With the holiday season getting closer, fights over a “split fanbase” at a fever pitch and rationale in short supply, I’ve noticed something. Something unexpected. Something… colorful.
With the debut trailer of Colors and the critically abysmal state of the 3D Sonic titles, the initial reaction to Colors outside the ever-loyal echelon of the Sonic community (the “TrueSons”) was a resounding “god-effin’-damnit.” The track record of 3D Sonic games and the fact that Sonic 4 was coming out made it look like another rushed release in a cluttered SEGA schedule. It surely didn’t help when the full version of the game’s theme song was an atrocious assault on the ears with asinine vocals and lyrics. Despite SEGA’s track record and tendency to solicit butt-rock bands, Colors has been quietly outperforming SEGA’s jump on the retro bandwagon, the highly-anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. Gaming media outlets have rarely had anything negative to say about the upcoming 3D-title, even putting it higher on their wish list than Sonic 4.
I couldn’t believe it. Weren’t 3D Sonic games supposed to be rushed, poorly-designed, gimmicky affairs with an over-emphasis on speed, devoid of platforming?
One of my Facebook friends, reacting to the Colors debut trailer.Standard protocol for 3D Sonic since 2006.
Earlier this summer, when I was looking through GameTrailers’ “Best of E3 Awards,” I saw that they willingly left Sonic 4 out of the “Best Platformer” category due to a lack of polish. What? Most people outside of us curmudgeonly old fucks have been giving a free pass to Sonic 4 just for being “retro,” so I expected it to show up. They turned right around and nominated Sonic Colors, along with Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Donkey Kong Country Returns and LittleBigPlanet 2. Colors was standing toe-to-toe with triple-A titles.
I was convinced right then and there. Sonic Colors is looking fine and I want it.
Yeah, I know… I’m leaping into stage 1 of a certain cycle, something I’ve avoided with outright disdain for anything SEGA has tried to push on its fans. I feel different about Colors though. After reading up on the game’s premise a few months ago and watching every gameplay video out there, Colors is trying to follow Super Mario Galaxy‘s footsteps. A large majority of people made the connections from the start. Well, if SEGA is trying to emulate the second and third best games ever made, I have no problem. If calling to the experiences that Mario has had this generation fixes the ailments of present-day Sonic, then I’m all for it.
Though, it’s still kind of funny how shamelessly they are borrowing from Galaxy. Themed planets? Drill power-up? They are not even trying to hide it, which is probably why I don’t care. It works.
From a Sonic standpoint, Colors is looking like what everybody wanted: the Unleashed daytime levels with major adjustments (and a few subtle ones that I’ve been really appreciating). From the looks of it, the boost button is gone and relegated to a Wisp power-up (wow, I haven’t said “power-up” in regards to Sonic in a long time). The removal of boost also came with a slight reduction of Sonic’s normal speed, so I can actually play the game and see some of the best graphics the Wii has to offer. The transitions from 2D to 3D also seem a bit more natural and smooth, as Sonic glides from platforms to wacky grind rails. The way that SEGA utilizes the Z-axis to make Sonic weave in and out of scenery, while still remaining in 2D gameplay, is outstanding. It’s a beautiful thing. Reminds me of the great time I had playing Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.
There’s no bullshit with this game either. No hub worlds, no Sun Medals… nothing to inhibit you from sheer platforming bliss. An actual pick up and play experience.
Power-Ups make a much needed return to Sonic games.
The gameplay of Sonic Colors is not the sole thing generating the positive vibes for this title. I haven’t seen a SEGA PR person talk up this game like, “the next big thing” or “the grand return of Sonic.” I’m not seeing that typical SEGA hyperbole with Sonic Colors. Colors is like Sonic 4′s chill older brother. The only press that I have seen talking up the game is SEGA’s Marcella Churchill saying that, “it’s what the fans have been asking for,” in regards to stripping Unleashed of the werehog and tightening up the daytime gameplay. Any way you look at it, you can’t go wrong with that statement.
SEGA PR isn’t off the hook, though. They always manage to screw up.
You guys know me. I’ve been around. I’ve got my hands in a fan project or two. I’m entrenched in Sonic 1, 2, 3&K and CD and haven’t enjoyed a whole lot since then. Highlights were sparse with Triple Trouble, Sonic R (<-lying here), Sonic Pocket Adventure, Sonic Advance, and Sonic Heroes (<-not lying here). One would not expect me to enjoy Sonic Colors, especially since Sonic 4 is coming out at the same time. Don’t tell that to SEGA West president Mike Hayes, though:
“We’ve got to make games that appeal to the 7-to-12-year-old, which is exactly what Colours will do, and then we need to appeal to the core gamer, which is what Sonic 4 is doing.”
Was that really necessary? Do you see Nintendo marketing Super Mario Galaxy to younger gamers and New Super Mario Bros. Wii to older gamers? No, because they appeal to all people. The sales certainly demonstrate that claim. Sonic has always been a character that appeals in that sense, too. He’s so appealing that he still has a fanbase after years of being average to downright awful (hey, I’m still here!). You don’t have to officially make a divide.
Is this an obscure enough reference for ya?
You also don’t have to keep saying, “this is Sonic 4 as you imagined it.” This statement doesn’t apply to all people. In fact, I bet it only applies to a minority of people. I know that it’s just silly PR, but come on. Sixteen years is a long time to imagine. Personally, my friends Euan and Joseph encapsulated my imagination back in 2007. With the constant physics issues of Sonic 4 (trust me, there are tons), it’s like asking for the Red Mega Man and getting “Ants in the Pants.” At least the public outcry is gradually fixing it.
I guess I’m not allowed to like Sonic Colors more than Sonic 4. SEGA said so.
I thought being rated “E” meant that it was for “Everyone.”
