Sega is teasing a new Sonic something reveal for SXSW 2018

[Swing]

Do you really think, they will put in that much effort in the zones? Sonic is nothing but nostalgia pandering since Generations. We will wee once again Green Hill and Chemical Planet again. Maybe also Sky Sanctuary. And they will probably also recycle Stuff from resent Sonic games like Lost World and Forces: Windy Hill, Desert Ruins, City, Death Egg, Ice Factory, Casino Night Zone etc.

I do not think that they will take some really absurd levels and make some tracks based on them like Mazuri from Unleashed or Sand Oasis from Secret Rings or Sky Babylon from SRA. They will just stick to the same old formula as ever. 

 

 

[Jovahexeon Jax Joranvexeon]

6 hours ago, Swing said:

Also, I have another reason why this game is will not be as good. I mean, is it possible, that this game will have quality in it? The reason why buggy and unfinished Sonic games like Boom or 06 exists is, because Sega knows, that fans will just buy and praise anything with Sonic in it, not matter what quality it has. 

 Really? You're seriously going for the generalization angle again? You do realize that just takes credibility away right?

Especially when Boom didn't even sell that well,  and 06 didn't even sell big in the first place for some time by Sonic standards in that day and age. 

It's advise against letting bitterness cloud your view of others so terribly. 

[Swing]

1 minute ago, Jovahexeon Ghost Trick said:

Especially when Boom didn't even sell that well,  and 06 didn't even sell big in the first place for some time by Sonic standards in that day and age. 

It's advise against letting bitterness cloud your view of others so terribly. 

O please, c'mon. Their are so many broken Sonic games out there until this date. Sonic Forces for example was also just another mediocre game. And why? Because Sega knows you guys love Sonic so much, you will just except the bad things about it. Just swallow it. Who cares? I mean, it is Sonic, right?

This is the only series I know to this date that can treat their costumers with garbage games and they some how still sell well. You guys are nothing but pushovers for Sega. 

[Tracker_TD]

1 hour ago, Jack of Tangles said:

That's... Kinda a shitty reason and self entitled, to be honest. 

Is it really self-entitled when he’s just summed up the sentiment outside the Sonic fanbase? Just take a glance at ResetEra or Twitter and see how loved Sonic’s merry band of furries are compared to the SEGA cast.

 

Furthermore - Hogfather pointing this out is entitled, but you championing it because your favourite characters such as Infinite and Sticks - characters who are divisive within the fanbase - now get their chance to ‘shine’? You’re fine with these not particularly beloved characters taking over from the well-loved Sega cast, because hey - at least you like them. 

...who’s the entitled one here? For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re actually acting entitled, but then neither is Hogfather. 

[Jovahexeon Jax Joranvexeon]

Just now, Swing said:

And why? Because Sega knows you guys love Sonic so much, you will just except the bad things about it. Just swallow it.

 Why you can't seem to fathom that people have legit reasons to like the game? This is a problem a lot of people seem to harbor. Inability to accept that people like something that they don't like. If ever there's been quite a case, it's with Forces,  sheesh.

 

3 minutes ago, Swing said:

You guys are nothing but pushovers for Sega. 

 Insulting others to try and prove a point. Class act there.  :U

I mean,  really,  despite the criticisms even people who have liked the games have given,  you're view is locked onto you that of mindless drones? Do you realize that sounds a bit ridiculous suggesting that's the only reason all those people would purchase the game when sentiments all over and abound tell a clear story of otherwise?

[Blue Blood]

19 minutes ago, Swing said:

Do you really think, they will put in that much effort in the zones? Sonic is nothing but nostalgia pandering since Generations. We will wee once again Green Hill and Chemical Planet again. Maybe also Sky Sanctuary. And they will probably also recycle Stuff from resent Sonic games like Lost World and Forces: Windy Hill, Desert Ruins, City, Death Egg, Ice Factory, Casino Night Zone etc.

I do not think that they will take some really absurd levels and make some tracks based on them like Mazuri from Unleashed or Sand Oasis from Secret Rings or Sky Babylon from SRA. They will just stick to the same old formula as ever. 

Remember that this is Sumo Digital we're talking about. These guys have a serious passion for all things SEGA and Sonic. They worked tremendously hard to get interesting references into the past ASR titles, and one of their main difficulties wad getting approval from SEGA. S0L (Steve Lycett, the director) explained that Seaside Hill showed up in both games because it was something they knew they could get approval on, and the same likely went for Sky Sanctuary following Generations. But they also pushed the boat out to get Starlight Carnival, Sonic R and CD remixes from Richard Jacques and  whatever SEGA references they could think of. 

So yeah, I'm pretty confident that they'll put the effort into the level selection. When have Sumo Digital ever given us reason to have low expectations? Even if we do end up with Green Hill and Chemical Plant again, there's so much more that could potentially be in the cards. They'd surely be missing a trick not to give an original Mania zone a show.

9 minutes ago, Swing said:

You guys are nothing but pushovers for Sega. 

Oh shove off. Why are you behaving like this? You know how much shit people here give SEGA, not least of all because of Sonic? This is childish, unfair and not at all conducive to a good discussion.

[Ryannumber1gamer]

33 minutes ago, Mayor D said:

It's not self entitled at all.

Most of the Sonic cast are naff.

I get nothing out of the fact that they're naff.

They're naff.

To me, most of the SEGA cast are naff and I barely know them. 

Again, if you want them, fine stance to take, but your argument of them being "naff" can be flipped back to half of the SEGA cast of the original ASR being forgotten naff characters.

[Tracker_TD]

14 minutes ago, Ryannumber1gamer said:

To me, most of the SEGA cast are naff and I barely know them. 

Again, if you want them, fine stance to take, but your argument of them being "naff" can be flipped back to half of the SEGA cast of the original ASR being forgotten naff characters.

It can, and then you’d probably be laughed at. Unlike with Sonic’s cast, where most folks (particularly outside the Sonic bubble) would agree with you. 

For Sonic’s cast, most of the appeal they can give only comes when you’re already deep into the series as a fan. Whereas something like Opa-Opa - he’s just charming innit. I didn’t need to know the insane backstory he has in the Fantasy Zone series to love him in ASR and I recall many others who were amused by him likewise - and that was well before I got more into SEGA’s non-Sonic ventures. Same with AGES in ASRT. Also helps that the “naff SEGA characters” at least came from actually good games, whereas half of Sonic’s cohort are now synonymous with trash - especially right after Forces.

 

[Ryannumber1gamer]

1 minute ago, Tracker_TD said:

It can, and then you’d probably be laughed at. Unlike with Sonic’s cast, where most folks (particularly outside the Sonic bubble) would agree with you. 

For Sonic’s cast, most of the appeal they can give only comes when you’re already deep into the series. Whereas something like Opa-Opa - he’s just charming innit. I didn’t need to know the insane backstory he has in the Fantasy Zone series to love him in ASR and I recall many others who were amused by him likewise - and that was well before I got more into SEGA’s non-Sonic ventures. Same with AGES in ASRT. Also helps that the “naff SEGA characters” at least came from actually good games, whereas half of Sonic’s cohort are now synonymous with trash - especially right after Forces.

 

Right, and? 

You liked the SEGA cast, that's fine, and good for you, doesn't make an argument of a subjective topic of which characters are "naff" suddenly jump to an objective truth. You can think the Sonic cast is naff, I can think the same about a lot of the SEGA cast. Doesn't mean either of us can use that as an factual argument of quality because it's a literal definition of an opinion.

[Tracker_TD]

11 minutes ago, Ryannumber1gamer said:

Right, and? 

You liked the SEGA cast, that's fine, and good for you, doesn't make an argument of a subjective topic of which characters are "naff" suddenly jump to an objective truth. You can think the Sonic cast is naff, I can think the same about a lot of the SEGA cast. Doesn't mean either of us can use that as an factual argument of quality because it's a literal definition of an opinion.

I’m not saying it’s not an opinion - but it feels pretty clear to me that consensus lies more towards “Sonic characters are naff” and I think that’s something Hogfather was getting at. Or at least, it’s what I was. 

[Kiah]

5 hours ago, Swing said:

This is the only series I know to this date that can treat their costumers with garbage games and they some how still sell well. You guys are nothing but pushovers for Sega. 

Instead of acknowledging that others have opinions and preferences that can and do vary or aren’t to your liking and doing so respectfully you make it a point to be dismissive and insulting. Not only is that counterproductive for discussion and is disruptive but it puts you in line to receive disciplinary action here if it continues. Seriously do not do this.

Looking at some of your posts in addition to this one I strongly suggest that you take a step back and calm down as you are getting too angry at times. Be sure to express your thoughts be it disagreement or criticism or anything for that matter in a constructive and respectful manner without the insults and the temper tantrums.  

[Sean]

Everyone cool your fucking jets and go walk it off or something. It's ridiculous just how mad y'all are getting right now.

[Wraith]

I think both sides of the argument are kind of dancing around the fact that most of the people who bought these games are kids or casual fans who like Sonic characters and don't really post on gaming forums about it. With Sumo's love and attention to details, there's potential for people to find some of the Sonic characters charming too. I didn't particularly see the appeal of characters like Alex Kidd and Opa Opa myself initially until Sumo put the work in to give them a fresh coat of paint and really sell people on them.

I sympathize with the people angry that SEGA characters are gone because I love a lot of them myself, but I still see potential in this concept and  I believe in Sumo to actually make some of these guys more charming than they've been in years. And who knows? We might not be just limited to the one note modern characters. I don't think most of you would say no to niche favorites like Tikal or Honey getting another chance at the bat.

I'm not arguing for the exclusion of SEGA characters since I think overall it's a net loss, but can cut the year of back and forth bitching off early and just take the game for what it is? We still have a talented team working on this, after all.

[Badnik Mechanic]

2 hours ago, Ryannumber1gamer said:

To me, most of the SEGA cast are naff and I barely know them. 

Again, if you want them, fine stance to take, but your argument of them being "naff" can be flipped back to half of the SEGA cast of the original ASR being forgotten naff characters.

Right. 

*looks at the wider Sonic cast*

They're still naff.

 

if anyone else is going to quote me in future with this and say "Oh well the Sega characters I find naff." Which seems to be the current go to counter argument.

Ok good for you. That doesn't change the fact the wider Sonic cast is naff.

 

Unless someone puts forward the argument that Infinite is a more interesting and developed Villain than any of the Yakuza villains.

Or that Cream is a more rounded character than Haruka.

Or that there will be more cheers for Charmey/Vector modern counterparts over the Streets of Rage trio.

Or that Espio will get more people talking than Jo Musashi's inclusion would.

Or that Ryo Hazuki is now no longer as popular as Blaze.

I don't even need to pluck into Sega franchises which are no longer licensed out you'll get more cheers and more interesting characters than the wider Sonic cast.

[Jango]

I have no doubt Sumo will do a tremendous job with Sonic, just like Christian, PWG and Headcannon did in Mania. These people are hardcore fans, granted they're fond of other IPs besides Sonic, but Sumo will most likely pull off a shitton of references, perhaps even some from the older games rather than the newer. I mean, Nack won the poll, and he's a classic character.

It's not like I don't trust Sumo to make a SONIC Racing as good as an All-Stars Racing, it's the fact that they still work under SEGA... And you know SEGA. 

I'm unsure about the level selection.

Calling now and I mean it: if the reveal trailer don't show Green Hill or its brothers, I'm buying this game day one, because holy shit this has become a taboo that needs to be broken!

 

[Kellan]

58 minutes ago, Mayor D said:

Or that Ryo Hazuki is now no longer as popular as Blaze.

Actually, according to Google, he isn’t, and almost never was.

Edit: I went and did Espio and Jo Mushashi as well.

 

Edit 2: Apparently his name is actually “Joe”, not “Jo”. Here’s an updated chart. I’m gonna get rid of the old one to save space.

Edited February 16, 2018 by Kellan

[Badnik Mechanic]

11 minutes ago, Kellan said:

 I went and did Espio and Jo Mushashi as well.

Hmmm

It's amazing what you can do when you substitute the characters names for the game they're in.

You wanna go back and forth on this or just admit now that this is a really bad way to judge how much better a character is than another one?

 

 

[Kellan]

6 minutes ago, Mayor D said:

You wanna go back and forth on this or just admit now that this is a really bad way to judge how much better a character is than another one?

Can we do both? And I never claimed that any character was better than any other, I was just curious about your claims of popularity.

Also, and I know nothing about these characters when I say this, your updated charts kinda make it look like the games are popular, but the actual characters are not. Is this accurate, or am I way off base here?

Edited February 16, 2018 by Kellan
Edited to improve flow.

[Ryannumber1gamer]

6 minutes ago, Kellan said:

Can we do both? And I never claimed that any character was better than any other, I was just curious about your claims of popularity.

Also, and I know nothing about these characters when I say this, your updated charts kinda make it look like the games are popular, but the actual characters are not. Is this accurate, or am I way off base here?

Well, if you make it equally fair and search both game series (which I did against Shinobi and Shenmue), general trends for Sonic utterly demolishes both from between 2004 and now according to Google Trends. 

It's not exactly fair to try to place an entire series search against specific searches of certain characters.

[Thigolf]

1 minute ago, Ryannumber1gamer said:

Well, put it this way. If you make it equally fair and search both game series (which I did against Shinobi and Shenmue), general trends for Sonic utterly demolishes both from between 2004 and now according to Google Trends. 

It's not exactly fair to try to place an entire series search against specific searches of certain characters.

Here's the thing:

Sonic, as a franchise, is already a thing in this game. They will already attract a huge part of the fanbase by having Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Eggman, and Shadow  and a bunch of tracks in there.

By adding someone like Espio, you might attract some fans that, for some reason, have no interest in the rest of the entire franchise and only like him, but the biggest part of his fans are already on board - as fans of the Sonic franchise in general. By contrast, if you add someone like Jo Musashi and Ryo, you don't only attract fans of that specific character, but fans of the ENTIRE Franchise the character is from. 

That's Hogfather's point: The gain of potentially attracting an entire fanbase, even though it's smaller than Sonic, is still bigger than "The part of the Sonic Fanbase that likes Espio and only buys Sonic games when he is in them".

[Mad Convoy]

Kinda siding with @Josh here. This discussion is kinda like saying that making another Diddy Kong Racer game is bad because its range of characters are narrower and more niche than Mario Kart and it will probably replace the entire Mario Kart franchise. Not only is that not necessarily the case, but you can't even argue obscurity for Sonic because, while you could argue that Diddy Kong is too niche, its hard to argue that Sonic isn't still recognizable and marketable. Of course, there's nothing wrong with being disappointed if you prefer Mario Kart only to find that Nintendo had other plans for its racing game releases, but its not inherently bad or stupid to do.

And also, as somebody familiar enough with how Mario Kart generally works, character popularity is usually not much of an issue with mascot racers beyond the general rule of thumb not to mess too much with the main draws-- typically first and foremost the characters that are overpowered in some way or overpowered with the right strategies become very popular, then followed by each consecutive tier until you get to the trash tiers that usually only get popular for trash tier themed competitions. Though even the rule of don't mess with the main draws can be subverted sometimes-- Pink Gold Peach in Mario Kart 8 was much despised for being a slightly heavier clone of Peach (not to mention that pink gold is an obscure alloy that many did not believe actually existed), but I managed to get her some respect from friends by playing well with her. Because in the end, performance and strategic options most strongly defines characters' likability in racers.

Or to give a Sonic Riders example, most people who would be interested in racers aren't familiar with Cream the Rabbit (who debuted and was most prominent in the Sonic Advance series). But do people use her anyway? Oh hell yeah, because while she's very difficult to use effectively due to her absurdly light weight and crap turning making her an easy punching bag, she has a hidden talent for using remarkably little air. Once you master handling, dodging, and Fly type shortcuts, you basically have the capability to continuously air boost at or near top speed to get incredible times. No wonder some expert players like her, and when they post videos of using her, it invariably promotes the character and the game in a positive way to non-fans who have an interest in racing games.

As somebody who likes the other characters in the Sonic universe and wants them to be more prominent, with non-Sonic cameos or without, this would be a really awesome way of highlighting them and showing off how useful and entertaining they are as characters in a way that could serve as a vehicle for getting them more involved in the main games. Especially if this catches on more than Riders, which much as I like the Riders series, I must admit that doing that isn't very difficult.

[Marcello]

If this is a Sonic-only racing game, I seriously doubt there will be a crossover SEGA one anytime soon.

[Splash the Otter]

I'll miss the non-Sonic characters too, but on the plus side this is a perfect chance for a game that takes advantage of Sonic's extended cast. I mean let's face it, how much chance do characters like Cream and Silver have of appearing in a crossover game? I'm still surprised Big made it into the first ASR.

[Wraith]

Uh......Maybe it's not just a Sonic racer

[Blue Blood]

1 minute ago, Josh said:

Uh......Maybe it's not just a Sonic racer

Holy fuck 

This just got way more exciting