Sonic 1 & 2 : Taxman & Stealth Edition; coming to iOS/Android, most likely consoles too ("BUY THESE" - Retro)

[GeneHF]

The excellent quality of Sonic CD gave people an idea of what to expect. Sonic 1 was lovely. Sonic 2 I am sure will be just as good, if not better. I just want to be able to fly as Tails, and play as Knuckles with Tails as the AI (thank you StealthTax) and I will be in heaven.

 

As for Sonic 3&K there must be quite a few rights issues stopping that game from being re-released, is my guess.

 

Something like that, yeah. There's a little more to it, but that's all up to Sega to discuss about (and we all know they won't... yet, anyway.)

[Detective Shadzter]

There are rights issues with 3&K? Is that why we've not gotten it on PS3 outside of the Mega Drive collection?

[Milo]

 

Sucks I don't have an iOS/'Droid device tho.

 

There are rights issues with 3&K? Is that why we've not gotten it on PS3 outside of the Mega Drive collection?

 

Actually, yes, if this report is anything to go by. lolTSSZ

[GeneHF]

Not entirely sure why the game didn't come out on PSN since in that case it was just a rom in a shell. Maybe lack of sales? It launched perfectly fine on 360 and Wii.

 

Like I said, it's a curious situation. All I know is that there's some sort of murkiness with rights.

[TheOcelot]

In the PS3 'SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection' Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles were both included, but only as separate games. I.e. you couldn't lock them on and play Sonic 3&K, which really sucked. Whereas the PC version 'SEGA Mega Drive Gold Collection' had the full lock on S3&K. That's what continues to frustrate me.

 

The best version of the game is Sonic 3 Complete Sonic 3 & Knuckles lock-on, so why was it not included in the PS3 collection? I guess we will never know. 

 

Whatever problems SEGA and Sony have had with each other, I hope they're all ironed out now. 

Edited October 21, 2013 by -Bender-

[Blue Blood]

The issues aren't between SEGA and Sony. SEGA's rereleased S3K numerous times are separate games and with lock on. But as Gene said, they've always been nothing more than roms. So it seems like the issue is with the content of the games themselves, and SEGA probably aren't allowed to remake or resell it in anything other than it's original form (a rom being being the original form). I really don't know though. This is all guesswork.

 

Wasn't all the unlockable S3K (and Spinball) music in Generations remade, while the S1/S2 tracks were just the original versions?

Edited October 21, 2013 by Blue Blood

[Milo]

According to the source in the article I linked, Sony is giving Sega issues regarding releases on their system, which has screwed up the schedule of many digital releases slated for the PSN. Two games in particular were Space Channel 5: Part 2 and Sega Bass Fishing, which were both on the Dreamcast Collection compilation that was available exclusively on Xbox 360 and PC. Both of those two games were also supposed to be individually released prior to the DC Collection.

 

The issues aren't between SEGA and Sony. SEGA's rereleased S3K numerous times are separate games and with lock on. But as Gene said, they've always been nothing more than roms. So it seems like the issue is with the content of the games themselves, and SEGA probably aren't allowed to remake or resell it in anything other than it's original form (a rom being being the original form). I really don't know. This is all guesswork.

 

Wasn't all the unlockable S3K (and Spinball) music in Generations remade, while the S1/S2 tracks were just the original versions?

 

I have my doubts. Sonic 1 and 2 were only just recently released on the PSN, while all four of the Genesis era games have been available for years on the Wii's Virtual Console and XBLA via the Sega Vintage Collection series (with enhanced features, no less). That and spats between Sony and Sega are nothing new *glances at PS2 ports of Heroes and ShTH, Sony's Bernie Stolar being hired into SoA and running the Sega Saturn into the ground,

 

 

In the PS3 'SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection' Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles were both included, but only as separate games. I.e. you couldn't lock them on and play Sonic 3&K, which really sucked. Whereas the PC version 'SEGA Mega Drive Gold Collection' had the full lock on S3&K. That's what continues to frustrate me.

 

The best version of the game is Sonic 3 Complete Sonic 3 & Knuckles lock-on, so why was it not included in the PS3 collection? I guess we will never know. 

 

Whatever problems SEGA and Sony have had with each other, I hope they're all ironed out now. 

 

Don't take my word for it, but I think the 360 version of SUGC also lacks the lock-on.

Edited October 21, 2013 by Yeow the Baneful

[goku262002]

Not entirely sure why the game didn't come out on PSN since in that case it was just a rom in a shell. Maybe lack of sales? It launched perfectly fine on 360 and Wii.

 

Like I said, it's a curious situation. All I know is that there's some sort of murkiness with rights.

 

If its about those damned headache inducing "Not MJ but really is but we can't say officially" tracks why not just have Tax-Stealth remix the PC version tracks into something thats decent genesis level quality so we can avoid this whole issue?

Hell I'll take a gimped (music wise) Sonic3K at this point if we can just see it ported and everybody would understand why we couldn't have the original tracks. Wish SEGA never associated with MJ to begin with, all its done is cause years of hassle.

[Milo]

 

If its about those damned headache inducing "Not MJ but really is but we can't say officially" tracks why not just have Tax-Stealth remix the PC version tracks into something thats decent genesis level quality so we can avoid this whole issue?

Hell I'll take a gimped (music wise) Sonic3K at this point if we can just see it ported and everybody would understand why we couldn't have the original tracks. Wish SEGA never associated with MJ to begin with, all its done is cause years of hassle.

 

There is the Sonic & Knuckles Collection music that replaced a good chunk of Sonic 3's music (namely the latter three acts come to mind, although the credits theme as well as Knuckles's theme and the competition menu music). But it doesn't make sense to change the music if the other ports for the music were allowed without any issues. Maybe it's because of MJ's death in 2009 (I think the XBLA Sega Vintage Collection and Wii Virtual Console Genesis Sonic ports were done prior to his death), I honestly don't know.

[Blue Blood]

I have my doubts. Sonic 1 and 2 were only just recently released on the PSN, while all four of the Genesis era games have been available for years on the Wii's Virtual Console and XBLA via the Sega Vintage Collection series (with enhanced features, no less). That and spats between Sony and Sega are nothing new *glances at PS2 ports of Heroes and ShTH, Sony's Bernie Stolar being hired into SoA and running the Sega Saturn into the ground,

 

What I'm saying is that rights issues can't be getting in the was of S3K appearing on Sony systems specifically, simply because they're been made available on lots of other systems.

[goku262002]

There is the Sonic & Knuckles Collection music that replaced a good chunk of Sonic 3's music (namely the latter three acts come to mind, although the credits theme as well as Knuckles's theme and the competition menu music). But it doesn't make sense to change the music if the other ports for the music were allowed without any issues. Maybe it's because of MJ's death in 2009 (I think the XBLA Sega Vintage Collection and Wii Virtual Console Genesis Sonic ports were done prior to his death), I honestly don't know.

 

Its something to do with those ports being rom and emulator shells and this being a full recreaton. Someone from Retro can explain it.

[Tenko]

They should just release a Sonic Gems Collection 2 or something on disc or digital and include Sonic Jam (thus including Sonic 3K), Sonic 3D Blast (Saturn ver), Knuckles Chaotix and Sega Sonic Arcade and the other weird and random leftovers.

That way PS3 users can get Sonic 3K without using or buying old PS2 releases and it would be unaltered from how it appeared in Sonic Jam making it no issue to release right?

I don't really understand why there is no PS3 release of 3K either, I mean if it can be released on the DS reasonably recently with the added code to join the two games then why not PS3?

[Autosaver]

I have a feeling SEGA is going to release Sonic 3 & Knuckles as two releases.

[Sean]

They should at the very least put these on Steam. Valve seems to be okay with free updates of games if Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath is anything to go by; they could just de-list the emulated versions and provide the remakes for free to anyone who owns the game.

[TheOcelot]

Once the PS4 and Xbox One consoles have been released, then why not port the enhanced versions of Sonic CD, 1 and 2 to those respective systems and the Wii U. Then SEGA will have the three (arguably) most successful Genesis Sonic games on next-gen hardware for everyone to play. Not to mention they are the best versions of those game thanks to Taxman and Stealth.

 

If SEGA want to get noticed/make an impression in the digital market for next-gen, then this would be a good start!

Edited October 22, 2013 by -Bender-

[Badnik Mechanic]

Sonic 2 remastered is now on the Sega Press Vault. Theres also this fact sheet.

 

Sonic The Hedgehog 2™

Platforms: iOS, Android

Release Date: November 2013

Publisher: SEGA

Developer: SEGA

Genre: Platform

Players: 1

One of the greatest videogames of all time re-mastered for mobile devices!

Speed back in time to rediscover the game that first united Sonic the Hedgehog with his legendary flying sidekick

Miles “Tails” Prower. Revisit iconic levels packed with enemies and hazards as you zoom along loop de loops in your

mission to destroy the devious Dr. Eggman. This definitive remake for mobile devices has been fully built from the

ground up, featuring re-mastered graphics and audio, a silky smooth frame rate and exclusive game content.

A CLASSIC ADVENTURE

Race as Sonic and Tails through legendary environments such as Casino Night and Chemical Plant. Destroy Dr.

Eggman in epic boss battles or aim for the high score in Sonic 2’s iconic half pipe Special Stage.

REMASTERED FOR MOBILE

Rebuilt from the ground up, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 on mobile offers upgraded graphics, including widescreen display

and a smooth 60fps frame rate, plus a re-mastered soundtrack.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID!

“An absolute gem of a game which your Mega Drive will be screaming out for.”

 

 

96%

Mean Machines, Nov 1992.

“Without doubt, it’s SEGA’s best game ever!”

 

 

96%

Mega Zone, Jan 1993.

 

Curiously, they used a new york comic con image to illustrate it... was this game at NYCC?

[Tracker_TD]

 featuring re-mastered graphics and audio, a silky smooth frame rate and exclusive game content.

 

...Hidden Palace? Maybe? Hopefully?

[Badnik Mechanic]

Another thing I just noticed... 1 player only.

 

So 2 player vs mode is gone?

 

Edit: Brain freeze, did Sonic 2 have a 2 player mode?

[Tracker_TD]

Another thing I just noticed... 1 player only.

 

So 2 player vs mode is gone?

 

Edit: Brain freeze, did Sonic 2 have a 2 player mode?

 

Yes... this sucks if it is gone. D:

[TheOcelot]

...Hidden Palace? Maybe? Hopefully?

 

Nice thought, but it won't happen. SEGA may have given Taxman a bit more freedom with Sonic 1& 2, but we never got Desert Dazzle & Final Fever for Sonic CD, so I can't see SEGA allowing StealthTax to add another zone.

[MamboCat]

Another thing I just noticed... 1 player only.

 

So 2 player vs mode is gone?

 

Edit: Brain freeze, did Sonic 2 have a 2 player mode?

 

Similar to the Sonic 3  2-player.

 

I didn't use it very much, although I did repeatedly kick my sister's ass at 2-player Special Stage!

[Blue Blood]

Nice thought, but it won't happen. SEGA may have given Taxman a bit more freedom with Sonic 1& 2, but we never got Desert Dazzle & Final Fever for Sonic CD, so I can't see SEGA allowing StealthTax to add another zone.

 

We didn't get those because they weren't ever a part of the game originally, and SEGA didn't want to stray too far from that. However, this will be Taxman's third (and Stealth's second) game for SEGA. They were allowed a fair few liberties with S1 that resulted in Knuckles, Tails, a host of debug features and several new areas for existing levels. S2 was at least supposed to include Wood Zone, Dust Hill, Hidden Palace and Genocide City at some point.

 

... I don't think it'll happen for any of the stages, but I'm still hopeful. Heck, I'd buy it in a heartbeat if it were DLC.

[goku262002]

Aww man, What? theres no 2P mode?! fuck that blows...

Thanks, but do you think you can take a screenshot of the Vault page too?

[Autosaver]

That "exclusive content" is probably leaderboards, widescreen, remastered music, and Knuckles.

[Tracker_TD]

That "exclusive content" is probably leaderboards, widescreen, remastered music, and Knuckles.

Knuckles isn't exclusive. Lock on technology mang.