Welcome to the Archive site of The Sonic Stadium (2008-2023)
Please note that this site is no longer being updated or maintained; as a result, there may be design issues, and links to images and other media may be broken. Links to posts may redirect you to the same article on the current Sonic Stadium website.
Sega has announced that Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 will be hitting digital distribution platforms in the “latter half of 2010,” with the “added development” time spent on the ‘tuning’ and ‘balancing’ of the game. While no release date has been announced officially, the use of wording in the company’s statement implies an internal delay.
A press release went live today, officially confirming that Sonic 4 will also be released on Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch products. The game will be available via the App Store. One of Sega’s European arms has also released a video containing Splash Hill gameplay, watch it below.
This video will be shown in a new episode of GameSpot’s On The Spot feature, which will see Sega America community manager RubyEclipse to discuss the announcement. It will be aired in an hour’s time.
“SEGA is incredibly happy at the overwhelmingly positive response to Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I from both press and fans around the world, and wants to ensure that we’re delivering the best Sonic experience possible,” reads the official statement, which was also posted on Sega’s Blognik. “With this dedication to quality and the Sonic experience in mind, SEGA has decided to extend the development of the game, and will now release Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I in the latter half of 2010.
“The additional time will allow the Development Team to focus on ensuring overall high-quality throughout the game by continuing to tune, balance, and maintain the kind of polish that an important title like this demands, and ultimately providing fans with an unrivalled classic Sonic feel.”
The details come after The Sonic Stadium gave you the scoop that updates were imminent, following a long period of silence from the publisher. Stick with The Sonic Stadium for any Freudian slips or other announcements as they happen.
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We’re just over a day late, but forgive us as this news was unexpected and came completely out of left field; it was even missing from the PS Store Update blog entry at the Official EU PS Blog. Looking at the EU PS Store, you’ll now find SEGA Europe yesterday FINALLY released the final two pieces of downloadable content for Sonic Unleashed on the PlayStation 3, content that Xbox Live and other territories PS Stores got June 12th last year, namely the Mazuri Adventure Pack and the Adabat & Empire City Adventure Pack. The packs cost £2.39 each, with the Mazuri pack containing four daytime and two nighttime stages, and the Adabat & Empire City pack containing five daytime stages and four nighttime stages.
Any EU PS3 version owners out there glad to finally see this? Let us know in the comments.
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Mark your calendars for Thursday the 20th May. On this date, Sega will be revealing a lot of new information regarding Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1.
And it won’t be anything to sniff at either – some “very big” and “very good” news will be announced by way of a press release, which will go live in the evening (UK time – morning in the US).
After a successful online PR push that involved community challenges and badnik reveals, Sega suddenly went quiet about Sonic 4 when leaks started to flood the internet. A source at the company told us that the information revealed via Thursday’s press release will explain the reason for the “last couple month’s blackout” on updates.
In the meantime, the world continues to be excited (or afraid) of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. For what it’s worth, we think it’s going to absolutely rock. Roll on Thursday! Stay tuned to The Sonic Stadium for the latest news!
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Good news for fans of pretty visuals in their games as the Official PlayStation Europe site and the Official U.S. Xbox site have confirmed that the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 will play in 1080p HD via the games product pages at both sites. Now you’ll be able to get your classic Sonic fix in glorious full HD, Splash Hill Zone should be a treat with it’s brightly coloured environments and water falls. No other info such as a release date are listed at the moment but we’ll keep an eye out.
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UPDATE 5: Thanks to members at the SSMB(here and here) we’re now discovering that some of the stickers contain all new artwork of the various characters. /UPDATE 5 END
UPDATE 4: We’re getting more reports from the SSMB topic that the poster for shiny stickers that the sticker book mentions is missing and it now appears the sticker collection has no shiny stickers anyway. It looks like the shiny stickers and poster to hold them may be scrapped ideas which Factory Entertainment forgot to remove mention of in the book. /UPDATE 4 END
UPDATE 3:
We can now reveal thanks to Stasis that the book has sticker pages with profiles for the following characters (joint pages in bold) –
Sonic the Hedgehog (2 pages including Super Sonic and Sonic the Werehog), Miles “Tails” Prower, Amy Rose, Knuckles the Echidna, Big the Cat, Cream & Cheese, Dr.Eggman, Shadow the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat, Silver the Hedgehog & Blaze the Cat, Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon & Charmy Bee, Jet the Hawk, Storm the Albatross & Wave the Swallow, Sonic Universe(2 pages including Gemerl, Emerl, Chaos, Tikal, Chao’s, E-123 Omega, E-102 Gamma, Metal Sonic, Eggman Nega, Marine and Captain Whisker & Johnny), Sonic & Tails, Sonic & Amy, Sonic & Knuckles, Dr.Eggman, Shadow & Rouge, Fulfilment. /UPDATE 3 END
UPDATE 2: The company behind the sticker collection is Factory Entertainment, they have a website here, if your book is missing the poster and you want to enquire about it you can find contact details at their site here. /UPDATE 2 END
UPDATE: Thanks to Nemain at the SSMB we have a link to an eBay auction selling the stickers, the seller states there are 140 stickers to collect. Stasis in the comments has informed us that he has picked up a copy of the book for £1.99 and confirms the 140 stickers total while also informing us of an advertisement in the book for the UK release of the Jazwares Sonic merchandise revealing a June release date for them. Thanks Nemain and Stasis.
Super Lombax at the SSMB informs that the book comes with a pull-out poster but unfortunately none of the books at her store had the pull-out poster for some reason. Stasis has also informed us that all 3 books at 3 seperate retailers in his area are also missing the poster which is used to hold the shiney stickers in the collecton. Look’s like this may be a problem at all retailers stocking the book./UPDATE END
The Sonic City Blognik has just been tipped off via their @SEGA Twitter account by user Adwil24 that a new Sonic Sticker Collection has been released in WH Smith stores which suggests it’s available in the UK and Ireland. This is the first official sticker collection in the UK since the Mega Drive days. No other info was given apart from the above photo, we’ll try to get our hands on one along with some stickers and report back.
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The PS3 Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing theme that was said to be on the way has finally arrived on the PlayStation Store at the price of £1.59. The theme comes in many flavours of all kinds of characters vehicles, after toggling through plenty of times we’ve found the above 7 themes are the total available so Sonic and SEGA fans alike should be pleased. For those having trouble switching character themes, you have to re-apply the theme to toggle between characters. Not fun fact: The theme randomly changes when you do anything to leave the XMB e.g. switch the console off and turn it back on, load a game and exit it etc…
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Those of you who are regulars at London’s MCM Expo have an extra treat in store this year! All-round J-Popper and Summer of Sonic star Bentley Jones has just released this new trailer, giving a sneaky peek at what could potentially be a performance at the event! The video also features what appears to be a snippet of what we can expect from future BJ albums; if it is fans can expect to get a much more rock-tastic treat from the Jonester!
It also appears that NiGHTS Into Dreams founder TRiPPY has been recruited to help produce some of the jawesome anime art featured in this teaser, and possibly more! Keep your ears open for more info soon.
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Yes, a little late for those on the east coast, I know. I was out picking up at my local store for FCBD and I accidentally stayed longer then I should have. Regardless, when I left both stores (had to pick up an extra copy for a friend somewhere else), while the comic was still a hot item, there where plenty still there, so maybe you’ll get lucky, right? Anyway, I read the story, and while it was a little to “recap heavy”, the story was still very enjoyable, and the fith scene between Sonic and his “old enemy” was rather nice. Long time fans of the book should be pleased! If your not sure where to find a local comic book store that is taking part in this event, you can find out here, using the store locator
Anyway, posted below are the usual preview and solicitation
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG FCBD 2010 EDITION
“Hide & Seek & DESTROY!”: Dr. Eggman has vanished – or has he? As Sonic searches for clues, he stumbles across an old weapon from the bygone days of his childhood. Will Dr. Eggman allow Sonic to be destroyed by this threat from yesteryear? Will Sonic discover the truth behind his old rival’s disappearance? All the answers lie in this free issue!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
ART: Tracy Yardley! and Jim Amash
COVER: Tracy Yardley! and Jason Jensen
At Comic Shops: 5/2/2010
32-page, full-color comic FREE
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After returning from a holiday in Japan (welcome back) Steve Lycett Executive Producer at Sumo Digital has begun his community support in the SEGA/Sonic community forums again and today revealed the current stance on future downloadable content for Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing in a post at the SSMB.
Yep, you’ve missed one. Switch the leaderboards to Local only and then play through the tracks, if any have the ‘Staff Ghost’ racing on them, you need to beat it still. If it says ‘Sumo Ghost’ you’ve beaten the default ghost and can skip that one.
On the update, ta for that Mr. Casanova. Pretty much as I expected really
Someone else has a Ryo Forklift toy then? We got ours the other day, I was expecting something… nicer! Still, can’t complain, it’s now in our trophy cabinet – boxed up and never to be opened. Ours also didn’t come with a number painted on it. So therefore I can only assume it’s 1/1000 and Doctor Eggmans’s is 2/1000. You can quote me on that
Future DLC is all up to SEGA now. They’ve put out all the bits we’ve done, personally I think they’ll now look to see how the existing stuff goes and decide if they want some more. Not seen any figures yet, but then I’m only nicely getting back into the groove!
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S0L
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So it looks like the ball is in SEGA’s court as to whether future DLC will happen, currently for the game fans can buy Ryo Forklift and a Metal Sonic & Death Egg pack. Outside of the game Xbox 360 fans can buy Avatar items and a Premium Dashboard theme, there were reports of a PS3 Premium Theme being released on the 22nd April but that never appeared. Will sales of the current DLC be good enough to peek SEGA’s interest? Only time will tell and if we hear anything we’ll let you know.
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UPDATE 2: Archie Sonic Comic #2 has been added to the PSP PlayStation Store at the usual £0.79. /UPDATE END
UPDATE: Archie Sonic Comic #1 has now been added to the PSP PlayStation Store weighing in at 12MB at just £0.79p. PS Blog EU PS Blog U.S. /UPDATE END
Looks like DLC for Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing isn’t the only Sonic related content released on the PlayStation Store today as Archie have also released the first ever issue of their Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series for PSP’s Digital Comic’s reader. This has been released in Europe as well as the U.S. so for the first time ever European Sonic fans can now enjoy this series without importing the comic’s in for the low price of £0.79p rated 3+.
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PS3 fans waiting for some Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing DLC action who missed the leaking of it a few weeks back need wait no more as the Metal Sonic & Death Egg Zone pack is released this afternoon on the PlayStation Store for £4.79/€5.99 rated PEGI 7. If you want a gander at what’s on offer before you buy you can check out the official screens from SEGA above.
The pack contains Metal Sonic as a playable character in his Metal Booster vehicle with his Maximum Overdrive All-Star Move aswell as the Death Egg Zone: Egg Hangar track which includes cameos from Ristar(offline only), the first Death Egg Zone boss from Sonic & Knuckles and Eggman’s rocket ship in the Doomsday Zone also from Sonic & Knuckles. Also contained are Time Trial staff ghosts for Egg Hangar, 5 music tracks for Egg Hangar which are Space Gadget, General Offensive, Cosmic Fall, Egg Fleet and Never Let It Go aswell as Metal Sonic’s and Egg Hangar’s profile which are an interesting read.
The PS Store update hasn’t been posted on the U.S. PlayStation Blog yet at the time of this article but we expect it will be released in the U.S. today too.
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UPDATE:
Sumo Digital representative SumoRex at the SEGA Forums has made a couple of posts in a topic there regarding this rumor.
lol …youz guys!
It’s true we *are doing a sequel. No! no! Wait …don’t get your panties in a bunch. I’m kidding.
Or am I?
I definitely am.
or is that the lie?
or this?
Rumours totally crack me up! lol
Official line:
“I can neither confirm nor deny the existance (nor absence) of the truth or a lie in the above statement”
Is that clear enough for you? If that doesn’t stop these pesky rumours one way or the other nothing will!
According to the above 18th Feb 2010 report from WatchMojo Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is getting a sequel and that’s not all, they say SEGA have hinted they are saving characters from other games in their library for this sequel. WatchMojo also say SEGA Miles are also used to unlock artwork in the game which as you know is nowhere to be seen in the game, maybe a scrapped feature? (Thanks to Veritech Guardian at the SSMB for pointing that bit out) Whether any of this is true or not is unknown so we advise you to take it with a grain of salt.
Would you like a sequel with characters from other SEGA games? Sound off in the comments.
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Sonic Universe #15 is out on newstands today (since Wednesday, actually, but I only just found the time to get this article done). Continuing Sonic’s adventures int he Dragon Kingdom, this issue contains the strongest written moments this arc has seen thus far. For those looking for a story with action, drama, and humor, you should be able to eat this issue up! In addition the strong story, Sonic Universe #15 also represents a big change in general for Sonic’s comics: glossy paper. The Sonic comics are finally joining the 21st century, and replacing the cheap newspaper that has been used to produce the comics since their inception in 1993, with more expensive glossy paper typically found in magazines and comics today. This is the reason for the 50 cent rise in pricing that many have noticed in the previews for future issues, it seems. Let me say, it is a very welcome change for the comic.
The 5 page preview and solicitation are, as usual, posted below.
“No Love in a Conquering Storm”: The epic “Journey to the East” story arc continues! Sonic and Tails must confront Fiona and the Destructix – but whose side are these rogue mercenaries really on? The action heats up in an all-out assault on the Raiju Clan of Lynx Ninja and the return of a character pivotal to Sonic’s success!
SCRIPT: Ian Flynn
PENCILS: Tracy Yardley
INKS: Jim Amash
Shipping Date: April 7th, 2010
On Sale at Comic Shops: April 14th, 2010
Newsstands: April 27th, 2010
32-page, 40 lb glossy stock, full color comic
$2.99 US
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Apple App review site Appolicious is reporting that Sonic 2 will be hitting the app store sometime next week for $5.99. They have a preview up on their website, discussing the games features, or lack thereof in a few cases.
What’s missing from the port of Sonic 2 that was in Sonic 1? Well, the fullscreen option, as the preview only says that a windowed version is available:
The first thing you’ll notice is how strikingly similar Sonic 2 is to the original game; while the first iPhone game had two view options, a full-screen mode and a slightly smaller screen (which also offered sharper graphics), this version only has the smaller view.
While that’s a bit of a downgrade (some people don’t care for stretched graphics), the controls are apparently more responsive than the port of Sonic 1:
While the first game was quite successful and for the most part critically acclaimed, there was a common complaint about the buttons not being responsive enough. This doesn’t seem to be an issue with Sonic 2, though, as the game plays remarkably close to the original (though I do acknowledge it’s been a few years).
The reviewer also said that it was hard to preview the game due to the nostalgia washing over him. Color me surprised that he hasn’t had the opportunity to play Sonic 2 on the millions of other devices that it has been ported to. I hear it’s going to be on SkyNet in 2020 before it takes over the world. At least it will be fun for a little bit.
Ports of the Genesis games have been widely reported to have instances of lag. Will this port fix that issue? With the track record of quick and easy SEGA ports, I doubt it. Yet, it will sell thousands.
UPDATE: PocketGamer is reporting that Tails is axed from this release. We all figured that 2-player mode wouldn’t make it due to the nature of the iPhone, but to have Tails not even be an option is puzzling, especially with the two-tailed fox on the cover. PocketGamer has contacted SEGA for comment.
And I agree, commenters. It’s nice to have something to talk about this week. It has been a slow-go for Sonic anything the past two weeks.
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Kind of pointless, what with all the leaking and shit, but if you want some high res media of GreenSplash Hill and its boss, SEGA has released some screenshots today. Check out the gallery below:
Man, do you remember when the first screen of this boss was leaked and a majority of you guys thought it was fake? Remember when you thought everything leaked was fake? Oh, memories.
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Bentley Jones has finally announced the winners of the So Much More Video Competition set a few months back for some snazzy bits of merch including a Sonic & SEGA All Stars Racing Art book! The winners are as follows (click on names to see the entries, or wait for the chance on the embedded links in the video!):
Awesome job guys! I’m also laughing my arse off as Sonic Yoda has also managed to obtain an honourable mention…perhaps for not being afraid to show his love for Lee (uber fandom apparently)? Comisserations to all those who didn’t win, but take pride in your efforts!
On another note you will also remember I put my merch where my mouth was a few weeks back, and indeed I both predicted Matt Pieper and Klayton Schafler‘s wins (although I don’t think it took a genius to figure out how great they were). I also thought Freen in Green‘s entry might place, and as they didn’t (and as promised) I will send you peeps a goody bag – please let me know your address by emailing me at tbird [at] sonicstadium.org. Oh, and I think I owe Stasis a few bits and pieces too!
If you fancy snagging yourself some merchandise keep your eyes peeled right here on TSS for MORE COMPETITIONS!…and also keep your ears open for more exciting news from the world of Bentley Jones on the Official Bentley Jones 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.
UPDATE 7:ArchangelUK has made an entry to the SEGA Europe Blog and Sonic City Blognik with the above new artwork of Metal Sonic in his Metal Booster vehicle aswell as new screenshots of Egg Hangar. Details have also been given as to when PS3 users will get the Metal Sonic and Egg Hangar DLC which is April 22nd. Also revealed is a Premium Theme PS3 owners will be able to decorate their XMB with.
Metal Sonic & Track Pack £4.79 €5.99 $7.99
Premium Theme £1.59 €1.99 $2.49
A statement has also been given regarding the incorrect price issue earlier today –
NOTE: Due to an issue earlier it was being mistakenly priced at 800 points – apologies for this, we put out a warning across the fan boards as soon as we found out. We’re speaking with Microsoft to see if anything can be done for those of you who purchased early. Please make sure its says 560MSP when you purchase it.
UPDATE 6: The price has now been corrected in all countries from 800MSP to 560MSP. Big shout out to thank ArchangelUK for his work on getting this fixed and keeping everyone updated. Link
Re: Refunds – Yes I’m asking about that, don’t worry. My first concern was that.
I can confirm no PS3 DLC today… when the blog goes up (its being delayed by waiting for the price to change and getting some confirmation on the above) it’ll have the date/prices for PS3.
UPDATE 4: Mike Kebby of the the SCEE PlayStation Store Team has posted his weekly PlayStation Store update on the EU PlayStation blog revealing there will be no ASR DLC released today for EU PS3 version, we’ll keep an eye out for the U.S. PlayStation Store update.
UPDATE 3: WARNING! We’ve just heard from AAUK that there’s a price issue with this DLC so we recommend you hold off just a little until this afternoon.
UPDATE: We’ve just got word that the patch allows Banjo & Kazooie to be used by the CPU players. Thanks go to FireKingX at the SEGA Forums!/UPDATE END
Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing fans may remember a bug-fix and DLC enabling patch was released last Wednesday for the PS3 version before the Metal Sonic and Death Egg Zone: Egg Hangar DLC was released the very next day but then quickly pulled off the PlayStation Store. Well now the same patch has just been released this morning for the Xbox 360 version, if you download it and then check the online multiplayer matchmaking screen you will see a DLC tab which informs players that room is using DLC content meaning you can only enter that lobby if you have the DLC being used in that room. The Ryo Forklift DLC is the only exception to that rule since you only download a key to unlock him on the disc, Metal Sonic and the Death Egg Zone: Egg Hangar and any future DLC is all new content.
The PS3 version got the patch the day before the DLC was released so with tomorrow’s Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store updates we will hopefully see the Metal Sonic and Death Egg Zone: Egg Hangar content released, we’ll let you know if it appears.
Thanks again to Yuluga for the pic!
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One of the UK’s most respected online gaming publications, EuroGamer, has had some time with the upcoming sequel, and have left some very positive impressions in a new preview, which you can read here. EuroGamer seems to believe that Sonic 4 is capturing the spirit of the classic games rather well. Thoughts?
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A lot of you probably have already seen the first season of “Sonic X” many times and own the DVDs, but hey, why not watch it again on your computer?
Today, Hulu has uploaded the entire first season! Currently, the episodes are only in Japanese with English subtitles that you can switch on and off with Hulu’s closed-captioning feature. Hulu will be working with 4KIDS to obtain the English-dubbed episodes. In addition, if you’re outside the United States, you will be locked out from watching them.
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You’ll all be aware of the really snazzy Sonic the hedgehog classic mini figures line that are produced by First4Figures, well, while snooping as usual around the internets, I’ve found that Forbidden Planet UK are already taking pre-orders for:
– 1.5″ Mini figure Amy Rose
– 1.5″ Mini figure Super Sonic
..AND…
1.5″ Mini figure MECHA SONIC!!!!!
Now hopefully they haven’t gone and got their robots mixed up (because usually this is what happens) – becuase if they haven’t, there may very well be a chance of owning a tiny version of the robot you fight at the end of Sonic & Knuckles, to many the coolest incarnation of Sonic’s robot counterpart! Either way, fans will at least be getting another Metal Sonic figure…something you can never have too much of! Until then, I guess we’ll have to make do…apparently Amy and Super Sonic were on display at the Neurnberg toy fair, with punters being forbidden to take photos, but hopefully some will surface soon!
Expect these figures to hit UK shelves around the 30th of July, 2010. Exciting stuff!
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UPDATE 7: Mike Kebby of the PlayStation Store team has just revealed the reason as to why the Metal Sonic & Death Egg Zone DLC pack has been removed in reply to a comment at their PS Blog –
We were just informed that the release date for this has changed, hence removal from store yes.
The Ryo-F DLC is still available on both the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace. Thanks to Amorbis at the SSMB for the heads up! /UPDATE 7 END
UPDATE 6: The Metal Sonic and Death Egg Zone DLC pack has been removed from the PlayStation Store, it’s unknown at present why it’s been removed but we’ll update you when we know more. Thanks to Casanova for the heads up. /UPDATE 6 END
UPDATE 5: Ristar cameo confirmed, thanks to Yuluga at the SSMB for the pic.
These are the new music tracks for the Death Egg Zone track –
-Comic Fall
-General Offensive
-Never Let If Go
-Egg Fleet
-Space Gadget /UPDATE 5 END
UPDATE 4: We’ve just got word that the not so subtle cameo Steve mentioned is Ristar from the Mega Drive/Genesis title of the same name. /UPDATE 4 END
UPDATE 3: Both pieces of DLC are out now on EU PS Store. Metal Sonic’s vehicle is called Metal Booster and his All-Star Move is Maximum Overdrive. The Death Egg Zone has 1 track and it’s called Egg Hangar. /UPDATE 3 END UPDATE 2: Ryo-F is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace for 320 MS Points. /UPDATE 2 END
UPDATE: Executive Producer of Sumo Digital Steve Lycett has made the following post at the SEGA Forums –
Don’t worry – it’s real. 360 should also be available shortly 😛
Let’s see who is first to spot the not so subtle Cameo we snuck in too 😛
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S0L
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/UPDATE END
Sony Europe have just announced via their PlayStation Blog that DLC for Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing will be hitting the PlayStation Store later today. What is the DLC you ask? Fans of Ryo who didn’t get hold of the Ryo-Forklift pre-order code will be happy to be able to finally nab it and Sonic fans will definitely be pleased to be able to race as Sonic’s robotic nemesis Metal Sonic. Retro Sonic fans will be chuffed to be able to race and explore Eggman’s classic Death Egg Zone base.
Here’s the list of prices –
Sonic & SEGA Allstars Racing –
Metal Sonic & Death Egg Zone (£4.79/€5.99)
Ryu Forklift Character Pack (£3.99/€4.99)
Rating: PEGI 7
Availability: All locales
No word on if the U.S. will be getting this today, we’ve checked the U.S. Blog but no store update yet. We’ll let you know when this is made available later today, meanwhile let us know what you think in the comments.
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.
UPDATE 2: The patch is now available in Europe too and is 21MB instead of 28MB like the U.S. patch. /UPDATE 2 END
UPDATE: AugieD369 at the SEGA forums says the patch definitely fixes the Trophy unlock problems and also adds a short cut via the square button to the ASR section of the PlayStation Store confirming the patch does indeed prepare the game for the upcoming DLC just like Sumo Digital’s Steve Lycett said it would./UPDATE END
Clisp of the SSMB has revealed via the SSMB that the Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing patch Steve Lycett of Sumo Digital has been informing the community about is now live and weighs in at 28MB. Steve has said in the past that the patch will fix Trophy unlocking issues among other things aswell as prepare the game for the upcoming downloadable content.
The patch is also due to be released for Xbox 360 too, so we’ll keep an eye out for that. We’ll also let you know when the PS3 patch is available in Europe and if we find out any other problems the patch fixes.
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Some dude at Sonic Retro named “infinity” has managed to get a hold of the Sonic 4: Episode 1 soundtrack and has posted it at SoundCloud. These are not fake and not an April Fools. We will not be posting the actual files here, but if SEGA wants us to take the link down, then we will comply as always.
UPDATE 1: The “ending theme” has been added to the page.
UPDATE 2: The soundtrack has been pulled from the link below. Again, we will not be hosting the files here, but I’m sure somebody you know downloaded the whole thing. Ask around if you still want to listen. I recommend not hosting them though, because SEGA is making their rounds. I’m all for discussing leaked material, but not distributing it.
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This just in from GoNintendo, seems some Sonic fans are playing through Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 in a 24 hour marathon to raise donation money for Haiti. This event was organized by A Challenger Approaches! Charity Speed Runs, in the interest of raising at least $25 for the organization. At the moment, they are up to $8.15. You can check out their speed run below. The link you need to click to donate is under it. I will personally be donating some money later tonight
Regrettably, it doesn’t appear that we can embed UStream into this news post. You can find the live stream here. You can also join a live chat that can be seen alongside the window.
To donate, A Challenger Approaches! has provided this link and “ChipIn”. You will need a Pay Pal account to donate.
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The official Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 website has updated with Buzzers full in-game animation and a brief description. No mention of any new actions or features like some of the other badniks.
Four new screenshots of Splash Hill Zone have also been added to the Screens section showcasing more of Act 3 in which the level is played at sunset. The extra life item box is seen in one of the screens which like the ones in the classics contains Sonic’s head on the screen. Also seen in the new screens is badnik Newtron in which he looks to have a new jumping action to avoid Sonic’s spin attack, either that or he’s just about to change into his rocket form.
The next badnik has a timer of 2 weeks until it is revealed, could we have seen the last of the Splash Hill badniks? Could we be seeing the next zone soon? As usual we’ll keep an eye out for new info and media.
Thanks to Doctor Eggman at the SSMB for the Buzzer pic grab!
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Yet another Sonic 4 preview has hit the net, this time from Gamespot who seem to be more concerned about the game than IGN and GamesRadar. Gamespot seem to think the game will strike a chord with classic fans but are worried about how the controls will work seeing as their preview was eyes-on rather than hands-on.
An interesting part of the preview is the details regarding special stages where we find out the giant ring that requires 50 rings to enter the special stage at the end of an act is returning. Also revealed is that the Sonic 1 type maze special stages will contain barriers in them that only open when you have the required amount of rings.
If you reach the end of these levels with more than 50 rings collected, you have the opportunity to jump into a giant ring that takes you to a bonus level. These levels are similar to those found in the original Sonic the Hedgehog in that you have to guide Sonic through a rotating maze. The interesting thing here is that in the Wii and PS3 versions of the game, you can use the Wii Remote or the Sixaxis controller to rotate the level manually to guide Sonic through (the 360 version will just use the analog sticks). There are barriers in the maze, but these can be unlocked by collecting a specific number of rings.
Check out the full preview with a few new screenshots over at Gamespots website.
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Busy day for Sonic 4 news today, first GamesRadar post up a Q&A after getting a look at the game and now we have a preview from IGN who also got to check out the early stages of the game. IGN say some kind words about the game and even think it’s better than the original classics. The homing attack’s presence that alot of fans are worried about is also given alot of praise saying that it’s been worked well into a 2D space and is an invaluable tool to chain enemies together in order to maintain speed.
Those who claim IGN are IGNorant to Sonic may want to think again after reading this Sonic 4 preview.
Thanks to Doctor Eggman at the SSMB for the heads-up!
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GamesRadar’s Justin Towell has recently got to have a look at Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, the first 3 levels to be exact and so asked the public to submit some questions about the game via their Twitter and Facebook. Today Justin has posted up 4 pages worth of the questions and his answers for your viewing pleasure.
Thanks to Tornado over at the SSMB for the heads-up!
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Sonic Wrecks owner and SEGA Europe Community Manager ArchangelUK has revealed full details together with a picture of Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing Xbox 360 Avatar items. The items will be made available today at the Xbox Live marketplace.
Here’s a full list of the items you will be able to purchase –
Ryo Hazuki Jacket (160pts)
“I hope they do Ryo’s jacket!” I think we can manage that! Its the most iconic leather jacket in the history of video gaming and yes its got the tiger on the back. Caution: May make your avatar suddenly feel the need to hunt down sailors.
Dr.Eggman Glasses (80pts)
Villainy has never looked this good, the Doctor’s mirrored glasses are yours for the taking. The world maybe not so much.
Crabmeat Prop (240pts)
Own your very own Badnik! This Crabmeat can be summoned at the snap of your fingers and is totally under your control… sort of. Watch your toes! (This one was very much my baby, I insisted it was made so make sure you buy it!! – AAUK)
Sonic Car Prop (240pts)
You may have seen a little sketch of this perhaps? Summon your very own Sonic RC racer!
Tails Tornado Prop (240pts)
When you’re alone in your chair, you can just go about wishing for a Tails Tornado RC plane as well. Shazaam! Your wish is our command.
SEGA T-Shirt (80pts)
You’ve been waiting for this one and we’ve made it happen! A SEGA logo t-shirt!
Billy Hatcher Helmet (80pts)
Its Billy’s chicken hat, what more is there to say? Epicluck-cluck win.
Beat Glasses (80pts)
The Rokkaku fashion police won’t be stopping you with these fancy shades of Beat from Jet Set Radio.
Samba De Amigo Sombrero (80pts)
Shake your maracas Amigo-style with this funky Sombrero, star eyes not included.
AiAi T-Shirt (80pts)
Wear the funky monkey’s iconic orange “A” t-shirt!
AiAi Monkey Ball Prop (240pts)
…or AiAi himself in a Monkey Ball!
SEGA helmet (160pts)
Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing Helmet (160pts)
Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racesuit (160pts)
Available in both ladies and gents styles, suit up with some highly appropriate racing equipment.
Sonic and SEGA All-Star Racing T-Shirt (80pts)
Sonic and SEGA All-Star Racing Cap (80pts)
Sonic and SEGA All-Star Racing Beanie (80pts)
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Two new Sonic 4 Wii screenshots have been added to Nintendo of America’s Sonic 4 product page they opened last month along with an hi-res version of a screenshot seen a while ago in Nintendo Power(the waterfall one). The page also confirms online leaderboards will be in the Wii edition of the game.
Features
• Classic Sonic gameplay with enhanced new features
• All new 2D adventure
• Full HD resolution and wide-screen format
• Special Stages return along with the 7 Chaos Emeralds
How does this game use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection?
Compete with your friends to see who’s the fastest with online leaderboards!
Nothing else of note is present on the page right now but we’ll keep you posted if anything new appears. For now you can check out the other 2 screenshots below –
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It’s been a month since Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing was released in the U.S. and to mark the occasion SEGA have released the last game in the Superstars/All-Stars series SEGA Superstars Tennis on the Xbox 360 Games On Demand service. The game costs £19.99 in the UK and $19.99 in the U.S. and weighs in at 3GB in size so it’s not too big compared to other Xbox 360 titles. If you’d like to take a swing at a court first you can download a free demo before you net yourself the game. Let’s hope this re-release will get the online multiplayer ball rolling or in this case bouncing again.
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Official Nintendo Magazine UK have posted up their Sonic 4 interview which contains questions fans sent into ONM staff to be put forward to SEGA’s Takashi Iizuka.
Here’s the list of questions and answers below –
Why has Sonic 4 taken so long to come about? – BADGERGAMER
Takashi Iizuka: Ever since Sonic Adventure was released in 1998, Sonic has evolved into a game which is faster and features new actions for Sonic. On the other hand, the sense of speed from side scrolling means that the popularity of ‘classic’ series still remains high. Even now a lot of fans enjoy playing those classic games via the Wii’s Virtual Console. The aim for Sonic 4 is to provide a ‘new classic series’ using modern techniques that have only been around for the past few years for fans from all around the world who love the ‘classical’ series.
How long has Sonic The Hedgehog 4 been in development and how has the approach for designing a downloadable game differed from the way you design other Sonic games? – MK Skillz
TI: About a year including concept development. As this is a downloadable title, the data size and price is very different from a packaged title. We just focused on old school classic game content to minimise data size and price.
Why did you decide to make it episodic? – Aki-toriko
TI: The object of this project was to make a game with a lower price which can be played and downloaded easily from the beginning. We are exploring making each episode volume small and having an increased number of possible episodes.
Why did you decide to use the WiiWare service rather than releasing the game on one disc? – Deku Scrub
TI: As stated previously, this was always planned as downloadable exclusive title. We thought the users who purchased classic games like ‘Sonic 1’ and ‘Sonic 2’ through the Wii Virtual Console would be the most interested in the downloadable titles.
Were you inspired by the success of New Super Mario Bros on both Wii and DS? In terms of giving the retro fans what they wanted? – FlibyFlow
TI: At first we weren’t aware of it. At the beginning of the development we wanted to create a downloadable exclusive title but knowing that the Wii version of New Super Mario Bros. has become a major hit in Japan and also around the world, it encouraged us as even now 2D platform action is loved by a lot of people.
All The classic games since Sonic 2 have featured Miles “Tails” Prower. Will Tails be featured in any one of these episodic adventures? – SuperKnightAI
TI: Tails won’t appear in Episode I. I’ll leave it to your imagination whether he’ll appear for further episodes!
What made you decide to include the Homing Attack, and does it have any impact on the classic- gameplay? – MK Skillz
TI: As you know, Homing Attack was an action featured from ‘Sonic Adventure’ and it didn’t appear in the classic series. In Sonic 4 the Homing Attack is added, and this provides sense of speed that none of the classic series have.
Can we expect only levels or enemies inspired by the original games or will there be anything completely new? – bleedOrange
TI: Sonic 4 stages have motifs that remind us of previous series, but they have been designed to be completely new for this game. We prepared many gimmicks and devices that are classic and also some you have never seen before!
Now Sonic has returned to his old roots, will he remain this way from now on or will we still see him return in his 3D adventures such as Sonic Adventure and Sonic Unleashed? – Dooby
TI: I think Sonic 4 is positioned as a game which provides simple classic gameplay, so it is not considered the same as something which evolved as a 3D action series. I cannot answer how 3D action series will expand from now on unfortunately.
Will Super Sonic be available to players who collect all 7 Chaos Emeralds? – Sonic Boom
TI: It is one of the biggest characteristics of the classic series but whether it is in this game or not, I’ll leave to your imagination.
In your opinion does this game have most in common with the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy, the Sonic Advance games, or the Sonic Rush games? – spambot404
TI: Of course Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy is the one this has most in common with. With the DS Sonic series, you have various actions like grind or boost. What I am creating with this title is a simple platform action game that you can enjoy with one button.
Any chance we could see a return of the Vs Mode from Sonic 2 and Sonic 3, where you have to race a mate to the end of the zone? – Random_guy_14
TI: We don’t provide Vs Mode in Episode I. Unfortunately, I cannot answer about further episodes at this point.
Will the Wii version offer something different to the PS3 version? – The Batman
TI: Basically we prepared identical game content so users could enjoy playing with their preferred hardware platform. However, some hardware specific capabilities are implemented. For Wii, you can enjoy a special stage by using the Wii Remote’s tilt control.
What is your favourite thing about the game so far? – Flash7
TI: What I like most is being able to provide new [games like the] classic series after 16 years. Developing a classic Sonic world that used to be pixel art and making it high-res by using CG rendering means a lot for me as I was one of the developers of the original classic title.
Thanks to Velotix Lexovetikan at the SSMB for the heads up!
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UPDATE: After fixing the Wii leaderboards, the DS online leaderboards have now been fixed too. /UPDATE END
You may have heard word about a glitch in Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing revealed yesterday that can be abused to rank high on the time trial modes online leaderboards with very short lap times. The glitch is in all 3 home console versions Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii but the Wii version aswell as the DS version also contain times achieved using cheat devices.
Good news is that Sumo Digital and SEGA are aware of the glitchers and cheaters and are hard at work to fix the problems. The Wii version has today had the problem players times removed from the leaderboards and the names of those players filed so if they try to cheat/glitch their way onto the leaderboards again they will be banned.
Here are some statements from Sumo Digital Executive Producer Steve Lycett at the SEGA Forums –
I’m trying to decide, is this a thread bemoaning an exploit, or the Wii online?
I’m taking a look into this now with SEGA, then we’ll decide what to do to address it.
We don’t condone the glitch and cheats so to not encourage people to perform them we aren’t posting the methods of how to perform the glitch or info for the cheats. We’ll let you know if and when the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions get a fix.
In other news, Sumo Digital staffer SumoRex at the SEGA forums has made a comment regarding the upcoming DLC –
Well. It’s impossible to please everyone, with people who love, and others who hate the same content. That was one of the things that made me quit. You can’t please everyone. No matter how hard you try.
Anyway, without giving anything away, the stuff you’ll get is nice. IMHO.
I dunno what the price is, but it’s not just an unlock, it represents LOTS of man hours.
Thanks to Starlight Rage Zone at the SEGA Forums for the heads up on SumoRex’s statement.
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Thanks to DVD Smith for sending us the quotes and the scan (check the update at the bottom).
British gaming magazine, NGamer, just sent out their latest issue in the mail and within its many pages lies a preview of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. Most of what is detailed within the preview was described to us back when a community member playtested the game a month ago. A lot of people decided to blow off what he said as “fake” or “a bunch of bullshit,” so it wasn’t “truly” confirmed (that’s par for the course when materials are leaked, I guess). Now, we can say that more details that he described have been verified, includinga few new ones, like how many episodes will make up Sonic 4!
Here are a few key points in NGamer’s preview:
“The sound effects are pulled straight from the 16-bit days, and both the loading screen and the extra life icons rip their sprites straight from the heart of the nearest Mega Drive”
“The bonus stages, activated by finishing a level with over 50 rings, resemble the mazes from the very first Sonic the Hedgehog, but with a modern twist. Now, instead of reacting to the spin of the maze, the player controls it by titlting the Wii remote. A Chaos Emerald is still the prize, but now Sonic has to fight for his right to even be in the same room as the gem – doors blocking off access have t be removed by collecting a set number of rings.”
“Sonic 4 will be split into three episodes, each containing four zones of three acts (and a boss) apiece.”
“Act 3 of Splash Hill Zone is the only act to take place at sunset.”
UPDATE: DVD Smith has sent us a low-quality scan of the preview. Check it below (click for larger size):
UPDATE 2: Sonic Retro member, Wolf Rogers, has better scans of the screenshots included in the preview. Check out the gallery below:
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Emerald Coast owner, SSR DJ and all around cool guy Vger reports that UK collectibles retailer Forbidden Planet are now stocking three characters namely Sonic, Tails and S&TBK Sonic from a range of new figures priced at just £4.99. The back of the packaging informs that more are on the way but no information as to who or what they are. We’ll keep an eye out for them and report back here.
Meanwhile if you’d like a closer look at the three figures currently available head over to Emerald Coast.
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Large UK high-street store Next are now stocking a huge amount of new Sonic merchandise in-store and online from boxer shorts (seen above) to quilt covers.
Thanks to Casanova and E.T. at the SSMB for the heads up!
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