Yuji Naka - Sonic titles are NOT as fun, wants to return to Sonic Team in the future

[Autosaver]

I know interviews aren't that fun, but this is Yuji Naka. And some of the stuff he has to say is something we can agree with.

Naka on recent Sonic titles and why they aren't that fun...

"I also think that recent iterations have not been as fun when compared to those of the past. I think the number one reason for this is that the games have become much easier, so the gamer doesn't feel that extreme joy that comes with the satisfaction of accomplishing something that was very difficult to achieve.

Today's games are created to appeal to as wide of an audience as possible, so that's why the difficulty levels are so low in order to have both experienced and non-experienced gamers be able to play them. Sonic has a very simple control scheme that is capable of doing a lot of advanced things while sprinting at a high speed, that's what makes it a good game in my opinion. I think even moderately raising the difficulty level in the future could work well."

The Mario/Sonic rivalry...

"Thinking back to the rivalry between Sonic and Mario back in those days brings back some fond memories. It was based on each of them running on different hardware and which one was better, which made for a great rivalry. I would like for Sonic and Mario to keep up that rivalry relationship long into the foreseeable future."

On returning to the Sonic or NiGHTS brands...

"Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to do so but perhaps at some point in the future if I could come back and contribute, that could be fun and gratifying."

On Wii U...

"I always get very excited when thinking about the next round of next-gen hardware that's coming and what kind of unimaginable specs they could have. Wii U is taking a completely new and innovative approach, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what Nintendo has in store there."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-05-18-game-industry-legends-yuji-naka?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

So basically, Yuji Naka doesn't like how Sonic games are made with easy difficulty. And no, death pits are not difficulty before someone comes in and points that as challenge.

He also wants Sonic and Mario to edge each other. It is kind of hard to do that now, since Mario games are generally favored as some of the best games made. Still, Sonic could try and match the quality.

And Yuji Naka's return to Sonic Team? A Sonic game and NiGHTS game made by him? That actually sounds pretty neat.

sonic 4 episode 3 made by yuji naka

[ArtFenix]

I respect Naka-san with all my heart! Wise words!

[Soniman]

I can get basically the same amount of fun playing Colors and Generations or playing Sonic 2 and S3&K.

But that's just me, naturally.

But don't get me wrong though I'm completely open to the games being more challenging.

Edited May 18, 2012 by The Groosenator

[SuperLink]

Yeah I read the article just before, unfortunately a lot of people will probably misquote him or take what he said out of context to mean "NEW SONIC LE SUCK XDD".

Maybe Naka still cares about Sonic? It was kinda nice to hear him say he was interested in maybe returning someday..

A healthy rivalry between Mario and Sonic would be, well.. healthy. But they co-exist too much nowadays to compete, Mario's games are totally out of Sonic's league. If Sonic Team actually tried to match Mario's level of quality they may well just fall flat on their faces.

Or maybe not, but it's hard for them to be motivated to win when they make tons of money from Nintendo systems.

[sonfan1984]

Why did he even leave in the first place? He pretty much lefted Sonic biting the dust during the development of Sonic 06. Also how heavily involved was he in during the 2000's?

It doesn't matter to me all that much if he's thinking about returning to Sonic Team. If he returns then great. If not then oh well.

Edited May 19, 2012 by sonfan1984

[Badnik Mechanic]

Be very careful when you see this story bashed around guys.

As I mentioned in my TSS post.

Yuji Naka does NOT say "I also think that recent iterations have not been as fun when compared to those of the past” The journalist says that line. Yuji Naka isn't even directly quoted as saying 'I Agree' he is only directly quoted as saying "I think the number one reason for this...."

He might not even had agreed with the journalist, but has rather commented on why he thinks the guy doesn't like Sonic as much. Whilst the implication is there, it's certainly not as strong as some are making it out to be.

[Linkabel]

"Today's games are created to appeal to as wide of an audience as possible, so that's why the difficulty levels are so low in order to have both experienced and non-experienced gamers be able to play them."

Correct me if I wrong what weren't the first Sonic games design around this concept where the difficulty was design so experienced and non-experienced gamers will be able to play and enjoy Sonic?

[Kokonoe]

He should work on their next 2D game. I am not one to mention Dimps, but Sonic 4 Episode II finally made me realize how much they just don't know how to make a proper Sonic game.

They make other things that are satisfying like Street Fighter 4, some of the DBZ games and etc. But the last time I honestly 100% enjoyed a Sonic game by Dimps was Sonic Advance 1, after that it really went down hill in my opinion.

[Ferno]

"Sonic games these days are too easy."

I've been thinking this forever.

[Winston]

Mario & Sonic to edge eachother? What are they going to do now, arm wrestle?

Edited May 18, 2012 by Winston

[JezMM]

This interview was conducted before Yuji Naka had a chance to play Special Stage 7.

[Urban Flow]

What I really think is that Sonic games are being catered more at younger audiences (relating to the whole difficulty thing). I read a post on here saying Mario is totally out of Sonic's League. I don't think so. I still think Generations and Sonic Colors are quality games. Infact I think alot of games are great. The quality is there for the most part. Its just the ideas are mixed and need to be placed right. Stuff that made the classics good, memorable, and just plain awesome. Sonic is the fastest out of the 2 [Mario]. Sega needs to step there game up, before Sonic is completely overrun. Frankly, I don't really like Mario titles. I think they are just slow and uninteresting to me. But that's just me, don't kill me. It's just why I prefer Sonic. The rivalry reboot Naka Mentioned would definitely help Sonic alot. That is the main reason why Sonic was created. To go up against Nintendo. But of course, we know that can't happen anymore.

[Stritix]

Yes. Please return Yuji.

[sonfan1984]

"Sonic games these days are too easy."

I've been thinking this forever.

I dunno, I think Episode 2 is kinda difficult (for the wrong reasons) but that's because of the stupid level design choices and the stages always seem to have some kind of 'fuck you instant death' moment in them.

Edited May 18, 2012 by sonfan1984

[Chocolate Cookie]

What about Eggmanland then or would that count as cheap?

[Rusty Spy]

While I like that he shows interest in coming back to Sonic Team, but on the other subjects he talked about, Mario and Sonic rekindling their rivalry, while a charming thought, isn't really in the question anymore.

What makes a good rivalry is their competition to sell both games and consoles. Sonic and Mario are on two wildly different playing fields now. While Nintendo could use some healthy competition, Sonic simply can't compete.

[JezMM]

Personally, I think Sonic Generations had a perfect difficulty level, but would have greatly benefitted from (well-designed, not just spike-spam) hard mode levels for us veterans.

[Kokonoe]

I dunno, I think Episode 2 is kinda hard but that's because of the level design and the stages always have some kind of 'fuck you' moment in them.

I don't necessarily find it hard, there are just a lot of random moments where the designers think you should instantly die randomly.

[Barry the Nomad]

I'd say I want him to return, but then I look at his recent games... I dunno. Maybe with a large budget he still has it in him?

[sonfan1984]

I'd say I want him to return, but then I look at his recent games... I dunno. Maybe with a large budget he still has it in him?

What are his his recent games?

[SenEDDtor Missile]

What are his his recent games?

A game involving Kiwi birds, another game involving suspiciously color coded pigs running down a track, and the relatively unknown Rodea the Sky Soldier, which for some reason seems to have vanished off the face of the earth.

[Nepenthe]

So basically, all he's credited as saying is that Sonic games are too easy nowadays? I mostly agree with him in that respect, but I'm not sure he's making a particularly profound point that the community hasn't made already ten times over.

[Phos]

Yeah I read the article just before, unfortunately a lot of people will probably misquote him or take what he said out of context to mean "NEW SONIC LE SUCK XDD".

How can you read it such that that isn't what he's saying?

[Your Vest Friend]

How can you read it such that that isn't what he's saying?

Because a lot of people are idiots.

Edit: Actually, I think I might have misread your post. See, point proven, right now, with me.

Edited May 18, 2012 by VEDJ-F

[SuperLink]

How can you read it such that that isn't what he's saying?

Because of what Hogfather said, basically. Naka's opinion on Sonic wasn't quoted at all despite saying they were too easy, the interviewer just over-sensationalised the article by putting words into Naka's mouth.