What would YOU like seeing for Sonic's Big 20th?

[EXshad]

Yeah...well, as you all know, in just a little over a year, Sonic is going to hit the big 20. Sure, he's had his share of ups and downs......

Okay, besides Sonic Unleashed 360/PS3 and MAYBE Secret Rings (and even those 2 games are debatable), Sonic hasn't had a truly "great" home console game since Sonic Adventure 2, way back on the Dreamcast. Personally, I hope SEGA truly gives Sonic a great, memorable, and amazing 20th anniversary masterpiece title.

But what would you like it to BE? What would you like to see in it? This topics about letting your ideas run wild, down to the last detail.

Personally, I'd like to see Sonic Unleashed 2, similar to how Sonic's 10th anniversary was celebrated with Sonic Adventure 2. But I think it should be a bit different then its predecessor. For example, I think that instead of having Hedgehog and Werehog levels, Sonic should play all the levels as himself...but with a twist. I'd like to see a new "style" system implemented into the game. Granted, each style is focused on a fast pace, but....basically, on the fly, Sonic could switch between, say, running-style, and then combat-style. Now, running has a moveset based around blazing through the level as fast as possible, whereas fighting style is based around stringing together fast-paced combos on enemies without slowing you down to much. Something like that, and hell, maybe we could see some more styles. I'd also like to see partner characters, as seen in Sonic Advance 3, return, and in a similar manner, though the main focus SHOULD remain on Sonic, they'd essentially be the "amigos" of the game (though they should be more well-done).

I'd like to see the level design done....well, like Unleashed, the world should be split into continents that you can travel to on Tail's tornado plane (please god, let it be more than DDR-bullshit....). But I think each area representing a continent should act as a very large, almost open-ended hub, where you can talk to people, explore, etc. Granted, its design should be a bit streamlined, more like a large-scale Station Square from Sonic Adventure rather than Soleanna. But in these areas, you can access the stages and stuff, which are actually extensions of the hub itself. I think this system could truly give you the sense of experiencing Sonic's world the way Unleashed just slightly fell short of accomplishing.

Speaking of which, I think each continent should have a design slightly more akin to the classic titles. Since the first Unleashed took locations based on real life, why shouldn't Unleashed 2 have different continents representing different Sonic level stereotypes? I could easily see a beautiful beach/jungle level with checkered tiles, or an industrial city with some gambling elements present? It would truly feel like Sonic's world. Granted, each area shouldn't feel like a glossy and glorified stereotype, but I think you get my idea.

Of course, I'd also like to see special stages return and the like...hell, maybe each continent could have it's own special stage? I dunno....it would depend on how the plot is written, I suppose (BTW, I'd like to see something different than the Gaias, please......that point is dead IMO, besides, Sonic Adventure 2's plot had little to nothing to do with Adventure 1's).

So that's my little idea. There's a lot to consider, but.......anyhow, what would YOU like to see?

Edited September 25, 2009 by EXshad

[azoo]

If Needlemouse ends up being the return to the Genesis-style gameplay, then I don't care much. Just as long as the 20th anniversary game would be just as good as that.

[Blacklightning]

A self-parody. Anything acknowledging Sonic Team's past mistakes in a humourous fashion would make me a very, very happy man indeed. Having a completely straightforward Sonic game that doesn't get fucked in the development process would be pretty okay too though, I guess.

[JaidynReiman]

Well, here's some ideas I have. I think the Unleashed formula will work pretty good... but a few tweaks are necessary. One, I think Unleashed focuses TOO much on speed. Now, I wouldn't mind some flat-out running areas like Unleashed, but ordinary Sonic should also have numerous platforming areas, too. Unleashed did have this from what I've heard... but not as much as should be the case.

Two, character variety. I think that there should be more playable characters that just Sonic. However, they should play almost identical to Sonic, similar to the classics. However, they should have a few unique abilities that differentiate them. In the case of Sonic, he of course would have things like Spindash, Homing Attack, Stomp, etc. Spin Dash should also be brought back, as is obvious. Tails, on the other hand, has flight replacing Homing Attack (with a limited meter). He cannot wall jump. Knuckles can glide and climb, and in place of stomp use Spiral Dive (as in SA2). Amy should literally pound the ground with her hammer, and use Spinning Hammer for Jump + Jump.

I think that Shadow could take the advantage of Chaos Control in place of Homing Attack, as well. It would work mostly the same, but it is far more accurate than homing attack, and he's warped directly in front of a foe, plus other locations that he can latch onto. Shadow may also be able to use Chaos Blast in place of stomp, and use Chaos Spear. He can wall jump and light dash, but these abilities aren't as quick as Sonic's, and his running is much more slippery than Sonic's. He could perhaps be even slightly slower, too, or simply have a much more stiff speed while Sonic has a much larger range of speed.

Boost... Not sure if it should return. Perhaps more like the Advance games where when the characters reach a certain speed they enter into the superfast boost mode.

On another note, I don't think the game should be on a worldwide scale like the previous game. However, that doesn't mean it can't be located on multiple continents... but I don't think every continent should be featured. I'd also like to see a database which contains information on each game in the series, and perhaps even info on characters and locations.

[Ebby]

Pure, unlimited, insanely fast running. I was one of those fans who loved Unleashed and what I loved the most was the running. The sheer speed was a lot for me the first time I played it. I just want to see that again. No gimmicks, no random characters, Sonic (maybe Tails) and speed.

I've always thought it would be amazing if they remade some of the classic levels into 3D. Green Hill (of course), Spring Yard, Starlight (That would rock!!!), Mystic Cave, Oil Ocean, Angel Island, Hydrocity (Sonic used to be able to go underwater in his major games right?) Carnival Night, Mushroom Hill, Sandopolis, Lava Reef, and the ORIGINAL, FROM SONIC 2 Hidden Palace would have to be included.

They could get some of the musicians from OCRemix to do the Soundtrack. Why? Cause, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y223Xhiihs8, THIS, and THIS are amazing!

I wouldn't mind seeing a remix album too! I mean, they could do a lot with the themes they have. I really liked a few remixes in Gems Collection (Gotta love the "Can You Feel The Sunshine ACID Mix!"). They could do gold with Sonic Advance 3's music.

EDIT: I forgot! WE NEED SPECIAL STAGES!!!!!

Edited September 25, 2009 by eboni

[Jetronic]

A self-parody. Anything acknowledging Sonic Team's past mistakes in a humourous fashion would make me a very, very happy man indeed. Having a completely straightforward Sonic game that doesn't get fucked in the development process would be pretty okay too though, I guess.

That and some peace and quiet, people whine too much on every little thing. Although many make extremely valid points, some people tend to push it too far with the added whining.

Also, a final boss that isn't anti-climatic. That's all I ask for.

[Diogenes]

It's been a while since I've tried to plan a 3D Sonic, but I'll see what I can dredge up.

In terms of graphics and visual style, they've got a pretty solid start with Unleashed. More surreal/implausible environments would be nice, tho'; I'd love to see a full lit-up casino style level or maybe even a special stage sort of area done with Unleashed's style.

For the story, I'd really like something centered around Eggman's actions. Not just a barebones "Sonic vs Eggman", but an actual plot that the heroes must stop, and something more complex than "1. Find Giant Monster, 2. Release Giant Monster, 3. ???, 4. Profit Get Beaten By Monster/Sonic". I mean, does anyone else get the feeling that, in a lot of these games, nothing really happens in the middle third of them? And, as much as I defend the giant monsters (their existence if not the inevitable outcome), I would not complain one bit if they just left it out this one time...

Gameplay...eh...I think I'd be satisfied if it was just Sonic, though bonus characters would be neat. And I'd love for the game to be robust enough to actually support running on walls and such everywhere, not just where they want you to. And how about some in-depth wall running, rather than just the basic "run up a curve"? Heroes and Shadow teased at it, but it never amounted to anything. I'd love to see Sonic be able to go right onto a wall, even one at a 90 degree angle (maybe pair it with the quick step, so if you quick step while running up against a wall you start running up it?). I like some of the things Unleashed brought, though the boost needs a severe nerfing...I dunno, I just don't want them to end up shitting out Sonic 4 like it's the ultimate goal of the series.

[Badnik Zero]

I'm starting to get the feeling that Needlemouse will be the 20th anniversary game. Much as I like the idea of Needlemouse, I was getting used to this idea that we'd be getting that game plus another more major production.

What I want for Sonic's 20th is what I want out of the 3D series in general. Full open environments (doesn't have to be sandbox), hilly levels with half pipes, loops, bowls, and ramps naturally occurring in terrain. Levels should look like big skate parks on crack for good rolling around. Plenty of platforming high up and over dangerous areas. The hub-level idea is something I like, so maybe you finish a level when you reach the next hub, kind of like Pokemon routes between towns, and if you want you can just blow through the town and ignore NPCs. Furry NPCs also!

Besides this I'd like a sidescroller featuring Big and Super Froggy based on Wario games. Only half kidding.

Edited September 25, 2009 by Ezra the Badnik

[JD!]

An awesome colletable statue. Seriouslly.

An an awesome new game that I can play on my DS and/or PC.

[Sean]

Can't wait for Sega to rip off Zelda or Okami by having an adventure-style Sonic game, complete with dungeons (Eggman fortresses) and puzzles that can be solved with just Sonic's speed and spin attacks.

[redmenace]

A self-parody. Anything acknowledging Sonic Team's past mistakes in a humourous fashion would make me a very, very happy man indeed. Having a completely straightforward Sonic game that doesn't get fucked in the development process would be pretty okay too though, I guess.

This is good.

A game with the 2D - 3D transitions from Sonic Unleashed, with added pinball mechanics so it can combine both the best of the classics with the best of Sonic Adventure and what 3D has to offer. The tone should be light and fun as well. Eggman should be the final boss and Tails should follow Sonic around. Knuckles and Amy can get cameos. Anything else isn't needed.

I'd like a Sonic 1 adaption from the VE studios as well. Just Sonic, Eggman (in their classic designs), zones and a bunch of badniks making appearances.

[lounge]

Sonic adventure 3 would be a dream come true. No forced 100% GI to make the game look too artificial. Multiplayer, level object editor, story that doesn't embarass me for being a fan, cool character designs, consistent game design, big levels. That'd be nice.

[Greg the Fancat]

This is good.

A game with the 2D - 3D transitions from Sonic Unleashed, with added pinball mechanics so it can combine both the best of the classics with the best of Sonic Adventure and what 3D has to offer. The tone should be light and fun as well. Eggman should be the final boss and Tails should follow Sonic around. Knuckles and Amy can get cameos. Anything else isn't needed.

I'd like a Sonic 1 adaption from the VE studios as well. Just Sonic, Eggman (in their classic designs), zones and a bunch of badniks making appearances.

Erm... Wow.

Dude, I completely agree. Especially with the VE Animation cutscenes and/or short. That would make my days as a Sonic fan worth living.

[DMNBT]

I think my ideas won't be well received, but here goes:

-A 3D Sonic modelled after the Unleashed day stages, but with more viable alt. routes and more pure platforming areas. To be honest I don't really like the idea of wide open areas, I don't fell they would work for something like Sonic.

-I'd like the enviroments to span worldwide, and also to mix realistic and surreal levels (think going from Jungle Joyride to Ocean Palace).

-About characters, I don't really care who appears, as long as every playable character goes through the same level, with specific alt. routes accessible to specific characters.

-About story, I'd like the game to kickstart an "epic" storyline spanning multiple games (Example: Game 1 Eggman wins/Game 2 Sonic gathers a Resistance/Game 3 Sonic Resistance vs. Eggman Empire)

So there's my ideas, feel free to rip'em apart.

[ArtFenix]

I think i still wait for Sonic adventure 3. It would be a perfect choice for anniversary game! There should be a lot of characters, just like in original Sonic adventure. If that dream comes true, i'll be happy!

P.S. MOAR CG cutscenes like in S06 (yes, cause they were less detailed in unleashed, so they are much better in S06)

[Marcello]

I'd like gameplay being like in Sonic Adventure 1. I wouldn't even mind Emerald searching.

Graphics maybe Sonic Adventure 2. Sonic's face hasn't looked as cool since then. Also I miss his dark blue fur.

I'd also love having the old VA. The new ones have gotten ok, but every time I play SA2 or so, I start missing them again >_>.

I'd want the game to come out in a Box set like SA2,also. At the moment I can't really think of anything else.

hmmm. Maybe SEGA's return to console making. . That won't happen but still...

[The Conductor]

*sigh* They already made Sonic Adventure 3. It was called Sonic The Hedgehog and was out on the Xbox360 two years ago. Slapping the title "Sonic Adventure 3" wont make the game good.

Now what I think they should make is Sonic 4 now that would a dream come true.

[Phos]

I'd like to see an ASIMO style Sonic robot that can breakdance.

But seriously, dream 3D game I keep going on about.

[GameboyHero]

3D: Gameplay similar to SA1 or Heroes (team gameplay is 50/50 for me) and the character models and landscapes of that of Unleashed would do it for me.

2D: what they've been doing just minus bottomless pits. I didn't mind the Advance and Rush series, but goddamn the times I died on the snow level in SRA due to bottomless pits is just ugh.

[Mike]

- Gameplay from SA2.

- Graphics from Unleashed.

- 2D to 3D.

- Get rid of boost (It's like Unleashed wasn't even a platformer.)

- Shit load of skip-able cutscenes to extend the game.

- Random Npc's should not only include humans but other Sonic characters as well.

- Tails' airplane sections should play just like After Burner Climax.

- No ancient evil monster.

- Chao Garden

Too much to ask for, I know.

[lounge]

*sigh* They already made Sonic Adventure 3. It was called Sonic The Hedgehog and was out on the Xbox360 two years ago. Slapping the title "Sonic Adventure 3" wont make the game good.

I'm sick of people saying that. We don't care about the name, we're talking about the concepts. We just call it SA3 because it's just the prototype name for the ultimate 3d game.

[The Conductor]

I'm sick of people saying that. We don't care about the name, we're talking about the concepts. We just call it SA3 because it's just the prototype name for the ultimate 3d game.

But the concepts were used already; in Sonic 2006. And they were shit.

[lounge]

But the concepts were used already; in Sonic 2006. And they were shit.

The concepts failed in Sonic 06 because they were executed by a bad team. Old concepts can be improved on, ya know. Just because one game failed at it, doesn't mean it's the end of the world. I'd rather see adventure style concept design rather than boosting thru entire level concepts.

[redmenace]

But the concepts were used already; in Sonic 2006. And they were shit.

They weren't shit, since they were used in Sonic Adventure, they were just poorly designed and unfinshed.

Sonic Adventure was revolutionary (in the Sonic franchise) because of the adventure fields, the emblem collecting, and the town's people who had a story to tell you if you bothered with it. All of this was present in 06, including obvious evolutions of said concepts: bigger adventure fields and town missions. The problem was, the game was half finished, so you ended up with a town filled with nothing and the town missions were boring, some of them mandatory to increase the ammount of time played. The shop was probably tacked on as last resort as well, since the fields weren't finished.

Sonic Adventure followed the 2D cliché level formula step by step: Emerald Coast - Wave Ocean (tropical island), Icecap - White Acropolis (snow), Red Mountain - Flame Core (fire), Lost World - Kingdom Valley (ruins). Besides this, Dusty Desert is filled with Sandopolis Zone and Pyramid Cave references and Radical Train is very reminiscent of both Rail Canyon and Bullet Station, Tropical Jungle with Frog forest and Lost Jungle, and finally Crysis City reminds of some level of Shadow that I don't quite remember the name. There are other references we can parallel as well, like the snowball in White Acropolis (both Icecap snowboarding section and that ball chasing Sonic in Lost World). You're also doing something different in every level (not very obviously like in SA I admit) and every each one has some level specific gimmicks. It wasn't complete however, and it shows. IMO, there were three levels that had so much potential if they had polished them: Crysis City, Radical Train and Kingdom Valley (yes, speed sections included). I'm sure there are tons of examples aside from the most obvious ones but this is big as it is.

The story I have no excuse though, but there's this side-by-side storyline that goes on as Sonic Adventure as well. You don't understand everything until you've played the three scenarios AND the storylines cross each other at certain and crucial points of the game. Also, every storyline goes through the same stages (SA had some characters going through some stages, not all, but it still counts). I'd bring the flashback story thingy here as well, but it might be pushing it.

Sonic 06 sucks. I'm a big hater of that game. I can't deny it's supposed to be Sonic Adventure 3 (and it is) however, just poorly implemented and hignly unfinished. I also admit there's a lot of things wrong with that game, that don't include bad gameplay or rushed development. But it DOES follow the Adventure format Sonic Adventure set up. It surelly follows it more than Sonic Adventure 2 to begin with.

Edited September 25, 2009 by redmenace

[Tori Himemiya]

Mine is simple....

A Sonic game that IGN or anyone else wouldn't bash.

That would be a glorious day for Sonic.

Edited September 25, 2009 by Vesa Aergun