The Tangent: Crossroads

58 Comments

1. I would love to see a “Sonic Legends” that plays from the very beginning through Sonic and Knux with all zones re-imagined the way they did in Generations for classic. There was a lot of silent story especially towards the end, so it serves as a great magnet for Classic supporters and Modern supporters interested in his roots.

2. Only create 2D with TAXMAN Retro Engine
   Only create 3D with colors physics
   Only this, no more!

3. I find that it is sad that Iizuka does not wish to bring classic sonic back after this and do a similar mix and match with modern Sonic. I like the gameplay of both Sonics equally.

   I hope that after generations, Sonic developers (namely Sonic Team and DIMPS) work on more original projects that have that utilize both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic (either in the same games or in different games). I also hope that both development teams continue to make smart choices about all aspects of the Sonic experience, yet I still want them to be innovative with the newer experiences that they create but of course they should stick with a formula that works (like not giving characters guns, swords, and useless backlogs).

   Essentially my message to Sonic developers is the following: you have brought Sonic back, do not loose him again, you tried many things to see what works for Sonic and now you guys know how Sonic should be going forward, so do not destroy Sonic’s new found formula instead keep the formula and innovate on top of it. And do not forget that you also have the classic Sonic formula which works very well, so you should continue to innovate on top of that to. Furthermore, listen to fans and make meaningful changes based on their feedback (like how you did with Sonic Generations 3DS). I am anxiously looking forward to Sonic 4 Episode II and future 2.5D/3D Sonic games.

4. “They’ve supported the series for over a decade, they like the more dramatic storytelling and extended cast…”

   I don’t, and I’m a modern fan that’s patiently waited for a good game until 2010… XD

5. My thoughts going forward have been this since Generations was announced :

   -Classic Sonic games being made for the handhelds and as download to own games. Let’s be honest, they’re not the biggest games in the world, so putting them on a disc would be a bit of a waste honestly. Charge $10-$15 for a new Classic Sonic game on PSN or Xbox Live (or on the handhelds for maybe $20) and I can guarantee they’d sell well.

   -Modern Sonic games should stick to the consoles (and have some handheld ventures too) and try new things. I LOVE the way Colors played, and the way Unleashed day stages played. However (especially evident in Colors) I feel they focus too much on the 2D aspect of it (and a LITTLE too much on boosting, they’re getting a lot better with it, but still). My hopes are that for future installments they keep pushing the 3D aspect further until it’s a completely 3D game. Generations seems to be doing a good job at keeping it 3D mostly for Modern, they just need to push it further. And experimenting with new mechanics always keeps things fresh too (like the Wisps).

   Just my two cents personally XD

6. I wouldn’t mind a total revamp of the Sonic series to be honest… the modern area is overly corny with crap voices, the true old era (being done right again) wont come back anytime soon. So I’d personally like a Satam adaption, or something completely new and a little darker and serious.

7. Or they could just continue making games with one Sonic that blends the gameplay and tone of the previous games.

   Run, jump, double-jump, homing attack, roll, somersault, slide, spindash, earned boost, quickstep, drift, wall jump and 3D-2D transitions. I can see Classic Sonic, Adventure Sonic and Modern Sonic in that kind’ve creative combination. If only it were true tho. lol

8. @Ee
   Thats what they tried to do with Sonic 06 but it was rushed and ended in flames (literally). So lets stay away from that.

9. Why bring Classic Sonic back? There’s a reason he’s called Classic Sonic and not Modern Sonic. He belongs in the past. His time is over. They can easily up the gameplay from the classic gameplay (cuz there is no way in hell they’d be stupid enough to just completely revert to classic gameplay for a buncha 30 year olds in daipers.)

   So really the only thing left is the design. And the design is a past design. Maybe they can make a new design that’s as appealling or more so or looks similar to the same style. But bringing him back would be stupid. This is probably the most logical reason for not continuing him.

10. @Chris
    So basically because ONE developement team and set of writers failed to do it ONE TIME because they were RUSHED, they idea should be totally abandoned? Who’s to say they couldn’t try that concept again and succeed? >:/ Don’t be such a quiter.

    Tho I wouldn’t really wanna see a “dark” Sonic game. But still, don’t spready such nonsense.

11. We need the Dreamcast(mainly SA2) Sonic back. Maybe as Generations DLC, maybe in his own game. Whatever it is, he needs a reappearance. Just cause he’s not cute and overly-famous like Classic is doesn’t mean he isn’t awesome and deserves redemption.

12. What was important for this Generations is that they wanted to unite the *fans* for a 20th anniversary game. Keeping the fans in mind will always help.

    And for those saying a darker, more serious tone trend like in Sonic 2006 I agree. I did feel a callback to SA and SA2 when I played. I do also agree that the only reason why 2006 bombed was because of anything that was a consequence of a “rushed” game (story flow/sensibility, loading times, glitches -and possibly the near bestiality lol).

    The modern formula can work. A story-driven game (in terms between Unleashed and what currently we know from Generations) with a central control set with extra gimmicks that contribute and add more fun/challenge (the Wisp powers went very well, the Werehog not so much…) to the game. Adding the “heavy feeling” classic physics for platforming sequences *could* help, but its the fan’s call.
    A few extra characters that help add variety to the game (Tails, Knuckles, Silver) is possible, but too many characters that are too involved and we have what could serve better as a party/mission game (M&S Olympics). Sonic 2006 probably had the best balance of this, ignoring the loading times that may occur in-between character switch, because the story mainly focused on three characters and “amigo” characters helped in the acts, not in their entirely independent story. I can’t hate on SA2 for that though.

    Please, if you disagree, tell me why.

13. Iizuka wants to join the two set of fans not split them more than they already are. So I doubt that the 2d games will be classic sonic and the 3d will be modern sonic. Actually I feel that there are three set of fans classic sonic fans, modern sonic fans and fans that move in the direction that sonic is going (classic all the way to modern). I would categorize myself as a fan that move in the direction that sonic is going,

    As for whats next for Sonic. I have read at sonic retro forums that some believe that Classic sonic will be used in Sonic 4 episode 2. So if that becomes a success I can see Sonic 4 living for quite a while. With the Wii U on the horizon i feel that maybe a storybook game will be released to test the waters so to speak or maybe a generations port can fit the bill.
    PS360: I’m not sure about since Generations seems to be the masive sonic title for a while. Maybe the focus will be more on Sonic 4 in this field.

    Nintendo 3DS: I can imagen some type of Rush style game, but I would like a game that can explore 3D like Mario 3D land is going for. I would also like the main trio to be playable: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles. Maybe Blaze or Amy to make it an even four.

    well that is my two cents on the matter

14. Why not make both?

    I mean continue the classic storyline like they did with Sonic 4, but instead with classic sonic and physics. And Modern Sonic, well just keep doing what they’re doing. It’s fine. lol

15. @emily
    Thanks for explaining. I just dont the Sonic series to be pushed back into somethin like 06′ thats all tho but i wouldnt mind goin back to the Adventure-style for a game or two

16. Sega kill sonic in dreamcast. Sonic Adventure is the biggest error of Sega.
    Sega win good rates, good sells, if explore the 2D with correct physics and level design (Sonic generations HD have good physic but need more datails and fix roll). This is a 2D sonic base.
    In 3D Sega need explore world based in essence (no real city, no scenarios based in real life) but a unique and explorative sonic world a surreal world (look sonic colors)
    No more Sonic Adventure. Sonic 2006 is your Adventure 3, a big error. Contain big colisions erros, guitar and more nonsense guitar music in all level, terrible artistic graphics.
    We need correct physics, with correct themes in 2D and 3D, we need real sonic essence.
    Sonic1,Sonic2,Sonic3&K,Sonic CD, Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations.

17. Here’s what I like to see after Generations:

    For classic Sonic: a new game should take place in a wacky, cartooney dreamland with only two city levels, new and original badniks/zones/bosses, Robotnik being the final boss, let people play as Tails and Knuckles again, and KEEP DIMPS AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE!!

    For modern Sonic: a complete mash-up of the Unleashed/Colors/SA1 formulas and where Tails and Knuckles can go through the same levels as Sonic but using their own abilities to open alternate pathways with NO mech-riding and NO shard-hunting. And if Sega ever wants Eggman to be playable again, just keep him in his Egg-Mobile mech like in SA2.

    @Emily
    To this day people still love Classic Sonic as well the fans who love both him and his modern Sonic (myself included). Most fans would lOVE for a “new” classic Sonic game.

    @Ee
    Dude, this isn’t Dragon Ball Z nor is it Final Fantasy. Just keep the stories for modern Sonic simple, light-hearted, and humorous.

18. @QuietGuy: you brought up a point that I forgot. I’ve never played a game by Dimps and Generations 3DS will be my first. But I REALLY want to see what can Sonic Team do with a handheld main series game, especially now after colors and generations under their belts. The levels I would like to see for a handheld sonic would be

    Sonic : jungle zone
    beach zone
    city zone ( speed highway, radical highway kind of thing but mostly a platforming speed romp over water.)
    hang castle type of zone (not enough of these in the game)
    ice zone
    cave type zone
    eggman base

    Tails:
    Sky chase type of start zone
    eggman base

    Knuckles
    a new verison of a Sonic 3 stage to compensate for not having a proper level in generations.

    stuff like this

    come on sonic team prove to me that you can make a handheld game by yourselves

19. I could have sworn that Iizuka took back what he said and stated that they were thinking about making more games with Classic Sonic.

20. I’d love to see revamp honestly… but for story revamps lets just get away from what Sonic 06 just filled our heads…. (Beastiality and kissing a dead corpse)
    Put in more action oriented scenes but still keep light hearted comedy in mind. I figured that the Hedgehog engine needs a revamp as well with more fast paced controls that the players have at their disposal…

21. @sanic: thats what I heard on sonic retro, which makes me think that sonic 4 ep 2 will have classic sonic, just wait and see. The only reason modern sonic was in ep 1 was probably to keep classic sonic a secret. Sonic team should have kept Sonic 4 a secret until after generations.

22. @Timothy
    Seeing a 3DS/Vita game developed by Sonic Team for once would be nice and those are some good ideas. Maybe you can come up with some names for those zones, too.

    @Lucas
    Despite being heavily flawed over time, Sonic Adventure’s still a good game to play around every once and awhile.

23. @ Emily

    That’s hard! lol!

24. @ QuietGuy: zone names are a little tough but I have come up with a general story:

    takes place a few months after generations

    Eggman has being in control of North Island( not to far from Westside Island) for a few months and has robotized many animals/humans in the process of starting Eggmanland. Sonic and Tails are heading for the island ( Tails starter level sky chase type) when they are hit. Sonic ends up in the jungle zone. Tails in a ruined base (eggman base). Knuckles story would start in a revamped Marble garden zone given chase to Egg robo who stole the master emerald ( Eggman uses it to gain control of North Island).

    Sonic then goes to the beach zone and in the city/highway zone eggman sends his forces after him. In act 2 sonic is at a rest stop on the intercoastal highway eating a chill dog before having to out run the police

    Sonic’s main boss would be against many eggma’s creations with eggman as the pliot

    tails main boss is Metal Sonic

    Knuckles with Eggrobo

    I think i have to much time in my hands to create all this stuff in my head

25. Whats missing at the moment:

    -Sonic Colors HD
    -Sonic Adventure 2 XBLA
    -Sonic 3 & Knuckles (Retro Engine) XBLA

26. @Timothy
    That’s a neat story but here’s my ideas for some help:

    1. The number of levels in the game should be from 15 to 16.

    2. Tails and Knuckles goes through same levels as Sonic but with their own abilities (flying, gliding, and punching).

    3. Each character’s story will take place after the other until you go to the final story.

    4. Like in S3K, you can paly as Super Sonic/Tails/Knuckles within the zones.

    5. The final showdown’ll be betwen regular Sonic versus Robotnik’s mechanical weapon.

27. @ QuietGuy: I like your ideas alot. As for the 2nd point I too was think of Tails and Knuckles having similar zones to Sonic but I would like to have at least one zone exclusive to all three player. Like Jungle for Sonic, Sky Chase for tails, and Neo Marble Garden for Knuckles.

28. -I personally think that the next 3DS game should be an Adventure-style 3D game. Those of you saying that 06 reminded you of Adventure, it is essentially Adventure 3.
    -@QuietGuy Yes, I understand your wanting Dimps to have no part in the next 2D Sonic with their Rush engine and all, but with the Advance series (particularly the first one) they’ve proved that they can indeed make a classic-style game that evokes memories of the Genesis ones, but still make it just modern enough to be new. Besides, the DS games were fun for what they were for: speed, speed, and more speed. The engine was designed around speed, and it fit really rather well. You’d be hard-pressed to find physics complaints about Sonic Rush from review sites. You WOULD find them in reviews for Sonic 4, because the speed physics don’t belong in a game that emphasizes more platforming and a “classic experience”. Finally, Dimps can make a classic-style engine, as seen in Generations 3DS, if they are forced to. I believe that the next 2D game would best be handled by Sonic Team, but Dimps is welcome, too- as long as they don’t use Rush physics.
    -My opinion on the best path for the Sonic series is that they do something similar to how Mario was handled on the Wii and DS- make BOTH 3D and 2D games for BOTH console and handheld.

29. @Jak
    Another thing that’s missing at the moment:
    Sonic Generations for Wii

30. Personally I’d love nothing more than a Generations 2 to be honest… Just think how Ice Cap, Sandopolis and something like Windy Valley would look like re-imagined in HD!
    What I don’t wan’t to see is hubs, mech shooting, treasure hunting etc. ever again.
    As for darker storylines? No, I dont, not just because I think a game about an anthtopomorphic blue hedgehog shouldn’t take itself seriously, or that Sonic Team are incapable of pulling it off (valid points though) but 90% of my entire 360 library centers around dark and serious storylines, so it would be a nice change at least to see something light-hearted for a change.

31. Regarding the classic Sonic model thing, Aaron Wbber said that it’s possible that they might use it again, but it could be for a very long time. It’s also unsure whether they will use it for Sonic 4.

    Not to mention that Iizuka said the same thing before Sonic 4’s release, and yet they still brought the classic model back anyway. inb4ITWASFORTHETWENTIETHANNIVERSARY/MARKETINGPURPOSES.

32. Hmmm going on something fans were asked a while ago and yet no progress on…

    Sonic and Knuckles 2? I remember that after Unleashed (could be before actually) they did another “Who is your favourite after Sonic?” poll and Knuckles went in and conquered. Yeah. So considering they are listening to the fans and like adding a gimmick beyond “play as Sonic”, Knuckles could be coming back. And Knuckles would be all glidy and wall climey.

    Sonic World Adventure (2) Didn’t mind the whole “Run around cartoony versions of real world places” in Unleashed. Could fuse together Japan and Las Vagas for Pachinko Super fun times.

    Sonic Colours 2.

    They’ll probably end up doing another big “Sonic Universe” reboot and remix some of the characters, like they did with Tails in Colours. Amy wont be as annoying, Knuckles wont be as angry or stupid etc.

    Generations 2 when Sonic is 25.

33. I would love to see a sonic heroes 2. But instead of having the same teams, sonic, tails and knuckles could be leaders in their own teams, with characters we haven’t seen in a while or ones that we wouldn’t that would not normally team up with them. Like knuckles, he would be the power house of the team, but would be the team leader but his speed partner could be blaze and his flight member would rouge. And for his story the master emerald disappeared by its self. Rouge was trying to steal the emerald when it vanished and the sol emeralds a went crazy are tied to the master emerald. Plus this would be a funny story line on how shy knuckles is around females, and how much of a softy he is to them.

34. I hope that Sega really puts some effort into making a Sonic title for the Playstation Vita

35. Hmmm well is it just me or does sometimes life currently feels like history is happening all at once? I know I’m just crazy lol well at least with Generations lol history does happen all at once…at least for Sonic…Yeh I do hope our classic friend isn’t abandoned so quickly there. As for where they go next….This may sound awkward but I’ve noticed these days stories have similarities to other stories in other franchises er references…if you pay a little attention on this who knows you might see a notable story similarity to what else is being popularly displayed….I know this sounds awkward but well…time will tell.

36. You make your bias against the classic series blatantly obvious in this article, Tristan. And you assume too much. Shame on you. I think Sonic Team could go on even better ditching the broken modern gameplay and keeping their focus on the more classic elements. There is absolutely, positively no concrete proof to support the idea that the only way Sonic Team can continue is by catering to its newer Sesame Street gimmick with subpar gameplay.

    Why so many of you people prefer this newer gameplay over the stuff that worked perfectly in the past is mind baffling.

    *Sigh… poof*

37. Back to what I was saying. The next Sonic game should be another try with the Sonic Adventure-Style of gameplay (with the Adventure Fields and Emblems). I Just think that if Sega has truly learned their lesson with Sonic 06′ than they should make a game somewhere along the lines of Sonic Adventure 3 (A little more darker and serious, less friends, and no annoying princesses). I also would like to see a Sonic game on the Vita (as stated on my last comment) and that should be more along the lines of the Unleashed-Style of gameplay. I just want to see what Sega has to offer on that handheld, I mean come on’ people they already have Super Monkey Ball wired into the system’s list of Launch games. One last request is that the next Sonic game should bring back the use of Special Stages on a CONSOLE (I put “console” in bold letters because there are always Special Stages on the handheld Sonic games why not the consoles), I mean have you guys seen the Special Stages for Sonic Generations 3DS they are enhanced versions of the Sonic Heroes Special Stages, That would have looked completely boss with the Hedgehog Engine.

38. Feel ferr to disagree with me but i think they could do this with all of the games. like imagine sonic 06 with modern and classic full.(could actually be fun) Also Sonic unleashed with classic instead of wearhog. think about 3 and knuckles with modern + classic Think about this then comment

39. @A
    Dimps should’ve researched during S4’s development by watching gameplay of the first Sonic Advance and how its physics, momentum-based gameplay, and classic atmosphere could’ve helped S4’s reputation.

    Sorry, but I have no faith in Dimps anymore and would want Sega to keep them away and let Sonic Team make a “new” classic Sonic game for once.

    @Chris
    Sorry to burst your bubble but after 06 (which was SA3), Sega never wants Sonic to have a darker storyline again. IMO, collecting red rings is more satisfying than those emblems but I agree that two friends are allowed and would like to see some original special stages in console Sonic game again.

    @Ceejus
    For the love of God, just shut up.

40. I like the idea of having Classic Sonic’s adventures continue on portable and download and Modern Sonic’s adventures continue in the main series … but deep down whatever Sega chooses I’ll be happy. I’m just glad they’re still giving us Sonic games and trying to evolve the series to adapt to modern times and modern fans, not giving up like other companies did with other characters (then again those characters like Gex, Bug, Aero the Acrobat, etc. weren’t as profitable as Sonic).

    Personally I enjoy the demo of Generations (both modern and classic) and will definitely buy the full game when it comes out.

41. I like classic sonic so having him on portables would be great. But I also like modern sonic and at the moment don’t feel like buying a Wii U or any next next gen consoles. So I hope that modern sonic will also be featured on portable titles as well.

42. @Ceejus
    Wow, dude. Did you even finish the first paragraph before writing that post? The first paragraph of only four total paragraphs? You missed the point of the article, didn’t see who wrote it, and went on some knee-jerk tirade against absolutely nothing. Well done.

43. Ceejus: Hypocrisy at its best.

44. we can’t be sure that classic sonic will not return after generations.especially after what iizuka said at the paris game week last week. he said sonic team , after generations, will keep on working on both 2d classic gameplay and modern, 3d gameplay.

45. I would totally love to see a total revamp of the series. I do love the colors style of game play, but I kind of wish to have some stand-still moments. In older sonic games you had to wait to hop on a swinging platform or something. Something where the platforming is more precise.

    Just don’t fuck up Sonic again Sega.

46. Although I love the Unleashed/Colors/Generations style and humor, I personally would love even more to see the characters and series as a whole redesigned. Some of you are saying that they already tried that with Sonic ’06 and failed, but I never saw it as a complete reimagining. Eggman’s design and robots were the only thing that I saw that were given a complete revamp. Sonic Adventure was the only game that I truly felt was a reimagining of the Sonic universe, and surprisingly it was actually one of the most successful Sonic games. Anyway, my point is that the Sonic series should be rebooted eventually, and maybe Sonic Generations is the perfect note to end the “Modern Era” on…

47. This is just a suggestion, but maybe after Generations, they can do a crossover adventure game that combines cartoon characters and video game characters, who team up after a new evil threatens the universe and recruits some familliar foes from the various worlds of the characters.

48. To Sega: Give me a playable Shadow. Then I will love you as much as I used to.

49. Again with the dark, edgy stories?

    Remember the last time Sega tried something like that? We got Sonic 2006.

    Do you want another Sonic 2006? No? Didn’t think so.

    I say just keep working on the Sonic Unleashed daytime formula with bigger and more open-ended level design, try to work in the physics of the Classic Sonic games, and put in Tails and Knuckles for good measure, and that would probably be the best Sonic game ever. Well, to me at least.

    And I really don’t care about story, but let’s cut the Final Fantasy bullshit, shall we? I think we’ve all had out fill of cookie cutter monsters of imminent destruction with almost no personality to their names (coughcoughsolarisanddarkgaiacough)

50. (EDIT – Inflammatory -T)

51. Things I’d really like to see in the future:

    Sonic Rush 3DS
    A Chao Garden 3D (ala Pokedex 3D where you can raise your chao )
    Sonic Heroes 3DS ( I always thought a handheld Heroes would work on DS)
    and a prequel to Sonic Rush that shows off the events before Blaze enters Sonic’s world

52. @ EdwinShy: the prequel to Sonic Rush is Sonic Advance 3. So theres no point in it. Any game that doesn’t involve the story of Blaze going to sonic’s world is a prequel. The only thing that would work is a Blaze stand alone game, but Shadow killed that possibility.

53. @ EdwinShy: I like your thinking bro. I also want a Sonic Universe like Game one that is specifically meant to revolve around everyone, that way fans cant complain that there is not enough Sonic.

54. I find it entirely logical they wouldn’t want to bring Classic Sonic back. You can’t live in the past….Which is a lesson a lot of Sonic fans could stand to learn.

55. @ Timothy : True… Shadow did killed that possiblity & you make a good point a stand along game for Blaze would work much better it might or might not happen we may never know all I know is I’m glad their won’t be a sequel to that game

56. After this, I think the best route would be Sonic Adventure 3

57. Sonic adventure 3 definitely.

58. Sonic Adventure 3: Make it all Speed stages like Sonic and Shadow’s in Adventure 2, make Tails playable and play like he did in Adventure 1, throw in Knuckles but DON’T MAKE HIM LOOK FOR EMERALD SHARDS. Throw in a good multiplayer mode in wich you can play as Metal Sonic and other fan favorites, and you got yourself a game.

    We all want something like that, so c’mon, Sega!

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