They are coming…
There is a reason I referred to this Summer Of Sonic as “The Special Stage”.
As you know we’ve been somewhat tight lipped on guests and events for this SOS. Well there’s a good reason for that as we’ve been in negotiations for a loooong time to secure them. With Sonic’s 20th year it only makes sense that we really went all out to get you the best we could. We’re now at a point where we’re able to actually tell you:
So we’re delighted to announce our headline guests for Summer Of Sonic! Not that our other guests aren’t special of course, but this is really quite a coup. First up ladies and gentlemen, joining us at Summer Of Sonic to celebrate Sonic’s twenty years will be a man who has worked with our little blue pal since 1994.
The head man himself, TAKASHI IIZUKA!
Multi-time Producer and Director (including both Sonic Adventure titles, Sonic Colours and the upcoming Sonic Generations), Game Designer on titles like Sonic 3 & Knuckles and the original NiGHTS into Dreams and not forgetting being the current head of Sonic Team itself. Takashi Iizuka will be flying in from Japan especially to join us.
From Svend “Dreadknux” Joscelyne:
Without a shadow of a doubt, every single Sonic the Hedgehog fan in the world has dreamed of this – an opportunity to meet the man who has been a creative force in the Sonic franchise since its very conception. The man most commonly referred to as the “father of Sonic,” even after leaving SEGA back in 2006 to form his own studio.
No, I can hardly believe I’m writing this myself.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honour that I reveal our second special headline guest – one of the men that kick-started the Sonic franchise that we all love.
YUJI NAKA.
As the programmer for the original Sonic the Hedgehog Mega Drive game, Yuji Naka was responsible for creating the gameplay mechanics and physics of the 16-bit classic, while influencing the design of the character due to his ‘spin attack’ concept.
Since then, he has led the development of almost every single Sonic title until his departure, assumed the lead role at Sonic Team and created many other iconic franchises such as NiGHTS Into Dreams, ChuChu Rocket! and Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg.
Naka-san now leads his own independent game studio, PROPE, which caught the world’s attention with Wii party game Let’s Tap and reminded everyone of his flair for unique gameplay design with Ivy the Kiwi? While he is no longer involved with creating Sonic titles, the hedgehog still has a special place in his heart.
This year, Naka-san will be attending the Summer of Sonic 2011 to officially celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog’s 20th Anniversary with his old friend and colleague, Iizuka-san, and to share the experience directly with the fans. How lucky are we to be in the presence of two of the biggest men behind the Sonic franchise!? Exceptionally lucky.
If you’re currently shaking in excitement right now, just imagine how we feel back here – the chances of this ever happening were incredibly slim, and thanks to the work of SEGA Europe, SEGA Japan, Sonic Team, Iizuka-san, Naka-san and the organisers of the Summer of Sonic, we now have the stage set for the best fan party that ever lived!
What a year to be a Sonic fan!
Oh hey it’s Takashi “I put bottomless pits in a really awkward places” Iizuka!
I kid (well sort of), but I’d love to meet the guy.
Also Yuji Naka, awesome, want to know what he’s working on right now
isnt he working on Rodea: the sky warrior(soldier or whatever) it looks pretty cool
Well they were at Sonic Boom- it would’ve been a bit in poor taste if they didn’t go to Summer of Sonic lol
(Though I did feel a bit sorry for them when they were giving out autographs, people just swarmed them- but eventually they got air when people started forming lines haha.)
We actually had them confirmed before Boom did but we weren’t able to say anything until now unfortunately. Just the way things go sometimes.
That’s understandable~
If anything though at least he’s a good sport about appearing though despite he’s not involved with Sonic Team itself any more.
We’re not worthy!! xD
Oh man! This is so awesome, this year’s will be the best! 😀
Sweetness.
Why do I have to live in the wrong places at the wrong time? I could’ve gone to Sonic Boom if I still lived in California >___< lol
Is possible t interview theses people at the event? Will this be in poor taste? ^^”
Ehh, I don’t really have respect for Yuji Naka since he ditched SEGA’s best mascot. I’m glad that Iizuka is coming though! Also, isn’t he incharge of the music for Sonic Generations?
Looks like somebody else picked up on the Naka-Sonic-abandonment thing… I have to have some mild respect for the guy, but after some smugness last year, not very much.
Also, I’m not sure Iizuka’s ever been in charge of music production. XD
What are the rules on autographs?
Obviously I would love it if Yuji Naka could sign my Sonic 1 case, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & K, Sonic Adventure…etc or will it only be 1 item per person? Which would be totally understandable.
Whoever told you you are able to get his autograph?
Maybe they planned to put him on a shelf in the Sonic merch closet and don’t you get to meet him at all!
OMFG!!!!!!!!!! As Carium says, whats the limit for signs as I would bring a whole bunch of games if there wasn’t a limit.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy that i can go this year!! It is a dream come true!!!
It was 1 per person at Boom.. and you have to get in line fast 😛
With his recent appearances, do you think Naka wants another go at a Sonic game?
Well think of it, HE LEFT on his own choice. Yes it would make sense if he felt he could do one last Sonic game, but I don’t think he will be rehired…..and Iizuka is doing an awsome job as head leader of SonicTeam 🙂
Way past cool!!!!
Lol, they look like they’re doing Power Ranger poses
XD
I’M SO EXCIIITED!!
why? WHY!!!!
;A;
It’s my dream to get Naka-san’s autograph… And I can’t go.
Why not? two words. Atlantic. Ocean.
Oh my God the picture made me laugh! In a good way! Would you look at Iizuka! XD XD XD
What is this? Naka’s name should be at least twice the size of Iizuka’s. As well as bolded, italic, underlined and in rainbow font. DO EET NAO!!
Oh, and the picture made me lol.