Joystiq

TGS 08: We love Sonic Unleashed's Werehog ... costume

Ludwig Kietzmann — 2008-10-09T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360

As much as we hate how Sonic's roots have been clawed out by some furry, fanged and stretchy-limbed abomination, we must grudgingly admit that the Werehog is -- at least on the Tokyo Game Show floor -- almost bordering on sort of cool. As is the case with most obnoxious, product-peddling mascots, we ultimately have to go with the one we'd prefer to hug. And just look at that guy's huge arms!

(Our next TGS goal: to capture an image of both Sonics together.)

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Sonic's bad side shows in Sonic Unleashed vid

Randy Nelson — 2008-09-12T22:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360

Oh Sonic. For years we've followed your adventures as a rubber-armed, lumbering Werehog with childish wonderment. Wait. A. Second. You're not Sonic! He's the zippy little blue guy in the really cool, actually Sonic the Hedgehog looking first half of the new Sonic Unleashed trailer we've got after the break. You're ... you're a monster. You probably ate him.

What. That's Sonic? And you play as him like this at night? Why? We see ... no one knows. Great. Well, we'll just have to set our system clocks ahead 12 hours every time we play. It's ... not tied to the system clock? Then we'll just skip those levels. Please tell us you can skip those levels.

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GC 2008: Sega screenshot roundup

Randy Nelson — 2008-08-20T22:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Nintendo DS, PC, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Fighting, RPGs, Strategy

Sega has a mighty lineup on public display (and behind closed doors) at Leipzig Games Convention 2008, comprised of titles from the East and West. MadWorld and Bayonetta, its collaborations with former Clover Studios staff, are there, as are Sonic games, strategy titles, DS wares, and more. But there's nary a sign of PSP support to be found. And it was doing so well with games like Crush. Ah well. You can check out screenshot galleries of everything Sega has on show after the break.

Gallery: Alpha Protocol (Leipzig 2008)

Gallery: Bayonetta (Leipzig 2008)

Gallery: Alpha Protocol (Leipzig 2008)

Gallery: Bayonetta (Leipzig 2008)

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Sega realizes Sonic games haven't been very good

Randy Nelson — 2008-08-07T15:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Culture, Business

In an interview with GameDaily, Sega's VP of marketing, Sean Ratcliffe, formally acknowledged something that, oh, every gamer and members of the media have known for the past decade: the Sonic franchise has largely gone to poop. Well, Ratcliffe didn't go that far. He did offer explanations, promises, and gently worded ways of saying that Sega is going to continue doing ... the same old thing with the Blue Blur (except for the, um, "werehog" part). In summary:

"Some of that criticism is probably warranted. We definitely recognize that a franchise that has been going as long as Sonic, you really have to put a huge amount of effort in to make sure that you maintain that quality ... which is why you're seeing us this year taking the first steps in making sure the quality is right, and we're constantly looking at innovation ... you know, blending classic 2D gameplay with 3D, beautiful landscapes, rich environments. Then with a nice innovative twist, we're taking Sonic in a different direction, slow him down and he transforms into a 'Werehog.' And that changes the gameplay again. For fans of Sonic that have been looking for a next-gen experience, this is the game they've been waiting for."

Slow him down? ... *facepalm* (Oh BioWare, save us now!)

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Joystiq E3 eyes-on: Sonic Unleashed

Jem Alexander — 2008-07-21T17:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Features, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, E3

Sonic has had a hard time since he discovered the third dimension. Not only is he now chubbier, but his adventures in 3D-land have been met with lukewarm reception. The general consensus is that the last great Sonic game was on the Sega Genesis. With Sonic Unleashed Sega are hoping to reinvigorate the franchise with a focus on speed and platforming, as well as evolving the character (literally) into something unique.

The first thing you notice about Unleashed is that it's very pretty. Even with rough shadows and unfinished lighting physics, the game looks gorgeous. It looks like it might also play quite nicely, depending on controls. There are two different styles of gameplay in Unleashed which, together, could satisfy most Sonic fans.

For a lot of people the name Sonic is synonymous with "speed," and the day-time missions in Unleashed reflect this. The first level seemed simple enough -- hold the analog stick in the right direction and watch Sonic go, making sure to jump in time. Obviously, this won't be true throughout the game, later levels will feature more precise platforming sections and less non-stop running. There are also different routes to take throughout the levels, which require a specific button combination press in order to reach.

Gallery: Sonic Unleashed

For those who enjoyed the 2D Sonic games for the exploration, the newly-revealed nighttime levels will be more to your taste. During the opening of the game Sonic is transformed into a Werehog. By day he is unaffected, but at night he becomes slower but far more powerful. His arms elongate and become elastic, allowing him to climb and batter his enemies into nothing with his fists.

These nighttime portions of the game feel reminiscent of old PS1 platformers, such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro. There's exploration and combat mixed in, to give us a bit of downtime after the fast-paced daytime levels. Combat looks very stylish, with purple and blue sparks flying out of Sonic's now oversized fists. We just wish we knew how the controls feel.

Sonic Unleashed will be polished and will certainly look good when it's released this Christmas. If the entire game plays as platformy as the levels we've seen, then it will also play well. We're reserving judgment, for the most part, until we get some hands-on times with the game. Until then all we can say is that Sonic Unleashed is looking to be the best 3D Sonic game yet -- although that's not saying much.

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Joystiq interview: Sonic Unleashed producer on nighttime stages, Werehog Sonic, more

Majed Athab — 2008-07-15T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Adventure, Interviews, E3

We've been wondering what everyone's favorite Sega mascot, Sonic, has been up to lately. Since Sega's Gamers Day in May, the company has been pretty quiet regarding Sonic Unleashed -- the latest console adventure for the speeding hedgehog. To find out, we caught up with the US Producer for Sonic Unleashed, Patrick Riley, to see what sort of information he could tell us. As it turns out, we've got tons more info on the blue hero. Here's but a small taste; we've got the full interview after the break.

Joystiq: We're most interested in the day and night gameplay, specifically when Sonic changes into an unleashed beast. We're wondering if this will play out in real-time as players go through a stage, or are there set stages specifically for night time?
Patrick Riley: Certain parts of the action stages are built for both day and night gameplay. When in these areas and when in the villages, in-game time will pass and Sonic will transform. However, we're making sure that the player won't be "stuck" in a form they don't want and it will be easy to automatically advance the clock. Other parts of the action stages are built specifically for day or night gameplay. While Sonic is in these areas, in-game time will not pass.

How many stages are there? We've seen "Greece" and "Europe" but what other themes are there?
We'll be talking about the number of environments later but there are plenty we haven't touched on at all, and of course we'll be reserving some of them to be found by the players. In addition to Greece and Europe, however, players will visit China and Africa, as well. There are daytime and nighttime stages in each environment, in addition to unlockable mini-stages. Players will explore numerous locations throughout the globe, each of which has been rendered like never before in a Sonic game.

Tell us more about Sonic's "dark side." Will we be seeing it soon?

"There are daytime and nighttime stages in each environment, in addition to unlockable mini-stages."

Yes, we are showing off the nighttime gameplay for the first time [at E3]. At night, Sonic transforms into a more bestial form with super-strength and the ability to stretch his arms. He'll use these new powers to beat down enemies in a fully-fleshed out combat system, and to traverse the environment to reach areas he could never reach before.

What about story? How did Sonic gain his werewolf persona?
This will be revealed in the opening minutes of the game, in the coolest opening cinematic ever seen in a Sonic game. But I wouldn't want to spoil the specifics at this time.

We heard we can play as characters other than Sonic. Can you share with us who they are?
You will play as Sonic in his classic speedster form, as well as Sonic in his new Werehog form. Beyond that, you will be able to play one other character for short sections, such as mini-games, but the game is 99% Sonic in his two forms.

Speaking of stages, we saw the new trailer (that debuted a few weeks ago) -- the one with timed button-input events which look like they're there for branching paths. Can you explain how these events work?

**"Certain parts of the action stages are built for both day and night gameplay ... Other parts ... are built specifically for day or night gameplay."**

There are two different ways that the paths branch. First is the standard branch up or down, left or right, that you choose on-the-fly during gameplay. Secondly, are the timed button-input events. These all happen during jumps, and if you input the button presses correctly Sonic will jump just a little bit further or higher and access a different part of the level.

We heard there's a new combat system in place. What's that all about?
At nighttime there is a fully-fleshed out combat system through which Sonic can use his new powers to beat down his enemies in big brawls. There are dozens of combos, grabs, throws, giant swings -- lots of fun stuff to do.

Tell us about boss battles. How does Sonic's new abilities play into boss battles?
Sonic will face some of the bosses in his classic speedster form, and some in his new Werehog form. He'll use his super speed to fight the former, and his new combat prowess to overcome the latter.

Will there be any console exclusive content for any of the four versions in development?

"...the game is 99% Sonic in his two forms."

There is no exclusive content for any single console. However, as we have discussed before there are two development silos. So there are many differences between the titles being developed for 360 and PS3 with the titles that are being developed for Wii and PS2.

Will there be a playable demo on PlayStation Network or Xbox Live before game's release?
Yes, the current plan is to release a playable demo shortly before or right around release.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
We hope longtime Sonic fans find that Sonic Unleashed enhances the series they've been enjoying for years, and that it's the best Sonic experience they've ever played. We also hope Sonic Unleashed can create a whole new generation of fans with its fresh take on a long-running and acclaimed series.

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Sonic gets 'Unleashed' on the real world in new trailer

Kyle Orland — 2008-07-15T11:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

A partial list of things that the below trailer could be used for (with only minor edits to the end):

A new Rayman: Raving Rabbids game (BWAAAAAAH!)
The Dark Night movie
The new season of Heroes
A new alternate reality game
The sequel to Wii Fit (OK, this one might be a stretch)

No, as the title of this post suggests, this video is actually a mysterious trip through some of the real-world style locales that it seems the newly hulkified Sonic will be grinding all over in Sonic Unleashed. It's a shame, too. We really love those Rabbids.

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New Sonic Unleashed clip highlights speedy foot-age

Ludwig Kietzmann — 2008-06-19T15:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

Well, that was terrible. The headline, we mean. IGN's new video of Sonic Unleashed gameplay (check it after the break!), on the other hand, is actually quite exciting. Though gameplay looks a little on the simplistic side, the side-scrolling shots of Sonic speeding through a colorful city certainly show off a solid graphics engine, not to mention an electric pace.

And no grating sidekicks in sight! We'll have more of this, please.

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Sonic Unleashed impressions: all Sonic, no Unleashed

Christopher Grant — 2008-05-16T13:12:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360

If you were hoping that Sega was going to use its recent Gamers Day event to show off the "unleashed" half of Sonic Unleashed, you'll be disappointed to learn that the speedy blue hedgehog is still very much "leashed" ... even after breaking out of his cage some months back. Despite being unwilling to sway from its rigid marketing schedule and share what we're assuming is going to be the game's key selling point - the nighttime (and "unleashed" werewolf Sonic we presume) half - Sega does want us to reconsider a traditional Sonic game working in 3D. That would be the daytime half.

The presentation began with an explanation that, although the game is being developed by Sonic Team - the very same development team that delivered the universally panned next-gen Sonic the Hedgehog in 2006 - it is in fact a different team that "didn't work on the last one." Apparently the game's lead designer, Yoshihisa Hashimoto, "understands well where the failings were there." If you find it comforting that Sega's owning up for the previous title's shortcomings, you're not alone but we're a long way from being sold on the latest outing.

Gallery: Sonic Unleashed

To start, the game is built on an entirely new engine dubbed the "Hedgehog Engine." Don't let the totally clever name fool you; despite being built for Sonic's specific needs - ie: it loads art and whatnot very quick - it's a multipurpose engine, and it's been in development since 2005. How is a fancy new engine going to bring Sonic into the modern world of games? By going back to its roots.

The two levels Sega shared were definitely fast. In the first level, Sonic zipped through some six miles of terrain in roughly 3-1/2 minutes. The levels included Sonic hallmarks like split paths - about 15 in this particular. Some splits involve a button press quick-time event (hit the right buttons, get the better path) while others were simply left or right, up or down. New moves include the Sonic Drift which, you can surmise, is similar to drift racing, slinging Sonic around hairpin curves. The other is Quick Step - instead of running straight into a wall, or an enemy, or laser beams (you get the idea), Sonic can quickly jump left or right by tapping the controller's bumpers.

If you've seen the trailer, you've already seen the split between "2D" and 3D gameplay which is admittedly pretty seamless thanks to a solid camera system. The presentation certainly emphasized the game's speed, making it feel like a classic Sonic side scroller. While that's bad news for fans of Sonic's Dreamcast adventures (and the rep did say there was no "real" adventure element), there will be an "optional" overworld. Nevertheless, with an entirely separate "combat fighting" mechanic (as opposed to that other type of fighting) making up the nighttime half, we're as skeptical as ever of this latest attempt to reboot the popular mascot's flagship series. We'll know more at E3. Probably.

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Put Sonic's face on your chest

Griffin McElroy — 2008-04-12T11:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Culture

There are many reasons to desire a shirt emblazoned with the countenance of Sega's spiky, azure mascot -- perhaps as a celebratory measure following the formal announcement of Sonic's upcoming 2D/3D adventure, Sonic Unleashed. Maybe you want to want to make your own personal Jaleelitude known to the world. Or just maybe, you want to warn could-be attackers that you've seen the Sonic PSAs, and that you know how to protect your bathing suit area from uncomfortable touches.

Such a shirt exists, as do a number of other garments featuring characters from other Sega mainstays (such as Virtua Fighter and House of the Dead) from a Japanese clothier named UNIQLO -- unfortunately, said tees are only available in Japan. However, as our controller-waggling brethren at Wii Fanboy discovered, UNIQLO has stores in the UK and in New York -- so at least we can hope for a timely port.

Gallery: UNIQLO Sega shirt series

[Via Wii Fanboy]

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Sonic Unleashed reboots series, ignores last two games

Scott Jon Siegel — 2008-04-09T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Adventure

Thanks to Batman Begins, we're now all familiar with the concept of "rebooting" a series -- ignoring one or more of its previous installments to start over with a clean slate. Sega's apparently familiar with the concept as well, as Sonic Unleashed has "no relation" to either Sonic the Hedgehog on PS3 and 360, or Sonic and the Secret Rings, and will instead be more like a Sonic Adventure 3, only with more hulkhogs.

Official Nintendo Magazine talked with lead designer Yoshihisa Hashimoto about the direction of the new title, and learned that the team went back to square one with both the design and engine for the game. The game is said to be comparable to the aging Sonic Adventure games, albeit with a few new tricks and hopefully improved platforming. Regarding the hulkhog, Hashmito reveals that Sonic's altered form controls more slowly (duh), but can knock objects out of the way rather than dodging, and propels himself forward Donkey Kong-style with massive forearms used to swing across the ground.

We're all for rebooting the series, but we personally hope that Unleashed shares more in common with Sonic's pre-Adventure titles, rather than the character-laden, awkward-camera experiences in the Dreamcast outings.

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Sonic the Hulkhog unleashed in new teaser

Alexander Sliwinski — 2008-04-08T01:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

Ignore for about three seconds Sega's laughably broken Sonic Unleashed marketing which released gameplay footage before a teaser trailer (above), and just focus on what we'll soon be calling -- with great frequency -- Sonic the Hulkhog. Sonic done gone and got himself rabies, girrrrrl!

We have no clear idea of what's going on in the teaser, but this probably has something to do with the "unusual situation" Sonic is faced with in Unleashed and the images of Wolf Sonic we've seen. We're sure to get more information soon, unless Sega's marketing keeps up its new reversal trend and releases the game before they give out any more information.

Gallery: Sonic Unleashed

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Sonic Unleashed officially announced, slated for Holiday 2008

Ludwig Kietzmann — 2008-04-03T13:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

Though we've been feeding it leftovers since last month, Sega of America has finally knocked on our door and confirmed that the adorable stray cat in our care did indeed have its origins in the publisher's bag. Much to our surprise, Sega also informed us that the cat is actually ... a hedgehog. We thought it felt a bit strange petting the dear thing, but are no less alarmed by Sega's evil habit of stuffing small creatures in bags.

Developed by the "renowned" Sonic Team, Sonic Unleashed promises a return to the blazing blue mammal's roots in "an unforgettable high-speed journey around the globe." Set for release on the Xbox, PlayStation 3, Wii and PlayStation 2, the game ditches low-tech blast processing for the "Hedgehog Engine," which "introduces seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, whilst delivering a rich and expansive world with multiple paths to choose from." It certainly sounds like we're taking a step in the right direction, but given our previous next-gen brush with Sonic, we're not convinced we won't just clip right through the floor and fall out of the level.

Sega further notes that Sonic is faced with an "unusual situation" this time around, with gameplay changing from day to night (must be the wolf thing) and "combat fighting" becoming possible. We'll learn more about what exactly that means closer to the game's late 2008 release. (For now, watch the trailer -- posted after the break.)

Gallery: Sonic Unleashed

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