Sonic Generations

[Drakul]

Hard-working Sega mascot Sonic the Hedgehog turns 20-years-old this summer. Surely Sega must have grand plans for the "Blast Processing" pioneer, right? Right. And we'll find out what those plans are this week—or have we already?

Sega has begun prepping us for exciting announcements, warning that "There's something big coming this week to the Sonic Facebook page" and that the company will "start celebrating on Thurs 7th April." Could that celebration be related to the recently unearthed Sonic Generations web sites?

New domain registrations for SonicGenerations.com and Sonic-Generations.com were spotted by expert URL finder Superannuation earlier this week, potential clues about Sega's plans for a new Sonic the Hedgehog game.

Last year's effort, Sonic Colors for the Wii, was warmly received by fans and critics, so let's hope Sega has learned from that game's smart use of 2D and 3D gameplay and its lack of Sonic sidekicks. They should just go ahead and more of that.

Source (http://kotaku.com/#!5789248/sega-teases-something-big-for-sonic-the-hedgehog-on-his-20th-anniversary-++-is-it-sonic-generations).

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Not even bothering to get my hopes up for this upcoming aborted fetus.

[Funky Fly]

Announcing the announcement. Classy.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/198320-header.jpg

Pandering by including both new sonic and old sonic.

First time I seen that image, I had the same reaction as Jim Sterling.

At first I almost shot myself because it looked like Sonic was getting a son, before I realized it was just Genesis Sonic and not some new, terrible child.

[Kalyx triaD]

Seriously only the most demented fans of any franchise would look the tiny differences between those two Sonics and make them a big fucking deal. Fuck Sonic fans.

[Kalyx triaD]

It's not like Mega Man to X to Vollnut to Star Force or some shit. Jesus.

"Where's his belly and why is his eyes green arrgh!" STFU

I read this. I actually read comments like this.

[Drakul]

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GKzz8L2oIzw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

A bit weird it is not available for the Wii (or DS) considering the Wii version of almost every Sonic game outsold the Xbox 360/PS3 versions although I could see this being something to even out Sonic Colors only being on the Wii and DS last time.

[Blitz]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uclh4IiBoCk/TMsmZMpU4qI/AAAAAAAAAPk/9KIGpJ41NZE/s1600/sonic_cycle.jpg

[Blitz]

Someone was gonna post it sooner or later.

[Kalyx triaD]

Sega did their best last year with the well received Sonic Colors and throw-back Sonic 4. Neither game was awesome but it was Sega's best efforts in years and the fans were being bitches. They deserve their torment. In a sea of over-entitled consumers that group gets the cake.

The original games simply weren't that good.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Hate the praise Colours gets. It's like "SONICS BACK TO MEDIOCRE FROM TERRIBLE". It's better than the rest, not "good".

And bullshit about the old games being that good. I didn't play Sonic 3 & Knuckles until 2002 and it is amazing. I still complete it everytime I'm off sick from work.

[Drakul]

I really like the animation of retro Sonic in that trailer. I like the little bounce when he hits the ground and the fact he moves his arms while running.

I'm thinking they might do the game as a mixture of 2D and 3D.

I'm thinking this will happen:
Dr. Eggman and/or Dr. Robotnik does something that causes the two dimensions to cross over. Both Sonics team up to stop them and restore both dimension to their original states. The gameplay will basically be Modern Sonic playing like Sonic Adventure 2 style levels (or maybe like Unleashed daytime levels) and Retro Sonic will get the classic side scrolling levels.

Question: The game is likely going to have dialogue and that means Retro Sonic will talk. They can't give him the same voice as Modern Sonic so will they get Jaleel White in to voice him, if he does have speech?
I don't think anyone else voiced Sonic until he got his new look with the SA games, which is also when he got the current look so they couldn't use those voice actors either.

[Dorkchop]

What happened to Sonic the Hedgehog 4?

[G]

what do you mean what happened

[Drakul]

What happened to Sonic the Hedgehog 4?

SEGA announced a while back that Episode 2 would be out this year (I think they said Summer but I'm not 100% about that.) and it would address the problems people had with Episode 1.

[Dorkchop]

what do you mean what happened
I mean why don't they finish that game before they release another one. Why are they always working on 5 mediocre Sonic games instead of one good one?

[Kalyx triaD]

Different teams can do that. Squenix is notorious for just this.

[BigDaddyCool]

Is robotnik going to be in this one?

[Emperor Smeat]

It appears that a lot of levels in this game are rumored to be remixes of classic levels from past Sonic games and this game might eventually be on all systems with a 3DS version also being rumored in development.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tV1Osnkr5Nc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

So you literally play fat Sonic in 2D and Urkel Sonic in 3D. This kinda undermines the whole point of Sonic 4, but it's also a direct response to the fandom bitching. So I can't wait to see how they react. The Sonic Cycle is strong indeed.

Edit:

Sloppy premise, imo. Like Street Fighter 2 Anniversary where you pick different versions of each character. Eh.

[BigDaddyCool]

So what is the difference between classic and modern?

[Kalyx triaD]

Thank you.

[BigDaddyCool]

I mean...they gave Sonic green eyes, and he has gotten taller, kinda. But it would be like saying Bart from the first season of Simpson and Bart from the latest season are different people because the style has slightly changed over 20 years...No it is still the same character. This is dumb.

[Kalyx triaD]

Thank you.

[BigDaddyCool]

Also the "classic" sonic sections look like shit.

[Drakul]

I think Sonic has changed as a character. Besides the obvious visual difference, he doesn't seem as "rude dude with attitude" as he did in the 90's. He seems to be pretty bland now, characterwise.

Though no one complains about that. It's just the look they don't like.

I think Sonic Generations looks good.

Here are some notes about it:

- Retro Sonics levels are the old style side scrolling levels.
- You have a jump and a dash button.
- Retro Sonic has momentum like he did in the old games so he wont just stop like in Sonic 4.
- Courses are multi-layered and fast.
- Modern Sonics levels are in 3D (as in the camera is behind him)
- He has a boost meter and an air-dash.
- You get boost by destroying enemies, collecting rings and doing air tricks.
- The game celebrates three eras of Sonic: Retro, Dreamcast & Modern through levels, enemies etc.
- Soundtrack is remixes of classic Sonic music.
- Levels are based on classic and modern games one of which is Act 1 of Green Hill Zone from Sonic 1.
- There may be modern levels redone for Retro Sonic and retro levels redone for Modern Sonic.
- Other series characters appear but SEGA promises we'll only play as Sonic and no powers like the werehog etc.

[BigDaddyCool]

Sonic has a character?

[Kalyx triaD]

Actually I have things to say about that...

Sonic was crafted to be this 90's mall-rat attitude thing, but that personality only ever manifested through animations and box art. In the 3D era his personality shifted to something of a... superhero, I guess. Not as rude, more selfless. And Shadow inherited the darker points to build contrast between them. Even still, I don't consider Sonic to be a character of deep personality. To be honest, very few icons from back in the day did. They survived of the strength of their gameplay - so whenever a recent game tried to explore them... it falls short.

I personally consider Sonic to be elemental, a collection of broad strokes that wouldn't really fly in today's character design. Like all the icons from back then (including Mario and Link), their 'character' can be summed up by your actions. Sonic's a freedom fighter with attitude. Mario's an inter-dimensional rescuer who plays sports. Link is a timeless title given to boy adventurers who also rescues princesses.

They don't need character so much as vague job titles - but then you play their games. I think that's actually something today's developers forgotten. And when it peaks back out (through DKC and Metroid reboots, Mario revivals) we're reminded how much we were content with that provided the game was awesome. Now it's like... dialogue, motivations, backstory. Can you imagine an origin story for Mario? Where would you even start? I mean with Link you're always playing an origin story of sorts at the start of a Zelda game, but it's hardly Batman Begins.

tldr: I miss Super Mario 64.

[Emperor Smeat]

Sonic has a character?

His character used to be everything Mario wasn't or an anti-Mario but as a good guy. If Mario favored slow and precision movements while using powerups, then Sonic favored speed over precision and doesn't use powerups for help.

Last decade or so, he's been adding a lot of Mario's abilities into his own which has changed him (ex. powerups, love intrest, more emphasis on jumps).

[BigDaddyCool]

I hate watching other people play sonic because they don't do it right.

[Dorkchop]

So are you playing the same levels as both Sonics? The classic Sonic is all side scrolling and the new Sonic is running in the same levels, just in the 3ds dimension? Kind of like Super Paper Mario? Or are you playing as the two different Sonics in different levels?

Will Sega actually get the game right this time? That's all I care about. I kind of want to try Sonic Colors.

[Drakul]

One example of levels in Green Hill Zone. Both Sonics have that level but not the same route. There is a screenshot of Retro Sonic running around a loop like he did in the old games and another of Modern Sonic jumping through it like the eye of a needle.
I think they'll both start at Green Hill Zone and then split off into their own levels.

[Drakul]

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wuj-6T_ymqg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Old style Robotnik on the goal at 1:10.

[Drakul]

Anyone in the UK that wants Sonic Generations, I suggest you preorder it now from GAME (http://www.game.co.uk/search.aspx?s=sonic+generations).

They have it priced at £32.99 for both the 360 and PS3 but I'm betting the price will rise to £39.99 once they get the official RRP. It's happened to a couple games I preordered, including L.A. Noire (though I un-preordered that).

Even if you're not sure if you want it, I'd say preorder it anyway, just incase. There's no release date and they don't charge you until they ship it to you anyway. So, if you do end up wanting it, you have it ordered at the cheaper price than you would probably pay closer to release.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Nah, I'll wait until it hit's £20 even if it's well recieved to recoup some losses from the abortions they've fed us.

[Drakul]

Classic gameplay walkthrough:
<div style="background-color:#000000;width:520px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:moses:video:gametrailers.com:714051" width="512" height="288" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed><p style="text-align:left;background-color:#FFFFFF;padding:4px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;">Tags: <a href="http://www.gametrailers.com">GameTrailers.com</a>, <a href="http://www.gametrailers.com/video/classic-style-sonic-generations/714051">Classic Style Walkthrough (Cam) HD</a>, <a href="http://pc.gametrailers.com/">PC Games</a>, <a href="http://ps3.gametrailers.com/">PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://xbox360.gametrailers.com/">Xbox 360</a></p></div></div>

Modern gameplay walkthrough:
<div style="background-color:#000000;width:520px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:moses:video:gametrailers.com:714053" width="512" height="288" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed><p style="text-align:left;background-color:#FFFFFF;padding:4px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;">Tags: <a href="http://www.gametrailers.com">GameTrailers.com</a>, <a href="http://www.gametrailers.com/video/modern-style-sonic-generations/714053">Modern Style Walkthrough (Cam) HD</a>, <a href="http://pc.gametrailers.com/">PC Games</a>, <a href="http://ps3.gametrailers.com/">PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://xbox360.gametrailers.com/">Xbox 360</a></p></div></div>

[Kalyx triaD]

Modern Sonic just looks more thrilling. They better rock some Crush 40 for the modern levels.

[Drakul]

I just got an email from GAME, letting me know that the game has a release month in the UK. October 2011.

[Emperor Smeat]

Nintendo Power confirms the game will also be coming to the 3DS after weeks of rumors.

Either SEGA had an agreement with Nintendo to reveal it in Nintendo Power or SEGA got lazy with their announcements for it to have waited this long.

http://i.imgur.com/hIQd1.jpg

[Drakul]

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u9XnT7LBn4A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Spagonia from Sonic Unleashed at the end of the trailer.

[Verbose Minch]

I don't have a picture of it, but the New Nintendo Power mag has old school Sonic on it. It doesn't seem right.

[Verbose Minch]

Also, this might be the first Sonic game I've picked up since Adventure Battle 2 or whatever for Gamecube. I'm pretty intrigued.

[Emperor Smeat]

Demo for Sonic Generations is getting released tomorrow (June 23) only on PSN and XBLA as part of Sonic's official 20th birthday. The demo itself is a timed exclusive and will get taken down on July 12.

http://screwattack.com/blogs/ScrewAttack-News/Sonic-Generations-demo-will-be-released-on-Sonics-20th-birthday

[Drakul]

Gave the demo a spin (no pun intended) and it's cool. It's very similar to Sonic as he was "back in the day".

I thought we'd get a demo of Retro Sonic and a demo of Modern Sonic but it's just one Retro level and that's it. I thought that was strange.

Only had 2 hiccups so far. One was when I was running down this vertical corkscrew and randomly fell off, even though it was one of those auto parts like those "roll through this tiny tunnel" bits from the old games.
The other being slowdown when I was trying the random and useless "stereoscopic 3D" mode.

The demo does say as soon as it loads up that it doesn't represent the final game so that'll all be fixed by then.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Doesn't the stereoscopic 3D require a 3DTV?

[Drakul]

I thought that but isn't that kind of 3D blurry without the glasses? This is just two images, side by side.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Oh, it's one of those gimmicks that goes 3D if you can make yourself crosseyed.

[Drakul]

Yeah, not sure why they thought anyone would want to play a game cross eyed, especially one based around speed and platforming.

On top of that, like I said, it causes slowdown at times.

[jcmoorehead]

You still need a 3D TV to see it properly, I'm not sure how it works but I'm sure the two images are sent to the glasses one at a time to create a 3D effect. You're not meant to do it via going cross-eyed.

[Kalyx triaD]

Also that can fuck you up after a while. It needs to be a function like the 3DS or you need glasses.

[Crazy Nick]

I downloaded the demo, I must say I enjoyed it, it may be the first Sonic game that I have picked up in a while. Too bad that they only let you play one level though.

[Drakul]

The game is still about 5 months from completion so, for it to be as good as it is this far from being finished, is a good sign.

The fact it's just Sonic and not an iffy gimmick helps.

[Dorkchop]

The demo was alright. If you want to play a good recent Sonic game just play Sonic Colors. Sonic Advance 1-3 are awesome.

[Drakul]

Some music from the game has been uploaded to YouTube:


Title Screen:
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Green Hill Zone (Classic):
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Green Hill Zone (Classic) Speed Shoe:
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Main Menu:
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Green Hill Zone (Modern):
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Green Hill Zone (Modern) Boost:
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Invincible (Classic):
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Invincible (Modern):
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Extra Life (Modern):
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Drowning:
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Stage Complete:
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City Escape (Classic):
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[Drakul]

Something about one of the peices of music: Someone on YouTube pointed out that Modern Sonic wouldn't need invincibility because he has boost. They thought that must mean the game is hard. I don't think thats it.
They talk about the game celebrating 3 eras of Sonic. Classic, Dreamcast and Modern. So I'm thinking Modern Sonic wont just have his Unleashed "pretty much on rails" style levels. I'm think he will also have Sonic Adventure 2 style levels.

A cool little thing about the demo. When you run, Sonic kicks up dust behind him. If you run and stop, the dust keeps going.
When you get to the double backwards S shaped tunnels (the one that you enter after you pass the two Krabmeats and the flying enemy), enter them and then turn around and spindash back up them. When Sonic comes out the top one, he'll run into a wall and stop but you still see the dust carry on.
It's a small detail but I like it for some reason.

[Kalyx triaD]

I don't see much difference between Dreamcast and Modern Sonic. I always figured them the same.

[Drakul]

Dreamcast Sonic was like a middle ground between the old and new Sonic. You had the "Running really fast" sections but you had other sections where you had to do some actual platforming. SA2 keeps coming to my mind more than SA1.

Modern Sonic is pretty much entirely "Running really fast" with no real platforming and in a more onrails kind of way. I still enjoy it, but it's different.

[Emperor Smeat]

A bunch of people managed to hack the demo for the game and found out a bunch of stuff with some being potentially good and some being potentially bad.

A few items confirmed to be useable are 3 different types of shields (Electric, Fire, Bubble), some of Sonic's cast of characters are returning (ex. Shadow, Metal Sonic, Silver), and the game's final menu music might be a remix from Sonic Heroes.


Electricity, Fire, and Bubble Shields are apparently in the game.

Music buried in the demo's code somewhere+ Stages + Bosses
Title Screen
a new mix of the menu from Sonic Heroes (probably the actual real game’s menu theme)
Green Hill Classic
Invincible Classic
Green Hill Modern
Green Hill Modern/Boosting
Invincible Modern
Level Clear
Drowning
1-Up
Chemical Plant
Green Hill
Sky Sanctuary
Speed Highway
City Escape
Seaside Hill
Crisis City
Rooftop Run
Planet Wisp
Casino Night Zone

Characters
Metal Sonic
Shadow
Silver
“Death Egg”
Perfect Chaos
Egg Dragoon
Boss LastBoss (Time Eater) (name of the file)

http://www.giantbomb.com/sonic-generations/61-34833/stuff-people-found-by-hacking-the-demo/35-504781/

[Drakul]

That should probably be under as spoiler tag, shouldn't it?

I got an email from GAME yesterday saying that the game will be out in the UK on the 4th of November.

So that would translate as the 1st of November for the US, wouldn't it? The US gets games on Tuesdays before we get it on Friday the same week, I'm sure.

[Emperor Smeat]

Most of it is generic stuff and stuff people already assumed would be in the game from previous stuff and from the Sonic 4 Episode 1 game. The characters might be spoiler-worthy although almost every Sonic game has multiple versions of the same Sonic.

The video inside the link spoils a lot more which is why I didn't want to post it.

[Emperor Smeat]

It looks like the recent stuff found by hacking the demo is indeed true as Sega revealed on Twitter that Metal Sonic is a boss in the game.

Also leaked by retailers but not confirmed by Sega is that the Xbox 360 version will have exclusive stuff unlike the PS3 version.

Some UK retail outlets have listed a game called Sonic Generations: Special Edition. This special edition of Sonic Generations is said to include the Casino Night Zone pinball level (which was also leaked in that list). These outlets are also claiming that the 360 version of SG:SE will have extra content that will not be featured in the PS3 version, like a free theme for your Xbox 360 Dashboard, as well as an Ultimate Makeover feature for your avatar.

http://screwattack.com/blogs/ScrewAttack-News/Two-bits-of-Sonic-Generations-news

[Drakul]

A pinball level, avatar outfit and premium theme don't really seem worth the extra £5 it'll cost me to get the SE.
When it comes to Sonic, I'm not sure what would be a good SE. A comic and a soundtrack, along with some levels from the originals done with Generations graphics maybe.

[Drakul]

Ok, I checked out GAMEs site and they've removed the standard edition of SG and now just have SG:SE.
The standard was £32 but now you can only get the SE and it's £35. All ordered for the standard edition are automatically changed to the SE.

Luckily, I prordered the standard edition at £32 and used my card points to get £2.50 off. So I'm getting the SE for £30. Not bad.

[Drakul]

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/StD3g1WFcBo?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/StD3g1WFcBo?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>

People are thinking this could be a not-so-subtle hint at what levels will appear in Generations.

[Kalyx triaD]

Nice remix of "Live and Learn".

Though it has some of the most obnoxious fans I ever seen, it's been a healthy series in retrospect.

[Emperor Smeat]

Interview with series producer Takashi Iizuka about Sonic in general shows the team realizes Sonic hasn't been as influential in platforming and sees that as something special.

He also said the switch to 3D was the best move for the series even though fans haven't been as supportive. He did admit the switch to 3D presented a lot more problems which needed to be worked out for the series to stay relevant.

gamrFeed - Do you see influences from Sonic in other games?

Takashi Iizuka - Platform action games are generally about making precise jumps, so I have not seen action games where you blaze through like Sonic. This is probably why so many people have been supporting Sonic for 20 years, from the day he was born, and we have a sense of mission in creating Sonic games.


gamrFeed - What is your idea of a perfect Sonic game? What elements of that vision made it into Sonic Generations? What aspects weren’t included and why?

Takashi Iizuka - People first think of Sonic as “speed” but Sonic action games are first and foremost “platforming action.” We can’t have a game focusing solely on speed and turn it into a racing game, but we can’t have a game without speed as that would not be Sonic. Merging these two features (which normally do not go together well), and with the Sonic world and its characters that appeal to the audiences, are the elements required in Sonic games. Sonic Generations takes the experience from previous Sonic games in terms of merging speed and platforming action, and should be a fun title that everyone can be excited about.


gamrFeed - What challenges did you face designing levels for both a 2D and 3D format?

Takashi Iizuka - Reimagining 2D original games to 2D, and 3D original games to 3D, works smoothly as we can see the outcome. However, that was not the case for creating 3D stages where the original was a 2D game and vice-versa. We cannot destroy the original image, but had to include new elements and game play. We have also included ideas where people who know the original will find something fresh, and not just re-arranging the original games.


gamrFeed - Over the last 20 years, what have been the greatest evolutions for Sonic?

Takashi Iizuka - The greatest thing to happen for Sonic is obviously when he was born 20 years ago. In terms of greatest “evolution”, I think it would be the evolution to 3D action game in Sonic Adventure (1998). 3D Sonic is now recognized by many people, but back in those days, no one could imagine what a 3D Sonic game would look like, and it was a huge task to develop. If we did not have the evolution to 3D at that time, Sonic may not have been as greatly appreciated and enjoyed by fans for such a long period of time.

http://gamrfeed.vgchartz.com/story/87363/exclusive-interview-with-takashi-iizuka-from-the-sonic-team/

[Drakul]

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[Emperor Smeat]

<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IA8Wvmn_Tso" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Demo of Sonic Generations on a 3DS during Gamerscom 2011. It looks like the bottom screen doesn't really do anything which means no real issues of loosing the 3D view unlike a few 3DS games that didn't manage the 3D ability well (ex. Madden 3D and the cancelled gardening demo from EA).

[Emperor Smeat]

Some new details on how each Sonic acts different with the biggest one being Classic Sonic never talks in the game while Modern Sonic talks a lot during the game.

Also Modern Sonic potentially has access to all the transformations and special stuff going as far back as Dreamcast-era for Sonic games.

Kotaku asked as a joke if Sonic has a werewolf transformation but the producer neither confirmed nor deny it would be possible.

Modern Sonic, the leaner of the two, will be as chatty as he has been since the Dreamcast's Sonic Adventure. Classic Sonic will be as quiet as he was in his 1991 debut on the Sega Genesis. His sidekick, Classic Tails, will speak on his behalf when the two Sonics interact, says Sonic Generations producer Takashi Iizuka.

But classic Sonic may get to silently experience some of the skills and superpowers that modern Sonic has enjoyed in the modern era. I asked Iizuka if classic, side-scrolling Sonic would be able to enjoy the superpowers of a game like Sonic Colors or Sonic Unleashed. Would he turn into a drill or a laser or a werewolf (or "werehog," if you must)? Could chubby Sonic use a sword in Generations? Iizuka would neither confirm nor deny that classic Sonic's skills would expand beyond spin dashing and jumping, but it sure sounds like a possibility.

http://kotaku.com/5832494/classic-sonic-wont-speak-in-sonic-generations-but-maybe-hell-turn-into-a-werewolf

[Drakul]

SEGA announce a Europe only Limited Edition.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5549/sgle.png

Included in the collector’s edition is a collectable figurine featuring both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic, an exclusive, individually numbered commemorative “Gold Ring”, and a “20 Years of Sonic Art” book, containing never before seen sketches and images from the past 20 years. Also contained in the Collector’s Edition are the ‘20th Anniversary Sonic Soundtrack’ featuring a selection of tracks handpicked by Sonic Team, and the ‘History of Sonic: Birth of an Icon’ documentary, an exclusive collection of interviews and footage charting Sonic’s life from inception through to becoming one of the most iconic characters in videogame history. Limited edition lenticular packaging and bonus additional downloadable content for the game are the final components that make up this unique collector’s edition for Sonic Generations.

[Kalyx triaD]

People who prefer fat Sonic are stoopid.

[Emperor Smeat]

Sega confirms Shadow will be in Sonic Generations and will be an enemy boss for Sonic to face off against.

Sega didn't reveal if anymore of the extra characters or "friends" from Sonic's history will show up in the game.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6140727710_72d32cf4ea.jpg
http://gamrfeed.vgchartz.com/story/87883/shadow-to-rival-sonic-in-generations/

[Drakul]

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[Verbose Minch]

People who prefer fat Sonic are stoopid.

I prefer fat Sonic because that's the Sonic I grew up with. Not the shitty lanky cyclops thing of today.

Also, they just had to add in fucking Shadow. I don't see why it couldn't of just been Metal Sonic instead.

[Kalyx triaD]

Like a reliable blankee, eh?

[Verbose Minch]

Like a reliable blankee, eh?

He keeps me safe and warm at night. :D

[Nowhere Man]

I'm assuming if they're adding in Shadow for Modern Sonic, then Metal Sonic will be in there too for Classic (or maybe Silver Sonic from Sonic 2)

[EDIT: Yup, there he is, in the last couple of seconds of the last video]

[Emperor Smeat]

Almost evey single one of Sonic's friends over the past 20 years confirmed to be in the game but won't be playable characters.

"We really wanted to encapsulate 20 years of Sonic characters... so we've got those really memorable bosses, we've got memorable rivals as well that you can play against; so far we've announced Metal Sonic and Shadow... There's many friends in there as well...They're not playable, but there are many friends."

http://www.screwattack.com/news/sonic-has-many-friends-you-cant-play-them

[Drakul]

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[Emperor Smeat]

Some new stuff was revealed by Sega with the main things being the pre-order soundtrack for the Japanese was revealed and at some point in the game both Sonics will meet up with each other.

Pre-order soundtrack cd contents (3DS has a different one):
SEGA call
Angel Island - Act 1 (Sonic 3 (although it says Sonic 2 in the Japanese article))
Splash Hill - Act 1 (Sonic 4 Ep 1)
Palm Tree Panic - Present (Sonic CD)
Green Grove - Act 1 (Sonic 3D Blast)
Can You Feel The Sunshine (Sonic R)
Blue Azure World (Sonic Adventure)
Escape From The City (Sonic Adventure 2)
Westopolis (Shadow the Hedgehog)
Quick Trip To Paradise (Sonic Rivals)
Wave Ocean - The Water's Edge (Sonic 2006)
Windmill Isle - Day (Sonic Unleashed)

http://www.screwattack.com/news/tracklist-japanese-sonic-generation-soundtracks-revealed

The new Sonic game, Sonic Generations features chubby classic Sonic and skinny modern Sonic. They will meet in story sequences, Sega's Aaron Webber told me, but only one of them will speak. Modern Sonic will talk. Classic Sonic will be mute.

Oh, Webber told me, maybe they could have had Classic Sonic talk, if only they'd gotten actor Jaleel White on board. I didn't know that White—better known as the nerdy Urkel in the 90's sitcom "Family Matters"—had played classic Sonic in a bunch of cartoons. He did. HE would have been appropriate, but Sega couldn't get him. Thus mute Classic Sonic will have to listen to Modern Sonic yammer on.
http://kotaku.com/5846911/sonic-will-meet-sonic-in-sonic-generations-and-other-amusing-revelations

[Drakul]

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[Emperor Smeat]

Sega confirms the PC will be getting the game and will use Steamworks, 3D support, Steam Achievements, and online leaderboards.

Also Silver the Hedgehog was revealed to be another rival/boss for the game.
http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/588/d_silver_5.jpg

http://www.screwattack.com/news/sonic-generations-pc-confirmed-new-rival-revealed (PC specs in the link)

[Drakul]

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[Drakul]

Today we are excited to confirm that a second demo is incoming for Sonic Generations! Best of all, it’s coming really really soon – like really soon! The second demo for the game will be available via Xbox Live Arcade on 19th October across North America and Europe and PlayStation Network on 25th October for North America! You’ve been waiting patiently, you’ve seen the demos, videos and materials we’ve been teasing – now you can enjoy the demo a few days ahead of the full game release on November 1st!

The first demo, released on June 23rd 2011 – the anniversary of Sonic’s 20th year – allowed fans to play as Classic Sonic only. Now the second demo not only contains the Classic content you enjoyed, but now adds in Modern Sonic in the iconic Green Hill level from Sonic Generations! Take that Monday, this week just got a whole lot better!

[Kalyx triaD]

Didn't even know this had a 3D option. It's not too bad. Frame rate takes a dip, though. Wonder how many other 360 games have the option now.

[Drakul]

The first demo had a 3D option as well. Though, that 3D option just set the game to display two smaller screens side by side.
I don't have a 3D tv so it wont let me try out this 3D option just to see what it looks like.

Peoples opinions on the demo?

I'm liking it.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

It's not bad. If it was full-price I wouldn't touch this with a barge-pole. But £17 for the PC version? Oh hells yes.

[Drakul]

I think they should have given us a level other than Green Hill Zone as the demo. With GHZ being the first zone, it's not exactly the most thrilling level to hook someone into the game.

[Emperor Smeat]

Steam version is giving away the PC versions of Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic 3D Blast for free as a pre-order bonus to go along with the discount of $20 off the regular price ($29.99).

http://www.screwattack.com/news/pre-order-sonic-generations-steam-and-receive-genesis-goodies


3DS version won't come out until November 22 but all the others still have the normal November 4 date.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

It's even cheaper on Green Man Gaming

http://www.greenmangaming.com/games/adventure/sonic-generations/

They'll just give you a CD Key to install via Steam so you might even get the pre-order bonus (I did with Dead Island).

[Drakul]

Unlockable spoiler:
From Paris Games Week comes news that Sonic Generations will include the original Sonic the Hedgehog as an unlockable game, according to Destructoid. Takashi Iizuka of Sonic Team made the announcement.

This is going to be the Megadrive/Genesis version, isn't it? The one that's available in two different ways on the 360 (on XBLA and on the Mega Collection disc). It's really cool they're giving us a full game. I'd have like it if it was the Master System game as that's not available on any console besides the Wii.

[Drakul]

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[Drakul]

I got the game a day early and gave it a spin (no pun intended). Great game, so far.

Each zone only has 2 acts, one for Classic and one for Modern but, once you clear a zone, a selection of "challenge gates" open. Green Hill has, I think, 12 challenge gates, 6 for each Sonic, all of them unique to that Sonic.

Challenges include races (multiple types of race), tricks, enemy heavy challenges etc.

Some take place in a slightly altered version of that Sonics act for Green Hill (or whichever zone you're in.) and others take place in totally new levels.
One of Classic Sonics challenges involved reaching the goal in a level consisting mainly of swinging bridges with wasp enemies everywhere.

Anyone that played the demo will know that sometimes it was impossible to run through a loop without spin dashing. It wasn't poor design, it was on purpose.
The game has "skill sets" which you can customise to your style, once you buy abilities from the in game store.
I had to buy an ability that stopped my speed decreasing on hills and in water to make those "impossible" loops without spin dashing.

Music is cool. The remixes are well done and you can unlock other tracks, which you can listen to in the zone hub or use them as BGM in whatever level you like.
It was pretty awesome playing as Modern Sonic in Green Hill with "Sonic Boom" as the BGM.
You can also unlock artwork, movies and characters bios.

I've only played for a couple hours (and unlocked 12 achievements already, they aren't too hard to get) but, like I said, it's a great game.

[Drakul]

I got my preorder bonuses. The dashboard theme sucks, the Avatar costume sucks but the Casino Nights Pinball table minigame was pretty cool. Liking the jazz version of the Casino Nights theme they used.

[Kalyx triaD]

Sad that Crush 40 music wasn't included. I'd say they are the sound of modern Sonic.

[Drakul]

I thought they sang City Escapes theme.

[Khuntry]

Ted Poley sung the city escape themes.

[Drakul]

There is a new version of the Super Sonic Racing theme. I think I heard that version on YouTube where it was called the "Crush 40 version".

I've gotten to what I think is the last boss already. I've just got to do two more challenges to get the 2 keys to gain access to him. I could be wrong and there could be more but the signs point to it being the final boss.

The challenges should keep me going afterwards anyway. I'm hoping they have a good bulk of DLC zones out sooner rather than later. None of this SEGA All Stars Racing crap where they give us one new track as DLC and call it a day.

[Drakul]

There is a secret room in the game. To get there, go to the Collection Room at the far left of the zone hub. Hold back/select while in the room and you'll eventually be taken to the secret room after a few seconds.

It's a statue room. The only way to get statues is with passwords. Here they are and what statue they give you, one or two may be slight spoilers.:

204390--Sonic the Hedgehog (Modern)
171045--Sonic the Hedgehog (Classic)
632951--Miles "Tails" Prower (Modern)
359236--Miles "Tails" Prower (Classic)
863358--Amy Rose
679417--Knuckles the Echidna
332955--Cream the Rabbit and Cheese the Chao
888200--Rouge the Bat
894526--Espio the Chameleon
544873--Blaze the Cat
868377--Vector the Crocodile
226454--Charmy Bee
629893--Chao
870580--Omochao
613482--Dr. Eggman
103729--Dr. Robotnik
277087--Metal Sonic
262416--Shadow the Hedgehog
688187--Silver the Hedgehog
353012--Big the Cat
601409--E-123 'OMEGA'
383870--Jet the Hawk
507376--Hero Chao
869292--Dark Chao
309511--Chip
483990--Moto Bug
852363--Buzz Bomber
363911--Crabmeat
639402--Chopper
275843--Grabber
466913--Spiny
360031--Eggrobo
640456--Cop Speeder
530741--Spinner
668250--G.U.N. Hunter
975073--G.U.N. Beetle
125817--Egg Pawn
872910--Iblis Biter
513929--Iblis Taker
711268--Iblis Worm
851426--Egg Fighter
973433--Egg Launcher
329494--Aero-Cannon
200078--Egg Chaser
548986--Sandworm
070178--Spring (Yellow)
537070--Spring (Red)
209005--Item Box
777921--Capsule
933391--Goal Plate
283015--Goal Ring
390884--Ring
008140--Chaos Emeralds
495497--Booster
249651--Cucky/Pucky/Flicky/Pecky

All you can do, it seems, is rotate the statues when you view them. There are no bios for the statues.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Love how if you change the music for a level, it plays that games invincibility/speed sneaker music.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Kind of in shock at just how good this game is. I pretty much gave up after 4 and Colours got decent reviews but I disliked them. This is all awesome, even the behind the shoulder bits.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

The City Escape remixes on both acts are horrible compared to the original. Hope I can unlock that one.

[Drakul]

You can unlock the original Green Hill and Chemical Plant zone themes. I'd assume the originals of each zones themes would be in.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Yeah, I've got them. Was liking the Sky Sanctuary remix, but I did forget how awesome the original was too.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Really hated the last few worlds. Just no personality to them at all with shitty music (which you can thankfully change).

[Drakul]

Of the last 3 worlds, I enjoyed the middle one the most. The first of the last 3 was my least favourite because it's so unsonic.
I think that's a problem with a lot of the levels in the new games. They don't look or feel like Sonic levels a lot of the time.

The old zones like Green Hill and Chemical Plant were great because they felt like videogame locations. The locations in the "Dreamcast" era with Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 were good too because they looked anime-like. Places like Crisis City or Spagonia or whatever aren't Sonic like at all. If they could go back to locations that felt either game like or anime like, it would be cool.