't be convinced.

Ryong

02-04-2010, 09:58 AM

As long as they remember:
1- No abusing bottomless pits.
2- Multiple paths all that allow you to continue, not a single one and a bunch more that are dead ends ( with bottomless pits ).
3- GOOD MUSIC. WITHOUT SINGING.
They're good to go.

Mirai Gen

02-04-2010, 01:42 PM

Haha! Nice try Sega, but you can't fool me!

You're going to force in some shitty gameplay mechanic at the last minute, aren't you?
Homing attack, I hear.

Good to know I'm not the only guy in the room with a "fool me thirteen times..." attitude.

phil_

02-04-2010, 02:32 PM

I thought the gimmick was making it episodic a.k.a. selling it two levels at a time. That pretty much turned this from a "very off-chance maybe" to an "absolutely not" purchase. Why would I buy part of a platformer? At least Lost Winds had the decency to just be a short, stand-alone game before it got a sequel which was also a short, stand-alone game.

Locke cole

02-04-2010, 04:38 PM

Homing attack, I hear.

Good to know I'm not the only guy in the room with a "fool me thirteen times..." attitude.

I honestly don't know what's wrong with the homing attack. I like using robots as stepping stones through the air.

Kim

02-04-2010, 04:43 PM

I honestly don't know what's wrong with the homing attack. I like using robots as stepping stones through the air.

Actually, I'm totally okay with the homing attack, too. That Wii waggle and PS3 Six-Axis stuff has me a bit worried though.

Locke cole

02-04-2010, 04:58 PM

Actually, I'm totally okay with the homing attack, too. That Wii waggle and PS3 Six-Axis stuff has me a bit worried though.

Maybe they'll try what Unleashed did for the Homing Attack. Shake to home?

Kim

02-04-2010, 05:01 PM

Maybe they'll try what Unleashed did for the Homing Attack. Shake to home?

Christ I hope not.

Locke cole

02-04-2010, 05:04 PM

Christ I hope not.

Meh, I dunno what, honestly. Just guessing.

Mirai Gen

02-04-2010, 05:06 PM

Christ I hope not.

Shake to jump wouldn't be much better, and I think we're officially out of button-push commands.

See it's nice to have Sega be like "Oh yeah we finally listened to the fans! We know what we're doing now!" and sit and talk about how they're finally doing what they should have been doing almost ten years ago, build up hype, prepare everyone to enjoy a good game. And then promptly follow it up with, "also we're including motion-controls attached to the game via a stapler and super glue."

Funka Genocide

02-04-2010, 05:09 PM

The Hedghog is a lie.

I mean honestly they're just marketing on nostalgia factor of a franchise that was initially marketed on a flat out lie. (WTF is blast speed processing anyways? I'll tell you what it is, bullshit. Just like a cartoony mascot animal with a "radical attitude" is bullshit. It's a cash cow with little to no intrinsic worth and I don't understand why anyone would be excited about the prospect of more of this.)

Why did I say all of that in brackets?

I don't really understand why Sega is still around at all, I've always considered them kind of immune to innovation.

Mirai Gen

02-04-2010, 05:16 PM

The best thing they've made recently was Bayonetta, and I couldn't stand that game, obligatory Dojo review link. So yeah, color me surprised but I'm agreeing with Funka here.

Green Spanner

02-04-2010, 05:39 PM

I don't really understand why Sega is still around at all, I've always considered them kind of immune to innovation.

I agree with what my brother said: "Woe upon them if they actually release the first bad 'actual' Sonic game."

Regulus Tera

02-04-2010, 05:41 PM

The best thing they've made recently was Bayonetta

They put the money down to make Bayonetta. Big difference.

TARDIS

02-04-2010, 05:55 PM

Shake to jump wouldn't be much better, and I think we're officially out of button-push commands.

See it's nice to have Sega be like "Oh yeah we finally listened to the fans! We know what we're doing now!" and sit and talk about how they're finally doing what they should have been doing almost ten years ago, build up hype, prepare everyone to enjoy a good game. And then promptly follow it up with, "also we're including motion-controls attached to the game via a stapler and super glue."

just make it GC controller compatible, and use SA-like controls.

You should check the fake concept art on sega's site. THEY EVEN HAVE A REDESIGN OF THAT DAMN BARREL, AND REFERENCED IT DIRECTLY!

Locke cole

02-04-2010, 06:07 PM

I say bah to the motion sensing problems.
Because unless they're making a different game for the 360 than for everything else, it'll be compatible with husual controls.

Locke cole

02-04-2010, 06:15 PM

just make it GC controller compatible, and use SA-like controls.

You should check the fake concept art on sega's site. THEY EVEN HAVE A REDESIGN OF THAT DAMN BARREL, AND REFERENCED IT DIRECTLY!

Link please?

TARDIS

02-04-2010, 06:16 PM

I say bah to the motion sensing problems.
Because unless they're making a different game for the 360 than for everything else, it'll be compatible with husual controls.

I kinda ninja'd you on the no motion sensing, thing.

EDIT: Here's the link to what I was talking about;
http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/29/the-needlemouse-challenge-part-ii-updates-and-featured-art/

Locke cole

02-04-2010, 06:16 PM

I kinda ninja'd you on the no motion sensing, thing.

Yeah well..
Also, link to the fake concept art, please?

TARDIS

02-04-2010, 06:18 PM

It was a contest, in fact. so not all of them are actually fake concept art. Some of them are just art of enemies from early games done with something unusual.

EDIT: WE HAVE CONFIRMATION OF NAME, AND NEW TRAILER!
http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/02/04/sega-announces-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-i/

Locke cole

02-04-2010, 06:25 PM

...that's the same trailer that dropped about 15 hours ago.

Green Spanner

02-04-2010, 06:26 PM

And the same name confirmation too...

TARDIS

02-04-2010, 06:26 PM

...that's the same trailer that dropped about 15 hours ago.

I only just found it a few minutes ago. sorry.

Locke cole

02-04-2010, 06:29 PM

No problem.

Kim

02-04-2010, 06:29 PM

I only just found it a few minutes ago. sorry.

Protip: Read threads before posting.

Funka Genocide

02-04-2010, 06:32 PM

Protip: Read threads before posting.

You schtole my schtick.

Regulus Tera

02-16-2010, 04:40 PM

Leaked footage: http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3177976

GOD DAMMIT SONIC TEAM IS DEVELOPING

Mirai Gen

02-16-2010, 04:53 PM

That...doesn't actually look too bad.

I mean yeah there's absolutely no creative depth to it at all - Sonic Team clearly threw up their hands and said "Fuck it, we give up" and just stole directly from Sonic 1-3 - but for first impressions of just the first level, it actually looks alright.

I'm almost positive that the linear pathing in that demo will be one of those 'looks okay for first level, never changes' and shoot all this in the foot though.

Green Spanner

02-16-2010, 05:03 PM

Still won't be fooled.

Seriously, I'm wondering what retarded gimmick they're going to pull for this one.

bluestarultor

02-16-2010, 05:12 PM

Still won't be fooled.

Seriously, I'm wondering what retarded gimmick they're going to pull for this one.

This is ironically one that looks like it could stand to have a retarded gimmick. It looks boring. If I wanted to play Sonic 1-3, I'd play Sonic 1-3.

Like, MM9 was retro, but it actually brought some technological advances to the table with how the weapons and levels worked.

Unless this actually brings something interesting to the table, it's going to go nowhere with old fans and new fans alike.

Kyanbu The Legend

02-16-2010, 05:20 PM

bluestarultor

02-16-2010, 05:36 PM

It looks alright so far. A few issues here and there but alright.

Also it's sonic 4, it's more then likely going to play like Sonic 1 through 3. So there probably isn't going to be any gimmicks in here.

Well, maybe "gimmick" is a bad word, but my concern is that it doesn't show any signs of bringing anything new to the table. If it's just going to be a generic Sonic 1-3 clone, it shows Sega missed the point entirely of going retro. You go retro to get a base that you know is popular and will work, then use advanced technology to do something awesome with it.

Kyanbu The Legend

02-16-2010, 06:44 PM

Well, maybe "gimmick" is a bad word, but my concern is that it doesn't show any signs of bringing anything new to the table. If it's just going to be a generic Sonic 1-3 clone, it shows Sega missed the point entirely of going retro. You go retro to get a base that you know is popular and will work, then use advanced technology to do something awesome with it.

It more then likely isn't going to have much of anything new aside from what looks like his usual homing attack. But there's still a bit of time left till launch. So maybe they'll add on to it.

Kim

02-16-2010, 07:34 PM

I'm almost positive that the linear pathing in that demo will be one of those 'looks okay for first level, never changes' and shoot all this in the foot though.

Actually I saw hints of at least one other path during the video, and we didn't see much of the level so yeah it looks like it might be good.

@Blues: They have the homing attack and that's something not seen in the old school Sonics. Add in the improved graphics I'm pretty okay with it. My skepticism keeps me from being too excited, but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt right now.

Kerensky287

02-16-2010, 08:54 PM

My main complaint with that video is that wow, Sonic feels so SLOW.

I also had a minor complaint in that the dude playing it was absolutely terrible, but I guess that'll be fixed when I play it.

Kyanbu The Legend

02-16-2010, 09:09 PM

My main complaint with that video is that wow, Sonic feels so SLOW.

I also had a minor complaint in that the dude playing it was absolutely terrible, but I guess that'll be fixed when I play it.

From what I saw they up his top speed a bit. But since the player is not that good, you can only briefly see the burst in speed for about a second. It might of been a watered done boost mode.

akaSM

02-16-2010, 10:44 PM

Aaaand, the video is gone :(. The episodic nature of the game will keep me away from it, specially since I don't have a way to pay for wii points (any type of card) and the Wii points cards are really expensive here :gonk:. I'd better use those 1000 points I have in something that's actually good

Locke cole

02-17-2010, 09:56 PM

Sonic 4 is not in the hands of Sonic Team (http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2010/02/17/sonic-4-not-in-the-hands-of-sonic-team/).

Are you any closer to being "fooled"?

Kim

02-18-2010, 12:49 AM

Sonic 4 is not in the hands of Sonic Team (http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2010/02/17/sonic-4-not-in-the-hands-of-sonic-team/).

Are you any closer to being "fooled"?

Oh no it's being made by the only people to have made any good Sonic games in the last decade and a half rather than the people who have made repeatedly terrible and even more terrible Sonic games in the same timeframe. If this is me being fooled it's fucking Christmas.

Regulus Tera

02-18-2010, 01:17 AM

Sonic 4 is not in the hands of Sonic Team (http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2010/02/17/sonic-4-not-in-the-hands-of-sonic-team/).

Are you any closer to being "fooled"?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsFvnL7e1cE#t=0m58s

Kyanbu The Legend

02-18-2010, 01:30 AM

Sonic 4 is not in the hands of Sonic Team (http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2010/02/17/sonic-4-not-in-the-hands-of-sonic-team/).

Are you any closer to being "fooled"?

That's a bit more comforting. You know what Sega, Dimps should be the only ones aloud to touch sonic from now on. Least till Sonic Team gets better developers.

Mirai Gen

02-18-2010, 01:39 AM

This is a glorious day.

Also, haha, fuck Team Sonic.

Green Spanner

02-18-2010, 09:21 AM

Huh.

I'll still play it safe and not get my hopes up. You do all understand, right?

Ryong

02-18-2010, 10:14 AM

Being made by Dimps just means they need to remember about not having bottomless pits every goddamn where. It's like invisible coinblocks in mario romhacks.

Whomper

02-18-2010, 01:34 PM

I look forward to seeing what they can do with this. Will they bring back the elemental shields? Will there be more speed-based stuff? (I'm talking more than just shoes and springs here.) Will I actually be able to go full speed without dying by running off the screen? (I'm looking at YOU, Chemical Plant Zone!)

I'm hoping the answers to all of these questions will be yes.

Regulus Tera

02-19-2010, 12:40 AM

Hellooooooo backlash! (http://forums.sonicretro.org/index.php?showtopic=19076&st=4680&p=412686&#entry412686)

Okay. I don’t even know how to start. But, here we go.

Early in the morning today, I, and a other few (un)lucky people, had the opportunity to playtest the X-BOX 360 version of the game. In fact, any of you could do it as well, provided you own a Developer’s Console, or a J-TAGed system.

I’ll try to give a very briefely analysis of what were my thoughts about this game.

Graphically (and artistically, I must say), the game is very beautiful, even thought I can’t really eat that celshading effect they put in Sonic’s model, to make it look like a differed shaded Genesis sprite.Something important to notice is that, the 3D models are not really 3D models, instead, they are sprites of pre-rendered 3D models. SO we are pretty much dealing with a 2D game here. That goes for everything else but Sonic, since I’m not sure as if Sonic is really a sprite itself, but I pretty much think it is. THat might explain the akward animations.

The level design. I played through Splash Hill Zone entirely up until Casino Street Zone. Splash Hill ZOne is pretty much Neo Leaf Forest Zone (for those who don’t know, Sonic Advance 2’s first stage). Everything about it looked like Leaf Forest. Hell, even the level art itself reminds Leaf Forest some way or another. The level design pretty much encourages the player to keep going to the right, except when the levels abruptuly decides to force you to go in the opposite direction by inserting unexpected walls, making you jump, jump to the left, jump to the right, keep running to the right. It is especially strange, considering the level layouts encourages you to keep running right. The acts are actually considerably huge in size, but quite short in time, much like Sonic Advance 2 stages. I don’t remember any level especific gimmick on the first stage, which is pretty unfortunate. You gotta love Casino Street Zone, since it’s freaking Casino Night Zone. It’s exactly identical. The colors, the tiles, everything. The level layout however is much like Music Plant Zone from Sonic Advance 2. A level that right encourages speed. Ha, about the Special Stages, they are quite fun actually, it is Sonic 1’s Distorted Dimension, but with a new twist: instead of controling Sonic, you control the stage itself. So yeah, my oversight was right after all. In terms of difficult, I found it harder than Sonic 1’s Special Stages (and provided, they were rather easy). I belive they are going to be even fun/harder with the motion controls of the Wiimote/Six-axis/DualShock3, since you have to rotate the stage using the trigger buttons in the X-BOX 360 version (RT rotates to the right, LT to the left, etc). Looks like a pinball of sort. Oh, don’t let me get started on the bossfight. You might already imagine how it is by now.

The gameplay is pretty solid, actually. Which is a great thing. However, the game pretty much have the physics of Sonic Rush. I hate I hate I hate I hate I hate, I can’t stress enough how I hate the jump! Fucking jump! It’s the worst jump I’ve ever seem in a Sonic game to date. Apparently they tried to mimic the ‘the longer you hold down the jump button, the longer you accent’ mechanic of the classic games, but as a result, they fucked the freaking cake with it. The jump is all over the place: if you rapidly tap the jump button, Sonic almost don’t jump; if you hold a little and release, Sonic starts accending, but he breaks to the floor as soon as you release the jump button. If you hold the jump button all the way down, Sonic jumps like if he had touched a spring, he jumps so high and almost no gravity, it’s like you are jumping on the freaking moon. And I thought the jump in the Rush series were bad. This one is even worse. The jump is so bad that I preffer to keep running right to win really. Don’t let me get started on the spin dash. THe spin dash don’t have enough power, no matter what. It behaves much like Knuckles’ Chaotix spin dash. Running rewards you with much more speed than spindashing.

My final remark of this game? It’s freaking Sonic Advance 2! It’s written Sonic Advance 2 all over the place. It is Sonic Advance 2 all over again. In fact, they could have named this game Sonic High Speed, and I wouldn’t mind it at all. But it is supposed to be Sonic fucking 4. To be honest, the name Sonic High Speed would fit this game better.

I am afraid to say that we are actually dealing with the very final product here, folks. Since the developers already sent the software for the Microsoft Evaluation Proccess. Additionally, the game’s software was sent to ESBR game content analizys team. Considering the game is already been analized and rated by ESBR, the development team cannot overgo any significative change in the game, visually or otherwise, which therefore pretty much means that this is what the game looks like.

I’m in a hurry here, and I’m sorry to not give a better insight on the game, but I’ll make sure to edit this post or whatever, whenever I have the time.