Sonic Generations Megathread

Blue Blood · May 11, 2011

OXM Preview, courtesy of Shadzter at TSS/SSMB:

* Current story details are “A mysterious new nemesis (Sega isn't saying more than that at this time) arrives on the scene and immediately sets about eradicating the very fabric of space and time, as you do when you want to impress the new neighbours, The net result is that modern-day Sonic falls through a wormhole and winds up back in 1991, where comes-to-face with his younger, squatter, flatter self.

1990?s Sonic isn't much of a conversationalist, but since the entire world around them has suddenly been drained of colour, it doesn't take a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation for the two of them to realise that something has gone desperately wrong. Hence, the two ‘hogs combine forces to form what Sega is calling a ‘Dream Team’ partnership, with the aim of restoring colour and vitality to some of Sonic lore's most famous zones by besting them in both 2D and 3D.”

* Iizuka tells OXM that like Green Hill Zone's new cave section, every classic level will feature a new visual element to keep things fresh.

* “One of the main rules Sonic Team has abided by during Sonic Generations’ development is that there would be no re-using of old assets or level designs – these are brand new courses with a stunning HD lick of paint.”

* While OXM feels Sonic 4: Episode 1 is an excellent platformer in its own right, they think Sonic Generations feels more like a true follow-up.

* “Sonic's jumps are weighted perfectly and the sense of speed is as breathtaking than as it was 20 years ago.”

* When asked how past levels were selected for the game, Takashi Iizuka responded:
“We took a democratic approach. We only get to celebrate Sonic's 20th birthday once, so we wanted to make sure everyone got a say. What we did was poll every Sega worker – including those in Europe and America – and asked them to nominate their favourite Sonic levels of all time. Then we did some research with the core fanbase and we were able to draw up a shortlist from there.”

* OXM also asked Iizuka if it was harder to reverse-engineer 3D levels to work in 3D, or vice-versa, to which he answered:
“It was definitely harder to get the 3D levels working in 2D, because some of the famous contraptions – the things that define those levels – have been designed to work freely in three dimensions. It was a real challenge to get them to work recognisably in a 2D plain. Of course, many modern 3D stages also have 2D sub-sections within them, but Sonic has a different moveset in Generations than he did in those games, so that was another thing we had to take into consideration.”

* When asked if Sonic's friends will be making an appearance, Iizuka replied:
“Of course, because they're a big part of Sonic history! But they'll only be making cameos, be it as part of the story or in the backgrounds. Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic will be the only two playable characters in the game.”
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I like the part in bold.

360 · May 11, 2011

The site that we do not speak of has some intriguing news that just went online.

JP Sonic Channel Hints at Major Announcement for Sonic Anniversary

We're typically not so keen on posting what can be considered announcements of announcements here. This one's a little different and a little more important, however, as it may indicate when to expect the last piece of major news concerning Sega's plans for Sonic's 20th anniversary.

It came via a post on the Japanese Sonic Channel Monday, and according to the Spanish website Sonic Paradise, Sega's Japanese division plans to not just reveal some new Sonic Generations info on the big date itself, but also something else…something unknown. Could it be that third, still unknown title many have been speculating about for months?

The Sonic Channel will also release various other mementos on June 23rd to mark the day, but most eyes will be on whatever new comes of both Generations and this special surprise. We will be sure to follow up on anything more we hear about the mystery.
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Source: You know the one.

My educated guess for this one is that they'll drop the bomb of the Sonic Generations playable demo (GHZ) on XBLA and PSN. Apologies if this has been posted. I've been away from the thread for a while. Demo on June 23? Possibly.

Band Director III · May 11, 2011

That's some pretty good info right there... Thanks for posting.

This does clear up a few questions I've had... such as how they are approaching the transitioning of 3d=>2d. If anyone here has played some segments of Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded and the 2d platforming sections that they placed in there was probably how I thought they were going to go with it. I'm still really worried about how they will handle the the SA2 levels though as those stages are really 3D based.

And I'm also liking how they are setting the storyline up. Its kind of like time traveling+Epic Mickey+Sonic. Its actually a plausible sounding plot point as to why they are roaming around zones and levels.

MisterBadguy · May 11, 2011

I like that all the old zones are getting something akin to the cave in GHZ; like they say, it keeps things fresh and interesting. I'm liking pretty much everything I'm reading here.

DustArma · May 11, 2011

So, they aren't just rehashing? They are actually doing new things to keep the levels fresh?

Goddamnit Sonic Team, why aren't you in charge of Sonic 4

Felik · May 11, 2011

DustArma said:

So, they aren't just rehashing? They are actually doing new things to keep the levels fresh?

Goddamnit Sonic Team, why aren't you in charge of Sonic 4
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Minecart says hi :specialed:

SemiFiction · May 11, 2011

I'm pretty curious to see how many levels they will choose from each game and how deep they're going to go into Sonic's history.

Chimpo · May 11, 2011

Felik said:

DustArma said:

So, they aren't just rehashing? They are actually doing new things to keep the levels fresh?

Goddamnit Sonic Team, why aren't you in charge of Sonic 4
Click to expand...

Minecart says hi :specialed:
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I don't follow. Especially since Sonic Team didn't work on Sonic 4

MegaDash · May 12, 2011

I think he means that the minecart was that 'something new' that added freshness to the Labyrinth Zone throwback. Make of that what you will, since I heard the minecart was actually pretty fun despite being a totally jarring inclusion. Have yet to steal my bro's iPhone to play it yet. Regardless, I'm pretty sure it won't change my overall opinion of Sonic 4.

So, who bets those big announcements will come in June rather than late May? Eh? Eh?

gold lightning · May 12, 2011

Eh, I thought the torch was better than the minecart and it was also original itself.

And to stay on topic; I have to say that Generations is doing rehashing the only way I like it. I mean sure its Green Hill, but I don't know whats around the corner this time, and it looks awe inspiringly beautiful. I can't wait to see more stages.

Endri · May 12, 2011

Well, I personally face it as I face Sonic 1 8-bit's, Sonic 2 8-bit's and Sonic Blast's Green Hill Zones: they are the same zone, yet each game has their own original interpretation to them. Sonic Generation's Green Hill Zone (if they are still adopting the "zone" sufix for stage names) is no different.

I wonder, however, how they are going to mix all the different islands stages together. We have South Island, where everything started. Then we have Westside Island. And we still have Floating Island, Carnival Island (if they are going to add any Knuckles' Chaotix stage) and Flickies' Island (if they are going to add any Sonic 3D Blast stages).

I hope they don't commit a day-on mistake such as retconing every level to just one place, and completly neglect the existence of the other islands (considering they already retconed Floating Island to just Angel Island, and part of Mystic Ruins).

serpx · May 12, 2011

DustArma said:

So, they aren't just rehashing? They are actually doing new things to keep the levels fresh?

Goddamnit Sonic Team, why aren't you in charge of Sonic 4
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The original company (not team) that made Sonic 1-3 working on Sonic 4? That makes no sense. Contract that shiz out.

MegaDash · May 12, 2011

Endri said:

Well, I personally face it as I face Sonic 1 8-bit's, Sonic 2 8-bit's and Sonic Blast's Green Hill Zones: they are the same zone, yet each game has their own original interpretation to them. Sonic Generation's Green Hill Zone (if they are still adopting the "zone" sufix for stage names) is no different.
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But then how does that make Splash Hill Zone unoriginal? I mean, I know I don't like Splash Hill Zone because it's a Rush stage masquerading as a Sonic 1 stage, but I'm not following your logic.

LockOnRommy11 · May 12, 2011

Endri said:

Well, I personally face it as I face Sonic 1 8-bit's, Sonic 2 8-bit's and Sonic Blast's Green Hill Zones: they are the same zone, yet each game has their own original interpretation to them. Sonic Generation's Green Hill Zone (if they are still adopting the "zone" sufix for stage names) is no different.

I wonder, however, how they are going to mix all the different islands stages together. We have South Island, where everything started. Then we have Westside Island. And we still have Floating Island, Carnival Island (if they are going to add any Knuckles' Chaotix stage) and Flickies' Island (if they are going to add any Sonic 3D Blast stages).

I hope they don't commit a day-on mistake such as retconing every level to just one place, and completly neglect the existence of the other islands (considering they already retconed Floating Island to just Angel Island, and part of Mystic Ruins).
Click to expand...

From how I view it, Green Hill Zone is a huge island in comparison to Sonic. We only saw a little bit in Sonic 1, the same section in Adventure 2. a different part in Sonic Advance 3 considering the entire world was ripped into 7 pieces, the same part in Sonic Battle, the 3rd act in Sonic Chronicles, and now we're going back to a similar place again.

If you've played Sonic Advance 3, you may remember how they joined the worlds together- the characters travelled through some time/space zone. They could perhaps do a similar thing here.I also don't think they'd join all the islands together, they're very seperate from each other.

Also, I want them to include some Sonic Advance zones. That series was what helped keep Sonic going. I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't have played Sonic Advance 2 back in christmas 2003.

MykonosFan · May 12, 2011

Baseless speculation, but the rumor of a 3DS version got me thinking, along with the idea that it could possibly focus on the handheld games.

Remember how SEGA is bringing Game Gear titles to the 3DS, such as Sonic games (I don't remember which ones, was the first one Sonic Chaos)? This would be a great way to help promote those games, and more importantly, vice versa. Someone dropping a few bucks on the GG titles in 3D may want to try out the much-fussed-about game that came out.

Maybe doesn't make much sense, just throwing that out there.

Tiberious · May 12, 2011

When we do get the demo, will I be correct in guessing that the Tech-y types will be at the ready to start tearing into file formats from minute 1?

TheGrandChawhee · May 12, 2011

Wouldn't it be cool if the 3DS version of Generations wasn't the same game as the PS3/360 version, but instead had levels from different handheld games like the game gear games, gameboy advance games, and DS games?

We've had different versions of games before, Unleashed comes to mind, the levels (while based on the same concept art) were radically different from Wii to PS3/360, same with Colors on the DS.

DustArma · May 12, 2011

Tiberious said:

When we do get the demo, will I be correct in guessing

that the Tech-y types will be at the ready to start tearing into file formats from minute 1?
Click to expand...

I think first they will check the accuracy of the physics, or possible lack of.

But I'd love to see what they can find inside the demo files, ultimately, I'll be raging because I don't have a 360 to try this in anymore

Dusk Golem · May 12, 2011

From Shadzter on SSMB:

THIRD IMAGINE NOT LOADING FOR SOME SO: http://i54.tinypic.com/2s6ng54.jpg

True Dude · May 12, 2011

"Sonic goes spelunking in the previously unseen Green Hill caves."

My ass they were previously unseen.

Sonic Generations Megathread

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