“Four Unique Zones,” “All New Game Engine” Also Promised
In addition to the ten screenshots from Sonic 4: Episode II released on Microsoft’s XBOX.com today–perhaps by mistake, perhaps not–there were also tidbits added to the product page that are noteworthy.
The biggest thing, perhaps, is that in-game co-op, presumably between Sonic and Tails, is confirmed, both for offline and online play. Given the nature of the overview and it harkening back to Sonic 2, which we’ve relayed in part below, it appears Tails will be a playable standalone character as well. We’ve accentuated the important material in bold:
Following the events of Episode I, Metal Sonic has returned to form a formidable alliance with Dr. Eggman! To face this new threat, Sonic will have to call upon an old friend to help him save the day! Joined by Tails, utilise ingenious combination moves and race across four brand new Zones, in order to put an end to their evil plans! Play alone, or with a friend locally (and online), in an evolution of Sonic 2′s collaborative gameplay! Unleash Sonic and Tails’ devastating joint attacks and combination moves to fight the united force of Metal Sonic and Dr. Eggman. Episode II features an all new game engine,bringing you updated physics and an original graphical style as you race through four unique Zones and a new Special Stage.
You can afford your thoughts to today’s surprise reveal below in the comments.
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“Original Graphical Style” is a bit far-fetched, since it basically looks like Episode 1 rendered in a toned-down version of the Hedgehog Engine.
hmmm game usually isn’t as fun for the player playing as Tails as Sonic usually just leaves him behind but I’m glad they added this little featurette again
@Professor Pickle: You have seen in-game screenshots? =P
On a personal note, I’d probably cream if they actually went full 16-bit retro-style like Sonic CD.
Well the levels looks beautiful don’t they?
As for the special stage, can’t wait to play that. Sonic and Tails as co-op that sounds so much fun. No fighting over who destroys the boss though!
Please can there be more than 4 levels.
See the background of the screenshot w/ Metal Sonic… Is that Mobius?
@Milo the Echidna: It’s supposedly Little Planet from Sonic CD.
Graphically it blows up Episode 1. Nice idea building Death Egg around Little Planet too…
Now let´s hope the music, gameplay and bosses keep as high and it will be a winner
Wish more than 4 levels, but overall I’m excited. Gameplay plz. Didn’t expect the jump on graphics quality, very nice. Looking more like a Sonic 4 than a Sonic Rehash.
Boxart is gold.
Well it’s glad to see Tails will be playable again since 06.
@KMetalMind
Agreed on the music/bosses/badniks/gameplay.
I’m gonna play shit out of Co-Op mode with my cousin.
@QuierGuy: Let’s just hope he doesn’t suck in this game like he did in 2006. >_< Also, Co-Op Mode? Noooooice.
@QuietGuy: Let’s just hope he doesn’t suck in this game like he did in 2006. >_< Also, Co-Op Mode? Noooooiiiiiiice. This is stacking up to be a pretty sweet part of Sonic 4.
@Amuro
Also hope there’s no ring bombs and that he doesn’t get in the way like in S2′s special stages.
@Milo the Echidna
Mobius doesn’t exist in the Sonic games, they aren’t the same.
Um, Yes Mobius DOES Exist In Sonic Games. Where Did You Think Sonic 1, 2, And 3&K Took Place? NOT Earth. Every Game AFTER That Took Place On Earth.
@ ImmaNumber18 I’m pretty sure Sonic Team or Sega said that the games have always taken on place on earth. Besides, locations from the classic games such as Angel Island are on earth also.
@ImmaNumber18
Mobius only named in the american canon of the 90′s/Archie comics.
The games take place in a radically different Earth (though I wished the series would’ve continue taking place in a surreal, cartooney world).
@ImmaNumber18: So Sonic and co. randomly relocated to Earth for every game including and after Sonic R? Lol
What would’ve made the whole thing FLAWLESS would be pixelated classic art, but we can only ask for so much.
So far things sound AND look good! The pictures are just amazing and the info about the game IS AMAZING, including the part about online and offline co-op, ABOUT TIME! The only thing I wish to say is that I am waiting for some videos of gameplay and also……is there going to be any race mode. Because so far there is nothing about that and I’m starting to think that there probably won’t be. But anyways I’m glad to see some new pictures and now I’m waiting for more!
Metal Sonic had better be playable…
Yay for Co-Op, I missed that aspect of the gameplay (and arguably one of my favorite aspects)
I am looking forward to this game. Alot.
Also, commence whining, complaining and pointless fan rage.
*rads the article*
Ok, I take back what I said about the “Lets bring back everything from Sonic 2″ hatred. They make it sound original, and THIS LOOKS AWESOME!! if only there were more zones though….
tt? Tristan still trying get back on the news train?
@RedFire
Commence pointless raging over constructive criticism (what TRUE HONEST FANS see as whining and complaining).
and the reuse of the Sonic 2 special stage for like the hundredth time.
There’s really not much to pick apart here other than 4 zones again
Looks good, sonic model looks good kinda resembles mix between classic and modern, only issue is 4 zones,
I would have preferred 6 zones 2acts a piece like sonic 2 and 3k. Will not hold my breathe for lockon tech,
I hope they put heavy metal music inside of it like they did with the adventure series.
Only 4/5 zones in total? Damn, another short Sonic game…
Instead of making the skies and stages look so crappy as if you deigned them while partnered with a two year old and on every drug in the book, you should have used the sky and color style from Sonic 4 and not based on the fan creation of *(Sonic Fan Mix)*. The color style is exactly the same as that fan game and I hate it. It’s like you made it for 4 year old color crazed children. It makes me feel seizure ready and it feels vomit inducing just looking at pictures.
What you should have done is as I said above with the sky and coloring styles and used your *(bigger budget)* to make more stages instead of spluring it on a lousy 4 worlds until they looked like color crazed *(Twilight Princess)* lighted crap.
MAN THOSE SPECIAL STAGES SURE ARE NEW
Also, Chris K., you type the names of games, movies, etc. with italics or quotes, not retard asterisks and perinthesis.
@Chris K. How does your tasteless world look?