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''<blockquote>" Speed is something that is not given; but rather earned through dedication. Speed is not found by simply pushing a boost button, but by building momentum. It is the reward for skill in the face of difficult challenges – this kind of speed is the most exhilarating, not only because it is fast, but because of the pure perfection such speed exemplifies. This is the truth of the original Sonic games – and this is the truth of Project Needlemouse. "</blockquote>''
''<blockquote>" Speed is something that is not given; but rather earned through dedication. Speed is not found by simply pushing a boost button, but by building momentum. It is the reward for skill in the face of difficult challenges – this kind of speed is the most exhilarating, not only because it is fast, but because of the pure perfection such speed exemplifies. This is the truth of the original Sonic games – and this is the truth of Project Needlemouse. "</blockquote>''

This belief of Sega's was proven false with the addition of the homing attack, which allows you to find speed simply by pushing a button.


In a subsequent blog Sega stated that over 350 pieces of artwork had been submitted within 48 hours, and in recognition of this achievement the following week would be "the Week of the Hedgehog" (beginning on February 2, "[[Groundhog Day|Hedgehog Day]]"): featuring further information and art, a merchandise giveaway, and a reveal of the game's actual name later in the week. As a footnote and to address some commentators' concerns, Sega stressed that despite featuring old badniks, Needlemouse would be an "all-new adventure" and not an HD remake of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (video game)|Sonic 1]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/29/the-needlemouse-challenge-part-ii-updates-and-featured-art/|title=The Needlemouse Challenge, Part II: Updates and featured art!|author=RubyEclipse|date=2010-01-29|publisher=[[Sega]]|accessdate=2010-02-03}}</ref>
In a subsequent blog Sega stated that over 350 pieces of artwork had been submitted within 48 hours, and in recognition of this achievement the following week would be "the Week of the Hedgehog" (beginning on February 2, "[[Groundhog Day|Hedgehog Day]]"): featuring further information and art, a merchandise giveaway, and a reveal of the game's actual name later in the week. As a footnote and to address some commentators' concerns, Sega stressed that despite featuring old badniks, Needlemouse would be an "all-new adventure" and not an HD remake of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (video game)|Sonic 1]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/29/the-needlemouse-challenge-part-ii-updates-and-featured-art/|title=The Needlemouse Challenge, Part II: Updates and featured art!|author=RubyEclipse|date=2010-01-29|publisher=[[Sega]]|accessdate=2010-02-03}}</ref>

Revision as of 02:40, 27 April 2010

Sonic the Hedgehog 4
File:Sonic 4 Logo.png
Official logo.
Developer(s)Dimps, Sonic Team (co-developer)
Publisher(s)Sega
Composer(s)Jun Senoue
Platform(s)PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, WiiWare[1]
ReleaseEpisode 1: Summer 2010
Genre(s)Platformer
Mode(s)Single player

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (codenamed Project Needlemouse) (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ4) is a 2010 episodic platform video game in development as part of the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade and WiiWare. It is the first game in the main console series to be created for digital release. The game was first announced September 9, 2009,[3] and its official name was revealed on February 4, 2010.[4] The game is being developed by Dimps alongside members of Sonic Team and will be published by Sega.[5] The game is rated E for Comic Mischief.[6] The game will be playable in high definition on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.[2] The Wii and PlayStation 3 version of the game will feature support for motion controls.[4] The game is intended as a return to the roots of the Sonic series: Sonic the Hedgehog is its only playable character, and it is a 2D side-scroller (using sprites made from prerendered 3D models).

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot of Sonic the Hedgehog 4, of the "Splash Hill Zone".

The game is a 2D side-scrolling platformer reminiscent of the original Sonic games.[2] Players will control Sonic the Hedgehog,[7] using mechanics such as the original spin dash and power-ups including Speed Shoes, alongside the homing attack (the first time it is in a 2D side-scrolling game for a console) seen in 3D Sonic games. Players will be able to use online leaderboards to compare level completion times and high scores.[2] Certain parts of the game, such as Special Stages based on those of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, require the player to tilt the playing field in order to affect gravity. This is done via motion controls on the PS3 and Wii versions, whilst the Xbox 360 version uses the LT and RT triggers.[8]

Plot

Episode 1

The game follows another adventure of the series' main protagonist, Sonic the Hedgehog, which takes place after Sonic & Knuckles (1994) and is primarily a prologue to Sonic the Hedgehog 4 itself. With the Death Egg destroyed and Floating Island returned to the sky, Sonic decides it's time to take a break. After parting with Tails and Knuckles, he sets off to explore new territories alone; however, unbeknownst to him, his nemesis Dr. Robotnik survived their last encounter, and has revisited and improved some of his "very best" robotic creations in another attempt to defeat Sonic.[1]

History

The game's existence was first revealed at GameSpot on September 8, 2009, under the code name Project Needlemouse. The site published a brief teaser trailer[3], and an interview with Sega's Ken Ballough who acknowledged that "old-school Sonic fans have long asked to see Sonic return to a more 2D style of gameplay" and stated that "Needlemouse is that critical first step that brings Sonic back to his 2D roots".[2] The codename is derived from the name of Mr. Needlemouse, an early prototype of Sonic the Hedgehog pitched to Sega by his designer Naoto Ōshima.

Character Countdown Challenge

On January 11, 2010, Sega of America began a "character countdown" on their blog. The countdown comprised an image of the silhouetted logo from the teaser video, superimposed with a list of Sonic universe characters that may have been playable in the game, and the proviso that "not all of them are going to make the cut". On each of the next four days, readers were invited to answer three trivia questions; provided enough replies with correct answers to each were achieved, an updated image with certain characters ruled out would be posted each day, until Friday when only those to be playable would remain.[9] It was also stated that should enough posts above this threshold be achieved on at least three days, readers would receive a bonus in the form of information about the game.

On each subsequent day, Sega updated the blog with a new image, in which two more names were stamped as "rejected".[10] First to be excluded were Charmy and Chip, followed by Tikal and Vector, and then Shade and Amy Rose.[10] In Friday's final update, Shadow, Big the Cat, Froggy and "Sonic's new friend Mr. Needlemouse" were rejected, leaving only Sonic's name visible and thus revealing that he would be the only playable character as speculated. The bonus was revealed as concept art of Shellcracker, a badnik that previously appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and would be returning in Needlemouse.[7] Also in the same blog post, Sega acknowledged fans' concerns about superfluous characters and the departure from the gameplay of earlier Sonic games:

" Today, we are about to break the trend that has continued on for many years. To the thousands of you out there asking for a game where Sonic is the only playable character – rejoice. As of today, your wish has been granted. In Project Needlemouse, there will be no new characters – playable or otherwise. The focus will remain solely on one blue hedgehog. " [7]

Concept Art Challenge

File:Sonic 4 Concept Art.jpg
Concept art of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 of the Badnik Motobug from the first Sonic game.

On January 27, 2010, Sega updated its blog with a second (and final) challenge,[11] and another piece of concept art (Motobug, the first badnik encountered in Sonic 1). The challenge was in response to a fan-made illustration of another badnik from Sonic 2 (designed to resemble the official art), which apparently staff liked a lot. To this end, Sega stated that they wished to see more: the new challenge was for fans to submit over 100 pieces of their own art of classic badniks (from Sonic 1-3 and Knuckles, and any other game from that era) to Sega by the following Monday, to show them which enemies they wished to feature in Project Needlemouse. Sega stated that if this number was met, the following week they would reveal the game's real name, concept art from the first zone, and "a very cool extra bonus". The blog provided advice on methods of creating illustrations and how to submit them, and stated that the best submissions received would be published. Sega stated that this was the final community challenge, and one of the last times that the game's codename would be used. Finally, Sega left some parting words:

" Speed is something that is not given; but rather earned through dedication. Speed is not found by simply pushing a boost button, but by building momentum. It is the reward for skill in the face of difficult challenges – this kind of speed is the most exhilarating, not only because it is fast, but because of the pure perfection such speed exemplifies. This is the truth of the original Sonic games – and this is the truth of Project Needlemouse. "

In a subsequent blog Sega stated that over 350 pieces of artwork had been submitted within 48 hours, and in recognition of this achievement the following week would be "the Week of the Hedgehog" (beginning on February 2, "Hedgehog Day"): featuring further information and art, a merchandise giveaway, and a reveal of the game's actual name later in the week. As a footnote and to address some commentators' concerns, Sega stressed that despite featuring old badniks, Needlemouse would be an "all-new adventure" and not an HD remake of Sonic 1.[12]

Hedgehog Day Week, Title Reveal, and Website

On February 2, as well as showcasing some more concept art, they updated the front page of Sega of America's website with a short flash animation which featured a sample of music from the game, reminiscent of old Genesis/Mega Drive sounds.[13] The game's proper title was revealed on February 4, 2010, as Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, along with debut footage.[4] The footage was criticized for Sonic's seemingly slow running animation, but it has since been clarified that there will be faster animation similar to that in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic CD.[14]

An official website was also launched, featuring time-unlocked content indicated by countdowns obscuring certain menu items. Items revealed to date include story details, character information and concept art. All badniks revealed so far are variations of enemies from previous games, e.g. Newtron from Sonic 1 and Bubbles from Sonic 3; according to the site, Eggman is revisiting "the best of his creations", albeit possibly with some "budget cuts". Likewise, boss battles with Eggman resemble earlier encounters from Sonic 1 and Sonic 2, albeit with the Doctor incorporating new strategies after suffering a few hits.

In an interview with Nintendo Power, project leader Takashi Izuka stated that the classic Genesis-era Sonic design would not reappear, despite some fans' requests:

With so many other retro elements included, why not bring back Sonic's original pot-bellied character design? That's because Sonic 4 is a brand new title and not a remake. As you may know, all Sonic character designs were changed in 1998, so since then, all new titles have those new designs.[15]

Development

The game is being developed primarily by Dimps, with some members of Sonic Team. The project leader is the current head of Sonic Team, Takashi Iizuka, who has worked on various Sonic games--notably as senior level designer for Sonic 3 & Knuckles, to which Sonic 4 is billed as a direct sequel.[5] Music and sound are composed by Jun Senoue, also a mainstay of recent Sonic games, and are intended to be reminiscent of classic Genesis titles, via the use of drum samples from Sonic 1 and 2 and relatively lo-fi synth samples.[16] The game will be released as a digital download for the WiiWare, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live Arcade services.[17]

References

  1. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 Official Site". Sega. Retrieved 2010-02-03.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Sonic the Hedgehog Q&A". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. 2009-09-08. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
  3. ^ a b Thorsen, Tor (2009-09-09). "All-new 2D Sonic rolling out in 2010". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  4. ^ a b c Sinclair, Brendan (2010-02-04). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 goes episodic this summe". GameSpot. Retrieved 2010-02-03.
  5. ^ a b http://forums.sega.com/showpost.php?p=5587337&postcount=1
  6. ^ http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/HzlsX88COYTMDJaVQYE3M9Yww89OErL5
  7. ^ a b c RubyEclipse (2010-01-15). "Project Needlemouse Character Countdown - Finale and Concept Art!". Retrieved 2010-01-26.
  8. ^ http://uk.xboxlive.ign.com/articles/107/1079808p1.html
  9. ^ RubyEclipse (2010-01-11). "Sega America Blog - Project Needlemouse Character Countdown - Day 1!". Sega. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
  10. ^ a b RubyEclipse. "Sega America Blog - Project Needlemouse". Sega. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
  11. ^ RubyEclipse (2010-01-27). "Project Needlemouse Community Challenge 2, New Concept Art, and a very special reward!". Sega. Retrieved 2010-02-03.
  12. ^ RubyEclipse (2010-01-29). "The Needlemouse Challenge, Part II: Updates and featured art!". Sega. Retrieved 2010-02-03.
  13. ^ RubyEclipse (2010-02-02). "Happy Hedgehog Day!". Sega. Retrieved 2010-02-03.
  14. ^ RubyEclipse (2010-02-05). "Sega Forum - View Single Post - News from SEGA on Sonic's running animation!". Retrieved 2010-02-09.
  15. ^ http://forums.sega.com/showthread.php?t=319531
  16. ^ http://www.tssznews.com/2010/03/09/scans-of-the-sonic-4-nintendo-power-interview/
  17. ^ "Sonic 4 Official Site -". 2010-02-05. Retrieved 2010-02-09.
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