A Lot of Unknowns, and a Lot of Doubt
An as yet unconfirmed account from a fan at the Sonic Stadium Message Board alleges that GameStop, one of the largest gaming retail chains in the world, is now taking pre-orders for a new, unknown Sonic game.
The report stemmed from Jix Hedgehog early this morning, who claimed no firm title was given, but a few details were, including the revelation of it being “classic Genesis gameplay with state of the art graphics.”
That should immediately set off bells of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2, an almost shoo-in release for 2011. Problem is, that will be download only as far as we know, and even if that were the case, according to Jix Hedgehog, that didn’t quite fit the profile per GameStop:
I was told in store. I asked if it was Sonic Colors, he said no, I asked if it was Sonic 4 (that just came out) he said no. He couldn’t give me a title to the game, but yeah, I was thinking Sonic 4 Episode 2 as well… but why would they be taking pre-orders for a downloadable game?
These details do fit the so-called Sonic Anniversary first allegedly and accidentally revealed in October. But there remains a lot of doubt within the SSMB, and GameStop’s webpages don’t yet list a new Sonic.
There’s also this: A few Web surfers have noticed the official web portal for Sonic 4 has entered a time warp of sorts; reverting back to its Splash Hill design, removing videos, and locking back up several sections. That gives credence to belief this could be Sonic 4: Episode 2 related, but as Jix suggests, why would GameStop take pre-orders for a download only game?
Though we firmly believe Sonic Anniversary or something like it is coming, we’re treating this particular tidbit, if it’s related as rumor. Still, we’ll continue to investigate going forward. If you can help us confirm, deny, or corroborate, please send us a news tip or comment below.
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Downloadable…? Yet not Sonic 4 Ep 2…?
wtf…
sonic 4 ep 2 comes definetely. Don’t know when. but thats for sure. Still I don’t hope for that anniversary game. I want a new big adventure
“classic Genesis gameplay with state of the art graphics.”
Well unless they fix ep 2: that certainly doesn’t describe Sonic 4. At least not by classic gameplay standards.
Sounds more like the anniversary game, with all the remade levels. Which I would love, but I would also like something new. And knowing Sega and their track record with classic-ness, they could mess up the anniversary game too.
But enough being cynical.
@krazeeKidd102: they didn’t say the game would be downloadable–only that ep 2 is supposed to be, which this new game sounds like. But you don’t take pre-orders for downloabables, as far as I know.
It may be Sonic’s 20th Anniversary, or it may be Mario & Sonic, or Sonic 4: Episode 2. We will never know until they reveal it.
I still wish they would release a retail version of Sonic 4 once all the episodes are made. But time will tell, I suppose.
There’s no way SEGA is reversing their strategy; Episode 2 is downloadable only, no question. If this isn’t some hoax, though, and it really is a descripition on the ‘legendary’ Sonic Anniversary title… we may have a really, really good game on our hands. Despite how awesome Colors is, it didn’t have the ‘classic Genesis gameplay’, i.e the physics. It didn’t tell us it would, mind, but if SEGA manages to *correctly* implement the classic physics in 3D, the result will be mind-blowing.
With the current mindset of the SEGA corporate structure, it is inevitable that another Sonic game will come out. Heck, it’s already been confirmed time and again that there will be no less than three games featuring the blue blur next year. Coupled with the knowledge that at least one of those will be released in stores, I don’t find it all that strange that GameStop, the largest retailer of video games in the United States, would accept preorders for “another Sonic game.” Even if they have absolutely no idea what it would be, or even if there’s a title. All they really need in their systems is something simple like “Untitled Sonic Game (2011)”
…also, I really hope “Sonic Anniversary” is more than just “reimaginings of classic levels” because…well, look at Sonic the Hedgehog 4. I’d rather they spend a few years focusing on one title to make sure it’s the best it can be. Like Nintendo does with Mario. The fact we got Mario Galaxy 2 so soon after 1 is not the norm when it comes to Nintendo properties.
Oh hey I just thought: what if it’s not ep. 02 or the anniversary or even mario and sonic–but the 3DS title instead? That would be retail and since it would most likely be 2D you could have “classic genesis gameplay”.
Who know? maybe Ep:2 will be in dvd’s or blu ray’s , along with Ep:1!
Perhaps this could be that prequel Sega was asking about in that old survey?
Someone call Sherlock Holmes to investigate.
Wait.
Ok this keeps being a rumor.
Wouldn’t it be cool if the third Mario and Sonic game was Sonic’s anniversary title? I mean, it would be all about Sonic, and Mario could be a support character, like Tails or Knuckles.
Game stop is starting to due preorders on DLC depending on where it is located.
@Luke Kos
How do you preorder downloadable content? That makes no sense!
As has been mentioned, GameStop HAS been doing pre-orders on DLC and other downloadable titles, via those redeemable code cards. They sometimes offer a bonus for pre-ordering through the store. In the case of Halo Reach’s Noble Map Pack, they offered a free flaming helmet for your avatar.
It’s probably just Sonic 4: Episode 2, based on this.
A new Sonic game with classic Genesis gameplay.
So does that mean Iizuka’s not directing this game? =P
“…Classic Genesis Gameplay”
It’s funny how Sonic 4 was supposed to have classic genesis gameplay when the only thing “classic” about it was the fact that it was 2D. This could be a Sonic Rush 3 for all we know.
Don’t get your hopes up, though. This is a ‘Rumor’ at this point as this topic says. We’ll have to be patient to see what happens.
Urg, do not want. Seriously, I think we’ve had enough of “classic Genesis gameplay”. I just want a new, modern, fun, game.
~Micheche
To note, Gamestop IS getting into the business of preorderings on DLC, with exclusive content as an incentive. See: Halo Reach’s new map pack.
Also, sounds like Anniversary, but we’ll see.
@micheche
You took the words right out of my mouth.
I really hope Sega doesn’t go down the path of continually trying to revive the “classic” gameplay and format when they already have a solid modern formula that’s well on its way to being perfected, as shown recently by Sonic Colors.
I would really like the next game to be a new, modern, and fun 3D game that propels the series forward as games like Adventure and Unleashed did, rather than another throwback to something that has already run its course. That’s just my opinion.
Remember this news story?
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/31/gamestop-details-digital-distribution-storefront-xbla-games-co/
Okay, Like they did with Sonic 4, There probley is gonna remake Stages and Bosess. there not gonna remake the Music, But they wil Remix it
Maybe it’s the 3DS Sonic game, which could probably be the classic Sonic games in 3D. After all, on Wikipedia’s List of Sonic games article, it DOES say Sonic the Hedgehog (working title). Also, remember that GameStop showing Sonic 4: Episode 1 “on sale?” You would buy a code that was $15 that had a code that let you download the game.
pienso q sega deveria de revelar algo de sonic 4 episodio 2 haora en diciembre para dispersar dudas sobre algunos contenidos
I’d hope it would be like Sonic Jam.
Everything in HD, no ratio problems. With Knuckle’s Chaotix.
And some sort of online feature other than rankings.