Basically, being a direct sequel to Sonic & Knuckles, I want it to be much more like Sonic 3 & Knuckles so that the next episode doesn't feel like a step back to "Sonic 2.5".
* Level Transitions - The cutscenes/transitions that took place in Sonic 3 added to it's character and helped to explain the story in the most simple way possible. More of that would be great.
* Tails & Knuckles - In Sonic 2 I feel that Tails was wasted as he had the same abilities as Sonic and was basically a sprite swap. In Sonic 3 however, adding Tails' ability to fly and Knuckles, with his ability to glide, significantly added to the fun of the game. Multiple routes that cater for different characters is a must if adding Tails or Knuckles. The last thing I want is a sprite/model swap with a new ability which has no advantage in the game. Also, remember Knuckles' ability to smash through walls as he runs. This can be useful for reaching new, otherwise unreachable, areas that are designed specifically for him.
* Elemental shields with shield abilities - One thing that concerns me is that if the elemental shields do return, and I really want them to as they added a whole new dimension to the game, they won't have special abilities in case it gets in the way of the homing attack. The homing attack should be completely optional, not forced upon you. Have the homing attack by default, and if a shield is collected remove the homing attack and replace it. Have alternative routes that can be taken without the use of the homing attack.
* Moving environments in all levels - In levels like Mushroom Hill Zone all the mushrooms moved, even the ones you interacted with. Also in that level leaves/pollen/dust was kicked up behind you as you ran. This was a nice touch and made me feel much more immersed in the level. Even the haze in the background of Sandopolis Zone Act 1 was a great detail.
* No Green Hill Zone rehash - Admittedly Splash Hill Zone was based off of Emerald Hill Zone, but that itself took obvious queues from Green Hill Zone. Sonic 3's Angel Island Zone on the other hand may have taken the green grass "nature" theme from Green Hill Zone, but it evolved it into a jungle theme. It also didn't copy it at all in general level design, being a completely different style from both Green Hill and Emerald Hill Zones.
* Music - Music is another thing that should take cues from Sonic 3 and Knuckles. The basic level tune was the same throughout both acts in each zone except for being a remix. This kept a constant style and made sure all acts sounded like the same level. Also, Sonic 3 & Knuckles had a wide variety of midi instruments and created a beautiful collection of tunes that fitted the themes of the levels beautifully. Great examples of this are Marble Garden Zone and Sandopolis Zone which both captured the level themes brilliantly.
* Bosses - As well as having original bosses like almost everyone says, it would be great if Sonic 4 had 2 acts with a mini-boss at the end of act 1 and a proper boss at the end of act 2. There is no reason I can think of for an act in which you only fight the boss.
* Multiplayer - This I would like to see Sonic 2 style instead of Sonic 3 style as it is much better to play the real levels in multiplayer than a tiny looping level.
* Character Model/Sprite - It would be nice to have, even optionally, a chance to play as the sprites from Sonic 1-3. Also I gather that Sonic 3's sprites were modeled in 3D before being turned into sprites. If these models are accessible they would be extremely fun to play as. I also like the sound of the Warioland Wii sprite style that some have mentioned.
This is all on top of the obvious "physics" complaint and the fact that episode 1 was ridiculously priced on consoles.
Having said all this I am not a Sonic 4 hater, I just feel that it could be much better than it was!
This post has been edited by Graxer: 28 November 2010 - 04:18 PM
