Community Reaction: Project Needlemouse
Ryan Bloom | September 11, 2009
How does the fandom respond to a game aimed specifically at them?
It’s a matter I’ve spoken about briefly before: the Sonic fandom is probably one of the most segmented videogame fandoms ever created. In its 18 year tenure, Sonic the Hedgehog has been redesigned and reborn an almost countless number of times, and there’s a fandom subculture for each and every incarnation. Please one group, and you undoubtedly offend another. Thus, with the announcement of “
Project Needlemouse“, one has to wonder how the fandom in general has taken the announcement…
Starting with Sonic Retro, DimensionWarped sets the tone for things to follow…
“Well, This doesn’t renew my faith just yet. After all, just because it’s 2D and has Sonic in it doesn’t mean it’s really Sonic. But…
Aaaah, what a breath of fresh air. It’s like a burden lifted.“
Considering the questionable quality of recent Sonic games, you can’t blame some fans for being skeptical, such as Joshi, from SonicEatsRings.com…
“The ‘Speed returns’ line is silly. It was never missing! If anything recent games have had too much of it
“
And RobS, also from SonicEatsRings.com…
“Sega hasn’t been too kindly to us oldbies. And even earlier this year basically said that their target demographic is children of this generation.
(…)
They left us in the dust 15-odd years ago. They let the entire thing crash and burn, and all the current kiddies who didn’t grow up with our childhood aren’t really going to understand it. Sonic 360 is their Sonic.
If this is really an honest-to-goodness attempt at retrograde Sonic — even approximately a modernized version of the vision we were left in 1994 — I’ll be amongst the most surprised people on the planet.“
Over at gaming super-forum NeoGAF, many have been trying to steel themselves against any potential excitement:
A Master Ninja wrote:
I can’t let myself believe this will turn out well. I just can’t.SolidSnakex wrote:
You know you want to. Even if it was just Sonic’s 2D stages from Unleashed turned into a full game it’d be a ton of fun.
Sammybeany of TheGHZ is doing his best, too:
“If you let this game break your heart you deserve to have it broken. At this point, it’s guilty until proven innocent.
Back at NeoGAF, Ghost Leviathan is fed up with all of the negativity:
“What the hell do Sega have to do to please you guys? (…) Sega just announced the exact response to the game that was requested in every Sonic topic on this forum for the last three years; and you wankers respond with the same tired bullshit?“
But not everybody is quite as cautious, as evidenced by Solid SOAP over at The Sonic Stadium forums:
Wow, I was not expecting SEGA to actually listen to classic fans and finally make this game. This game will be big, I swear. I know SEGA have said ‘hurhur 2d unleashed sections wer maed 4 fans of the old gaemz becuz theyr 2d!!’, but this could very well play just like the classics only in HD. Oh man, I’m stoked for this, I really want to see what this looks like in action.
Though, even in Sega’s own forums, the tone is decidedly one of caution, as evidenced by this post by user pirpuu:
“I don’t feel like getting hyped up because they always add those annoying slow gimmicks. It’s guaranteed these days.“
Clearly, all the years of bad publicity and questionable gameplay quality are slowly taking their toll on the Sonic fanbase. Some are convinced that this will be Sonic’s final swan song. What do you think? Check out the poll on the sidebar and be sure to leave any comments you have!
Filed Under Sega, Sonic Scene, The Next Sonic
I have a good feeling about this project. I just hope they include elements from the first 3 games and create intelligently-designed zones for Sonic Tails and Knuckles to run, jump, spin and bounce through. Remember SEGA, platforming is just as important as speed.
(No I’m not up at 2:25 am, I don’t live in the USA)
I agree with Sonikku Master. I have a good feeling. But then again we havent seen gameplay so most couldnt really say
My only negativity is that they’ve caved and done a sort of a last resort thing by making all 2D.
But really, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE FANS HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR AND THEY STILL DON’T APPRECIATE IT. And soon they’re going to accuse Sega of not listening to their fans despite being very clear that they did. IT’S FREAKIN’ 2D AND YOU’RE STILL NOT SATISFIED?
Do we have to put you lot in cages or something? They’ve been listening to you for a very long time believe it or not.
Want an absense of lesser fun gameplay from SA1? SA2.
Back to classic feel? Want Shadow back? Want Special Stages? Heroes.
You want Shadow to have his own game? Shadow.
Want Sonic as the only playable character? Secret Rings.
Want more speed in your Sonic? Unleashed (to a lesser extent than Rings).
Want reassurance that we aren’t trying to piss you off on purpose? Fanservice in Black Knight AND BELIEVE ME THERE’S ALOT OF IT!
Want a game that’s full on 2D? Right. The hell. Here.
You know what? Thanks to the obnoxious fanbase I WILL look forward to this game more than I already have, because I can at least appreciate something that I’m given.
Whoever said that Sonic Team doesn’t listen to their fans should actually listen to those very fans themselves and see how fucking obnoxious they are (pardon the language but trust me when I say that was absolutely necessary).
i don`t get it! Is this game real… or fan crap?
“Some are convinced this may be Sonic’s final swan song.”
I never thought about it like that but that could very well be true. If by some catastrophe of Satan, this game bombs, like it REALLY blows, that’s it. I don’t see how anyone could have faith in Sonic Team (or even Sega) if they honestly tried to make a new 2D Sonic and failed utterly. Geez, no pressure.
IS IT REAL OR FAN SHIT!!!
Sure Sonic had some bad games but those bad games had some fun stages & good stories but I`ll judge the game by screenshots when ever we`ll get some because I have a feeling this could the sonic game to get Sonic saved but if it isn`t oh well I`ll still like the series for the fun it gave me over the years true sonic fan or not
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRG
@Soul Gauge: I couldn’t say that better myself!
And I”m simply not interested since I grew bored of the classics. Whoop.
@Soul Gauge: I have a problem with this line: “Want reassurance that we aren’t trying to piss you off on purpose? Fanservice in Black Knight AND BELIEVE ME THERE’S ALOT OF IT!”
The fanservice, story, graphics, and music in Black Knight are all amazing, to be sure. The amount of effort and polish in the game is unmistakable…
…except for the awful cramp-inducing gameplay. The best compliment I can give that game is “The campaign is so damn short, you can blaze through it in a few hours, there’s not very much of the awful sword-swinging between you and the really cool ending.”
No amount of polish and fanservice can forgive a bad game if it’s bad. Don’t fall into SEGA’s marketing schemes. The best fan you can be is one with a critical eye.
right one more time before i give up….. sigh… I.S T.H.I.S A P.I.E.C.E O.F F.A.N C.R.A.P O.R N.O.T!
ANSER P.L.E.A.S.E
THANK YOU!
@Soul Gauge: holy crap! your right! all this time its been the stupid fan base`s falut! >:-( I always loved all of those you meationd, and this new 2D one, i just hope its retail! 0_o or me getting PSN will be awkard… sigh. anyway, I`ve always been happy with each title sega`s released! Its just the stupid fan base thats causing this havic! I rakon anyway >.<
If this game follows the Unleashed way of putting out media, a new trailer will come out in 2 months from now and between that time period they’ll be giving interviews at Gamespot, IGN, etc. starting in just a few weeks time from now
by the way ppl, on wiki or the needlemouse trailer, that part where you can see sonic and its all black… that pic LOOKS 2.5d! It looks like you can see the in-sides of the big ring and all! here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Needlemouse
I hope a screenshot or more info happens soon! MY info i want next is, is it retail or not! (And 2.5D thing lol. think it is though
)
TSSZ is great for updates ^_^
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Projectneedlemouse.png there try that!
@Tizo Teh Hedgie: i hope so ^_^ can`t wait!
Like what soul gauge said, Sonic in the past had delivered a swell amount of ‘fan service’ to the certain amount of people that are grouped with areas in which the sonic series have come to create. With this 2D experience coming out, I believe this might be the missing hole in the circle of sonic games of this time.
Considering the fact that most modern 2D Sidescroller Sonic games have received lots of praise from fans (Advance 1, 2, and 3; Rush and Rush Adventure, and Rivals 1 and 2; moreso 2 than 1 for that last one), not to mention the Daytime segments of Unleashed (especially the sidescrolling aspect), I don’t really see how people can say Sega “isn’t good at 2D games” anymore. The problem has been a few of the 3D games, but even then, they’ve still made some pretty good ones (SA1, SA2, some say Heroes, Secret Rings, and Unleashed).
The problem is, although we know Sonic is great in 2D, I find it mind boggling that fans can’t seem to understand that Sonic CAN do 3D, let alone even understand why the 3D series isn’t quite as good as the old titles, and resort to stating that 3D and Sonic isn’t meant to be.
This game will serve as a Nostalgic fix for fans who wanted a 2D game on the consoles, and while there is nothing wrong with that, the announcement of this game is ultimately leading a lot of oblivious fans into the belief once and for all that 3D+Sonic= Bad, when in fact, it can be achieved in the greatest way, but instead, we are going to have a lot of “I TOLD YOU SO”‘s once this game is released and manages to get better scores compared to the 3D titles.
What’s worse. This isn’t really going to put a stop to the 3D development, so when this game quietly goes by and we get a new announcement, many people will be like “BUT YOU GUYS JUST DID A 2D TITLE! DON’T DO THIS!”. It’s a double edge sword. I really had this feeling in the back of my head that this was going to happen soon.
come on sonic fans vote for sonic here
http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/vote/index.html?battle_id=41
he can’t lose to Bub & Bob
How do I feel about Needlemouse?
I feel eleven years old again.
@blueblur: Yes, this is the real deal.
“Considering the fact that most modern 2D Sidescroller Sonic games have received lots of praise from fans…Rivals 1 and 2; moreso 2 than 1 for that last one”
You aren’t in reality, are you?
Don’t get me wrong, I loved both games, but Rivals 1 and 2 are both seen as mostly crap, by the majority of people. If they aren’t saying how Backbone did a poor job, they’re saying they haven’t got a PSP to play the game on.
Which is why I’d hold the gun before claiming that being a 2D adventure means that it’s very unlikely to suck; we’ve seen first hand a case of the 2D gameplay not equating to quality.
@Viewtiful Jeff: Well, to be fair it WAS a spin off. I mean, I don’t think anyone was truly expecting it to be the knight in shining armour (no pun intended) to save the series, but the amount of fanservice put into it is pretty much a sheer reminder that Sonic Team does listen to the fans.
Sure the gameplay could have gone with more improvements, even a little more polish at least, but it’s the little things that we do appreciate, even for a Sonic + sword concept.
And I actually enjoyed it in my personal experience, it’s not the best sure, but that didn’t stop me.
As for me, I will always have faith in Sonic Team and SEGA. Even if they failed about a million times over the past decade, I’m still going to believe that they can acheive their goal.
I understand people saying, “They’re just probably going to screw it up w/ some gimmick” because of the mistakes they’ve made in the past, but it doesn’t mean you should give up on them. It’s like saying “I’m going to give up on a close friend who’s trying to get rid of his addiction to smoking. He’s just gonna go back to doing it again.”
I’m not going to be like one of those fans who argue about the whole 2D vs. 3D situation. Yes, I’m very excited it’ll be in 2D (being that I grew up w/ Sonic since day one), but all in all, I just want a Sonic game that can go beyond average rating scores. Something that ALL fans (BOTH generations) and gamers in general can enjoy and look back on ten years from now. A game that that has SEGA telling the media, “See? We CAN do a good game.”
Also, if it actually turns out to be a great game and reviewers still nic-pick at it for hidden “flaws” or other untrue facts that are not there, then we can DEFINITELY rest assure that they are being unfair and biased. After all, they’re also the ones complaining about the games not being “like the classic Sonic days” and if this plays out like it’s supposed to, they shouldn’t complain anymore than they have recently.
But, that’s how I see it.
« Back at NeoGAF, Ghost Leviathan is fed up with all of the negativity:
“What the hell do Sega have to do to please you guys? (…) Sega just announced the exact response to the game that was requested in every Sonic topic on this forum for the last three years; and you wankers respond with the same tired bullshit?“
But not everybody is quite as cautious, as evidenced by Solid SOAP over at The Sonic Stadium forums:
Wow, I was not expecting SEGA to actually listen to classic fans and finally make this game. This game will be big, I swear. I know SEGA have said ‘hurhur 2d unleashed sections wer maed 4 fans of the old gaemz becuz theyr 2d!!’, but this could very well play just like the classics only in HD. Oh man, I’m stoked for this, I really want to see what this looks like in action. »
I agree with these two guys, Aand I say this, THIS WILL BE THE BEST SONIC GAME EVER, I JUST KNOW IT, I’m a Sonic fan since I was born, since Sonic The Hegdehog for Genesis…
PROJECT NEEDLEMOUSE IS GOING TO BE THE BEST!
Lawls, I think Unleashed will be hard to top for me, personally – they hit the nail on the head with that. Definitely looking forward to a new Sonic adventure. : O Sometimes just waiting for the game is more exciting. >_> Seeing the first gameplay trailer with the kick-ass music is pretty spine-tingling.
a nice thing to do to read alll the rants and give the fans what they want. i found oldschool sonic difficult, and I didnt like sonic rush much. but the fact that it looks chirpy i can bet it will be more fun than in rush dying in many MANY pits
I’ve seen the signs. First there was Rush and Rush Adventure; they proved that Sonic can still be fun, it just has to be done carefully. Unleashed was far from perfect, but it was a step in the right direction in terms of the daytime levels. Black Knight showed two things: there were dozens of nods to the previous games (notably SA1 and SA2), showing that SEGA remembers the glory days and why they were the glory days. Also, they showed that there can be more playable characters than simply Sonic, but not force us to. You could play all of Black Knight as Sonic, if you so chose. It seems like all these are the stars lining up for this one game: Project Needlemouse.
In response to pirpuu, let’s not forget that the precise platforming sections are there for a reason. Speed gets boring if you’re just zooming through the levels without ever stopping. There needs to be slower parts that give the faster ones more value. This is one of the key elements that made the first Sonic games amazing, and it was definately a plus in Rush and Rush Adventure.
Why would this game be the series turnaround for Sonic if all the other ones that were supposed to do that failed? Because it seems to me that SEGA and Sonic Team have taken a good, long, overdue look at the past and evaluated what needs to be done. How anyone can look at this and not think that it will be at least a gem in the Sonic series, I can’t figure out.
This is the biggest decision SEGA has made since they decided to jump from hardware, in my book. This is a big deal, and their success with this game can truly make or break the attitude and further longevity of their fanbase.
It’s 2D, rather than 3D. No homing attacking needed, no overabundence of pitfalls needed — they have so much time to perfect the gameplay, surely they can do this right. Surely.
Hey, as long as it’s a good quality Sonic game, I’ll be pleased for a few years. Unleashed is fun, but the day time stages only last so long.
Quite simply, I’m worried for 2 reasons:
1. Possibly not on the Wii or a cruddy version slapped onto the Wii (See Sonic Unleashed)
2. Technically, SEGA have to do good in this game. By hyping fans, they will potentially lose all credibility if this bombs. And if it succeeds, Sonic will (finally) gain worldwide attention, again.
Personally, I still feel cautious as I was with SU. And back then I had a good reason to be. Then there’s the fact that the Development Team of the original have disappeared from SEGA.
I still think this game has a chance and it’s certainly the right direction for Sonic… but are the development team going to be able to resist… THE WEREHOG?!?!?*
*and all other cruddy Sonic Gimmicks
@Soul surge and the stuff about that Sonic team listen to fans: Yeah, I have knowned that for a while now… it’s the fans that are stuid (except me and some other people).
@w2rockstar: You’re just above me so why not respond. No, the new team like the old Sonic. If I understand it right they don’t really have a real leader right now? So that means that these group of fans can do what ever they want! And they want old Sonic back.
@Blueblur: Haha! No one want to answer your question? I didn’t see anyone doing it… Anyway. It’s not fandom crap… it’s just the new Sonic game SEGA are going to do and this time they listened a LOT to fans. So if you’re not one of the fans I guess you think it’s crap because then they don’t listen to you. But I know that you’re a fan and I guess you think this is awesome. You are the most angry guy I have ever seen on internet. But you’re also one of the most happy I’ve seen. You’re filled with emotions and feelings blueblur!
@Soul
…
i luv u 4 ur 1st comment!!! =D
i completly agree!!! ;]
Soul Gauge, I think you are missing a really big point. If you atleast want to criticize “fans,” why not understand the source of the problem? Let me start
“Want an absense of lesser fun gameplay from SA1? SA2.”
Sonic Adventure 2′s main criticism came from mandatory/forced treasure hunting and shooting levels. Sonic’s actual levels took up like 1/3 of the game. That’s a valid complaint. Like the game or not, that’s the most common complaint.
You want Shadow to have his own game? Shadow.”
Are you aware of what people were actually complaining about in Shadow the Hedgehog? I’m certain it had more to do with the game’s “design” itself often referred to as mediocre (even by NON-Sonic fans.) The gun feature seemed poorly implemented.
Back to classic feel? Want Shadow back? Want Special Stages? Heroes.
There is a BIG difference between Sonic Heroes and the classics. Just because it has a level that looks like the Green Hill Zone, doesn’t mean it’s classic. The game itself felt less like a classical Sonic than a typical Sonic Adventure level… even if just for the stop-and-stutter teams aspect they felt they needed to add.
Want more speed in your Sonic? Unleashed (to a lesser extent than Rings).
Soul Gauge, you are really, REALLY missing the point since you mentioned Sonic Unleashed. I mean, of all games, this is the most obvious one… so obvious that even SEGA stated they were aware of what the game would be criticized for. Only every interviewer grilled them on questions concerning “mandatory Werehog.”
Want reassurance that we aren’t trying to piss you off on purpose? Fanservice in Black Knight AND BELIEVE ME THERE’S ALOT OF IT!
Soul Gauge… you don’t need to even “hate” those games to understand the obvious issues. It’s not even a secret, as Sega has commented on it.
http://www.indoorheroes.com/article.php?id=58
I mean you could go on and on and say, “you wanted a game like Sonic Adventure? Here comes Sonic 06″ But that’s so incredibly wrong. Especially when Sega themselves basically. Even if you “like” the game, atleast attempt to understand where the other side is coming from, instead of “it’s Sonic, they hate it.”
And by the way, I like the 3d Sonic games, I’m just pointing out why others may not like them. And according to IGN’s podcast, who questioned Sega on this subject
http://feeds.ign.com/~r/ignfeeds/podcasts/games/~5/466609192/Three%20Red%20Lights,%20Ep%2049.mp3
Sega is aware that these gimmicks/additions are normally unpopular, but claim they are added because creating a proper all 3d Sonic game requires levels too large, and it’d probably be a short 3 hour game.
@yoh: Believe me I do understand where they are coming from, but that doesn’t pardon the fact that they’ve said lots of stupid things in the past. And this includes this game right here.
The point I’ve been making is that all the while, Sega actually has been listening to their fans about what they’d like in their Sonic games. These are the people who asked for bright coloured environments in Heroes, Shadow’s own game, and even Quick Time Events in Unleashed (yeah, people have ACTUALLY asked for that). Remember the medals in 06? “They were useless! Make them more useful!” And VOILA! Sun and Moon Medals.
Regardless of the execution, they STILL did what they asked for.
Sure it’s Sega’s job to ensure a quality product, I won’t blame anyone for going off on Sega for that, but going under the assumption that they don’t listen is just ridiculous despite the numerous efforts to do so. Hell, did you even READ most of the comments above? The game is now 2D, 2Ds! Exactly what the fans have been moaning and bitching about in the past few years, now they offer the announcement on a silver platter, and they still have SOME reason this game will fall through, despite the company doing EXACTLY. WHAT. THEY. ASKED.
Especially since Sonic Team actually worked on Sonic Rush Adventure, which is arguably one of the best games Sonic has had in recent years, even the ones Dimps made, and they still reckon “Oh it’s Sawneek Teem, they maek it geii.”
I don’t have reason to think this game will fail, but I don’t have guarantees that this game will make it, but if they were capable of making Sonic Rush Adventure one of the greatest Sonic games in years (and I guess that goes for Unleashed as well), then all aboard the Hype Train.
@ Soulgauge
You seem to ignore the issues with each and everyone of those games. This comment box is way to short to be going into depth but things like
Want an absense of lesser fun gameplay from SA1? SA2.
“Back to classic feel? Want Shadow back? Want Special Stages? Heroes.”
Classic feel? Shadow is back yeah but it wasnt exactly under the same conditions was it? Special stages…. did you play those special stages
“You want Shadow to have his own game? Shadow.”
Great game wasnt it. If anything THIS is the only thing on your list that despite its problems was pretty much what fans wanted.
“Want Sonic as the only playable character? Secret Rings.”
Yeah but not exactly the game the whole fanbase was dying to play was it.
“Want more speed in your Sonic? Unleashed (to a lesser extent than Rings).”
Plus beat em up gameplay? HUD worlds? Medals?
Want reassurance that we aren’t trying to piss you off on purpose? Fanservice in Black Knight AND BELIEVE ME THERE’S ALOT OF IT!
Fanservice doesnt make a bad game good though does it.
Sega listen to a point but then fling in things rubbish. Example for years we wanted a Mario and sonic game. Yeah sega and nintendo listened… but did anyone want a Olympic game?! No. So just because it has both sonic and Mario in the game it doesnt mean people are going to be satisfied and move on.
@Soul gauge and his friends: Do you have to write so much!? I can read one long comment, but 3? That’s too much… I just say, I’m on mr Soul Gauges side.
” you even READ most of the comments above? The game is now 2D, 2Ds! Exactly what the fans have been moaning and bitching about in the past few years, now they offer the announcement on a silver platter, and they still have SOME reason this game will fall through, despite the company doing EXACTLY. WHAT. THEY. ASKED.”
No, SoulGauge, this is where you are completely off. Should I waste my time listing the release date schedule for Sonic Advance 1-Sonic Rush Adventure? Sega has been freaking creating 2d games all along… FOR THE NINTENDO DS. You are a Sonic Fan right, I expect you’ll be wear of that.
The only notable “break” in the DIMPS 2d Sonic games came after Sonic Rush Adventure, but that’s probably just because that team was working on the Unleashed Wii levels (who knows, Dimps could be behind this game.)
Danielle, good job! Your post was such a relief!
Adding to my last post (or clarifying) I was speaking about a break in terms of releases. Anyone else find it a coincidence that after the Nintendo DS’s Rush Adventure’s sales, Sega moves the 2d games to consoles?
@Werehog: Trust me, I could have put alot more in if it I wanted to, but this is comment section, so I can’t.
@Danielle: Point being, alot of this was from fan input, not to mention this game being absolute proof of that. And I’m guessing they didn’t even play Sonic Rush Adventure – which I’ll say again, is arguably the best Sonic game in recent years even beating the Dimps 2D Sonics to an extent – which was also developed by Sonic Team.
If they are taking Sonic Teams track record into account, why not SRA as well?
I’m leaving it at that because I’m very stubborn to further my point. But my point is, fans don’t know what a good thing they have going for them now.
But then it’s just those guys that Tristan pointed out.
Point being, alot of this was from fan input, not to mention this game being absolute proof of that.
POINT BEING, fan input has nothing to do. Shadow and Sonic 06 were horrible not because of fans, but because they were horribly designed.
What’s next? If this game filled with glitches, forces you to play as Cricket as a Werehog (which is unwanted in the first place) and causes the game to get negative reaction, you are going to say “it’s the fans fault?” Soul Gauge, I think you just don’t get it.
Oh look, a horrible Game Boy Advance port of Sonic 1 is released. What now, Soul Gauge? That awful port is because “Sega listened to fans?” That’s awful reasoning.
If they are taking Sonic Teams track record into account, why not SRA as well?
Soul Gauge, I remember you posting “did you even read my post.” And now you post that. Sonic Rush Adventure had poor sales. Know what that means? Not much people know about it. The games that people are normally aware of, are the top selling console Sonic games, which are poorly recepted. Sega may feel that releasing on handhelds causes too little profit, so they went to consoles.
my point is, fans don’t know what a good thing they have going for them now.
Being a fan doesn’t mean accepting anything resembling silhouette with a Sonic avatar pasted on it. But I think the mere fact that you even mentioned “Sonic 2006″ and “Sonic and the Black Knight” in one of your “points,” indicates that you simply don’t get it.
Blablablablabla… everyone just talk and talk. Am I the only one here that notice that this is kind of pointless?
After S
Sorry acidentally posted comment ….What I mezant to say was after Sonic Unleashed I have hig hopes for sega to make a truly outstanding game…I have faith in them..
I’ve been a fan of Sonic since he came out in 1991. I’ve rarely been upset with a Sonic game, Sonic Labryinth being one due to it’s difficulty. A lot of people have complained that Sonic’s 3D games aren’t as good as the 2D. I disagree. I’ve enjoyed every 3D Sonic game from Adventure to Unleashed. I even enjoyed Shadow the Hedgehog. I haven’t played 06 yet, due to lack of Xbox or PS3, but I plan to once I get either console. Project Needlemouse seems like it’ll be a cool Sonic game. Regardless of how it turns out I will enjoy it because it’s Sonic.
I’d really like to see Cream return in this 2D game. I’m not sure why but i feel that SEGA really want her to have an opportunity. Amy should also appear. Tails, Rouge and Knuckles are gonna be in obv. Not sure about Rouge though :l Shadow – He’ll CERTAINLY APPEAR.
Hello, I was not there to see things like Sonic 1 in ’91. I wasn’t even born until ’92. However; When i was 8 one of my brother’s friends had given me Sonic CD, and a Master Collection. I still play these old games frequently to this Day. I have quite a few friends who are willing to back me up on how much Sonic has lost his “Soul, Message, Theme, Essence, Whatever.” Since those Days.
I never picked up much of an Environmental message from Sonic, as most people* (Citation Needed) will point out. In Fact, Sonic never really did much of anything besides Run; perhaps that is too simple, Perhaps that is the entire engine of the company. Every single game has brought along new Faces, Sonic 2 had Tails’ Debut. Then there was Knuckles, and now there’s too much. Needlemouse is just too little, too late. I’m not part of the generation I’m always trying desperately to mimic for any Culture at all, so I guess i’ll never know. I have some friends that buy any merchandise with Sonic’s long dead face plastered on it, No Exceptions. Now that that Exposition is done With, i can move on to my Critique.
Contention 1: Trailer.
The trailer was short, indecisive, and emitted the luster of a Higher-Graphics Sonic-Spin. The Rings looked misshapen, if somehow obstructed to fit the screen better. and People literally have to PROVE that that is Sonic at the end (Youtube, FTL). The trailer was Bogus, but to highlight the silver lining. Lacking a Distinct Plot. Which is a Godsend for what hopefully will be a NEWCHARACTERLESS game. From what’s given in the trailer, hopefully there will be Medium-Low contradictory character development (Accounts for around 40% of all disdain for Sonic). The glossy graphics might get hard to look at pretty fast, i’m not saying that Shiny “Squeaky Clean” games are an eyesore, but it seems somewhat flamboyant.
Contention 2: Literature.
I Actually first saw the “Needlemouse Trailer” on YT. Immediately the first thing i did after Viewing and Re-Viewing is Go to the Bottom and read the Comments. Big mistake. It really shows the combined intellect of the “Feud” between Gen:Y and Retro Gamers. So much Derogatory Ad Hominem Drivel, it’s hard to conceive either side as “Correct”. As a well educated Individual, following Rosseaux’s teachings, I keep looking. I have yet to read other Comments made on this article, but i will. From most of what I have read prior, it is about the Responsibilty of “The Worst Sonic Games ever” and authors are very biased, mostly towards the fandom, seeing as how they determine the Overall success of a Company. All Meaningless Biopolitical Control Aside, that argument is very permeable. Companies always will be around, and Sonic is just one of those Enduring Scapegoat Money Hogs for them to suck every last penny from you, your Children, and probably their children. People who Argue that it is the Corporate Faculty’s responsibilty have a much more powerful Argument, but still vulnerable. A Sample of such is that:
“Sonic Fans are perpetually caught in a Civil War with one another, Almost no Middle Ground is obtainable between the die-hard extreme factions that exist within the Culture, Sub cultures are often more easier to deal with as they are often more Open Minded* (Citation Needed). It is the Duty of the Corporations to ensure Majority rule WITH Minority Rights (not Privileges), By frequently bringing the Majority of the Fanbase/Superfaction together with innovative Games and Broader Concepts. While retaining the Popular opinion, it must also bring the Individuality of the Minority to have an Equal Impact. However the Nature of the Literature is not an Accurate Poll of the Actual opinions, so in Actuality it is in pragmatic to assume that the Current Majority Actually is the Majority. This, of couse is impossible to test with so much influx into the Community but with no visible impact on the larger scale. The Corporations are left to bridge this gap and there is no possible way to Appease them all, Sonic being the Epitome of this. This complex Hyperscenario sufficiently outlines how it is entirely the Fanbase’s Problem, Corporations such as “Sega” are Completely Immune to all Allegations against them. Corporations do not Always reach their Target demographic in Business; so it has effectively become social. That is why the complex Literature has evolved this far, The Corporation has no other means to reach it’s audience, and predicts it’s success by social Interactions. Looks like we all got Suckered into that one.
Back to my Contention, There are Several problems with that sample. Plenty of places where the Story “skips”. It is my Hypothesis that infact neither the Socioeconomic Industries or the Actively Judging “audience” is to blame. it is morally Reprehensible to point blame, Vis a Vis accept the Status quo. We must start to bridge this gap by Conceding and becoming “Sonic Fan” rather than This Jumbled mess, this will not be completed Easily. All of this over a Game just proves how much Control they have over you.
Until Gameplay Arrives, This is my Critique of Project Needlemouse