Sonic The Hedgehog - General Discussion

[Taegon Lewis]

Now, if only Shia LaBeouf gets more screen time in Sonic Forces, just like he should've been in Sonic Generations:

 

[Brend]

Sonic Mania is so close its insane.

I'm mega hyped for this release. The short demo I got to play in January was pretty much perfect.

 

[GTFan24]

Speaking of Mania!

 

[Brend]

Speaking of Mania!

Refreshing to see Knux looking like a BAMF rather than the joke machine in Boom.

Not that I have an issue with that but still, that is absolute fire.

 

[Roger the Horse]

Knux looking like a BAMF

Brown And Maroon Furry?

All in all Mania looks pretty cool, and I'll wait and see with Forces.

 

[Tired Tyres]

Rejoice.

http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/14/sonic-mania-review-by-the-fans-for-the-fans-6851515/

 

[Brend]

Played half an hour or so last night before bed - blown away. Can't wait to finish work and get right into it.

Perfect on Switch too, I'll probably double dip on Xbox One at some point since I have all the 2D games on there.

 

[JohnBM01]

This thread's been around since 2012, and it's now with Sonic Mania that this thread gets some love? Anyhow, I saw a Twitch stream of this game, and I'm blown away and intrigued about this game. I could probably say I time traveled back to the 1990s playing this game on a Genesis/Megadrive. Though, I never had any SEGA system. Can't help but be intrigued and impressed about this game.

 

[Parker]

Sonic Mania is amazing, easily the best in the series since the original trilogy, possibly even the best in the whole series. I haven't played through the whole thing yet but the few zones I have played have been magnificent and wow, what a soundtrack. Christian Whitehead and his team have truly outdone themselves and Sega need to allow him to make another game that is completely original.

I accidentally bought two Collector's Editions for the PS4 but I think I will be buying the game for Switch, too. This game needs to succeed and I have no problem supporting the development team. Hopefully the rumors are true and the Switch gets a physical release.

 

[Wolfe]

I wanted to get Mania on Switch because I think it belongs there, and I have no justification for a second PS4 controller so I couldn't play multiplayer with the PS4 version, but we're not exactly sure when we'll get a Switch (depending on it being in stock if nothing else). I had considered buying it for both platforms, maybe holding out for a physical release on Switch because that would be cool...so you guys think it's worth two purchases?

@JohnBM01 -- This kind of encapsulates why:

 

[Brend]

I wanted to get Mania on Switch because I think it belongs there, and I have no justification for a second PS4 controller so I couldn't play multiplayer with the PS4 version, but we're not exactly sure when we'll get a Switch (depending on it being in stock if nothing else). I had considered buying it for both platforms, maybe holding out for a physical release on Switch because that would be cool...so you guys think it's worth two purchases?

@JohnBM01 -- This kind of encapsulates why:

I'll be double dipping on Xbox One because I have all the other original titles in there - I think its utterly superb. Can't stress enough just how good this game is. Its right up there with Sonic Rush as the best 2D game I can remember.

I've not completed it yet so I'm not sure where it sits but honestly - this is a goodie. I'd buy a physical copy too.

This game belongs on Switch if you have one I'd say - it just suits the platform like Shovel Knight and Blaster Master Zero does.

 

[VXR]

I didn't know about this until I was browsing for the Xbox Store last night. Definitely one I'm down for, but does anyone know if the preorder price is lower than when it's available?

 

[Brend]

Well, I've finished all 3 playthroughs with all 7 chaos emeralds. This game has met every expectation I had. Truly one of the best titles of the year.

 

[Com Fox]

What makes me erie about Mania is the amount of bosses and how much of a block they are. There's 1 in every level, it feels like something I'd be burned out on.

I do like how the story appears to tie in with Forces without being to heavy on it to make Mania look like a Sonic Forces Prologue, the story is just there to explain how Classic Sonic got into Forces while everything was on its own which is nice.

Replaying Colours recently, still my favourite Sonic game to date. I feel the stages were right (except for some levels like Planet Wisp Act 3) and the gameplay was a good mix of speed and platforming. The Wisps still has to be my favourite Sonic mechanic and am interested tp try the updated Wispon mechanic even though Cube looks to be ridiculously OP.

 

[Com Fox]

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/featu...he-sonic-the-hedgehog-franchise-answered.aspx

Interesting talks for some of these questions.

My hopes of dreams of Infinite being an incarnate of Mephiles have been dashed though

 

[Com Fox]

So news on the Wisps in Sonic Forces according to the wikia: http://sonic.wikia.com/wiki/Sonic_Forces . With evidence also from more gameplay footage which looks fantastic :



Also seems to be that, the ring-in-order mini mechanic from Sonic Lost World (Wii U) returns as well.

These are the wisps we have confirmed:

Ivory Lightning
Red Burst
Blue Cubed
Indigo Asteroid
White (for Modern Sonics boost)
Yellow Drill
Violet Void

What I find interesting about this selection is that all but Cubed are mostly featured in handheld titles with Blue being the only one that has never been in a handheld game. While 3 (Burst, Lightning and Void) were handheld exclusive, in fact Void has only appeared in Sonic Colours (DS). Void is a Nega-Wisp so perhaps Wisps actually have a purpose i the story again.

 

[Brend]

I hope I'm wrong but this game looks horrendous. Linear hallways throughout and stage design looks so bland.

Still got a pre-order in but expecting the worst.

 

[Com Fox]

To be fair, 3D Sonic games have always been linear ever since Unleashed decided to copy the Boost mechanic from Sonic Rush. The only time paths split was when Red Rings and Extra Lives (which don't exist anymore) are around.

Since the game levels are more treated as a mission by mission basis instead actual levels, exploration kind of goes against the narrative, granted I don't agree with that reason but it is still a possible reason why.

 

[Brend]

To be fair, 3D Sonic games have always been linear ever since Unleashed decided to copy the Boost mechanic from Sonic Rush. The only time paths split was when Red Rings and Extra Lives (which don't exist anymore) are around.

Since the game levels are more treated as a mission by mission basis instead actual levels, exploration kind of goes against the narrative, granted I don't agree with that reason but it is still a possible reason why.

Yep, we're guaranteed a great soundtrack at least.

 

[Com Fox]

Rental Avatar sounds really interesting. Is anyone getting the Switch version so we can share avatars ?

 

[Brend]

Rental Avatar sounds really interesting. Is anyone getting the Switch version so we can share avatars ?

I am.

 

[Com Fox]

So the entire game is leaked thanks to people in New York getting it early and videos of the whole game have been uploaded to Youtube.

Saw all the cutscenes, the story is alright, not as dramatic as it could've been but it didn't fall on its face unlike Lost World. You mainly find enjoyment with how much SEGA has embraced its fanbases meme culture from the OC, to Infinite. There even is a level about finding the computer room. Sonic Boom even gets a minor reference with one of the unlockable costumes for the OC being the Sonic Boom bandages. Wisps are not involved in the story again, which initially confused me since a Nega-Wisp makes an appearance but you only get the Nega Wisp after beating the main story so I guess it doesn't contradict.

As for levels, the only ones that don't look linear are the beginning stages and those that are heavily tied to the story. Once you get to the first Classic Sonic Stage, the stages start to open up.

The game borrows a lot of elements from other games to the point that it feels too much though, a lot of levels use Sonic Unleashes QTE. Stage 29 and Stage 30 (final) are just Terminal Velocity and Nega Wisp Armor redux (this is the third time a Nega Wisp Armor style final boss has appeared)

 

[Com Fox]

Other details have come out with the leaks this time I'll put a spoiler tag on these since these are pretty massive details except this one:

Spoiler

• Despite what you might think from the trailers, you don't ever fight Chaos or Shadow, they lose in cutscenes. The only bosses in the game (in order), are Zavok (Modern Sonic) > Infinite (Modern Sonic) > Egg Dragoon (Classic Sonic) > Infinite (again) (Avatar) > Metal Sonic (Tag Team) > Infinite (AGAIN) (Tag Team) > Dr. Eggman (All 3)
• Zavok is the only unique boss in the entire game, every other boss uses similar tactics to another.
  
• The Zavok, Chaos, Shadow and Metal Sonic that work for Eggman are fakes created by the Phantom Ruby, originally disappointed but I realized this would probably make more sense instead retconning the Adventure Games and Lost World.
• We were originally believed that the Phantom Ruby was from Sonic Mania and was an ordinary object of power but this might be the complete opposite, as it is heavily implied in Sonic Forces that Dr. Eggman created the Phantom Ruby with various prototypes tested and scattered across the world, with one of them somehow ending up in Sonic Mania

 

[TS050]

I got Forces 3 days early.

So far, it’s pretty damn good. The levels aren’t a super linear as we initially thought from the promotional stuff, and the music is great.

I was going to play through the entire story, but I’ll probably wait until the 7th so that I can see where Episode Shadow fits into the story.

 

[Lux Klonoa]

A bit late and probably irrelevant to some of you, but uh... one of Daiki Kasho's vocalists is on the soundtrack of Sonic Forces.

His vocals should be pretty recognizable, really, considering he did eight of Daiki's songs. =P

 

[Com Fox]

I'm guessing Spaceport theme gave it away, it's very Daiko Kashoish .

Got the game and beat the game with perfect S ranks, the game is actually fairly short but I do really enjoy it and the fact that you unlock the ability to have multiple avatars after beating the main story opens up a bit especially if you want to get Triple Gold Honours for all the animals.

From my experience I really enjoy the Wispon mechanic, as a weapon, some are alright but others are as mindless as Sonic Boom combat, I like them more as a Wisp, especially Void, Void is just a blast to playthrough. I really recommend it, although I don't use it my main avatar because it Lightning fits more with its design . With Lazer out of Forces, Void has to take place as my favourite Wisp of a game . Surprised Void was even included at all, since it only appeared Colours, the DS version.

Modern Sonic is exactly the same as it was in Colours, so no complaints and just joy there but I really don't like Classic Sonic. The levels were filled with Unleashed style sucker punches and I never really liked the Spin Dash mechanic at all in 2D spaces, you hardly see what's ahead so you just hit a wall or a ramp when you start to get going, the new Drop Dash does make it better than what it was in Generations but I don't see myself enjoying playing Classic stages.

One thing I also noticed is a lack of warning of bottomless pits, which is annoying in times as I think I'm going somewhere only for me to die but minor complaint.

Overall, I really love this game, wouldn't say its the best Sonic game (that still goes to Colours) but I think it's a great one.

 

[Lux Klonoa]

I'm guessing Spaceport theme gave it away, it's very Daiko Kashoish .

Yep. Jonathan Underdown.

Though, I first discovered his presence in this game via him singing "Fist Bump" live at TGS:

 

[SiriusR]

The game had so much story potential that got flushed down the toilet, it hurts. The plot was barely thought out, almost nothing has been explained. How did Eggman find the Phantom Ruby before anyone else knew about it? Just laying near his base? And how did he take over the world? By overlaying a bunch of text over the world declaring that he owns everything now? Also, who is Infinite really? A bored mercenary who gets upset over petty insults?
...oh, wait...

Regarding characters - only Knuckles and, maybe, Silver were significant improvements. Sonic still has a bad sense of humor and low concern about his friends, especially best ones (or is Tails not Sonic's best friend anymore?). Speaking of Tails - what storywriters did to him is unforgivable.
Villains are also quite disappointing. Out of of 5 Eggman's sidekicks, we only get to fight with three of them (and half of boss fights are nearly completely identical): Shadow gets his butt kicked before we can kick it ourselves and Chaos is just being a furniture.

I'm also quite upset about how much 2D stages Forces has, let alone classic Sonic's presence. Like come on, we already had a Sonic game for people who hail Sega Genesis/Mega Drive every day and consider high resolutions and anti-aliasing an invention of Satan. Can we have at least one new Sonic game without of that 16-bit nostalgia crap?

Also, Sonic Forces contains certified cancer. Somebody sack Aaron Webber already.

 

[Com Fox]

The plot was barely thought out, almost nothing has been explained. How did Eggman find the Phantom Ruby before anyone else knew about it? Just laying near his base?

It is heavily implied in Forces that Eggman actually created the Phantom Ruby. The one in Mania, the Classic Characters were fighting over was just one of the Prototypes (which makes sense the Ruby in Mania apparently came through another dimension)

Also, who is Infinite really? A bored mercenary who gets upset over petty insults?

This is a massive point I want to address about the awful storyline practices of both Lost World and Forces, Infinite is actually a well explained character IF you read the web comics it is such a stupid way to write stories and it sucks to because combining all the pieces actually makes Infinite turn out to be a sad character who was massively insecure about himself who ended up in failure multiple times to the point where Shadow's insults hit him to realize all of his failures, so he snapped and gave up everything he had for the Phantom Ruby to be "reborn".

and in that sense the main storyline could've been better if not only they threw all this in the main game, but I think a showdown between Infinite and the Avatar alone near the end would be a pretty dramatic battle, both characters suffering from failures but both chose completely different paths now crossing. It's kinda cliche but I'd buy the drama this battle potential if they went through with it.

Sonic still has a bad sense of humor and low concern about his friends, especially best ones (or is Tails not Sonic's best friend anymore?)

I think Sonic kinda had to take the role in this case (while Colours and Lost World were more casual stories), no other characters could serve as some sort of relief or sense of realism, that Sonic kept bringing in to the Phantom Ruby's illusions. However what I don't get is that he was exactly the same after apparently being tortured for months, perhaps Sonic could be having some sort PTSD and has to get his courage back before the final battle.

I'm also quite upset about how much 2D stages Forces has, let alone classic Sonic's presence. Like come on, we already had a Sonic game for people who hail Sega Genesis/Mega Drive every day and consider high resolutions and anti-aliasing an invention of Satan. Can we have at least one new Sonic game without of that 16-bit nostalgia crap?

I do agree Classic Sonic felt more like a games hinderance, his only role was to connect the Phantom Ruby with Mania and Forces, you only play as him 7 times which weren't really well thought out stages either.

Also SEGA tried it with Sonic Lost World, problem was people didn't like it and SEGA might be a bit scarred to move out of its comfort zone again.

Also, Sonic Forces contains certified cancer. Somebody sack Aaron Webber already.

Now this just seems pety. Sonic has embraced its meme culture and fanbase ever since Sonic Boom, hell the character creation feels like nothing more than a Deviant Art joke. It's kind of expected at this point. Also you don't have to use it, it is optional, there isn't even an online pvp or co-op mode either for people to show off.


The one thing I find puzzling is the series obsession with Nega Wisp Armor. I actually liked the boss but why does it have to repeated for a 3rd time? Can't we give both it and Egg Dragoon a rest?

 

[SiriusR]

It is heavily implied in Forces that Eggman actually created the Phantom Ruby.

That contradicts the info from comics, read below.
(also note how the Phantom Ruby from final battle didn't need any power source)

Infinite is actually a well explained character IF you read the web comics

Except he isn't.
The last issue was a complete mess, to be honest:
- Eggman needs a new plan to take over the world? Cue Deus Ex Machina-grade power gem appearing right at his door out of nowhere.
- Eggman stumbles upon a squad of mercenaries (or, to be precise, a squad of mercenaries stumbles upon Eggman) who were about to kick his butt, and he almost gets beheaded by mercenaries' boss. His opinion on mercenaries' boss after he barely manages to survive? "Now you're an interesting guy. I like you." That came out absolutely out of nowhere.
- Soon-to-be-Infinite's motivation to join Eggman? He's tired of the world as it is. He gives little concern about consequences of a partnership with Eggman (read: a person you absolutely cannot trust) and what can come out of it. Also, a person who's driven by hunger of power willingly becomes a henchman? Unless Eggman and Infinite had plans to get rid of each other once their goals are accomplished, I find this barely believable.
- Do we ever see the rest of Jackal Squad again? No. The game only briefly mentions them in Episode Shadow, and by how that mention goes, those who didn't read the comic most likely will assume that it's a bunch of Eggman's robots under (soon-to-be-)Infinite's command, like I did.

combining all the pieces actually makes Infinite turn out to be a sad character who was massively insecure about himself who ended up in failure multiple times to the point where Shadow's insults hit him to realize all of his failures, so he snapped and gave up everything he had for the Phantom Ruby to be "reborn".

Sure, but the way it was shown in the game was more hilarious than said. I'm pretty sure that "I'M NOT WEAK" line is going to be Infinite's own "IT'S NO USE" in the interwebs.

Also SEGA tried it with Sonic Lost World, problem was people didn't like it

There were reasons for it that have nothing to do with nostalgia tampering. Being Nintendo-exclusive Super Mario Galaxy ripoff, Pontack's horrible storytelling and introduction of absurdly cliche villains are among these reasons. And you're lucky if you haven't touched 3DS version of this game.

Now this just seems pety. Sonic has embraced its meme culture and fanbase ever since Sonic Boom

And that's why Sonic will not be perceived as anything but a bad meme if that's gonna keep going. A franchise that's aware of how bad it is and constantly makes fun of it doesn't become good or otherwise likeable (unless you're in for low quality memes). It becomes a bad franchise that makes fun of itself. A truly pathetic show to witness.