Sonic Generations General Discussion

[SOUP]

I'm pretty sure that CD came out after 2, but even playing it, it almost seems like some other world's version of Sonic 2.
I don't know if they were ever planned to be released together.

Sonic 2 was where I started with the series, but I didn't get to play Sonic CD until I picked up the PC version in '98.

[Grounder]

Preordered the PS3 and 3DS versions last month. I'm psyched!

[Barry the Nomad]

I'm pretty sure that CD came out after 2, but even playing it, it almost seems like some other world's version of Sonic 2.
I don't know if they were ever planned to be released together.

Sonic 2 was where I started with the series, but I didn't get to play Sonic CD until I picked up the PC version in '98.

I started with Sonic 1, got my Genny the Christmas of '91 with Sonic packed in. Then Sonic 2 hit and I got into the cartoon and comics. When the Sonic CD comic adaptation happened I was so confused. I didn't get how it was a game that played on the Genesis but required an add on. Plus, try explaining a CD add-on to your parents. To them, they already bought you a console, why would you need another? So I played Sonic CD way later when I bought a used CD in 97/98. It does play like an alternate universe Sonic 2.

[Sharky]

What a load of crap. There is nothing ammiture about Sonic Generations from what I've seen... Not modern nor classic. It isnt what Barry is saying either he's saying that he had more fun with Modern Sonic because there are more moves to pull off. Something that you classic purists, or complainers have been trying to get out of Sonic for ages now. Remember how you all went ape shit because you could use homing attack in Sonic 4... yes, well homing attack is a natural addition to the formular just like Spin Dash was in Sonic 2.

[Barry the Nomad]

I'm certain later classic levels will be a blast, but Green Hill was pretty bland after a few playthroughs. Once I got past the graphics, it was a very simple stage. Coupled with the skill upgrades, I'm sure classic will be awesome.

Psst, rooftop run modern demo'd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZagLnO3ItlM

[max_cady]

Ahhh... For a split second, I thought the game had been localized in portuguese, but that's all in french.

[Sega Uranus]

I was going to come in here and give my mostly positive reaction to the demo, but Sharky had to ruin everything.

Classic Sonic DOES feel amateur compared to Sonic 1, 2 3 and Knuckles, even some of the 8bit games have way better design. Go play some XBLA and PSN platformers m9t, even some average quality Game Boy games have very similar design. That is to not say it is a horrible thing (amateur design is a massive improvement from whatever the Hell stuff like Sonic 06, Heroes and Advance 3 was), but the fact you have to snap every time some points out their mild dislikes is extremely irritating.

There is a reason Modern Sonic stuff seems better to all of us, it is because Sonic Team is specifically gimping the Classic Sonic design and general amount of content. Only 2 bosses, only Sonic, Metal Sonic and Tails get classic skins (Classic Robotnik might only be on the signposts...) and 3 zones? Sonic Generations is a Trojan horse designed to appeal to a broader audience and make them think "The classic games were not that good after all". It is diabolical and brilliant. It is already taking effect and rotting our minds.

But, the good news is that Sonic Team will think they really struck gold this time and surely mess up the next few games (with the possible exception of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, which I am seriously looking forward to), but most of you will be super hyped to play their next 30fps mostly 2D action game about aliens.

[Barry the Nomad]

Sonic Team needs to learn that they don't need to reinvent the wheel each game. I mean look at Sonic 1-3&Knuckles. Each game beefed up the graphics and sounds, but the gameplay was essentially the same. Just more act gimmicks, a new character (which we don't need more of) and a few additions to the moves (S2 spin dash, S3 elemental shields).

But then once Sonic Adventure released, each game tried to be too different and make too many changes. Sonic Adventure 2 was the only successful sequel, the rest failed in reinventing the series. After Unleashed, they've thankfully cooled off a bit on the whole reinventing and just focused on fixing what didnt work and improving what did.

The game to follow Generations (which I intend to write about in an editorial) doesn't need to be majorly different from Generations. New environments, new stage maps, new story and new boss fights are the only things that need to be given a lot of thought. They should tweak what needs to be tweaked for modern Sonic, who I assume will be the only Sonic to appear in the next game, but don't need to give him an overhaul. Improving graphics should be a given.

Perhaps the biggest thing Sonic Team should do next is find a way to make Tails and Knuckles work in the modern Sonic style. Perhaps have them playable via 2D acts or missions?

[Sharky]

I was coming here to read this thread but Sanus spoiled it.

Are you actually trying to suggest the purpose of Classic Sonic in Sonic Generations is to make people think that classic sonic was never that good?

Do you think the average gamer is going to pick up on ANY of the small nitpicks which weird obsessive man-child Sonic fans have?

What a silly, silly comment. Both modern and classic sonic are accurate enough representations of each style that the average gamer and of course the target audience (kids) are going to experience it almost exactly as they would if they were playing the classics because they AREN'T going to be looking for nitpicks and trying to break the game like Sonic fans will be.

As for it being amateur in any respect... lol.

[crackdude]

LOL Uranus, such elaborate conspiracy theory lol

I was one of the firsts to defend Sonic 4 for including homing attack and here it shows it could be fun to use in Classic levels. But they are all-in on the Sonic CD gameplay thing, so yeah..

I enjoyed both levels of the demo, though design-wise they seemed a bit rough. I don't mind it, but I just know some people will say shit like "durrr im dumb and sonic goes against walls"

Overall very very enjoyable. Only true complaint is that in the classic level there's a lot of blur going on with all the colorful screen activity, but maybe it's my tv. THe graphics are gorgeous.

[Sega Uranus]

@Sharky

I was not saying that was the point. I believe they were forced to add classic elements more than anything (otherwise, wouldn't they have appeared in previous games?). Not even most of the 2D games play similarly anymore.

My point is that they are going out of their way to make the Modern stuff seem better, because it is. Look at Green Hill Zone in here, the classic level you can beat in under 40 seconds, the modern one takes at least 2 minutes to finish.

As for the XBLA/PSN comment. Have you heard of games like Sideway, Super Meat Boy and Rochard just to name a few? These are all very high quality games made by studios that never developed games before and if not higher quality than classic Sonic in here, than at least very similar quality.

@Barry

I fully agree. I am not sure why they keep trying new concepts, but they just keep branching the fanbase off more and more in bad ways. A big issue is they cannot just focus on basic ideas, but at least they are learning that less is sometimes more.

[Pao]

I didn't play the last demo, but from the footage I've seen for modern Sky Sanctuary, I think Sonic Team has never been this close to achieving my "ideal" Sonic 3D game.

Finally they decided to introduce a lot of 3D platforming, something that annoyed me in Unleashed and especially Colors is that you have to switch to 2D to do platforming, its like the team can't introduce compelling 3D platforming at all.

But things are different from the latest Generations footage, not only the level design works great for the 3D platforming, the camera also positions itself nicely. 

It still looks rough around the edges, but I think if they improve the movement on how Sonic controls, put in more platforming elements and gimmicks and generally better level design... I think that will be a perfect 3D Sonic game.

Generations is the step in the right direction as far as 3D Sonic is concerned.

I also think that if the PC version is mod-friendly, the community will make the game a lot better (adjusted physics, new levels, etc...)

[Team Andromeda]

My point is that they are going out of their way to make the Modern stuff seem better, because it is. Look at Green Hill Zone in here, the classic level you can beat in under 40 seconds, the modern one takes at least 2 minutes to finish.

Rather silly,  For one its keeping faith with classic that you can finished the classic Sonic  so early , just like MD sonic and then there's the fact that no-one would put up  with the modern Sonic demo's being able to be finished in under 40 sec's , where more or less as soon as you pick up full speed the level would finish (it would be slated if such a broken mechanic was in place)
That's looking over you haven't played the latter classic 2D sections where more and more platforming came in, just like with the MD Sonic, which were very simple and basic with Sonic and Sonic II, but got much deeper with Sonic III ECT

I'm sure Uranus you're just posting such silly nonsense to wind people and get a response and its works tbf  ;D

[Aki-at]

Just to add my two pence.

I am not sure if Sonic Team are tying to make classic Sonic be dumbed down, but it is painfully obvious they do not particularly like that generation of Sonic games. The representation, the change in direction when you look at their previous games, it is obvious they believe modern Sonic is just as good and if not, better than classic Sonic. Have to agree also that modern Sonic has an unbelievable amount of effort being put into that era, especially when large groups prefer the classic style and design.

Also homing attack is not a natural progression like spindash was, spindash was a continuation of the momentum based gameplay, homing attack was so that attacking badniks in 3D was made much easier, shame they seem to have forgotten that.

Overall the demo was good, however I feel they should have used a different stage other then Green Hill, its the dullest level in the game (First level after all) I would have opted for modern City Escape and classic Chemical Plant Zone, but c'est la vie, at least people are starting to think it'll be a good game.

[Sharky]

@Sharky


My point is that they are going out of their way to make the Modern stuff seem better, because it is. Look at Green Hill Zone in here, the classic level you can beat in under 40 seconds, the modern one takes at least 2 minutes to finish.

I don't think they are trying to make one sonic seem better than the other at all, I think they are doing what Sonic fans requested- making a bare bone classic Sonic experience with very little in the way of moves. The problem is that in this day and age people do expect more to their games than jump and roll. I would love to see the classic mode have some new moves but still be in a 2D perspective with physics based gameplay. I'm not really apposed to things like double jumping, stomp, bounce, shit even the homing attack as a pick up item would be cool.

As for the XBLA/PSN comment. Have you heard of games like Sideway, Super Meat Boy and Rochard just to name a few? These are all very high quality games made by studios that never developed games before and if not higher quality than classic Sonic in here, than at least very similar quality.

You're right, but those are the best for the best of XBLA/PSN games are of high quality. They're anything but amateur, it isn’t a case of Sonic Generations being bad its those particular games being of very high quality.

I still would say Sonic Generations is a far better game in pretty much every aspect.