“It won’t be the standard format going forward”
Sega’s Aaron Webber set it up at E3 this month, but the words out of current Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka pretty much seals the deal: If you’re looking for Classic Sonic to return or the dual gameplay format after Sonic Generations, don’t hold your breath.
That now known from an interview done by GAME’s Aaron Cooper, who sat down with both Iizuka and Yuji Naka at Summer of Sonic on Saturday. The duo talk about their experience with the hedgehog, and Mr. Naka specifically notes how the blue blur was solely intended for the US market. But when it got to Sonic Generations, Iizuka answered this way when asked if the format could become a staple of future Sonic games:
Sonic Generations has been created to really celebrate Sonic’s 20th anniversary. It is created to appeal to both the old school classic Sonic fans and everyone who loves modern Sonic. What we wanted to do was to ensure we had a game in which everyone can come together to celebrate Sonic’s 20th anniversary, so it incorporates everything into one game.
[....]
Because Sonic has such a long history, the starting point for people getting into Sonic will be different. In Sonic Generations we have something that is good for everyone, and to see classic and modern together is a special, one-off event to celebrate Sonic’s anniversary. So it won’t be the standard format going forward.
Suddenly, yesterday’s news becomes even more believable, and Iizuka himself becomes even more unbelievable. Thanks to Jaden for tipping us. If you have news to share, be sure to share it with us by clicking Send News Tips at the top of every page.
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While it maybe a bold move on SEGA to leave Generations gameplay as a one-time only deal (read: moronic), I also have the feeling that maybe it SHOULD be that way, to make Generations that more special and unique as a grand 20th anniversary title.
I say…use chubby sonic to continue Sonic 4 episodes 2 and foward.
Use green eyes sonic to the other main series.
@RogerMyers JR – YES! That would be PERFECT!
I totally agree with this decision, making Sonic’s 20th anniversary special is a great idea and make it stand out as one of the best games. Although classic Sonic is good and well, Sega has been giving in to old school fans for a while. Maybe its best to not continue trying to bring back classic Sonic.
Good. Green eye Sonic is cooler looking then chubby sonic.
Hopefully SEGA will change their minds when they see Generations being the first Sonic game in a decade to get an 80+ on metacritic.
Well he also said that he will continue the format of the wherehog in the next sonic game…and here is the next game and there’s no wherehog nearby…
@Matriculated
http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1
http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/sonic-rush
Might explain Generations’ gameplay too.
On topic: Still doesn’t make Storybook 3 or SA3 any more believable.
I don’t get where the “unbelievable” or “read:moronic” comments come from. This is frankly the best course of action. For one thing, it will keep Generations special. For another, there’s really no way to do it otherwise. How the hell do you keep getting Classic Sonic involved without using the same basic plot for every game? Presents some logic problems moving forward.
A special anniversary project isn’t quite so special when every game is basically the same thing.
@Matriculated – Sonic Rush, Advance and Advance 2 say hi (even Sonic 4 Episode I on Wii oh god why)
Yes I am kidding
@Play38 – Don’t count him out just yet… >.>
While Classic and Modern Sonic is my OTP, I do agree that Generations should be a one time deal… until the 40th anniversary.
I don’t mind if classic Sonic isn’t here to stay…….
…..but it would not hurt to make “classic skins” of Sonic and other characters playable in future Sonic 4 episodes that are optional to use. For default characters, the skins are available to use right from the beginning, whereas for other characters, their skins are unlocked the same time they are unlocked.
@dl316bh Please don’t mis-interpret my opinion versus business predictions. I, personally have been a fan of Modern Sonic, even considering the fact that I grew up with Classic Sonic. And I PERSONALLY believe that this is a good call in regards of making the title special in this way. However, in business perspective, we don’t know how the fanbase at large is gonna react to this news, and the classic fanbase may OR may not feel snubbed by this. I don’t know. It could very well BE a moronic move by SEGA…but if you asked for my personal opinion, shoot, I love it.
Then again, yer asking the opinion of a Sonic fan who loves Shadow the Hedgehog and bad movies like Super Mario Brothers and Howard the Duck.
It’s frustrating that they won’t continue with Classic Sonic, because it would obviously be a commercial success for them if nothing else. Seems logical to just have them in separate games in the future.
At the end of the day, they’re just models.
Just because Classic Sonic is Generations-exclusive doesn’t mean Sega has to stop making platforming levels or ALWAYS focus on boost-centric gameplay. Colors was a fantastic mix of both worlds, and in all likelihood is probably going to stand out as a better and more polished blend (although I would love to be proved wrong).
Seeing classic Sonic again is certainly charming and endearing, but as long as Sega keeps making good games, I really don’t think it matters much which model they use.
Also, it should be noted that at least in this particular interview, the wording is that the Generations “format” will not become the STANDARD for future titles. It doesn’t explicitly state that you’ll never again see classic Sonic – just that they probably won’t (and I completely agree that they SHOULDN’T) pair him up with modern Sonic in a dual-style gameplay setting again.
Old fans like me are happy to see classic sonic return with beautiful graphics^^ but i m also sur they would appreciate to see remixes of old genesis games in HD, same levels, new design^^ or maybe if sega could delete our memories about sonic 4 ep 1 and make a decent, proper sonic 4, a real sequel of sonic 3&k, with hd graphics, OR EVEN with 16 bit graphics, would be so cool^^ the thing i miss the more is the “genesis era spirit”^^
Sounds like he is talking about the classic and modern in a game together to me. I’d like to think we haven’t heard about Episode 2 for so long for a good reason
“I’d like to think we haven’t heard about Episode 2 for so long for a good reason”
Dimps.
Just wanted to be the mean asshole and crush all of your hopes and dreams with a single word.
I think what they’re doing makes sense. Classic Sonic is special and should only appear in Sonic Generations. Since they’re making the 20th so special, I think they should make the 25th special by making SA3. I’m not even an Adventure fan, but still, for the 20th, they brought back Classic, the first style of gameplay. For the 25th, they should bring back the second style of gameplay, Adventure!
While i do think Generations is a great concept, doing it twice would kill it for me. I mean that’s one of the many reasons i hate Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Good. In all honesty I prefer Modern Sonic, I like how he looks and plays too. Times change, Im over it.
@darkgomugomu I couldnt have said it any better myself. Making a sequel to a game like this would be missing the point. Super Mario Galaxy 2 was a great game, but it took away from the magic of the first SMG. Too bad this kind of thing happens all the time, especially with movies.
I thought he meant both classic and modern gameplay. The I would have been like wtf? Now we have to wait for the 40th anniversary. Also, I think that Sonic 4 episode 2 should have modern Sonic and the homing attack, except this time, make it less of a needed staple, like the insta-shield in Sonic 3. You could go through the whole game without using that. Just fix up the physics a a bit.
You guys didn’t realize this from the beginning?
REALLY?
People really belived that classic was returning? I think WE SHOULD MOVE! Now what we will divide series into classic and main series. I wont mind if they cancel Sonic 4.
In my opinion ST should focus on making good characters playable an give them important role in story instead of making other crap characters (werehog, chip and yacker dont mind if spelled wrong)
Jus give us brand new gameplay formula. Because Unleashed formula gets old really fast.
At beggining I liked Unleashed Day formula but later I began to see that its no longer platform game ITS MEMORY GAME ONE MISTAKE-DEAD!
Maybe a bit slower gameplay with more platforming involved. And cast of playables with unique abilities but no alternate gameplay (personaly I like treasure hunting but majority of fanbase dont so you know the drill) In my opinion this will be best playables cast:
-Sonic (you doubted?)- He will be fastest of characters his levels will be neutral on fighting and platforming.
-Tails-A lot slower than Sonic but still really fast his stages will have least fight and lot of air platforming. Special ability-flying
-Knuckles-a bit slower than tails his stages will have least speed sections but lot of fighting. Sometimes he will need to find switch to open door etc. Special ability-gliding and climbing
Shadow-A little little bit slower than Sonic. His stages will have more fighting and the same ammount of speed sections as in Sonic levels. Special ability-He will have chaos energy meter that will let him use chaos powers such as chaos spear, chaos control etc.
-Silver- Lots of air platforming, some speed sections while he hover and lots of fighting with his Psychokinesis powers. Special- like shadow but with psychokinesis.
Blaze-Lot of platforming, neutral fighting and some speed sections. Specials- She have fire energy meter that let her use boost and fire powers.
This way we get 6 playables with unique but not altenative gameplay.
Hope you like my ideas reply if you want to discuss it.
@SA3 2011
I like where you’re going with this! Just one thing, Sonic should have one act of Unleashed gameplay, and 2 acts of Adventure gameplay! Oh, and have a few mission acts, in different places than in the other acts, but should be similar to the Unleashed missions.
@Shan
Its not a bad idea!
Maybe 1 act of unleashed gameplay(but sonic only) one act of adventure gameplay and then mix of both. I explain
White Acropolis before entering the base you need to rush trough snow wasteland and destroy some robots(unleashed gameplay) and when in base you will have adventure gameplay. Or begin with adventure gameplay and then switch to unleashed.
But unleashed gameplay should be more like a gimmick so go with it to minimum (so no unleashed bosses etc.)
Shadow’s btw? boom, Sonic hey.
Iziuka makes a point, so from that game on it is green eyes only
Okay in regards to the story book series deals…well they’ve done Aladdin, they’ve done King Arthur…well what would fit? I’m like brain dead here… so just to be a smart ass I’ll say it Dr. Suess style.. LMAO… No I don’t like Swords and Rings I don’t….I’d rather spin dash or boost will! or how about something like “Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are rings to be scored. There are emeralds to be won. And the magical things you can do with chaos control will make you the winning-est winner of all.”
HEHEH yeah I’m warped! Sorry :p
That’s fine with me, as long as we don’t get countless years of Sonic Rush or SatSR.
Well I’m glad Classic Sonic is back to say hi to his future…
as for the storybook series… I would love another one… as long as the Wii remote isn’t the only thing you can use…
great does this mean from now on “Modern Sonic” is going to be…
BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST
correct yes?
@blueblur
…Seriously…? Have any of you people who think it’s nothing but a boost-fest even played Colors? I doubt you people have.
@blueblur:
Hey, guy. That flanderization thing you did there about Modern Sonic’s gameplay? Cut it out. It’s making you look like a troll.
You guys are really butthurt, aren’t you?
Define “butthurt”.
@Stephan
Colors might turn out to be an anomaly. The modern section of GHZ is almost ENTIRELY boost-boost-boost (trust me, I’ve played it), with very few 2D sections or platforming areas… From the looks of it, Sonic Team has decided that Unleashed is a better representation of modern Sonic than Colors is… and if that’s the case then blueblur isn’t that far off.
And Let’s not forget the Rush formula that is completely dominating the handheld titles right now.
@ChaoticFox
Maybe handelds situation changes with PSVita.
And yeah I HIGHLY prefer Adventure gameplay with slower platform sections than bost fest. But fans should blame fanbase. “Sonic is all about speed you know” this phrase is enough to explain this situation.
Retro fans YOU GUYS GOT WHAT YOU WANTED!
@blueblur You don’t even deserve to be called blue blur, because you only like Classic gameplay, not Sonic as a whole, like proper fans!
@EVERYONE
I’m certain Sonic Storybook 3 will be a Wii U exclusive, maybe even a launch title. It will not be made for the Wii! Think about it, they’re focusing 100% on Sonic Generations this year (It even looks like they’re post-poning Sonic 4 episode 2), so they’ll release it next year, the year Wii U is gong to be released. The storybook titles were even Wii exclusives, they will obviously want to keep it on Nintendo home consoles, and since the Wii U is the successor of the Wii, SEGA will most likely want to release it onto the Wii U. They probably want to try the new controller as well, and what’s a better chance than a storybook game, a game that’s not main series, where they can change the gameplay because it’s based on some book!
^@blueblur You don’t even deserve to be called blue blur, because you only like Classic gameplay, not Sonic as a whole, unlike proper fans!
ALSO: I know that this has nothing to do with the article, or even my above comment, but I have to ask this, Do you think Sonic will be playable in Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS? What about other Sonic characters?
@ChaotixFox
I thought there was a good amount of platforming in Modern City Escape. Maybe I should look at the gameplay footage again.
Well, I’m not surprised, at ALL. It’s the best thing they can do right now; putting Classic Sonic would just kill the magic.
@Shan
Probably, he was the most wanted character to appear in SSBB, so either he’s in the default roster or maybe he can come back through popular demand…idk. The game, from what I heard, hasn’t even started development yet….
And as for a ‘certain’ person going on about the whole ‘boost to win’ formula, the statement is false. Last time I checked in Unleashed, the ‘boost to win’ didn’t help me much in Jungle Joyride, Dragon Road, and pretty much every other stage other than Windmill Isle. The formula is still somewhat new, and Sonic Team can probably add more to the Modern Sonic gameplay.
Of course C Sonic won’t be returning. That’s stupid.
The real question would be is C Sonic’s GAMEPLAY returning.
Ever since Classic Sonic and his gameplay has been confirmed, people have been bashing Modern Sonic senseless. And it’s gonna get worse because I KNOW every review is gonna show more praise to Classic than Modern. This is the ONLY thing I hate about Classic Sonic, believe me or not. And even though it’s gonna be a one-time thing, Modern Sonic is STILL going to be bashed in the future despite having a winning gameplay style, especially if you actually BELIEVE what Jim Sterling says.
But that’s the only complaint I have about Generations though. I would just hate it if Classic got all the spotlight, but I still want him to be praised and I can’t wait to play the game. Does that make sense to anyone else?
@blueblur That would be true…if everyone used the boost. Me? I forget I even HAVE a boost button half the time.
Wait… did people really wonder if this would continue? It was obviously the theme of this game. Why would both Modern and Classic Sonic continue being playable seperately in the same games? That wouldn’t make ANY sense! It’s like you’d be turning Classic Sonic himself into the new “Addition to the roster” or something.”
I think it’s better this way as a one time thing. Tho in the future a developing gameplay from both of them would be cool.
Tho I guess when I say both of them, it’s really gameplay from Modern Sonic and Adventure Sonic, since Adventure Sonic is Classic Sonic in 3D plus homing attack. And since Modern Sonic has homing attack, there’s no difference there, but he has 2D sections, so Adventure Sonic’s spindash will thus allow us to mimmick Classic gameplay for the sidescrolling and 3D gameplay. lol
Still…
“Suddenly, yesterday’s news becomes even more believable, and Iizuka himself becomes even more unbelievable.”
I didn’t quite understand what that was implying.