Sonic 4: Episode 2 Screens & Media Topic

[Soniman]

One screenshot shows a chain of Bubbles. Why would they be there if not for the homing attack? Another shot shows Sonic jumping near both a Chop Chop and spring, but there's no reticule. Either they removed the reticule, Sonic is too close to the ground to attack (seems very unlikely though) or the move has been removed altogether. It's difficult to call at the moment, but I'd be really surprised (and pleased) if the HA wasn't there.

[Autosaver]

One screenshot shows a chain of Bubbles. Why would they be there if not for the homing attack? Another shot shows Sonic jumping near both a Chop Chop and spring, but there's no reticule. Either they removed the reticule, Sonic is too close to the ground to attack (seems very unlikely though) or the move has been removed altogether. It's difficult to call at the moment, but I'd be really surprised (and pleased) if the HA wasn't there.

[Indigo Rush]

A grainy animated gif on loop, alternating between episode 1 and episode 2 screens. Enjoy:

[frokenok3]

Wow, thanks for that. That really helps express the effort they put into the second episode.

Would you believe that there are a couple members on Retro who are complaining that the graphics in the new screenshots are too realistic?

[Blue Blood]

Or it could be just the fact that Sonic can't homming attack underwater, just like in Colors and Generations.

[Barry the Nomad]

Thanks to there no longer being a dislike option to posts, I can safely say that I do like how Lost Labyrinth and Mad Gear turned out. I actually really like their designs (talking visually, not stage layout). Splash Hill and Casino Street served their purpose for me, I don't hate them, but I don't love them.

The new stuff is looking really great, I think in part because Sonic and Tails' models are actually within the environments. Looks as though they even are affected by light sources and blend in with the stages real well.

Interesting note regarding the cross fading screens, the HUD in ep 2 shifts to the left a tad. Plus, they don't specify the character name next to the life icon.

[The Cube]

Wow, thanks for that. That really helps express the effort they put into the second episode.

Would you believe that there are a couple members on Retro who are complaining that the graphics in the new screenshots are too realistic?

[sonfan1984]

Wow, thanks for that. That really helps express the effort they put into the second episode.

Would you believe that there are a couple members on Retro who are complaining that the graphics in the new screenshots are too realistic?

[Soniman]

Episode 1 made everything pop out in a disgusting way, with a ton of shit clashing together.

Episode 2 is more subdued and only pops out when necessary, that's what I like about it.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Grooseinator032

[The Cube]

Episode 1 made everything POP out in a disgusting way, with a ton of shit clashing together.

Episode 2 is more subdued and only pops out when necessary, that's what I like about it.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Mechanized Cube

[Scar]

I just believe a splash of style wouldn't hurt.

The only things I see popping out in those screen shots are Sonic, Tails, the enemies, the rocket, and the backgrounds. Nothing else looks visually appealing to me.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Scar

[SilentDoom]

I just believe a splash of style wouldn't hurt.

The only things I see popping out in those screen shots are Sonic, Tails, the enemies, the rocket, and the backgrounds. Nothing else looks visually appealing to me.

[The Cube]

So that would be most of what's on screen.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Mechanized Cube

[TheOcelot]

Has anyone noticed that there is no rocket underneath the bit plane (which Tails is piloting) in that sceenshot.

In Sky Chase Zone in Sonic 2 there is no rocket (jet fire) powering the plane. However, after the plane is shot down at the start of Wing Fortress Zone, when it next appears there is a small rocket attached at the bottom of the plane. This is also the case in S3&K. In Ep2 that little rocket is not there.

[Pawn]

Has anyone noticed that there is no rocket underneath the bit plane (which Tails is piloting) in that sceenshot.

In Sky Chase Zone in Sonic 2 there is no rocket (jet fire) powering the plane. However, after the plane is shot down at the start of Wing Fortress Zone, when it next appears there is a small rocket attached at the bottom of the plane. This is also the case in S3&K. In Ep2 that little rocket is not there.

That was to enable the plane to reach higher altitudes wasn't it? I guess if they're just travelling from one island to another of whatever, he doesn't need it.

Rather have that than Ep 1's cardboard cutouts. It was so disgustingly flat by comparison. It wasn't even stylistic, it just looked bad.

Agreed. Although it still looks a bit 'highway in the sky' in the outdoor parts, it looks leagues better than Episode 1.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Lungo

[Debug Ring]

Hopefully the screen of the plane landing is after a 'sky chase' like level.

i think it will most likely be the start of the game though

but maybe not considering sonic ended EP 1 on tails' rocket

[Blue Blood]

Man, you guys really don't like people complaining about ANYTHING...

Hi there. I'm one of SSMB's top resident bitchy-whiny-pants. Nice to meet you! Just so you know, there's a difference between opinions and facts, agreeing and disagreeing, and correcting.

You're complaining about dull colours in this game, when in actuality you're looking at a number of screenshots in dark areas. They're either underwater or not in daylight at all. Episode 1 had no regard for lighting and believe me, I don't shut up about just how awful it was. I just really, really don't get what on Earth you're complaining about. You don't have to like the look of the game at all, but do you have a valid reason that you can actually explain? These levels are full of vibrant colours, and unlike E1, contrast and special effects. I just don't get this whole "dull colours" thing.

Edited February 15, 2012 by HYDROCITEE

[redhellc]

I have to ask something, if that really is the little planet from cd then that would mean that episode 2 is, at least, one year after cd right?

[The Cube]

Hi there. I'm one of SSMB's top resident bitchy-whiny-pants. Nice to meet you!

Just so you know, there's a difference between opinions and facts, and disagreeing and correcting. You're complaining about dull colours in this game, when in actuality you're looking at a number of screenshots in dark areas. They're either underwater or not in daylight at all. Episode 1 had no regard for lighting and believe me, I don't shut up about just how awful it was. I just really, really don't get what on Earth you're complaining about. You don't have to like the look of the game at all, but do you have a valid reason that you can actually explain? These levels are full of vibrant colours, and unlike E1, contrast and special effects. I just don't get this whole "dull colours" thing.

What's there to explain? The colors are dull and bland. I'm not just talking about dark areas. The first screenshot with the Tornado. Look at the ground. How can you tell me that those colors are vibrant. That desert stage? Everything looks washed out and gritty. The blue of the ice looks boring (that may be from being underwater though...), and there is nothing appealing about those roller coaster tracks. If most of this is from being at night, then it's Dimps' fault for making so much of the damn game at night.

The vibrant colors on the characters and enemies clash a bit with the levels. The palette makes everything look like 06' WHOOPSDIDIJUSTSAYTHATOUTLOUD!

Either that, or I'm f**cking color blind...

Edited February 15, 2012 by Mechanized Cube

[-Robin-]

I have to ask something, if that really is the little planet from cd then that would mean that episode 2 is, at least, one year after cd right?

That, or Eggman is so damn perceptive that he had the foresight to implant a tracking device on the Little Planet before he was expelled from it in Sonic CD, so that he could track it later to wherever it goes.

Most likely the former though.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Professor Westwood V

[Cola]

What's there to explain? The colors are dull and bland. I'm not just talking about dark areas. The first screenshot with the Tornado. Look at the ground. How can you tell me that those colors are vibrant. That desert stage? Everything looks washed out and gritty. The blue of the ice looks boring (that may be from being underwater though...), and there is nothing appealing about those roller coaster tracks. If most of this is from being at night, then it's Dimps' fault for making so much of the damn game at night.

Well, sir, I'm pretty sure that's how deserts are SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE.

Expecting color in a desert is like expecting vibrant graphics in a Call of Duty game.

[The Cube]

Well, sir, I'm pretty sure that's how deserts are SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE.

Expecting color in a desert is like expecting vibrant graphics in a Call of Duty game.

Sandopolis would like to talk. I find it to be the most vibrant zone of Sonic and Knuckles. How about what Desert Dazzle was supposed to be? Looked pretty bright, did it not? Oil Ocean even had tons of great colors. Loved Mirage Road in Sonic Rush too.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Mechanized Cube

[Cola]

Sandopolis would like to talk. I find it to be the most vibrant zone of Sonic and Knuckles. How about what Desert Dazzle was supposed to be? Looked pretty bright, did it not? Oil Ocean even had tons of great colors. Loved Mirage Road in Sonic Rush too.

Yeah, sorry if I came off as impolite. Not exactly the best of days...

I found levels like Sky Sanctuary and Hydrocity have much more colors than Sandopolis, although Desert Palace was pretty colorful. Oil Ocean was pretty bland compared to zones like Casino Night. Mirage Road was pretty awesome though, I've gotta agree with you there.

Overall, it seems like the sunny deserts seem brighter in general, but this isn't one of those.

[The Cube]

You know what, I feel like I'm being a bit rude. Not a great way to start off.

It's just, I do not like to art style of this game. It does look graphically much better then Episode 1, but I all I see are dull, boring, washed out colors. If it's just me, then maybe I am color blind...

[Pawn]

If most of this is from being at night, then it's Dimps' fault for making so much of the damn game at night.

Remember that the time of day is likely to change between acts (as it it did with Splash Hill), since Aquatic Ruin appears to be at sunrise and night in those screenshots. It just happens that none of these shots are taken in full daylight, so the levels look may look a fair bit different when the sun is out.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Lungo