Sonic Featured On The Final PS2 UK Magazine

Magazine confirms Sonic Unleashed as a new series with possible future installments…

The PlayStation 2 Official Magazine in the UK has released their 100th issue, which will also be their final issue. Featured on the cover is none other then Sonic the Hedgehog, with a frown on his face as he reads the final UK PS2 magazine. The magazine has a feature on Sonic Unleashed, though most of which are Xbox 360/PS3 screenshots and information we have already seen. What it does feature that is of interest is a interview with Producer Akinon Nishiyama, which confirms possible future sequels to the game. Below is the interview, thanks to Spadzster from the SSMB for typing it up:

OPS2: What prompted you to return the Sonic series to its 2D roots? Was it something Sonic Team wanted to do, or was it more about fan feedback?
AN: It is true that since Sonic turned into a 3D game, 2D Sonic gameplay was lost, which was a shame for the development team. So it was our strong desire to include both 2D and 3D to make a more complete game.

OPS2: What kind of split is there between the 2D and 3D sections?
AN: Although 3D areas and 2D areas are clearly divided, the transition takes place in a seamless and smooth movement of the camera. We are still deciding what the split will be between the sections.

OPS2: Will there be any kind of free-roaming hub like there was in Sonic The Hedgehog (PS3/360), or is Unleashed set up in a classic Zone structure like the original games?
AN: This time Sonic travels around the world and in the course of this, he visits villages and towns. The player can click on icons to talk to the villagers or get information, then move on to the action stages.

OPS2: Are there any other familiar characters from the Sonic universe making an appearance in Unleashed, and if so, will you be able to play ash them?
AN: We might see some characters appear. but this time, it’s based on solo adventure where Sonic tackles one task or another using his various abilities. That said, friends still play a big role for Sonic!

OPS2: What role do rings play in the game? Are they just collectables, or do they have other uses?
AN: If Sonic collects rings at a certain pace, his speed will go up. If he successfully collects them without getting hit by enemies, he’s able to run faster. Also, collecting rings will enable Sonic to activate the Boost action to accelerate to his maximum speed in a flash.

OPS2: Have you felt limited by the PS2 hardware during the game’s development? Is there anything you might have to cut?
AN: The PS2 version is designed to fit PS2.

OPS2: For you, what is the best Sonic game ever made, and why?
AN: Sonic Adventure, because it’s a kind of festuve game to which we threw ina ll the different elements. Also, the “Sonic Rush” series which pushed 2D Sonic to the next level and made it a high quality game.

OPS2: Is Unleashed the future of Sonic games, or do you think the series will return to full 3D?
AN: We hope to evolve the traditional Sonic game style to new generation, while establishing this as a whole new series with new possibilities.

I’ll try to get a full scan of the magazine cover and article as soon as I can, but for now, heres a picture of the magazine’s cover: