sonic news

[sjleworthy]

this looks great news :) sonic the hedgehog for the iphone/pod touch

http://www.gamecyte.com/ces-2009-sonic-the-hedgehog-and-other-sega-titles-coming-to-iphone

[le'deuche123]

WE NEED ALTERED BEAST!!! But Sonics cool too.

[PointOfLight]

“We're bringing Sonic the Hedgehog to the iPhone this spring,” he said. “The original emulated Genesis version – which is to say that we can emulate any of the Genesis titles.”

Sorry, but if it's just a rehash of the genesis version, I'll stick with the one I have for the PC or the one I have on my Palm. If they're going to bring an IP like this to the iPhone, at least make an original adventure out of it.

Altered Beast would be great! That was always a fun game. I also think they should remake Comix Zone.

[le'deuche123]

Sorry, but if it's just a rehash of the genesis version, I'll stick with the one I have for the PC or the one I have on my Palm. If they're going to bring an IP like this to the iPhone, at least make an original adventure out of it.

Altered Beast would be great! That was always a fun game. I also think they should remake Comix Zone.

You know I don't know why sega doesn't do a classics line...It would be even cooler if they just came out with some kind of emulation software that could be an app in and of itself and then download the Sega Games (ala Stanza) to play on the emulator. I know this can be done on J/B Touch/phone but I want a legit version. A mini genesis in my pocket. I would fork over some dough for that.

[sjleworthy]

Sorry, but if it's just a rehash of the genesis version, I'll stick with the one I have for the PC or the one I have on my Palm. .



what's up with the Genesis version?


If they're going to bring an IP like this to the iPhone, at least make an original adventure out of it.



what's 'IP' mean?


personally, any Sonic The Hedgehog on my Touchwill be a welcome addition for me, original or not. personally i wouldn't know the difference, especially as i'm not JB'd or played on the Genesis version.

:)

[PointOfLight]

what's up with the Genesis version?

There's nothing wrong with the Genesis version. Sega Genesis is where Sonic originated. It's just that I've already played the Genesis version on 3 different platforms (Genesis, PC and Palm), so I'd like something new.


what's 'IP' mean?
Intellectual Property; basically, the ideas a developer comes up with (way oversimplified, I know, but I don't know the official definition)

[HardcoreEricXXX]

Intellectual Property; basically, the ideas a developer comes up with (way oversimplified, I know, but I don't know the official definition)

I always thought it meant Internet protocol, ya learn something new everyday

[le'deuche123]

I always thought it meant Internet protocol, ya learn something new everyday

Actually you're both right. See homonym:D

[coconutbowling]

hmmmm, this could be hit or miss, Sonic is awesome, but bad controls can ruin the game. If it is good though, I'd love to see Sonic 2 and 3.

[Diablohead]

I own the sonic games for SMS and MD, I own sonic on xbla and on my mobile phone and i'll buy it again because I love the blue hedgehog XD

The 2D games at least, most of the 3D sonic games went downhill.

All Sonic 1 needs is jump, run left and right and up and down to look and roll, if they make it control like Bounce On or have tilting to run as an option replaying the classic sonic's will feel fresh and unique.

[spamboy]

Would it be that hard to make a new game without simply emulating it? I already bought the Genesis version for my 5G. I'm not touching this and any sega title unless it's original, or unless it's got the words 'Jet', 'Set', and 'Radio' in it. :)

PS Sega, please don't take my quote the wrong way and give Sonic the Hedgehog, say, a sword - oh wait...

[THEDeliriumTrigger]

Im lovin this, ive always wanted a sonic title on my ipod, and i dont want it any different, itll bring me back to a better time..... cant wait!

[nizy]

Interesting news, but its a shame that its just an emulated port of the original. I was hoping for a new 2D or 3D sonic game, made specifically for iphone, with nice, smooth graphics and gameplay actually designed for the system; not simply a quick and easy port. I already have sonic 1 on megadrive and wii - do i really need it on my touch too?

[le'deuche123]

I own the sonic games for SMS and MD, I own sonic on xbla and on my mobile phone and i'll buy it again because I love the blue hedgehog XD

The 2D games at least, most of the 3D sonic games went downhill.

All Sonic 1 needs is jump, run left and right and up and down to look and roll, if they make it control like Bounce On or have tilting to run as an option replaying the classic sonic's will feel fresh and unique.

I agree the new sonics blow. I don't want a new game as much as I want the classics. Also like I said I want other "emulated" sega games.

[Finchypoo]

This is awesome news. The Genesis Sonic games are all wonderful and I hope to see all of them eventually on the iPhone. It helps that sonic had such basic controls that we wont be dealing with tons of weird transparent buttons floating on the screen.

Here's hoping they also emulate the Sonic & Knuckles cartridge with Sonic 2 or 3 plugged into the top of it. That was an awesome feature at the time and gave you a reason to replay the old games again.

[sjleworthy]

I already have sonic 1 on megadrive and wii - do i really need it on my touch too?

yes yes yes :)

i too have sonic 1,2 & 3 on the mega drive, and if i could have any of them exactly duplicated on my Touch (without JB) i'd be in heaven :)

[K.D!]

Sonic 1? Man this sucks! Don't get me wrong, I love the original but I already own it on multiple platforms.

Give me Sonic 2 instead!

[don_k]

Yes you can't spin and dash in Sonic 1. They should just release the trilogy.

[K.D!]

Yes you can't spin and dash in Sonic 1. They should just release the trilogy.

Actually, in the port of Sonic 1 Sega released for the Gamboy Advance, they added the spin dash feature to it.

[le'deuche123]

Yes you can't spin and dash in Sonic 1. They should just release the trilogy.

Well hopefully this is the start of many SEGA classic releases.

[Eng]

FINALLY, at least they seem to know what most of us actually want, a good old Sonic game, instant buy for me :D

[s0mah]

No Tails, Knuckles, Silver, Shadow, Black Knight, werewolf, hoverboard racing, or girl version of Sonic?

Sega's iPhone people are obviously on a different page than the Sonic Team is.

OMG TEH BLUE BLUR EATS ALL UR MODEZ 7 FOR BREAKFAST. HES GOT A RUDE TUDE AND POWERFUL BLAST PROCESSING!

[different]

Well it's easy for Sega to release Sonic 1 for the iPhone, it's been ported pretty much everywhere already and it will sell... although I can't help but feel a new Sonic title with tilt controls in the classic 2D style (enhanced graphics though!) would be a much better move.

Of course that's a lot of effort to undertake...

[THEDeliriumTrigger]

Yes you can't spin and dash in Sonic 1. They should just release the trilogy.

Theyve released their mega collection for many other platforms, i could see it as a possibility.

[Kamazar]

I'm seriously sick of this game. I've played it sooo many times. Can't they port Sonic Advance or Sonic Rush?

[don_k]

Theyve released their mega collection for many other platforms, i could see it as a possibility.

yes I have both sonic collection and sega megadrive collection for PS2. It doesn't have to be that complete, I just want Sonic 1, 2 ,3. They're the best.

Can't they port Sonic Advance or Sonic Rush?

Sonic Rush is great too. It's a faithful incarnation of the original, very fast platformer. I hope that dev team is the one bringing Sonic to iPhone.

[CandyNJ66]

oh my goodness..I love me some Sonic! I had the original when it was new! I have played it a gazillion times and the sequels. The dreamcast version is my absolute favorite!

I am def looking forward to this since I haven't played a Sonic game since 1999.

[Zatarra]

I would actually prefer the Sonic Ultimate Collection like they have on the PS3/XB360. That would be AWESOME and actually legitimize a premium price tag.

[le'deuche123]

oh my goodness..I love me some Sonic! I had the original when it was new! I have played it a gazillion times and the sequels. The dreamcast version is my absolute favorite!

I am def looking forward to this since I haven't played a Sonic game since 1999.

Haha...me too. I saw the rise of all of SEGA's heroes...They should really port:
ECHO THE DOLPHIN!!!!!

[Forerunnerz]

I may be picking this up, but only if it doesn't have those sucky graphics from the sonic for genesis. I'm okay with graphics from Sonic Advance games or anything better than that.

[le'deuche123]

I may be picking this up, but only if it doesn't have those sucky graphics from the sonic for genesis. I'm okay with graphics from Sonic Advance games or anything better than that.

Well I have to disagree...I want it WITH the genesis Graphics. I want it to sound like genesis...shoot if I had my choice I would just play it on Genesis.

[21duc29]

Going to get this when it's released! Love sonic! Have this on the wii but on an iphone, its much better.

How much will this cost? Hopefully five or less.

[s0mah]

I would actually prefer the Sonic Ultimate Collection like they have on the PS3/XB360. That would be AWESOME and actually legitimize a premium price tag.

lmao, you mean the recently released, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection? The one with Sonic all over the box art, but with no actual Sonic games within the collection?

Honestly, that is the one I that want too.

[CandyNJ66]

While I understand your anger and frustration, I also should perhaps suggest that you count your blessings that you have a idevice, and Sega IS bringing Sonic to our devices in the first place. Who knows what goes on in those big companies, and decisions that are made/broken.

I for one am happy as pie that Sonic is coming to the iphone/ipod touch, spring is on the 21st (I think?), so we might not have that long to wait.

We don't know what is coming but I don't see why one would get so angry about it. Enjoy your idevice and keep checking the news :)

[gigidey]

I think you guys dont realise that SEGA has better things to do than make iPhone games all year, they do work on other consoles.

[gscal]

I don't wanna see any ports, just a brand-new Sonic game, and (while still retaining the old-school sidescrolling feel) be formatted for the iPotch/ iPhone.

[THEDeliriumTrigger]

I think you guys dont realise that SEGA has better things to do than make iPhone games all year, they do work on other consoles.

Truth. And spiffyone, most exisiting devs wont even port at all, you should be thankful. They, im sure, have considered both options, and decided that a sonic port would please many, many people.

[Diablohead]

lmao, you mean the recently released, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection? The one with Sonic all over the box art, but with no actual Sonic games within the collection?

Honestly, that is the one I that want too.

Sonic 1, 2, 3 and sonic&knuckles are in the collection actually, but you can't combine any games with te s&k add-on in the collection.

[indyraider4]

Yes they have to work on other consoles, but they have been praising apple when the sdk came out, they made a game or the ipod classic, and they had the biggest hit of 08 with smb, but we only get a port. They better have something really good up their sleeves or else the awful reviews will drive them away. I looked back at the iphone sdk announcement keynote and they put together a working version of SMB in two weeks, with graphics that looked like the final version. They need to have a really good control scheme with sonic and a few added levels or else it is going to blow up in their face.

[gscal]

What I'd die for is a classic Sonic game reminiscent of one of the more in-depth classic sonic games, with added levels, features, and characters, with an original control scheme made exclusively for the iPhone/iPotch, and great graphics. Not some cheap port.

[THEDeliriumTrigger]

Oh, of course, i see your point. But the fact is that nobody knows why they made the decisions that they have. They might have a reason for announcing this so late, which is why im just happy for a port. It will beat the hell out of the emulator, at least.

EDIT Aaahh, and as to an addition (didnt see the second post), idk, im iffy about that. The later sonic titles have sucked it up

[nizy]

EDIT Aaahh, and as to an addition (didnt see the second post), idk, im iffy about that. The later sonic titles have sucked it up

Not true - Sonic Adventure 1 & 2 are awesome and the daytime stages from the wii version of Unleashed are in my opinion some of the most fun Sonic levels ever created.

I agree with Spiffy, Sega should have done more. Don't get me wrong, I love Sonic 1 but spending the best part of a year simply porting it is pretty pathetic! :(

Sega should have created a new game (or at least remade sonic 1) with either a 2.5D engine similar to the small segments in unleashed or full 3d in similar fashion to snail mail.

I wonder what they'll do with the controls? A virtual d pad would suck in a fast game like sonic and I'm not sure about the accuracy of the accelerometer.

[gscal]

Maybe a control scheme like Bounce On, and you touch to jump, tilt to run (except Sonic goes much faster than Bounce), and double tap to do a homing attack.

[Mjbreese]

The original Sonic is still my favorite, so I'm glad they are just porting the original, with the exception of the 2d DS games, most of the recent Sonic games aren't even worth playing.

[gscal]

The original Sonic is still my favorite, so I'm glad they are just porting the original, with the exception of the 2d DS games, most of the recent Sonic games aren't even worth playing.

Yeah, Unleashed was one of the best Sonic games in a long time during the day stages, but the game totally sucks during the night stages.

[don_k]

The original Sonic is still my favorite, so I'm glad they are just porting the original, with the exception of the 2d DS games, most of the recent Sonic games aren't even worth playing.

+1
I played Sonic on the DS and that's faithful to the original.

[Diablohead]

Back in Febuary I was playing around with mock-ups of video games and one that I attempted was Sonic, I still have the image uploaded so i'll link it:

http://i44.tinypic.com/107wdjn.jpg

+1
I played Sonic on the DS and that's faithful to the original.
Being quite a oldbie sonic fan I can tell you that while the DS games are good in their own way, they play totally different to the classic games. also rush 1 has way too many make a mistake and you instantly die or fall into a bottomless pit moments which the original games never hardly had, and that rush is too heavily based on stunts and boosting.

[CandyNJ66]

+1
I played Sonic on the DS and that's faithful to the original.

+2 (or whatever) I love Sonic, seeing pictures of him bring back good memories from back in the day. :)

[don_k]

Being quite a oldbie sonic fan I can tell you that while the DS games are good in their own way, they play totally different to the classic games. also rush 1 has way too many make a mistake and you instantly die or fall into a bottomless pit moments which the original games never hardly had, and that rush is too heavily based on stunts and boosting.

Yes, but it's still one of the best Sonic incarnation compared to others like the GBA version or other 3D version (except unleash which is ok too).
The GBA version encouraged players to explore the world a la Mario, which is so unlike Sonice where players are encouraged to blaze through levels.

[starjimstar]

Is there any indication that Sega will release Sonic 2? I think I liked the sequel better. And WiFi multiplayer would kick serious booty.

[starjimstar]

Oh, and will I still be able to cheat?

[gootch12]

Sorry about this being sorta off topic but...

All this Sonic talk made me go bust out my old Genesis, complete with the original Sonic cartridge, from the back of my closet.

No prob, exactly where I left it (you know, like 10 or 12 years ago). Controllers, rf unit, console itself, but...NO POWER SUPPLY! :mad:

WTF! How did that happen! :confused::eek:

I'm bummed. Does that bite or what!?!

[Jared2k9]

:DThis game is going to be awsome. I agree with other people that they should enhance the graphics to be 3D and not 2D. I also agree with other people about making the other sonic sequels. Someone else mentioned multiplayer. If that's possible you should totally go for it as an update. I cant wait for this game to come out in the spring. I just hope its not going to be to expensive. :D

[don_k]

Maybe it's just the way I wrote that sentence that makes you disagree it. And though I don't fully agree with everything you said, it seems our opinions are not too polarised. In fact, there's a lot in common, so I don't think I'll have to debate :)

[Rohan Dalal]

i love sonic..cant wait to see it on the iphone/ipod t.

[Kamazar]

Damn you, SEGA.


... I didn't feel like writing an essay :p

[K.D!]

Seriously SEGA... WTF?! This game was announced back at the same time Assasins Creed and Resident Evil: Degeneration were announced. All three games are ports of an existing game and yet AC and RE:D have both now been released... without trying to be disrespectful to the origional Sonic games (hate the 3D ones, well, except the 3Dish Sonic Rush games), I would've thought that this one would've been the easiest, and therefore quickest, of the three announced games to port? So why's it taking so long?

[crimson.]

Seriously SEGA... WTF?! This game was announced back at the same time Assasins Creed and Resident Evil: Degeneration were announced. All three games are ports of an existing game and yet AC and RE:D have both now been released... without trying to be disrespectful to the origional Sonic games (hate the 3D ones, well, except the 3Dish Sonic Rush games), I would've thought that this one would've been the easiest, and therefore quickest, of the three announced games to port? So why's it taking so long?
Maybe they want to make it good or something stupid like that.

[nizy]

Maybe they're struggling with the controls? I mean Sonic is a fast game, where quick reactions and responsive controls are required. With that in mind, I don't think a virtual d-pad or accelerometer would be able to cope, based on my experience with the platformers currently available.

I think the only way to truly do Sonic on iPhone is in full 3D, with the camera behind Sonic like in Snail Mail. In fact, use the Snail Mail graphics engine (the cool cell shaded look is awesome) and add some of Sonic's classic attacks (gesture based), a good variety of enemies, all the standard power-ups, some traps (spikes, dead ends), multiple paths (see Unleashed - more difficult to access quicker paths) and multiple zones/worlds! Add a decent score system for each level with unlockables (wallpapers, soundtrack, artwork, bonus challenges like in Unleashed) for gaining an s rank ala Unleashed. Maybe even online leaderboards? Now that would be amazing! :D

Knowing Sega, we'll just get a quick port with dodgy controls! :mad:

[K.D!]

Maybe they want to make it good or something stupid like that.

You're virtually guaranteed at least one wise ass answer on here :rolleyes:

Anyway, I agree with Nizy, I think the controls seem to be the only reason I can think of that that is delaying the game. Not so much because of the 'speed' because the early Sonic games were more about platform negociating (sp?) than they were sprinting to the finish. I would go as far as to say they are actually quite slow, at least in comparrison to the speed of Sonic games we're used to now... I really can't imagine a virtual d-pad being a 'big' issue (but you are right, it hasn't been successfully implemented in many of the similar style games currently available).

Unless SEGA are adding in some additional content (which it wouldn't surprise me if they didn't) then it seems that 'controls' would be the only issue delaying what sounds like a straight port... and if after all this time they're still having problems, it makes you wonder whether it's worth it. I want it regardless of their controls because I've always had a soft spot for the first two Sonic games, it just seems strange that the port seems to be taking so long (though if they go the Resident Evil: Degeneration route, then for all we know it's already been submitted and due for release any day... I can only hope).

[gscal]

Do everything Sonic Unleashed did, without the nighttime crap. And I have a control scheme, comment on it or criticize it if you want:

Roll to move left or right, like Bounce On. Tap once to jump, double-tap quickly to do a homing attack. When a different path opens up, a button pops up in the bottom right/left, switch it up to make it more difficult. Tap the button on time (a few seconds tops), and you go down the separate path. Shake to do a Sonic Boost.

What do you think?

EDIT: Instead of the roll to move, there's also an option to have an on-screen d-pad (that should be very responsive ;)) to control Sonic.

[K.D!]

Do everything Sonic Unleashed did, without the nighttime crap.

Hell yeah to that!!!

[don_k]

Roll to move left or right, like Bounce On. Tap once to jump, double-tap quickly to do a homing attack. When a different path opens up, a button pops up in the bottom right/left, switch it up to make it more difficult. Tap the button on time (a few seconds tops), and you go down the separate path. Shake to do a Sonic Boost.

What do you think?

Sorry, I don't like Bounce On controls. It feels weird and out of control.

[gscal]

Sorry, I don't like Bounce On controls. It feels weird and out of control.

Maybe not the same exact controls, but the same control scheme.

[nizy]

Anyway, I agree with Nizy, I think the controls seem to be the only reason I can think of that that is delaying the game. Not so much because of the 'speed' because the early Sonic games were more about platform negociating (sp?) than they were sprinting to the finish. I would go as far as to say they are actually quite slow, at least in comparrison to the speed of Sonic games we're used to now... I really can't imagine a virtual d-pad being a 'big' issue (but you are right, it hasn't been successfully implemented in many of the similar style games currently available).

Roll to move left or right, like Bounce On. Tap once to jump, double-tap quickly to do a homing attack. When a different path opens up, a button pops up in the bottom right/left, switch it up to make it more difficult. Tap the button on time (a few seconds tops), and you go down the separate path. Shake to do a Sonic Boost.

What do you think?

EDIT: Instead of the roll to move, there's also an option to have an on-screen d-pad (that should be very responsive ;)) to control Sonic.

The problem is the fact that Sonic was not designed to be used with a virtual d-pad or accelerometer; it was designed for a physical, responsive d-pad. Sonic is a fast game - he is a character who quickly gains speed, and a major part of the game is dealing with that such as avoiding hazards. Thus controls have to be very responsive - how annoying would it be to lose all your rings because the jump "button" didn't recognize your tap? At least in the original, if I lost my rings, I knew it was my own fault!

Lets take a quick look at some platformers for the iPhone and see how well their controls work.
1. Bounce On - accelerometer movement, tap to jump. It is functional, but can be infuriating at times. Maybe if they allowed us to adjust the sensitivity that would improve. Also, bear in mind that this is a much slower game, with levels designed around the constraints of these controls.
2. Toy Bot Diaries - accelerometer movement + touch. This is more puzzle based and very slow paced, with helps the controls work.
3. Sway - gesture based controls. This works well, but is a very unique set up, not suited to Sonic.
4. Archibalds Adventures - d-pad + buttons. Functional, but slower, puzzle based again. The d-pad is ok, but frequently doesn't recognize actions.
5. Rolando - accelrometer + gestures. Works very well, but its a slower, puzzle based platformer.
6. Snail Mail (sort of a platformer) - accelerometer + tap to shoot. Great controls, very fluid movement and certainly has the same sort of fast paced action as Sonic.

gscal, what games (especially 2D platformers) have you played using a virtual d-pad that are so brilliantly responsive? Most that i've tried are either visually intrusive (take up a lot of screen space) or are quite slow and unresponsive, especially when quickly performing actions. Same goes for action buttons too.

I still hold out hope that Sega will make a new Sonic, like that stated in my previous post.

EDIT: Bounce On becomes annoying to me when trying to get the golds. It becomes faster like Sonic, but at the same time less controllable.

[don_k]

@nizy:
I don't agree Archibald's Adventure controls are not responsive. From all the iPlatformers I've tried, it has the best virtual d-pad and one of the best controls. Rick Rocketson is also good, but AA has better controls.

I love playing AA and if not for the puzzle, I wouldn't mind roaming and exploring the levels. I agree it might not be responsive enough for Sonic, but certainly great in its own rights – and for me it even works better than Rolando or ToyBot.

[nizy]

I love playing AA and if not for the puzzle, I wouldn't mind roaming and exploring the levels. I agree it might not be responsive enough for Sonic, but certainly great in its own rights – and for me it even works better than Rolando or ToyBot.

That's exactly what I was saying: it works because its been designed with the limitations of the control scheme in mind - slower pace, puzzles, simple platforming.

[indyraider4]

maybe have accelerometer and touch to jump, but when you release, not when you tap. so you hold on to the screen while moving and let go to jump. This would be much more precise.

[Capeman]

And it's out...

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=316050001&mt=8

[STP_Tim]

And it's out...

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=316050001&mt=8

Not in the US store...

[VoodooVyper]

Link for US store?

[VeganTnT]

And it's out...

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=316050001&mt=8

You need to also post what store you are using

NOT available in US store

[jchampl]

vegant I posted the correct link in the games forum. it is available in the US store. you just need to have the correct link.

[VeganTnT]

vegant I posted the correct link in the games forum. it is available in the US store. you just need to have the correct link.

Just read it ;) those screenshots don't impress me though. I was hoping for at least a gba or ds port rather than a genesis one