Minecart Gimmick Becomes “Torch Mechanic”
Two and a half months ago, we exclusively and independently confirmed the removal of the so-called minecart gimmick from Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I. Two and a half months later, someone at Sega finally says why.
In a post to the official Sega blog made within the hour, community manager Aaron Webber went into detail on what he dubbed the “torch mechanic” in the revamped second act of Lost Labyrinth. Webber acknowledged fan disappointment that stemmed from leaked video of an early build. So, instead of the minecart, the torch will be Sonic’s guide throughout the act, and it will be a critical guide:
Much of the act is pitch black save for the torchlight around you, and there are new parts of the environment that you can use the torch to interact with, blowing up parts of the level to make new paths, or even triggering hidden parts of the ancient ruins that can help you move forward.
The minecart technically exists, but only at the end of the level and without motion control, according to Webber’s remarks. The gimmick is gone–just as we first told you it was.
The remainder of the changes announced today appear mostly cosmetic. Among them are changes to Sonic’s running animation, both while gaining and at top speed. That includes the transition to “blurry feet”, the animation used when Sonic is speeding along at his maximum. We want to be clear the changes mostly extend to the animation; the only reference to physics is when Webber states of the animation, “you’ll be able to trigger the blurry feet faster, and in a time frame more comparable to the classics.”
A third change is more important, but only for those who studied the leaks in earnest while they were available. Difficulty adjustments have been made, and in one example cited by Webber, the level was toned down:
One particular part of Lost Labyrinth has been changed among our tweaks to difficulty, and the section, which was originally pretty difficult, (even I’ll admit) is now much easier.
Though references are made to the team having “looked at” other changes, no elaboration on that has yet been made.
The next list of changes are planned for September. Hardcore and veteran Sonic fans may be the most pleased by this list, while fans who deliberately avoided the Spring leaks may have no idea where to draw context from. Were you expecting something more significant out of the first wave of Sonic 4 changes? Tell us in the comments.
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Why didn’t you include the quote about the minecart being at the very end and no longer tilt controlled?
Not the quote per se, but a reference is there now. I’m on the 2nd formal edition of this article’s revision.
-T
Reminds me of that sandy level in Sonic 1, the pyramid like one, if you let the lights go out, those ghosts turned up. Nasty little buggers.
@Tailsthehedgehog: You mean Sonic and Knuckles right?
It was Sonic 3 & Knuckles, the Sandopolis Zone.
@tailsthehedgehog
That was Sonic and Knuckles silly
Ah-ha! So these supposed “changes” are the reason why Sonic 4 has been delayed from summer 2010 to late 2010.
Just hope they keep Sonic’s modern character design, though. No offense to classic Sonic, but I have been getting used to the changes and improvements throughout the years, and this goes for everything, not just Sonic. Why can’t other people accept the change in design as well? After all, there is nothing wrong with character designs improving over time.
Easier difficulty huh…. I was afraid of this. Whelp, I know where this is going.. so I’m opting out of Sonic 4. I can’t be bothered for instant win game.
@ Vulpine
AMEN!
“Easier difficulty huh…. I was afraid of this. Whelp, I know where this is going.. so I’m opting out of Sonic 4. I can’t be bothered for instant win game.”
Not easier difficulty. There was a section with a crushing wall in act 3 of lost labyrinth zone, and the player said it was really frustrating, so they changed that one part to be a bit more manageable.
“To preface the series, I should say one thing: if you’re a hardcore fan, please try to look at these changes with an open mind and with a clear understanding that given the hundreds of requested updates in feedback, not every single request from the community can be made. I know this should sound obvious, but I think it’s an important step in perspective to understand.
Instead of thinking “I really hope they added ____“, (which will always disappoint someone, somewhere), look at the list for what it is: positive changes that we’ve made because we feel Sonic 4: Episode I is a title deserving of the love and attention its name holds. Even if your biggest request might not be part of the list, we hope everyone will still be happy to see the changes we are making, both big and small, for you guys.”
I agree, some sonic fans need to realize that not everything would be put to action.
Well Glem, it may have been one example, but they did mention that they tweaked the game to be more “balanced out”. Sure, it could mean that some parts are made harder, but look at who we are dealing with here, and the day and age we live in.
Maybe I jumped the gun, but I’m fully expecting a shitty surprise.
I Know what part has been made easier! ^_^ i hope they do the same with the 4th Zone! CANT WAIT! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ^_^ lol im in a hyper mood today..
I’m in love of Sonic4 :’D
Loving the changes so far. I hope they keep them coming.
Torch mechanic is an awesome gimmick that will make that Act different and fun. A lot better than the minecart (although we´ll have to see it in action)
No video or anything to back up their claims, Sonic 4 the longest con in gaming since Duke Nukem Forever
AWSOME