Mike Kebby // Digital Campaigns Manager, SEGA:
As you’re no doubt aware, Sonic 4 Episode II will be upon us in due course. I’m just here to give an overview of one of the features we’re most proud of in the upcoming game – Collaborative Gameplay between Sonic and Tails. Sonic can now team up at any point in the game with Tails, by utilising one of three combo moves in order to progress through some of the more challenging parts of a level.
Plenty of games seem guaranteed to get sequels. But sometimes, companies surprise people and give them the additional installments they didn't know they needed.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was something many wanted to see for a very long time. Continuing the story from Sonic 3 & Knuckles, many had lofty expectations for this title. When it finally released, many were split on the project. From it’s episodic nature, different feeling controls and changes that felt strange to fans of Sonic’s classic adventures, Sonic 4 Episode I and II were divisive games to say the least.
I feel like if they could keep improving on the Sonic 4 physics, formula and level design they could have gone from the good Sonic 4 Ep II to something genuinely great for Sonic 4 Ep III.
Strange games. Definitely shouldn't have been "Sonic 4". Seeing as it re-used alot of ideas, level themes enemies and bosses etc, it really should have been called "Sonic Megamix" or something and the levels should have been named after the originals. This would have given SEGA a chance to see what fans reaction was to this style of game, before going in for "proper" Sonic 4. Sonic Mania feels far more "Sonic 4" than the actual Sonic 4 does haha
Carl Williams writes, "Retro gamers are usually left out of the fun when it comes to newer platforms, most companies don’t see any value in catering to this niche market. In this new article, Retro Gaming Magazine will take a look at a collection of games that cater to a different area of retro gaming. Starting the festivities off is the “action” category which encompasses titles such as Sonic, Mario and more. Devices with physical buttons are obviously the choice of play with these games."
I'm still and always will be a fan of Sonic...even if some of his games aren't the best