138 replies to this topic

[Machenstein]

So they will not release anymore episodes if Episode 2 doesn't do well? That tells me that not only was Sonic 4 not meant to be Sonic 4, it was not even meant to be it's own complete game. Sega wouldn't have held Sonic & Knuckles for ransom like that back in 1994 whether Sonic 3 did well or not. Sega intended Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles to be one game from the very beginning and they were determined to carry out that goal, even going so far as to produce special cartridges to fulfill that purpose. This is not the case with Sonic 4, even though Sega now has the luxury of DLC. Sega did not have a specific goal in mind when they conceived Sonic DL -- I mean, Sonic 4, and that's why we have the disjointed mess we see today.

Sonic 4 doesn't need more episodes, it needs to be its own game. I propose once the "Sonic 4 saga" finishes, Sega pulls a Super Mario Bros. 2 and concocts an alternate Sonic 4, one that has a specific beginning and an end, and one that also has a consistent design philosophy. Personally, I'd just have Taxman do a console remake of Sonic Advance 1 and call that Sonic 4.

Edited by Machenstein, 15 March 2012 - 02:50 PM.

[Barry the Nomad]

I think we've all known that Sonic 4 was not developed with a master plan in mind. An outline though? Probably. I'm sure there is a piece of paper or a whiteboard somewhere with an arc drawn out. Adding a new character with each episode, what special stage appears in each episode and the inclusion of Sonic CD's plot were all probably planned during the development of episode 1.

However, specific stuff like physics tweaks, graphics engines, music and combo moves all probably came about due to ideas coming later in development and fan feedback.

I think it's too soon to declare that Sonic 4 doesn't need new episodes. We haven't even played episode 2! Play that, and then form an opinion on wether it should continue or not (talking to you and Iizuka).

An alternate Sonic 4 would be a VERY stupid idea. I assume you're joking. As for a console remake of Sonic Advance 1 retitled Sonic 4? That's just a crazy, stupid, fanboy dream.

[Machenstein]

An alternate Sonic 4 would be a VERY stupid idea. I assume you're joking. As for a console remake of Sonic Advance 1 retitled Sonic 4? That's just a crazy, stupid, fanboy dream.

I'm only half-joking. Any game titled Sonic 4 was already going to be redundant to me anyway, because WE ALREADY HAD IT. 10 years ago. The people who requested Sonic 4 are the same people who request Super Mario Bros. 4 despite that coming out 22 years ago.

Edited by Machenstein, 15 March 2012 - 04:01 PM.

[/_JXJ_\]

So they will not release anymore episodes if Episode 2 doesn't do well? That tells me that not only was Sonic 4 not meant to be Sonic 4, it was not even meant to be it's own complete game. Sega wouldn't have held Sonic & Knuckles for ransom like that back in 1994 whether Sonic 3 did well or not. Sega intended Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles to be one game from the very beginning and they were determined to carry out that goal, even going so far as to produce special cartridges to fulfill that purpose. This is not the case with Sonic 4, even though Sega now has the luxury of DLC. Sega did not have a specific goal in mind when they conceived Sonic DL -- I mean, Sonic 4, and that's why we have the disjointed mess we see today.

Sonic 4 doesn't need more episodes, it needs to be its own game. I propose once the "Sonic 4 saga" finishes, Sega pulls a Super Mario Bros. 2 and concocts an alternate Sonic 4, one that has a specific beginning and an end, and one that also has a consistent design philosophy. Personally, I'd just have Taxman do a console remake of Sonic Advance 1 and call that Sonic 4.

This all the way.

[TimberWolf]

I'm only half-joking. Any game titled Sonic 4 was already going to be redundant to me anyway, because WE ALREADY HAD IT. 10 years ago. The people who requested Sonic 4 are the same people who request Super Mario Bros. 4 despite that coming out 22 years ago.

We did?

[/_JXJ_\]

We did?

Does he mean Sonic Advance or something?

[Machenstein]

2012 - 10 years = 2002. Now which 2D Sonic game came out on that year? Hmm...

[Hyper-Shan]

2012 - 10 years = 2002. Now which 2D Sonic game came out on that year? Hmm...

Personally, I would hardly call that a Sonic 4. True, the physics system & gameplay is very much like the classics, but it just feels like a simple reboot than a sequal to S3&K, which is pretty much what it is - It's more like modern Sonic 2.

[Gabe]

Wow, I'm surprised I didn't respond to the topic when I posted in here.

Although I'm pretty sure Episode II will bring in enough digital bank to warrant a Epi. III, I'm just waiting for the entire "Sonic 4" fiasco to end. So if there are no more "Sonic 4" episodes coming, all I can say is just anything along the lines of "meh," "good riddance," and "and nothing of value was lost."

As of the moment (IMO), Episode II is just a polished (in a few select areas) Episode I that advertises one of the most ludicrous ways of bringing back playable a fan favorite character as it's main selling point.

[Semi-colon e]

I wouldn't mind there being no more episodes tbh, especially if Episode 2 turns out mediocre. I'm just more interested in what they do in the future, and hopefully not wear the nostalgia card even thinner than it already is. I kind of want to "get Sonic 4 out of the way" now.

[VEDJ-F]

2012 - 10 years = 2002. Now which 2D Sonic game came out on that year? Hmm...

Sonic Advance 2? Isn't that the most hated of the Advance trilogy? What does that have to do with anything?

[Gatestormer]

Sonic Advance 2? Isn't that the most hated of the Advance trilogy? What does that have to do with anything?

I think Advance was 2002 actually and Advance 2 in 2003.

[VEDJ-F]

I think Advance was 2002 actually and Advance 2 in 2003.

Not in Japan, it isn't. That's why Sonic Advance 2 art was the 2002 illustration on Generations 3DS.

[Machenstein]

I meant Advance 1. I know it came out in Japan in 2001, but I live in the real world where it came out in 2002.

[Old Freddy]

Yeah, because Japan isn't part of the real world, is it?

Sonic advance was a good, classic-style title but I'd hardly call it Sonic 4. Why would it only be released on Gameboy Advance. It feels to me like they basically modified and polished Sonic Pocket adventure into a new, original game, and even then there was a bit of rehash here and there.

[Machenstein]

Yeah, because Japan isn't part of the real world, is it?

Nope. No more than Narnia is located inside of your wardrobe.

Sonic advance was a good, classic-style title but I'd hardly call it Sonic 4. Why would it only be released on Gameboy Advance.

I don't know, why was Contra 4 only released on the DS? Why was every 2D game made during the 2000's regulated to some handheld ghetto when the industry developed its polygon fetish?

Edited by Machenstein, 01 April 2012 - 03:14 PM.

[MarcelloF]

I meant Advance 1. I know it came out in Japan in 2001, but I live in the real world where it came out in 2002.

????

[Haru-chan]

Good, then maybe they can work on Generations Episode 2 instead.

[Dreamy Luigi]

Well there is an Episode Metal, guess that is technically Epsiode 1.5