Sonic Generations 2 Discussion Thread: Wishes and Hopes

[Diamond Sonic]

Sonic Generations is an excellent game. It's, in my opinion, by far the best Sonic game that was released since Sonic and Knuckles. Whilst some people may prefer the movement of the Sonic Adventures, I think most would agree that Sonic Generations offered a better overall game product. 

 

However, there is still loads of potential that was missed and seeing how the actual framework of Sonic Generations was fantastic I think it's definitely worth pursuing a sequel. What would you like to see in a follow-up game? I would like to see:

 

Fairer Representation for all Eras

 

A major failing of Sonic Generations, I felt, was how the game had the Classic Era as the 'easy' levels which were very simplistically designed. The progression system was fine, seeing as Classic Era-Dreamcast Era-Modern Era makes quite a lot of sense. However, seeing the Modern Era get far more interesting and challenging levels (as well as missions) than the more iconic Classic Era seems a tad silly. I would suggest a different structure. Something like seeing levels ordered by theme, such as Tropical Hills-Casino/Carnival-Ice/Desert-DeathEgg/LaunchBase e.t.c (a very rough idea). Obviously, a lot of work would have to go into the thematic ordering and the level selection would dictate that, but I think that would be a much better way of ordering the levels. It not only gives the eras a fairer representation in terms of challenge but also makes the game progression less strictly linear, as the era representation would be more sprinkled in amongst the whole game. 

 

More Varied Level Themes

 

Whilst not so many criticise the game now for having an over-abundance of urban levels as during the hype-lead up, it's still a very apparent problem. With a sequel we could see some more varied themes, and fan favourite levels, re-imagined. Levels that spring to mind include Ice Cap, Casino/Carnival Night (a real level, not that pinball minigame), Emerald Coast (whilst it featured in the 3DS version I feel it warrants a full Console rendition), Stardust Speedway (a real level and not a boss), Egg Fleet (imagine with a Wing Fortress mashup), and obviously Death Egg. The possibilities are endless!

 

Extra Playable Characters

 

One of the problems with Generations was how the game was very short. A sequel would probably fall into a similar state due to how Generations is designed. Extra playable characters with unique abilities can bring replay value, such as in great platformers like Mario 3D World and Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze. Obviously the game doesn't have to go over the top and start throwing in too many playable characters and making them too similar and obsolete. Unlockable playable characters could bring more Red Star Ring collecting (a highlight of Sonic Generations), more skills to unlock and more replay value in general. I think it would be fair to include one character from each era: maybe Tails, Shadow and...I really don't know for the Modern Era (Blaze?) but it would kind of need to get a representation to fit thematically. I'd honestly prefer to have purely iconic characters such as Knuckles and Amy, but I think every Era would really have to get its fair representation (the only problem being how the Modern Era didn't really have any interesting characters besides Blaze). Perhaps unlocking a new Era could unlock a new character!

 

All characters should control very similarly, have a homing variation attack so they can all fight enemies (and also have just as much movement ability as Sonic) and bring their own cool moves, such as flight, chaos control and...blazing . With Boost, I'd honestly want to see all characters have the ability: I don't really want the other characters to slow down the gameplay at all. I want them to be more like Sonic 2 and Sonic 3. Sonic would have to be given his own unique moves to make him useful to, which would certainly be intriguing! These unique moves could also be used to find secrets in the levels as well as attacking enemies such as Red Rings and hidden routes, think the LEGO games!

 

A Better Plot

 

I'd rather see a more minimalist plot than an Adventure styled plot, but I really want something better than what Generations offered. There was very little immersion due to how the game's narrative just kind of fell off after the Dreamcast Era. With a game like this there are so many great opportunities for in-jokes and fannods, yet so much was missed. However they do it, we definitely deserve a better plot than what Generations offered.

 

More Unlockable Goodies

 

Imagine what kind of unlockables a celebration game could offer. Developer Interviews, Original Concept Art of the games from each Era,  prototype footage and the list goes on. Whilst Generations did offer pretty decent unlockable goodies, I'd like to see a sequel go even further!

 

Better Physics and Controls for Classic Sonic 

 

Whilst Classic Sonic was a lot of fun and had brilliantly designed levels I have to be honest that they messed up with Classic Sonic's physics, and thus, his control. The Spindash was ludicrously overpowered and the game had to use far too many scripted events to hide the shortcomings of the physics. For a sequel I'd like to see these fixed up.

 

No Sonic 2006 (We have Lost World so the Modern Era doesn't need that disgrace )

 

These are just some of my ideas! Please post your own!

[ThePrinceOfSaiyans]

Sonic Generations 2 will never happen. 

[Diamond Sonic]

Sonic Generations 2 will never happen. 

 

It may not happen but more unpredictable things have happened such as Halo Online. Besides this thread is more about theoretical discussion rather than just cynical one-liners.

[GamerGirl54321]

...I mean, just making a new game would probably be easier, but yeah, that could work for a new Sonic game.

[Wraith]

I'd much rather a brand new Sonic game. I'm pretty sure everyone would rather have a new series of levels to explore than more remakes. I wouldn't mind the gameplay style returning for Sonic's gameplay but beyond that, nah. 

 

Maybe for the 30th anniversary it'd be a good idea, but not now.

[Diogenes]

I hope it doesn't happen and I wish people would stop asking for it. I don't like how either Sonic played, and I think making another nostalgia-reliant game any time in the next decade would cement Sonic as a has-been. The series needs better than Generations 2.

[Solkia]

2D Sonic gameplay that isn't half-assed and filled with scripted segments

[Diamond Sonic]

I hope it doesn't happen and I wish people would stop asking for it. I don't like how either Sonic played, and I think making another nostalgia-reliant game any time in the next decade would cement Sonic as a has-been.

 

Lots of people liked how both Sonic games played because they both played just fine besides Classic Sonic's physics.

 

Nostalgia isn't necessarily a bad thing and loads of games use nostalgia, platformers are actually excellent examples such as Mario, Donkey Kong and Rayman. It certainly doesn't cement a franchise as a has-been. The execution is key.

[azoo]

I'd rather no more nostalgia pandering, segregating gameplay styles, and all-game-(almost)-no-content like Generations did. It was fine for a 20th anniversary, but I'm honestly surprised as to why anyone would want another one when we can have a game with original content.

 

In fact, here's a question: what games would you even expect from a Generations 2? All the main games have been covered. Are you expecting stages from Sonic 3 Alone, Advance/Rush, Storybook titles and Game Gear stuff or something? If not and you're just gonna want them to do the same games again then what's the point?

 

Why go back to older stages from older games when they could be making new games? They shouldn't worry about making stuff meant to evoke nostalgia again, and instead make games to be nostalgic about. 

 

It's like we want it only because it was good. That's pretty sad. :v

[Diamond Sonic]

I'd rather no more nostalgia pandering, segregating gameplay styles, and all-game-(almost)-no-content like Generations did. It was fine for a 20th anniversary, but I'm honestly surprised as to why anyone would want another one when we can have a game with original content.

 

In fact, here's a question: what games would you even expect from a Generations 2?

 

 And if you're just gonna do the same games again then what's the point?

 

It's like we want it only because it was good. That's pretty sad. :v

 

It's like people don't actually read other's posts and are so set in their views they literally respond to threads with rigid and pre-existing never-changing attitudes. I addressed all this in the opening post.

 

That's pretty sad and it's something I see a lot on these forums.

[Wraith]

 

Nostalgia isn't necessarily a bad thing and loads of games use nostalgia, platformers are actually excellent examples such as Mario, Donkey Kong and Rayman. It certainly doesn't cement a franchise as a has-been. The execution is key.

Sonic Generations isn't comparable to those games. While Donkey Kong and Rayman make nods to the previous games as they move forward, Sonic Generations designs itself entirely around tropes and mechanics used in past games with a bit more polish. It was cool once, but I think everyone's ready for something new.

[Diamond Sonic]

Sonic Generations isn't comparable to those games. While Donkey Kong and Rayman make nods to the previous games as they move forward, Sonic Generations designs itself entirely around tropes and mechanics used in past games with a bit more polish. It was cool once, but I think everyone's ready for something new.

 

It's not exactly the same but it's still comparable.

 

There's no concrete evidence people don't want a sequel, I think it's a great idea.

[Diogenes]

Lots of people liked how both Sonic games played

I'm not them.

because they both played just fine besides Classic Sonic's physics.

So, not fine at all.

Nostalgia isn't necessarily a bad thing and loads of games use nostalgia, platformers are actually excellent examples such as Mario, Donkey Kong and Rayman. It certainly doesn't cement a franchise as a has-been. The execution is key.

Good, successful series use nostalgia as a spice in support of new experiences. Sonic Generations takes a big steaming nostalgia dump on your chest and nothing else. Nothing is going to be gained by the series wasting all its time looking backwards. It has to move forwards and become respectable on its merits, not by reminding us of old games.

[azoo]

It's like people don't actually read other's posts and are so set in their views they literally respond to threads with rigid and pre-existing never-changing attitudes. I addressed all this in the opening post.

 

That's pretty sad and it's something I see a lot on these forums.

 

Your post changed nothing, dude.

 

Better tropes? Sure, I wish Generations did have that. As well as fairer rep for all eras. And better physics for classic Sonic. And no Sonic 06. And more unlockables, and more characters, and whatever else! Sure! It would've been a lot better of a game.

 

But that's for what I wish Generations had, not a sequel. Why the hell would I want a Generations 2?

[Diamond Sonic]

I'm not them.

 

Which is fine, but saying 'I wish people would stop asking for it' as if you have the objective truth when there's probably a high demand is irritating. It's not like asking for a sequel to Sonic 2006.

 

 

So, not fine at all.

 

It's one aspect. Seriously.

 

 

Good, successful series use nostalgia as a spice in support of new experiences. Sonic Generations takes a big steaming nostalgia dump on your chest and nothing else. 

 

Highly debatable.

But that's for what I wish Generations had, not a sequel. Why the hell would I want a Generations 2?

 

Because it's potential for a great game that only Generations 2 could offer?

[azoo]

Because it's potential for a great game that only Generations 2 could offer?

 

Better physics, a better story, more unlockable content, more playable characters, more trope variety.. it's something that could all come with a new game. A new one. A new flim-flammin' game. A new title. A brand new Sonic game. 

 

What else is there left? Pointless nostalgia pandering? Only one or two games after the last one? Why?

 

If 10-20 years from now sure, but why now?

[Ryannumber1gamer]

No. I don't want a Generations 2. At least not now. Why? Three reasons. 1. It would be pointless pandering to nostalgia in a sad attempt to regain the favor of some fans. 2. It would be rehashing levels from the same games as before and 3. I want Sonic Team to come up with original concepts, not desperately scramble back to older games and rehash them

 

Sonic Generations worked well because of the fact it was a 20th Anniversary game. It had an excuse to go back to old levels. It was a celebration of Past and Present Sonic and was clearly a work of love from Sonic Team to the fans. It was some desperate cash cow attempt to regain the trust of fans, it was clearly a creative game that was created by Sonic Team to celebrate The Blue Blur by filling the game with references, levels and was just a present to the fans. Generations 2 so soon after the original would completely cheapen that. All I'd see is Sega saying ''QUICK GUYS! WE NEED A GAME TO HELP SAVE SONIC'S ASS FROM SONIC BOOM RISE OF LYRIC!''.

[sonicgirl313]

No we don't need another Generations game. It was fine for the 20th anniversary but not as a game in general. What we need is a Sonic game with good gameplay, story, and innovation. Generations did nothing but call back to previous games since pretty much the whole game was "Hey Sonic's 20 let's look back at everything." Also side note Sonic 06 was included because like it or not it was apart of Sonic's history.

So no we don't need another Generations, if anything that will tick people off like how so many people grew tired when Nintendo kept on making "New" Super Mario Bros games.

[Diogenes]

Which is fine, but saying 'I wish people would stop asking for it' as if you have the objective truth when there's probably a high demand is irritating.

I'm not talking about objective truth, I'm talking about my own opinions and thoughts about the series. I wish people would stop pushing for Gens 2 because I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it and I think it'd shit up the series even worse.

It's one aspect. Seriously.

If your character's physics are bad, you may as well throw out the whole game, especially in a platformer.

Highly debatable.

If you want to debate it, try.

[Diamond Sonic]

Better physics, a better story, more unlockable content, more playable characters, more trope variety.. it's something that could all come with a new game. A new one. A new flim-flammin' game. A new title. A brand new Sonic game. 

 

What else is there left? Pointless nostalgia pandering? Only one or two games after the last one? Why?

 

If 10-20 years from now sure, but why now?

 

The way I laid out the game was taking advantage of the Generations format. Sure, it's a general approach you could take to an entirely new game, but taking advantage of such a rich history isn't pointless nostalgia pandering, it's cleverly using the IP history.

 

Sonic Generations 2 would also have the advantage of being a general follow up to the original, so the team can use what they've learned.

[azoo]

The way I laid out the game was taking advantage of the Generations format. Sure, it's a general approach you could take to an entirely new game, but taking advantage of such a rich history isn't pointless nostalgia pandering, it's cleverly using the IP history.

 

It's "clever usage of the IP history" when you do it the first time.

 

Its "dull" and "milking the cow dry" when you try to do the exact same celebration a second time only a few years later with little other reason than "oh, remember the sonic games?".

[Ryannumber1gamer]

The way I laid out the game was taking advantage of the Generations format. Sure, it's a general approach you could take to an entirely new game, but taking advantage of such a rich history isn't pointless nostalgia pandering, it's cleverly using the IP history.

 

Sonic Generations 2 would also have the advantage of being a general follow up to the original, so the team can use what they've learned.

 

Taking advantage of a rich history is developing the characters, making references to said history, and refining the gameplay experience. All things that could easily be done in a new game altogether. Just cherry picking levels and remaking them is nostalgia pandering .

[Diamond Sonic]

I'm not talking about objective truth, I'm talking about my own opinions and thoughts about the series. I wish people would stop pushing for Gens 2 because I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it and I think it'd shit up the series even worse.

 

If you want to debate it, try.

 

The reason I reply so simply is because you make bold and sweeping statements without backing them up like they are a fact:

 

"Sonic Generations takes a big steaming nostalgia dump on your chest and nothing else"

 

With no points why this is so, like seriously? 

 

I'll debate when you are ready to actually bring points up.

 

 

If your character's physics are bad, you may as well throw out the whole game, especially in a platformer.

 

Here's an actual point. Whilst you are right that physics directly affect control and play they certainly don't throw out the whole game. That's just being over the top. Classic Sonic still feels good to play and has excellent level design.

Its "dull" and "milking the cow dry" when you try to do the exact same celebration a second time only a few years later with little other reason than "oh, remember the sonic games?".

 

That's true, but only if it's done cynically. If it's done in a sincere way and executed well it would certainly come across as a true celebration of how good Sonic was and how Sonic is still relevant. Especially since there is still such great material to work off.

[Junko]

Sonic Generations 2 would also have the advantage of being a general follow up to the original, so the team can use what they've learned.

How do you follow up with only one game in between?

You're calling for fairer representation of eras, and that's fine but uh. Why is this being spoken about now? Judging by Gens 1, we really shouldn't be talking about this fucking game until 2030.

[Diamond Sonic]

Why is this being spoken about now? Judging by Gens 1, we really shouldn't be talking about this fucking game until 2030.

 

We don't need to rigidly follow such a time limit for a fucking game.

 

Not sure why people are getting so worked up about this. I'm not asking to shoot people