From German News Partner Spindash.DE, a Sonic 4 Skewed Q&A
Courtesy of our friends and news partners out of Germany, Spindash.de, we have below an interview with Takashi Iizuka, producer of two out of three major Sonic titles heading to stores for the Holiday season.
Furnished by the website to us in English via staffer Fish and coordinated by Sega Germany’s community manager Klarissa Schmidt, the piece offers a somewhat different perspective from other recent interviews in that Iizuka not only speaks more to Sonic the Hedgehog 4, but is more succinct on detail.
The interview affirms no disc edition remains planned for Sonic 4, with Iizuka on the record with his personal desire to keep the downloadable titles just that. No additional DLC add-ons appear likely for the franchise, either, but the door is left open for a multiplayer component.
The interview is below. Again, we thank Spindash.de for providing it to us, so that we may share with you.
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Would you mind briefly introducing yourself to our readers?
My name is Takashi Iizuka and ongoing projects are “Sonic 4 Episode l” and “Sonic Colours” and I’m a producer. I was director for many of the Sonic titles including “Sonic Adventure” series.
How long has Sonic 4 been in production at this point?
It’s been a bit more than one and a half years since we created the project concept around January 2009. But it was 4 months later when we fully started this project.
Why was the game designed for download and not as a retail version?
As you know, Sega have announced “Sonic Colours” the newest packaged title for this year. Apart from those packaged titles that are only for console, we wanted to make a more accessible game, with a reasonable price for wide range of platforms. This project has also been encouraged by the fact classic “Sonic the Hedgehog” for XBLA, Wii Ware etc… is doing so well.
Can we expect a retail version of the game at some point in the future?
So far we are not planning that. I would like this franchise to develop as downloadable exclusive titles.
Do you have a concrete concept of how much an episode is going to cost?
It’s still TBD. As mentioned earlier, we would like to have this series as reasonable as possible because we would like this to be pick up and play title with reasonable price.
Will there be downloadable content for purchase?
So far, this is not planned.
Will there be a difference in gameplay between the various console versions?
We have optimized the game for each console for example adjusting graphic resolutions and tilt controls etc… Although for the 3 console versions the contents themselves will be the same. On the other hand for iPhone version, 2 action stages are swapped from the ones for console versions given the fact this is handheld device with tilt control feature. So there will be 2 exclusive stages for both iPhone version and console versions.
Are future episodes going to feature an online multiplayer mode?
Unfortunately I cannot say anything yet.
Has the project been developed as a response to popular demand, or was it actually due to the well-known HD fan images that SEGA decided to produce this kind of game?
I know there’s been demand from fans for a new title for classic Sonic series. I’ve been wanting to bring back classic series if there is suitable way to do it. But it’s been difficult for us to develop classic series for package title in the way we do for current 3D Sonic series. So I can say, thanks to current established downloadable game market we could\ finally start this project.
Will the game include voice recordings, and is Sonic going to make a sound of any kind?
Now having VO is normal for Sonic titles, but we chose not to have VO for this title. This is because we wanted to enhance a good part of classic series in the new title for classic series.
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I chuckled at the last answer. Enhancing that “good” part of the classic titles will be good indeed. Just leave the voices out, please.
The guy knows we don’t need to hear “YA! ALRITE! KEWUL!” every few seconds, lol.
Despite what many say about this game, I think it will be great
Basically confirms no minecart.
No… Classic Sonic? T__T
SONIC 4 WAYI
Damn you Iizuka now we’ll never see sonic 5 retail damn you selfish ego Sega just fire the guy arleady
The way I hear it, if this DOES flop, they might just do that, DAMN.
@Nomad really you believe in sega doing such a smart thing cuz i dont look at the way they’re treating sonic 4 like crap with low budget TBH when i see mario,DKCR,zelda,rayman origins and the new MK game im just sad seeing how much they invested in those games and how good they are then when is sonic 4 uuuuugh godammit i get so sad
“when is sonic 4 uuuuugh godammit i get so sad”
I lol’d
In comparison to Sonic Colours, (Great new Visuals, 3D gameplay) Sonic 4 (2D Gameplay, “old” visuals.) looks really (even more) halfassed.
At actual topic No, “DAMN YOU LITTLE!”, awwwwww.
@zeth so i make mistakes sue me i was trying to say when i see sonic 4 im like oh god damn you sega fuck you you morons
Mine cart and score attack thing are out it looks like. Good move.
@Dude they shoudn’t of been there to begin with but sega is the most bizarre stupid company i think they’re gonna surprise alot if you know what i mean
I know there’s been demand from fans for a new title for classic Sonic series. I’ve been wanting to bring back classic series if there is suitable way to do it.
Well so far you sure as hell haven’t found a suitable way to do it.
In comparison to Sonic Colours, Sonic 4 looks really halfassed.
Not that Colors looks any good. Features:
-Boring linear corridor-like paths (doesn’t matter if there’s several paths, that doesn’t change anything because they’re all boring and focused on holding forward)
-Focus on speed and boosting and “going fasterz!!!”
-Grinds (as usual) are inappropriate for this series. Hey now I don’t even NEED to control OR hold forward!!!
-Homing attack, likewise (no, it’s not necessary in 3D, whoever came up with that retarded excuse is a moron)
-QTEs, inappropriate too
-Ugly characters ruins the atmosphere, which is very important and not nitpicking. Too bad, because the level art was actually pretty nice.
-Ugly generic uninteresting enemies (yes I know there are classic ones as well, that doesn’t remove the problem that the ugly generic ones are there too)
Yup, another winner for sega!
Hate Sonic Colors and 4? Stop complainiing and stop looking for news on a game you could care less about.
As I haven’t owned any gaming consoles for a few years, Sonic 4 will be my first game since Advance 3! I can’t wait, it looks amazing!
Oh, boy, Nicochi and DAMN are here. Another apparent comment box being shot to hell again.
BTW, Nicochi/voiceofreason, “Sonic Colours” IS correct. It’s “Sonic Colors” in the U.S. and “Sonic Colours” in Europe and Australia.
Have yoy even… I dunno… *played* the game yet? How can you say all that about something that hasn’t been released yet?
Why are you even here if you hate the games that bad? This is the only fanbase I’ve seen where members bitch about every last thing and yet they still buy the games. It’s like testies125 on YouTube all over again.
Sorry, I forgot to say that my comment was aimed at Voiceofreason. Not that it’d be that hard to tell though.
“In comparison to Sonic Colours, (Great new Visuals, 3D gameplay) Sonic 4 (2D Gameplay, “old” visuals.) looks really (even more) halfassed.”
You have got to be kidding me. What is your problem. Sonic 4 is SUPPOSED to look and play like that. That’s why it’s called SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 4! This fanbase is full of ungratefull idiots.
I think I am getting sick from these “voicesfullofshit”. So how long are you people, who can’t type worth shit, are going to keep being broken records.
Don’t worry Edge, voicefullofshit and Damn secretly buy and play these games. Even voicefullofshit said that Sonic Colors is better than Sonic 4 uuuuugh, as Damn puts it. So yeah, way to screw up your stance on hating all Sonic games period huh? Way to go, moron.
I cant wait till the Sonic The Hedgehog 4 game comes out!! xD
Well i hope this would be a great game!!
Guys seriously, SEGA is trying their best to improve their games and company and try to get more money. SEGA’s mascot is SONIC. Nintendo’s mascot is MARIO. And no they are not having a “battle” together. They both like each other and they also worked as a team to create the Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. Sonic and Mario are great friends.
And for my opinion, I like the classics better. 3D is all around now.
“You have got to be kidding me. What is your problem. Sonic 4 is SUPPOSED to look and play like that. That’s why it’s called SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 4! This fanbase is full of ungratefull idiots.”
I never wanted a Sonic 4 to begin with… Death Egg was destroyed, the trilogys story summarized itself pretty well a new start would haven been cool in 3D you know Sonic, Tails and Knuckles and the Banana Rabbits, ha!
I perefer a 3D done well over an 2D anytime.
I am just saying while looking at Sonic Colours which has really some nice level art and features 3D gameplay, (even though it’s new school and I don’t think I will like it, but whatever) I wish they could have put waaaaaaay more effort into this.
Well, thats it from me anyway.
Mr. Please Port Sonic Colors to HD Consoles I Will Buy It, Thanks
@voiceoftreason & DAMN
You know, if you fixed a camera to the back of someone’s head and watch the footage, a strange thing happens. It looks like they’re always moving forward. WEIRD! You people bitch about ‘linear stages’ wrong. SA2 and Heroes were the only (almost) completely linear 3D game, every other one branches in the same way as the classics (up, down, through) except SA1, ’06, and Shadow which do ‘around’ as well.
Next, rails. While rails should probably fuction more as alternates (ala SA2 and the Advance series) than true paths, they really don’t muck up gameplay all that much. I know you want to say, but I wanna get down and run around down there, but let’s be real, you’re gonna go down there once, see that it’s too slow, and hop on the rail for you next ad-infinitum run. The only way you’d ever go back is bordem or forgetful curiosity.
Also, Homing attack IS necessary. There are many moves in many games (I’m speaking action/adventure) that lock or home on the enemy (or feature splash damage). You know why? Depth perception is hard in non-stereoscopic 3D. Ever wonder why they almost never have free floating objects in most games, that’s why. Until they make a PS3D or 3DS Sonic game, Homing Attack is a necessary option.
QTEs….well what do you know, you’re kinda right. To the extent they’re used in Unleashed PS360, it’s far to much, WiiS2 version’s still on the safe side. Smarter application is needed if they’re to be kept around. Moving on.
Ugly characters…that’s an opinion. I won’t try to change it because it’s not based on any facts, just personal beliefs. Mutual respect for others’ opinions would be appreciated.
Lastly, ‘generic enemies’. Is it too much to ask for some uniformity? In Mario games, while there certainly are level/area specific enemies, you still see lots of mixing and slightly modifying of enemy types. You don’t need a bestiary of different robots, just repurposed old ones. Again using Mario as an example, Goomba > Paragoomba > Giant Goomba > Mini Goomba > Helmet Goomba, also Hammer Bro> Ice Bro> Fire Bro > Boomerang Bro. I could go on. Staying in the same area, why do Sonic fans bitch about ‘recolors’ so much, as long as they function differently enough who cares? Pletny of recolored characters out there, Sub-Zero > Scorpion > Reptile > Smoke > Noob Saibot > Ermac, Dante > Virgil (DMC3), also Mario > Luigi > Wario > Waluigi. Companies do it to change the gameply and leave the original intact or to simply expand the roster, it’s an old trick, get over it.
TL;DR – The good stuff’s there for a reason, get over it.
BTW, Nicochi/voiceofreason, “Sonic Colours” IS correct. It’s “Sonic Colors” in the U.S. and “Sonic Colours” in Europe and Australia.
Colours is wrong, because it looks like it reads “Colawers”. I don’t care how Australia wants to spell it, it’s still wrong.
Have yoy even… I dunno… *played* the game yet?
Have you even read my comment? Everything I said is clearly visible in the video. Stop being stupid.
You know, if you fixed a camera to the back of someone’s head and watch the footage, a strange thing happens. It looks like they’re always moving forward. WEIRD!
That has nothing to do with anything Ive said, but then again, none of you guys’ rebuttals ever do, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
You people bitch about ‘linear stages’ wrong.
No, you’re just too dumb to understand what we’re saying, that’s all.
every other one branches in the same way as the classics (up, down, through)
Except those weren’t uninspired linear corridors that funnel you forward with crappy physics, so no.
Next, rails. While rails should probably fuction more as alternates (ala SA2 and the Advance series
No, they shouldn’t be there at all, and those 2 games were terrible.
but let’s be real, you’re gonna go down there once, see that it’s too slow, and hop on the rail for you next ad-infinitum run
Wow, what a stupid thing to say.
Also, Homing attack IS necessary.
No it’s not.
There are many moves in many games that lock or home on the enemy (or feature splash damage)
That only works if done well though, which Sonic doesn’t, instead it kills all the momentum, locks you on a predefined path at a predefined speed and when you’re done, none of your previous momentum matters anymore.
Depth perception is hard in non-stereoscopic 3D.
That’s no excuse for cheap crappy controls, many companies do it well, like Nintendo for example. Blame Sega’s incompetence, not the fact that “its TWOOOOO HARDS BAAAWWWW”.
QTEs….well what do you know, you’re kinda right.
I’m not “kinda” right, I’m right, period, about this, and all my other points.
Ugly characters…that’s an opinion. Mutual respect for others’ opinions would be appreciated.
Anyone who says that basically admits that they suck at arguing and can’t defend their opinions. I only respect opinions that are grounded in logical arguments and common sense (though apparently “sense” is not so common around here).
Lastly, ‘generic enemies’. Is it too much to ask for some uniformity?
That’s stupid.
In Mario games, while there certainly are level/area specific enemies, you still see lots of mixing and slightly modifying of enemy types.
Stop trying to change the subject, those 2 series aren’t comparable in every aspect. If they gave Sonic a mustache it would be stupid even though it’s ok on Mario. This comparison only works when it’s relevant, and if you’re too dumb to figure that out, well, you’re gonna end up looking dumb on the internet a lot.
You don’t need a bestiary of different robots, just repurposed old ones.
No, Sonic should have new enemies for each zones, as it’s always been (in the games that matter) save for a few exceptions like Caterkiller.
Oh, boy, Nicochi and DAMN are here. Another apparent comment box being shot to hell again.
More like your arguments are shot to hell. You should get your head out of your morbidly obese ass.