This is the problem, a single title can’t ”please both” so that’s why 2 ”different types” of Sonic are due this year. Giving choice should please fans.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is due on Xbox 360 and PS3 as a download title - it invokes the more 2D classic Sonic platforming days with up-to-date visuals. Sonic Colours for Wii and DS though is 3D like 2008’s Sonic Unleashed.
”The fundamentals of both games, the 3D Sonic or the 2D side-scrolling games, are the same,” commented Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka.
”Sonic is all about the speed and the platforming. It just comes down to how the gameplay differs when you’re playing in 3D and 2D side-scrolling.”
”I understand there are differences in the ways users interpret the 3D side than the fans who particularly like the 2D classic side of the game,” continued Iizuka-san.
”This is why we’re releasing two different types of Sonic games this year – to please the 2D classic fans who have been playing from the Genesis. Sonic 4 is more for those fans.” Sonic 4 will also release as digital episodes on XBLA and PSN.
”There are also fans who like the 3D Sonic games, which have been released in the past couple of years. Sonic Colours is probably more for the users who appreciate the 3D side of Sonic.” The Sonic Adventures games for Dreamcast weren’t so bad for 3D titles, but after them the critical reception has dropped notably from the brand.
”Those fans are not positive towards the recent 3D Sonic games because we’ve been releasing only 3D Sonic games in the past couple of years,” he said. ”It’s hard to please both 2D and 3D fans at the same time, in the same title for instance.”
”This is why the team decided to release two different types of Sonic games. It’s always hard to dodge every negative perception or make everybody happy with just one title. So we’re giving two options to the users,” he adds. ”So, either way, you’ll be pleased.”
Has Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 for Xbox 360 and PS3 made your list?