In an interview with Video Games Daily, Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka has confirmed rumours dating back to E3 in June, which claimed Knuckles the Echidna and Amy Rose will be appearing in the DS version of Sonic Colours. Iizuka reveals that both characters will feature in the game’s story mode, but like Tails, they will not be playable.
The DS version introduces the other characters like Knuckles and Amy as kind of the guest characters. They don’t have any direct influence on the gameplay but they act as the narrative to the background of the story, so if you play the DS version you get a better understanding of the story for Sonic Colours.
Iizuka also gives us some insight into how Sonic Team implements fan feedback from previous Sonic games into upcoming titles:
The team always looks at feedback immediately after we release a game and they are always looking to the pros and cons of the feedback and try to address those through the next game developed. They don’t really take it fully because they have their own thoughts but they do look at feedback and try to input as much as possible.
That feedback is actually the story of how Sonic Colours came to be. The players had always wanted a pure Sonic action game. They always wanted to play as Sonic and they always wanted the high-speed action stages. That is how we started the project for Sonic Colours — that was the most important feedback to look into. With Sonic Colours we wanted the stage to start with high-speed Sonic action and end with high-speed Sonic action. We didn’t want to break it up by introducing other characters or other kinds of action so the feedback has really influenced this game.
For the full interview, head over to Video Games Daily
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The wait is officially over. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is now available on the iTunes App Store for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users at the price of £5.99 in the UK, €7,99 in Europe and $13.99 in Australia and weighs in at 88.7MB. Sonic’s return to classic Sonic gameplay is now here and you can take the experience with you wherever you go. Four stages are available for you to speed through, with 3 Act’s each, of which 2 are exclusive to this version of the game. 7 Special Stages are also included, in which you can collect the 7 Chaos Emeralds and unlock the cliffhanger ending for Episode 2.
Official details and screenshots are below:
The sequel fans have waited 16 years for is finally here – Sonic The Hedgehog™ 4 Episode I!
Featuring enhanced gameplay elements, including the classic Sonic Spin Dash, and the versatile Homing Attack, Sonic 4 picks up right where Sonic and Knuckles™ left off.
_________________________________________
2 EXCLUSIVE LEVELS!!!
Two exclusive levels build specifically for the iPhone & iPod touch using the accelerometer.
NEW MOVES
All of Sonic’s classic moves are available, including the newer Homing Attack which will add a new level of control and excitement.
CLASSIC SONIC STAGES
Race through 4 unique zones containing 4 acts each as well as 7 special stages.
SPECIAL STAGES RETURN
A staple of the Genesis-era games, the special stages return allowing fans to collect the 7 Chaos Emeralds and unlock Super Sonic.
REVAMPED CLASSIC BOSS BATTLES
Dr. Eggman returns with new and improved mechas and will go berserk when he accumulates damage.
¬¬
GamePro – “…this looks and feels like a genuine Sonic game, deserving of the “4” attached to its title.”
IGN – “After an afternoon in its presence it’s become seared in our conscience just like the classic levels of the early Sonics – and surely that’s reason enough to have faith in Sonic the Hedgehog 4.”
UK iTunes link
Will you be buying the game today? If so, share your experience with the game so far in the comments.
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On the Sega.com boards, Sonic 4 community manager Aaron Webber (AKA Rubyeclipse) has mentioned that there will be special shoutouts and nods to multiple purchasers of Sonic 4 for different consoles.
* Anyone who picks up two or more versions of the game will be included in a special sticky thread to be posted here on the SEGA and Sonic 4 Forums. This will be a sort of MVP list that will document all of the fans out there who went above and beyond to help support the game. This list will also be posted on the SEGA Blogs and featured on the Sonic 4 website via the blogs feed.
* Those fans who have both the consoles and the determination to grab three versions of the game will receive placement on the forum list, a digital bucket of cute fluffy kittens*, a special call-out on the SEGA Blogs and the Sonic 4 website’s news feed, and special placement in one very cool spot, to be revealed! (As soon as we finish unloading the kittens.)
* Finally, any die-hard collectors or supporters who have already decided that they plan to grab a copy of every version of the game will be featured in all of the above, and will also receive a special thank you shout-out, on video, from both Ken Balough and myself, which will be featured on the SEGA Youtube page and posted all across SEGA’s realms here on the internets. (Rumor has it that interested parties may also request that Ken present his thank you in Spanish, and he will actually do so. Es loco!)
As someone who will be buying multiple versions for “a-hem!” professional reasons. I.E. to make a multi-console comparison article, this makes for a nice show of support.
Source.
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SEGA’s new Brand Director for the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise David Corless has spoken out to MCV about his visions for the franchise, current marketing strategies and pleasing Sonic fans, new and old. With the 3 titles on the way in the next couple of months, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, Sonic Free Riders and Sonic Colours, Corless feels that Sonic Team has performed well.
“Sonic Team has done an amazing job,” says Sonic’s new brand director David Corless, who took the role this summer. “They have gone back to the original games for inspiration and come back with three games that, so far, we’ve only had positive feedback on.”
Corless goes on to speak about SEGA’s strategy of appealing to the core Sonic fans, while also trying to attract the mainstream audience, something we’ve heard Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka speak about many times before. Corless feels that pleasing the core Sonic fans isn’t too hard, but pleasing both those fans and new ones is a tough job.
“I don’t think Sonic fans are hard to please. There is just a lot of them and they are all hugely passionate and have their own ideas on what the ideal Sonic game should be,” continues Corless.
“The core fans are very vocal and get a lot of attention but we also have a huge, younger fanbase that we need to consider too. So it presents a challenge. It’s hard to please everyone.
Corless wants to assure fans that he and SEGA respect Sonic’s heritage and want to create games that live up to that heritage, while also taking the series forward.
“We want to create games that respect the heritage of the brand whilst also moving it forward.”
Where does our new Brand Director see Sonic in the future?
“Daft Punk put it well – better, faster, stronger,” concludes Corless.
For the full article, head over to MCV.
What do you think of David Corless’s statements? Let us know in the comments.
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SEGA’s Aaron Webber aka RubyEclipse appeared in CNET’s latest episode of preGame yesterday, where he talks about Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, as well as giving a demonstration of Casino Street Zone and Mad Gear Zone. Webber confirms what we all assumed, that the new playing card features in Casino Street Zone are from a refurbished Act 2 and that it will be an exclusive stage to the console versions. We can only guess that the iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad version will still contain the pinball score attack stage seen in the leaked version of the game. Both zones look to incorporate plenty of careful platforming and not just speed, which should make a lot of fans happy. The recently seen map screen is shown again here, but this time it has a warp-hole above the island, which we assume is the E.G.G. Station Zone, in which the final battle with Dr.Eggman takes place.
To view the video, head over to CNET.
Thanks to Woun at the SSMB for the heads-up!
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Kotaku’s own Stephen Totilo got his hands on the multiplayer part of Sonic Colors recently. While he seemed to really enjoy his time with the game, he also revealed some very interesting new information.
— There are 21 Sonic Simulator levels total.
— Due to the simple backgrounds, they can run at 60 fps.
— The speeds of these levels can be adjusted. However, it is not clear if that is the speed of your time limit or the speed of the Sonic bots.
— This was the final build of the game.
The entire article can be found on Kotaku here.
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Nintendo specialist website NintendoLife has posted up an interview they held with SEGA’s Digital Brand Manager Ken Balough to chat about Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. Not much is revealed that we don’t already know, but there are plenty of teases made about Episode 2.
Balough reaffirms that the story for the whole series is already written and says we can probably expect details about Episode 2 in 2011:
I can tell you we’ve written the story for the whole saga, but we have not announced the amount of episodes yet. That said, you can probably expect to hear more about Episode II in 2011. (He smiles)
Those who would like to see the episodes lock-on in a similar fashion to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, may be in luck with Balough’s next vague teaser, but he can’t reveal what may be carried over right now:
The Episodes will definitely make up a larger game. After completing them all, you’ll have experienced a larger overall story arc that lives up to the epic nature of earlier Sonics. As for what carries over – you’ll have to wait and see!
Fans purchasing the game for Wii need not worry about the game being less of an experience due to the WiiWare file size limit. Balough explains that the game is near-enough the same:
It was definitely a challenge because there was less room to work with, but the team was super committed to bringing their full vision to the Wii.
Ultimately the content is identical. The Team was really committed to making sure everyone got a great Sonic 4 experience, so the graphics and the motion controls on the Special Stages are the only real differences on the Wii version.
When asked if there is anything he would like to say to gamers who have been waiting for Sonic’s return to classic 2D, Balough expresses the teams passion for this new entry to the series:
I’ll like to let everyone know that we at SEGA definitely understand the desire Sonic fans have had for return of a 2D game. The entire team are Genesis Sonic fans and we’re all proud to be bringing back Sonic with Sonic the Hedgehog 4. This is the game we’ve all wanted to play since we were kids, and we really hope everyone out there shares our passion and enjoys playing this game as much as we did making it!
Check out the full interview at NintendoLife.
The Sonic Stadium may link to retailers and earn a small commission on purchases made from users who click those links. These links will only appear in articles related to the product, in an unobtrusive manner, and do not influence our editorial decisions in any way.
The Sonic Stadium may link to retailers and earn a small commission on purchases made from users who click those links. These links will only appear in articles related to the product, in an unobtrusive manner, and do not influence our editorial decisions in any way.
This has been a year of events for The Sonic Stadium. First E3, then Comic Con, and finally PAX. We’ve brought you exclusive news, previews, and media from all these events, some of which other sites never even picked up on! Now, I am happy to announce that we’re also heading to the New York Comic Con, through ECC writer TJ Selinka, otherwise known as “The Illustrious Q”.
So, what does this mean for all of you? Lots of interviews, photos, videos, and maybe even some hands on previews if there’s anything new there. We’ve already lined up a video interview with Sonic writer Ian Flynn, and if all goes well, we’ll have a load of other neat articles and interviews for you guys to dig your teeth into! We’ll also be bringing you the Archie panel in it’s entirely, as well as the latest information on Ian Flynn’s “Secret Project”, whatever that may be.
Stay tuned to Sonic Stadium for all the latest at the New York Comic Con later this week.
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[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjogzh9NsMs[/youtube]
SEGA has released a trailer for the iPhone/iPod Touch version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. The trailer has been posted exclusively at Yahoo Games’ Appolicious website and shows gameplay footage from Splash Hill Zone, Casino Street Zone and Mad Gear Zone. We get to officially hear music from Casino Street Zone and Mad Gear Zone for the first time in this trailer, too. Appolicious confirms that this version of the game will include online leaderboards, just like the console versions. Still no price confirmd for the U.S. and Europe, unfortunately. We’ll let you know when SEGA reveals details.
Source: Appolicious.
Thanks to Woun at the SSMB for the YouTube conversion.
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TSS forum member speedfreak has found a new video of Sonic 4 Splash Hill with the latest build on it. In it, we can briefly see the world map Aaron Webber has been eluding to. We also get a clear video of the latest build which is played with no homing attack made. (Not sure if it was intentional or the guy just really stunk at playing.)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9QGKwJSk6k[/youtube]
Here is a snapshot of the world map. Just what is that shaded area to the right? The possible start of Episode 2? If so, then that could mean the episodes can be locked on to one game. That’s just speculation of course.
Thanks to speedfreak for the youtube link and Core for the image.
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Series 2 of the First 4 Figures made Classic Sonic mini figures is now available to purchase in the UK. The figures include Super Sonic, Metal Sonic and Amy Rose and are available individually for £3.99 in-store at Gamestation or bundled with Series 1 figures Sonic, Tails and Knuckles at Play.com for £17.99. U.S. fans can buy the bundle of six online at First 4 Figures website for $29.99, though we’ve heard that people who already ordered from there haven’t had their orders sent out yet.
SSMB member Gnasher has made an unboxing video of the figures, which you can view below:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Oc9OTjBWSQ&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Thanks to Gnasher for the heads-up!
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Did you know that The Sonic Stadium has been around for nearly ten years? TEN! It only seems like yesterday that I was hosting this humble little website on an Angelfire free 20MB account, nursing it through its toddler years. Now it means that TSS is about to enter its terrible teens – expect some tantrums, unkempt hairstyles and accusations that I ‘just don’t understand’ it.
If I was any kind of responsible parent, I would be making sure it doesn’t get led astray and not to go too wild on the celebrations. But I’m 25, and a party animal – so I want to throw the biggest, meanest party for your favourite Sonic site that there ever was. All month long.
I’ve collected snapshots of every single site design this place has been through since its inception – plus a few bonus designs that I have in the vault that have never seen the light of day. A site redesign will be hitting to bring the place bang up to date. Giveaways will be had, and memories from TSS’ early years shared. The first episode of Sonic 4 will be coming out (I’m sure SEGA arranged it to be released in time for our 10th ;)). The staff here will no doubt recall their times at the site, and there are many anecdotes I can share, let me tell you.
I want you to join in the fun with us, though! Brad has already made a call out for Autumn-related pictures and works, but if you want to create something to help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary as well, please send them in to us! Videos wishing the site a happy birthday, Sonic art, audio messages holding the site to ransom… anything is cool. Send them to thesonicstadium @ gmail.com for the birthday wins. And let’s celebrate The Sonic Stadium together!
This website’s actual birthday, just for reference, is the 24th October 2000. Love Sonic? Love TSS!
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Welcome to October. On the 24th of this month, this humble website will be ten years old. And what better way to celebrate that special anniversary than having the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sit down and chat to one of the men that made Sonic the Hedgehog – and in effect, this website – a reality.
Let me do my best Rolf Harris impression: “Can you guess who it is yet?”
That’s right. None other than Yuji Naka, one of the most inspirational developers to come out of Japan. During his time at Sonic Team, he was constantly referred to as Sega’s version of Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto. Alongside creating the physics and backbone of the Sonic the Hedgehog gameplay, Naka-san is also the mastermind behind NiGHTS Into Dreams, Burning Rangers, Phantasy Star Online and Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg.
He is in London right now, promoting the UK release of his latest work, Ivy The Kiwi? On Monday, I will be sitting right next to him to chat about the game, and all things Sonic besides (talk about dream come true).
If you have a burning question that you’ve always wanted to ask Naka-san – about Sonic, his work at Prope, Ivy The Kiwi?, anything – here’s your chance! Post your questions in the comments box below and I’ll have a look through them and pick out some of the best ones for the ultimate Sonic Stadium interview. You guys have until Sunday night – have a think about some really unique and interesting questions!
Of course, I’ve got more planned for TSS’ 10th Anniversary, but this pretty much cranks the proceedings up from ‘exciting’ to ‘freaking awesome!’ Stay tuned for more excellent celebrations this month – October 2010 is all about The Sonic Stadium!
UPDATE: The interview has been cancelled. Yuji Naka has had to leave for Japan early due to “unforeseen circumstances.” There may still be an opportunity to ask some questions via alternative methods, so sit tight. We’d like to thank Premier PR and Rising Star Games for the opportunity up until the event’s cancellation.
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Doctor MK (or MK Skillz as some of you may know him), the founder of charity fundraiser Sonic Relief, has announced the return of the event for next year and a new twist for everyone to get involved with. Check out the announcement bellow.
One of the most pressing issues with the previous two Sonic Relief campaigns has been publicity. It’s hard to reach out to all the different corners of the fanbase and raise as much money as possible when hardly anyone knows you exist. But, with any luck, that’s all about to change this time around. Why’s that? Because, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you… the great Blue Nose campaign!
Anyone who knows about Comic Relief will know that a major source of their fundraising is through selling Red Noses which you can then wear to show your support (often with very funky designs – one year you could even give your Red Nose its own hairstyle!), and so if Sonic Relief is to live up to the charity’s legacy, it’s only fair we give a similar thing a go ourselves. If you’ve been keeping up with our retrospective, you’ll know that it was a Blue Nose that inspired the whole Sonic Relief concept in the first place.
Now, obviously it’s impractical to try and manfacture and sell the titular Blue Noses in real life… so what on earth am I rambling on about? “You’ve gone mad, MK!” I hear you cry.
Well, no I haven’t. Not yet anyway. So, what could possibly be the next best thing to having an actual Blue Nose? Slapping a Blue Nose on your online avatars and signatures, that’s what!
As modelled above by Sonic the Hedgehog himself, it’s a quick and simple procedure that will help to make your avatar look way past cool as well as doing our campaign the world of good – a little bit of promotion can go a long way!
You’ll be able to get your hands on a downloadable Blue Nose of your own very soon (prior to the start of the campaign – which, I can now reveal will run from mid-January to early April) and, unlike a Red Nose, it’ll be totally free. Why? Because the potential impact of this viral publicity stunt will be priceless to our efforts if it goes to plan and enough people take part. The Noses will come in a range of sizes to suit everyone, and if need be we’ll even stick to the Nose on your avatar for you! We’re really pulling out all of the stops for this one.
So, even if you don’t want to submit an entry or make a donation to Sonic Relief 2011, you can do us a huge favour simply by giving your online persona a small makeover! I cannot plead with you enough to take part in this if you can – such a small thing can go so far! Heck, let’s even see some Blue Nose themed entries this year! Get your nose on!
But… wait a minute… Comic Relief has a Red Nose Day to go with its Red Noses, right? So does that mean we’re going to have a…? No, we couldn’t… could we?
Blue Nose Day 2011. Watch this space.
Source: Sonic Relief Official Blog
Fre more information about Comic Relief, visit their website.
The Sonic Stadium may link to retailers and earn a small commission on purchases made from users who click those links. These links will only appear in articles related to the product, in an unobtrusive manner, and do not influence our editorial decisions in any way.
The Sonic Stadium may link to retailers and earn a small commission on purchases made from users who click those links. These links will only appear in articles related to the product, in an unobtrusive manner, and do not influence our editorial decisions in any way.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ndzzIryqNo[/youtube]
Just minutes ago, SEGA released a new trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1‘s Mad Gear Zone, exclusively at GameSpot. As the zone’s name indicates, it is full of gears that Sonic can will need to run and ride on to get to new areas or to open doors with. The stage is very reminiscent of classic Sonic stages like Scrap Brain Zone and Metropolis Zone, full of elements that raised the difficulty for in those stages and look to do the same here too. The Shellcracker badniks also make a return. The trailer finishes with the U.S. release dates for all platforms, which match up with the ones IGN revealed the other day.
To view the original high quality trailer, head over to GameSpot now and let us know what you think of it in the comments below.
Thanks to Mykonos at the SSMB for the YouTube conversion.
The Sonic Stadium may link to retailers and earn a small commission on purchases made from users who click those links. These links will only appear in articles related to the product, in an unobtrusive manner, and do not influence our editorial decisions in any way.
