RipTen Videogame Blog » Sonic

RipTen Review: Sonic CD (XBLA)

David Oxford — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 21:00:08 +0000

Tails, my friend, we have some catching up to do. In fact, you might even say we have to make up for lost “time”…

Longtime fans of the Sonic the Hedgehog series often recall the games from the Genesis era (or Mega Drive, if you’re outside North America) with a great fondness. However, one of the most highly-praised installments from that period is also one of the most seldom played: Sonic the Hedgehog CD, or just Sonic CD for short.

Sonic CD, helmed by the oft-uncredited creator of the character, Naoto Oshima (Yuji Naka being the Lead Programmer on the original title), was originally meant to be an enhanced version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which was being created by a separate team headed by Naka at the SEGA Technical Institute in the United States. Instead, Oshima wound up taking the project in another direction, creating an all-new game for the company’s ill-fated Genesis CD add-on which bore a couple of small, passing resemblances to its Western-developed sibling.

In all, Sonic CD could be considered to have been in the wrong place at the right time. Sonic the Hedgehog fever was running wild, but that same fever did not translate into sales for the SEGA CD platform, though many of those who played it considered the title not only one of the platform’s best titles, but one of the best Sonic games, period.

Following its 1993 release, the game would be ported to the Windows PC platform in 1996, gaining it a little more exposure. Years later, the PC version of the title would be added to the Sonic Gems Collection in 2005. The problem there is that unlike the preceding Sonic Mega Collection, Gems would only be released for the GameCube in North America, thus keeping it out of the hands of a fair number of PlayStation 2 and Xbox owners (though the latter would only receive the Mega Collection in any region).

But now, Sonic CD finally has a chance to hit it big with the masses; unlike previous releases, the version we are here to talk about today is being released far and wide for virtually every platform– PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Android, iOS, and at some point next year, even Windows Phone 7 and Steam. Ironically, it seems that just about the only platforms not getting it at all are those branded by Nintendo, making for an interesting bit of turnabout following Gems Collection.

(Well, there’s also the PlayStation Portable, but that should probably come as no surprise by this point.)

Unlike previous re-releases, the new Sonic the Hedgehog CD is no mere port; instead, independent developer and Sonic fan Christian “Taxman” Whitehead developed a new game engine called the “Retro Engine,” and presented a proof-of-concept wherein the game was reconstructed to SEGA. Upon seeing the game running on the iPhone, SEGA was apparently impressed enough to not only make the project official, but bring it to several other platforms as well, adding new tweaks and improvements along the way.

Sonic CD was well known for many things, including its time-traveling dynamic, CD-quality soundtrack, and anime cutscenes at the start and end of the game, to say nothing of the introduction of the characters of Metal Sonic and Amy Rose. Its legacy speaks for itself, and you can find numerous reviews all over the web with a little searching; of this, we have little doubt. Rather than delve into the quality of the game itself (beyond a brief summary), the focus of this review will be on what this particular version brings to the table.

Perhaps the first thing one might notice is how everything has been adapted so that it can run in widescreen. This includes not only the menus, but the gameplay itself, as well as the title screen and even the anime cutscenes by Toei Animation and Studio Junio.

In fact, those few who did own the SEGA CD may well remember that the cutscenes were displayed in a tiny window in the middle of the screen, and were a little grainy, as most videos were for the time. But no more; though the art style is simplistic, seeing those same scenes playing at full speed and taking up the entirety of your television screen is a sight to behold.

Similarly, the game presents you with three options for the in-game visuals. These include “Nostalgia,” “Smooth,” and “Sharp” settings, which seem to evoke different levels of quality, ranging from how the original looked on the SEGA CD to a look which seems to be a little more in keeping with what is expected from today’s displays.

Several companies, including SEGA, have looked to Backbone to create “high definition” versions of their 16-bit titles for these platforms, but these efforts have typically been met with disdain, with comments of how the original graphics look “smeared” being the norm. However, while we can’t quite put our finger on just what it is, the job performed on the graphics here feels far superior to Backbone’s attempts to update 16-bit visuals. And best of all, you can adjust the visual style at any time by simply pausing and accessing the settings.

The visuals are not the only thing which has been upgraded, as the audio provides almost everything a Sonic fan– a Sonic CD fan, especially– could want.

When the game was originally released, there were two soundtracks: one for the Japanese and PAL regions, and another composed for the North American release (which itself would find its way into later European ports). Fans have readily debated for ages over which version was preferable, from Masafumi Ogata’s title theme “You Can Do Anything” (aka “Toot Toot Sonic Warrior”) versus Spencer Nilsen’s “Sonic Boom” (which would go on to be featured in Super Smash Bros. Brawl) to decidedly different approaches to stage music (the Japanese versions featuring three variations of a common theme per zone, whereas the NA version would use different themes altogether), and even the boss music.

Following the announcement of this release, SEGA stated that it would only feature the Japanese/PAL music due to some licensing issues. Hope was kept alive, however, by talk that the North American soundtrack might be offered as downloadable content, so as to offset the cost of reusing Nilsen’s music.

Now, we aren’t sure what happened, but it all worked out for the best as this version of Sonic CD comes with both soundtracks. That’s right– while the Japanese music is the default when you download the game, you can switch it over to the North American soundtrack from the menu at the title screen. Unfortunately, unlike the visuals, you can only make this switch from this menu. It’s only a minor gripe, as being able to switch soundtracks on the fly and compare them as you go through the game would have been a great feature, but we aren’t about to complain– not when we thought we might not get Nilsen’s tunes at all.

Now, we did say it brought “almost” everything a fan would want. The “almost” applies to the unfortunate omission of the Engrish lyrics from the Japanese theme song, “You Can Do Anything.” Given that was a large draw for fans of that soundtrack– and even a favorably silly part for those who prefer the other– it’s unfortunate that they were mysteriously left out.

As an aside, it should be noted that you are able to adjust the volume of the sound effects and music in relation to one-another, and you can do this at any time from the pause menu.

As beloved as the game was to many fans who played it, it wasn’t without some issues, and we don’t just mean the music. Sonic felt a little different in how he controlled as well compared to post-Sonic 1 games, and this is perhaps best represented by the Spin Dash. With Sonic CD being developed at the same time as Sonic 2, both wound up taking the same basic idea and putting their own– *ahem* –spin on it.

The Sonic 2 version, which has you press the jump button repeatedly while holding down, is perhaps the best known. Not only did it come first, but it would become the standard for many, many other games to follow. Sonic CD, however, only required one button press and Sonic would gradually build towards his (seemingly slower) top speed. Of the two, it was far less warmly received.

The Retro Engine version, however, takes both versions into account. Like the music, it must be selected before you start up your game, but players can now choose between both types of Spin Dash, with the more “classic” style set as the default. And as much as we love Sonic, there are those far more hardcore than we are, and word is that switching the Spin Dash style affects the controls in other ways as well, with whatever differences there are between the Sonic CD and Sonic 2 versions of gameplay present and accounted for. We didn’t notice a huge difference beyond the Spin Dash, but more hardcore fans might.

Sonic: Generations Announced for the Nintendo 3DS

Brandon Fenty — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:00:41 +0000

Celebrating his 20th Anniversary, SEGA‘s iconic hedgehog is making his way onto the Nintendo 3DS on November 22nd. The game is set across three defining eras from the 20 years of Sonic the Hedgehog video game history. The environments of Sonic Generations are instantly recognizable and have been re-built in stunning HD.

You’ll be able to play in both the classic side-scrolling 2D from 1991, as well as the modern 3D style found in Sonic’s most recent adventures. Each incarnation of Sonic in Sonic Generations comes complete with its trademark special move, Spin Dash and Spin Attack for Classic Sonic, and the Homing Attack and Sonic Boost for Modern Sonic. If you’re a Sonic fan, this looks to be a game that you’ll want to pick up for the 3DS. We’ll keep you up to date with details about the game as it gets closer to release.

New Sonic Generations XBL Demo Coming Tuesday (PSN Next Week)

Dave Oshry — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:15:01 +0000

Need more hedgehog in your life? Of course you do!

Can’t wait any longer for Sonic Generations? Of course you cant!

Well, you’re in luck!

SEGA® America, Inc. & SEGA® Europe Ltd., today confirmed that a second demo is being released prior to the launch of the highly anticipated Sonic Generations™ game for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system. Demo #2 for the game will be available in North America via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 on October 18 and PlayStation®Network on October 25.

The first demo, released on June 23, 2011 – the anniversary of Sonic’s 20^th year – allowed fans to play as Classic Sonic only. Now the second demo means fans can finally play as Modern Sonic – as well as Classic Sonic again – in the stunning environments of the iconic Green Hill level from Sonic Generations.

Yep.

Blue Wii Bundle Headed To Europe

Justin Berube — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:35:30 +0000

A new blue Wii will be coming out in Europe bundled with Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Unfortunately this blue Wii will be the new European version of the Wii that can not play GameCube titles. This bundle is due out in Europe on November 18th, 2011.

As of right now there is no word on a release outside of Europe.

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo news, information, editorials, and more? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know what you think about this new blue Wii!

Dreamcast Era Sonic Levels Get Re-imagined In Sonic Generations (Video)

Dave Oshry — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:30:18 +0000

The Dreamcast era for Sonic the Hedgehog was a glorious one. Both Sonic Adventure games were huge hits and featured some great levels.

Well, SEGA has re-imagined those levels for the upcoming Sonic Generations in both 2D and 3D styles:

SEGA is excited to release the Sonic Generations DreamCast Trailer, which shows recreated levels from Sonic’s 3D era in Sonic Generations. City Escape, Seaside Hill and Speed Highway are all re-imaged zones, playable as both modern and classic Sonic.

Stay tuned to RipTen for continued coverage of Sonic Generations.

Sonic Generations Races to the 360 and PS3 on November 1st

Justin Carter — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:28:48 +0000

In case you’ve been living under a rock over the past few months, there are a lot of games coming out this fall. Gears 3 is next week, then it’s Rage, Arkham City, and a crapton of more games. A lesser known game would have the common sense to migrate over to 2012, so as to avoid the crossfire. Sonic Generations does not have that common sense. The 360 and PS3 versions will be launching November 1, along with some other game, but I forgot what it’s called. It’s on the tip of my tongue…ooh, I remember now!

Yeah. Sega might’ve shot themselves in the foot this time.

[Via Joystiq]

Sonic 4: Episode 2 Finally Comes 2 Gamers in 2012

Justin Carter — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Classic Sonic the Hedgehog returned to the gaming world in late 2010 with Sonic 4: Episode 1. You’d think that Sega continue the trend and release Episode 2 sometime this year, but it appears that won’t be the case. In a conversation with Eurogamer, Takashi Iikuza of Sonic Team spoke regarding Episode 2:

“This year, 2011, is the anniversary, so we’re focusing on the celebration title. But moving forward to 2012, Sonic will still be going, so I’d hope to provide Episode 2 then.”

Of course, that sounds bad on paper, but when you think about the number of games slated for the end of the year, it’d pretty much be suicide for Sega’s flagship to squeeze himself in at this time.

[Via Game Informer]

Sonic Through the Ages: 20th Anniversary Video – The Memories

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:15:41 +0000

Remember when Sonic games were good? I do, but some of the readers might be too young to remember. When Sonic-The-Hedgehog first made his debut on the Sega Genesis, he gave the Big N and the Crimson Plumber their first real challenge.

Now, share in the memories of 20 years of Sonic with a whirlwind tour of history in the ‘Sonic Through the Ages’ video.

Happy 20th Sonic! Next year you’ll be able to legally drink.
-

Five O’Clock Fan Art: Sonic the Real Hedgehog

Dylan Duarte — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:49 +0000

Well there’s a childhood belief shattered. As it turns out, real hedgehogs aren’t very fast at all and they haven’t the slightest idea what to do with gold rings.

Five O’Clock Fan Art is perfect for wrapping up the work day. You don’t want to think anymore, you just want to look at awesome things. And there’s nothing more awesome than a well crafted piece of videogame fan art. If you don’t agree, what the hell are you doing at a gaming blog?

Thanks to iandseniff and lukedenby for showing me the truth, I guess.

E3 2011: Sonic Generations – Old School Vs Modern (Trailer)

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:35:56 +0000

In the new E3 Sonic Generations Trailer, there are two different ways to take on the courses – Old School vs Modern. I know…another Sonic game, you’d think that we’ve all learn our lesson by now. You never know, this could be the game to put the series back on track.

Sonic Generations is scheduled for release on the 3DS PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this coming holiday season.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games Coming to Wii / 3DS

Justin Berube — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:52:44 +0000

SEGA and Nintendo have just announced that Mario & Sonic will be coming back in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Games for Wii and 3DS. The game, which is being developed and published by SEGA, will feature new sports never before seen in the series. For more information on this new title be sure to check out the official press release below!

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo news, information, and more? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know what you think about Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games!

TOKYO (April 21, 2011) – SEGA® Corporation and Nintendo Co., Ltd. today announced that the record breaking partnership of Mario™ and Sonic™ will once again join forces on the Wii™ home video game system and, for the first time ever, on the Nintendo 3DS™ . Over 19 million people worldwide have bought video games from the Mario and Sonic series, and now the much loved duo are heading to London to participate in the officially licensed Olympic-themed video game, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™.

A host of exciting new headline events, including football and equestrian will debut on the Wii version appearing alongside classic Olympic disciplines, such as athletics, aquatics and table tennis. These new sports are sure to ignite even more fierce competition between friends and family in both single and multiplayer modes! The all new roster of Dream events that are set in popular Mario and Sonic worlds make for a truly unique sporting experience that can only be found in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™.

Arriving on Nintendo’s new handheld system for the first time ever Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ contains over 50 original Olympic themed events playable in both single and multiplayer modes. Bringing a whole new dimension to the Mario & Sonic universe, the glasses-free 3D visuals and the unique control systems mean there are plenty of new and exciting ways to compete for a coveted gold medal!

As with its predecessors, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS is being developed by SEGA Japan and is published by SEGA® across Europe and North America, and by Nintendo in the Japanese market. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ is licensed through a worldwide partnership with International Sports Multimedia (ISM), the exclusive interactive entertainment software licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“Mario and Sonic have had a phenomenally successful partnership and we are extremely proud to be able to recreate this once again with Nintendo and ISM for the London 2012 Olympic Games” commented Naoya Tsurumi, Chairman for SEGA of America and SEGA Europe. “It is truly exciting to be in the position to develop interactive entertainment software titles based on the Olympic Games, and for Sonic and Mario to once again be a part of this historic event.”

“The London 2012 Olympic Games will be a sporting showcase that will embrace the world and we are delighted to have Mario and Sonic competing once again, this time in the largest number of Olympic sports ever” says Raymond Goldsmith, Chairman & CEO of ISM.

“These games bring together two of the most beloved characters in the history of the video game industry in Mario and Sonic,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “As veterans of both video games and Olympic games, they’ll arrive in London as a formidable team to provide fun, competitive sporting activities that friends and family members can enjoy together.”

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ will be available on the Wii™ home video game system and the Nintendo 3DS™. A launch date will be announced later in the year.

Source

Five O’Clock Fan Art: Sonic/Team Fortress 2 Double Feature

Dylan Duarte — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:00:38 +0000

I’ll never get tired of Team Fortress 2 fan art, let alone art depicting the most dastardly of characters – The Spy. Though the character is usually smug to a fault, this pieces captures him in a state of obvious inner torment, which makes for a powerful image.

Five O’Clock Fan Fart is perfect for fapping up the work day. You don’t want to think anymore, you just want to look at awesome things. And there’s nothing more awesome than a well crafted piece of videogame fan fart. If you don’t agree, what the hell are you doing at a gaming site?

Keep scrolling for bonus Sonic art!

I love the wording here. “Gotta” go fast. It’s not as if he wants to, but he has to, some sort of primal urge compels him. Going fast, maintaining speed, it’s what Sonic is. He’s “gotta go fast,” or he will be nothing, he will cease to exist.

SEGA Auctions Off Rare Swag For Japan Relief – Bid Now!

Dave Oshry — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:28:03 +0000

Hey SEGA fans. Now is your chance to add some extremely rare items to your gaming collection,and give to a great cause!

SEGA is auctioning off a ton of great swag to help support Japan relief. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

Some of the items include, a rare Sonic 15th anniversary statue, a Yakuza 4 model car, OutRun art signed by Yu Suzuki, Yakuza 4 promo shirts, a Yakuza 4 track jacket, a Dreamcast backpack, and yes, of course, the beloved Dreamcast hoodie just like one I wear every day:

Dreamcast Pride

Backside

and also when I sleep at SEGA HQ…

D'awwww

Our buddy Aaron from SEGA even made a short video showing off all the swagtastic things they’re auctioning off, so check it out and then check out the auctions HERE

Five O’Clock Fan Art: Sonic’s Got Attitude

Dylan Duarte — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:51 +0000

I’ve posted a good deal of Sonic The Hedgehog fan art, and it always seems to be on the comical side. For once, I’ve found a piece showing Sonic to be rather awesome. Though, he’s still a blue hedgehog, so his cool meter has to peak somewhere.

Today’s art comes from Sonic fan EVMousser.

Five O’Clock Fan Art: Sonic Thanksgiving

Dylan Duarte — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:28 +0000

It’s Thanksgiving! What am I thankful for? I’m thankful that I actually found some Thanksgiving-themed videogame fan art. And it was just one of many! And they all included Sonic for some reason . Yeah, I don’t get it either.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating today. And be sure to thank CaptRicoSakara for the art!

Sorry Sonic, You Were Delicious

Ripten Review: Sonic Colors (Wii)

Justin Berube — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:38:50 +0000

Sonic’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years due to his 3D adventures. I know several big Sonic fans that have given up playing the 3D games in the series due to sheer disappointment. The last 3D Sonic title I played before Sonic Colors was Sonic Adventure 2 Battle on the Nintendo Game Cube and I thought that game was an abomination. So how does Sonic Colors fair?

The story is very generic. Dr. Eggman has built an amusement park in space to try and make up for all of his previous misdeeds. This is, of course, a front. Dr. Eggman is using the giant amusement park space station to hold several planets hostage with his tractor beam. One of these planets is home to an alien race known as Wisps. It’s Dr. Eggman’s goal to capture these Wisps and to use the power they possess for his evil plot.

It’s not long before Sonic and Tails come to check out the space station. They learn about Dr. Eggmans’s evil plot to use the helpless aliens and decide to save them.

When it comes down to the gameplay, Sonic Colors mixes 3D elements with the more traditional side scrolling that many Sonic fans grew up with. This is the games biggest achievement and the mix feels great. The 3D elements that made some of the previous Sonic games awful are more straightforward this time around, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t multiple paths to take!

Another gameplay element is the inclusion of the Wisps. If Sonic finds a Wisp in a level he will gain special abilities. Some of these include turning into a laser, gaining the ability to float, becoming an unstoppable killing monster, turning into a high flying rocket, transforming into a ball of spikes allowing him to stick to walls, and more. This might sound a bit gimmicky but it’s really a fun inclusion to the game and allows for greater exploration of the levels by using, and saving the found abilities for certain areas of each stage.

All of the Wisps in the game need to be set free before Sonic can find them in each stage. So players going through each stage the first time might notice some places where a Wisp container is, but there is nothing there. Once players find them later on they will be placed back into those previous stages adding to the games overall replay value.

Each stage also has five Red Star Rings that can be found. Collecting these rings unlocks more stages and options in the Sonic Simulator. The Sonic Simulator is a game that Dr. Eggman has setup in the amusement park. Players can play this simulator by themselves or with a friend. However, I found these stages to be somewhat boring.

The bonus multiplayer capable stages have a more “Lego” type look to them. Obviously an attempt to look like a generic video game, but in the end it just looks bad. I felt that these stages added little to the game and in effect I had little interest in going back to previous stages to find the Red Star Rings. Kids will probably like playing through these levels with their friends.

On the downside, Sonic Colors has many cheap falling deaths. What resulted during play were several situations of just trial and error to learn the stage. These deaths tend to happen when Sonic is running and there is no way of knowing whether he can make the jump or not. Players will simply have to go back and retry that jump while moving faster. Any time Sonic loses momentum, Sonic ceases to be fun.

The game is also somewhat short. I was able to complete the main game, not going for extras, in just over five hours.

True to it’s name, Sonic Colors is very colorful and it makes for great visuals. One problem I have with many of the normal stages is that there is so much going on in the background, it can be a little distracting. The game suffers from some frame rate issues that become more annoying when moving fast.

The level design in Sonic Colors is somewhat confusing. Level layouts are hard to imagine. It may be intentional but in my opinion it’s not something that adds to the experience.

While the formula still needs a little more work, overall I feel Sonic Colors is a step in the right direction as far as 3D games in the series are concerned. The inclusion of the Wisps are great but the overall design just needs more polish. Hopefully, the next Sonic game will follow the Sonic Colors formula and improve upon the flaws found in this game. With that said, Sonic fans will probably want to check this game out.

Want to keep up with my other Nintendo reviews and coverage? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Let me know what’s on your mind in the world of Nintendo!

Here’s the rundown:

+ Nice Mix Of 3D and Side Scrolling
+ The Use Of Wisps
+ Best 3D Sonic Game In A Long Time

- Cheap Deaths
- Poor Frame Rate
- Poor Replay Value Rewards

Sonic Colors was developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Nintendo Wii. The game was released in North America on November 16, 2010 with an MSRP of $49.99 USD. The copy used for this review was provided by the publisher.

New Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games Coming?

Justin Berube — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:01:38 +0000

According to a “French Source” a new Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games title is currently being developed. The new game will most likely be based on the next Olympic Summer Games being held in London in 2012 and is scheduled to release in 2011. Further information on the rumored title is currently unknown including the platforms that this new game will be available for.

Past Mario & Sonic games have been made available for both Wii and DS. It is likely that this new game will be for Wii but who knows if the portable version, if there is one, will be for DS or 3DS. Time to start speculating!

Source

New Sonic Anniversary Game In The Works?

Justin Berube — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:13 +0000

A “French Source” is claiming that a new Sonic Anniversary game is currently in development for the Wii, DS, PS3, and PSP. This new Sonic title is rumored to contain a mix of 2D and 3D elements, similar to Sonic Colors. Some are also claiming that the game will feature a mix of levels from both the classic 2D Sonic games to the more recent 3D titles which may be updated in some way. The new Sonic Anniversary game is rumored to be releasing in 2011.

Source

Kinect Exclusive Sonic Free Riders Coming November 4th

Dave Ernst — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:49:32 +0000

Sega has just announced Sonic Free Riders will release to Kinect owners November 4th.

Sonic Free Riders will be the third installment in the Sonic Riders series and will be used exclusively with Kinect for the Xbox 360. The game aims to take full advantage of Kinect’s hands-free controls with full motion body control. The game will utilize Microsoft’s Kinect peripheral and feature online multiplayer for up to 8 players.

You can check out some gameplay footage below:

Japanese Sonic 4 Website Reveals New Lost Labyrinth Zone Screens (Update 2)

David Oxford — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:23:57 +0000

Earlier this year, a preliminary version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 was leaked. Reaction from the head-start hedgehog huggers was poor, and SEGA took the game back into development, delaying its release so they could fine-tune it further.

In particular, fans reacted quite harshly to an area known as Act 2 of the Lost Labyrinth Zone, which featured a mine cart section which was said to be controlled by motion controls on the Wii and PlayStation 3, while the Xbox 360 version would rely on the controller’s top bumpers. Apparently, it didn’t work very well.

Today, SEGA has updated their official Japanese Sonic the Hedgehog 4 website with new screenshots, including what are said to be the first official of the new Act 2, which you can see for yourself in our gallery below.

Of particular note is that Sonic is now carrying a torch. No one is sure what it does yet, though speculation is that it may work in a similar fashion to the lights in the Sandopolis Zone of Sonic & Knuckles. Another screen, however, shows dynamite with a lit fuse, leading one to believe Sonic may have to detonate his way through parts of the level.

On the Penny Arcade Forums, member and resident Sonic fan TSR notes that a lot has changed from the leaked version, including the lighting effects on Sonic and the textures throughout the zone.

“There is a lot of brand new art in these pics,” he notes, also pointing out that by releasing screens of this particular portion of the game, “they’re trying hard as f*** to make a point.”

In addition, it seems that SEGA has kept true to their word, as the mine cart does not appear to be tilt controlled. That feature, they’ve said, will be reserved for the iPhone and mobile versions of the game.

Hopefully, we’ll hear more from SEGA on this soon. For now, enjoy the screens.

Update: SEGA has updated the English site with the new Zone, screens, and even Badniks, but no information about the gameplay of the Lost Labyrinth has been revealed yet.

Update 2: SEGA has added on their blog that more information is soon to come, including a possible video of the stage in action.