Sonic 4 said to have "few to no physics changes"

[TrueBlue]

Right here

This is a little disappointing, considering how the physics were among the most talked about issues with the game. Hopefully the game will still be fun (it looks like it to me) and changes can be made for Episode 2.

Thoughts?

[Balding Spider]

*facepalm* great....

[Blue Blood]

Over at Retro, Ruby has been nice enough to drop in a say a few things about the changes to S4 since the delay. Make of them what you will.

There are some minor changes to music, most notably being one act that has actually had its music revamped completely. We'll reveal which act this is as part of our S4 Update Blogs.

Physics in general are not going to see too many massive changes, though know that I did push months ago to see how much would be possible. The biggest hurdle here was the level design, and the many ways that even small physics changes require updating almost every stage. It is never as easy as many might think, but I did ask and made sure it was brought to certain people's attention.

Our biggest focus with the updates has been to make a game that people can have fun playing. When you play Sonic 4, whether you're an old fan or a new fan, that you can enjoy the levels and not have any moments that are too frustrating or difficult, or that make you want to stop playing. No moments where a random gimmick forces you to lose the fun factor that the game had. This is why Lost Lab Act II saw major updates from the original design, and why other parts of the game are also being polished, including another big level update I think you guys will be glad to hear of.

In addition to the big stuff, and though physics won't be changed to the extent I know some people here would like, we have thrown in a number of small but important updates to other minor parts of the game. They are things that I doubt most reviewers will ever take note of, but that you guys as fans will hopefully appreciate. Some of these will also be revealed in our next S4 Update blog coming this month.

We can't fulfill every request, but I hope that the changes we have made will prove that our claims to have been listening are founded solidly, and that while we can't make every single person happy, we are doing what we can to make the game more enjoyable for everyone.

The music changes are possibly the ones you can hear in

And this just a little later

My suggestion would be to expect few to no physics changes, so that if or when you do notice any minor updates in the final game, you'll appreciate them. I think this is better than people really expecting them to change too much, and conversely expecting something different than they get when they download it. Keeping expectations realistic is the key.

Few physics changes? But that's the biggest thing! What a shame. Also, Ruby is such a nice guy for staying in such close contact with the fans, and even more so for trying so hard. Congrats and thanks to him and his colleagues are in order.

EDIT: Lol, beaten. Lock/merge requested.

Edited September 8, 2010 by Blue Blood

[TrueBlue]

Heh, snap. I guess my topic should be the one blocked, this one is much more descriptive than mine and isn't centered on one topic.

[Blue Blood]

Heh, snap. I guess my topic should be the one blocked, this one is much more descriptive than mine and isn't centered on one topic.

Oh lol, I just requested this one should be locked cause yours was posted sooner. It doesn't matter either way though. The info can easily be C&P'd or maybe the two merged.

While I'm here, there was some more from Ruby in response to complaint about the story on the website...

I think it's important. But it's not as easy a change as it seems. I will have time to really look at this and push to verify 'canon' (even as loose as the term may be considering the later games in the Sonic series) when we get past the launch of PSP2 and Valkyria Chronicles craziness cools down a little.

In case you're unaware, the story on the website ignores Sonic CD and retcons the S3K story.

Edited September 8, 2010 by Blue Blood

[Diogenes]

People are going to see the bit about the (lack of) physics changes, act as if Sega is spitting in our faces and raping our childhood just for the sake of being as evil as possible, and whine and whine and whine, oblivious (or simply apathetic) to what is being changed and the (largely valid) reasons that the physics won't be.

Not that I'm excusing the problems with the game. But some people take this shit way too seriously.

[Core]

The biggest hurdle here was the level design, and the many ways that even small physics changes require updating almost every stage.

But, the level design also needs serious updating (at least in Splash Hill Zone; I haven't seen the other levels).

Meh, I knew that wouldn't happen. I guess improving the physics and level design would have required more time than the delay gave them.

[Badnik Zero]

Well at least I'm being let down at this stage in the game, and not on release day. Not that I don't appreciate the changes. The removed iPod gimmick stages makes it a better game, simply. If the music tracks could have a softer bouncy sound they could evoke the Genesis in a better way. Here's hoping they extended the phase 2 boss theme.

But yeah, physics? That was the one thing we were banking on here. Was the delay worth it then? I wonder what small physics changes did happen though. This might be wishful thinking, but if the game locks-on like S3&K, could the changes continue with an Episode 2 update? That would make me happy as a hedgehog. Work with it Sega.

Edited September 8, 2010 by Dabnikz

[-Mark-]

In case you're unaware, the story on the website ignores Sonic CD and retcons the S3K story.

It does? Where/ how?

[PSI Wind]

Wow, what a kick in the balls to the classic fans who wanted it.

Meh, I'll still have fun with this and Colors (More so on Colors).

Edited September 8, 2010 by PSI Wind FTW!

[Drunk Michael Myers]

But yeah, physics? That was the one thing we were banking on here. Was the delay worth it then? I wonder what small physics changes did happen though.

What people don't think of is that even the smalles change to the physics could make a big difference. Yes, to make it feel like Sonic 1/2/3/Knuckles the physics needs to change, drastically, but to make it feel less floaty, less heavy and more natural just a few changes may help. Again, not to feel like the Genesis/MegaDrive era, but to feel good and fun. But the level design is a part of the feel to the game as well, wich Ruby states in his post and has been stated by SEGA will also be changed.

[Blue Blood]

It does? Where/ how?

Back on the ground, Dr. Eggman has not given up yet, and begins to proceed with rebuilding the Death Egg. Feeling Knuckles has served his purpose, he sends EggRobo to eliminate this potential threat. EggRobo finds Knuckles relaxing in Mushroom Hill Zone - and attempts to eliminate him with a bomb - but Knuckles, whether through luck or toughness, survives the attack. Enraged, the wild Echidna sets off to defeat EggRobo. Meanwhile, Sonic and Tails explore the island to find traces of the Death Egg and discover Eggman's fate. After an epic showdown between Sonic and Knuckles, Eggman uses the opportunity to finally steal the Master Emerald and re-launch the Death Egg. With the power of the emeralds, Sonic goes after Eggman, who has now taken the Master Emerald into space.

As Knuckles finishes his showdown with Mecha Sonic, the real hedgehog chases Eggman through space, ultimately destroying his doomsday plans - with it, the Death Egg saga comes to a close.

That's not how it happens at all. Knuckles story takes place when the Floating Island is floating again, after the Death Egg has finally been destroyed and Sonic and Tails have left. A few things prove this. Firstly, the background for AIZ for Sonic and Tails shows the ocean whereas for Knuckles it's just sky and CNZ isn't flooded for Knuckles either. Most importantly though is Knuckles in SSZ. You can see the Floating Island floating off in the distance and the Master Emerald is key to that battle. It couldn't possibly be both there and it space at the same time.

Edited September 8, 2010 by Blue Blood

[Nepenthe]

I appreciate Ruby's efforts, and the efforts of other community managers, to maintain contact with us as well as having conversations with the developers. I'm also interested in what few changes Ruby's promised us, but I have to say a quick browse around the web has made me significantly less enviable of his job.

[Dark Qiviut]

*sigh* Not happy, since I was really hoping to see some. But after seeing the massive level design clean-up with LLZ Act 2 (and, apparently, we'll see some others cleaned up, too), this doesn't come as a surprise. Whatever physics changes occur (if there are), I'd like to see.

A little disappointing, but, heh, I'll live.

Edited September 8, 2010 by Dark Qiviut

[Chooch]

People are going to see the bit about the (lack of) physics changes, act as if Sega is spitting in our faces and raping our childhood just for the sake of being as evil as possible, and whine and whine and whine, oblivious (or simply apathetic) to what is being changed and the (largely valid) reasons that the physics won't be.

Not that I'm excusing the problems with the game. But some people take this shit way too seriously.

Pretty much this.

All that's left is to wait until the final release and play it for ourselves. I'm still buying it.

[Sean]

Topics merged and stuff.

By the way, good job Sega.

[Detective Shadzter]

I'm not a member of the PR team - I'm part of our Community team. I want you to be excited for Sonic 4, but I want you to be excited for it because of what it means for the future of 2D Sonic games on consoles, and not because you're hoping for a game that plays exactly like the originals in every way, shape, and form.

My job is to be honest, to tell people what to expect, and to unite the passion that fans do have in ways that can make our games, and series as a whole, better. And already, there are many, many people out there who love Sonic 4 and can't wait to play the full game. We could easily stop there, but I think it's worth reaching out to communities like this one and keeping you guys in the loop too - even if it's not always every point you'd like to hear.

I believe that honesty is more important than fleeting hype. While such hype might drive a few sales in the short term, honesty is the foundation that will build and grow an entire series in the long run. That kind of respect and openness to our fans is something that I think very few companies do right, and something I hope we at SEGA can continue to expand.

http://forums.sonicretro.org/index.php?s=&showtopic=20386&view=findpost&p=502798

I love this guy. He does his job so well *salutes*

[speedfreak]

I honestly didn't expect many changes in that department anyway. Though it it disappointing to hear it confirmed. I guess Sonic's going to still stick to the sides of loops and walls. I hope they at least got rid of his shitty flying off a ramp animation and let him stay in a ball.

[Octarine]

Hm. I'm guessing that the "big level update" and the music revamp will both be for Casino Street Act 2, since that was the second of the gimmick acts and its music was basically a five-second loop. I only hope that a couple of other songs see some changes as well (boss phase 2, *ahem*); otherwise that's all great news.

That the physics are basically not going to change is a bit of a disappointment, but not really a surprise. Meh.

[speedfreak]

Maybe just seeing Sonic do his full run animation more often will make it feel a bit better. It did look pretty bad seeing Sonic jog up and down walls.

[Scar]

Damn you Ruby Eclipse!!

You are WAY to good at your job. Its like.....you're a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog.

I know you'll pull through for us nutjobs. Just please tell us if the Episodes will lock-on....PLEASE.

Also, please list the new "small" changes.

I'd like to hear what they are.

Also music etc.

[Detective Shadzter]

Stupid banners are already appearing at the SEGA Forums

[Balding Spider]

Stupid banners are already appearing at the SEGA Forums

Yes, but in all honesty their reaction to this news isn't as bad as I expected it to be.

[Dreadknux]

I played an updated S4 build today guys.

It's honestly not that bad. Worst I managed to do was stand on the top of some curvature (and the way I was standing, it was sort of 'believable.'). I've not played the 'buggy physics' build (today was first time I had a hands on with S4 full stop) but it was nowhere near the shit I've seen in banners and those videos. And they sped up the running animation too, without actually speeding Sonic up.

Like I'm justifying the 'in-depth investigations' that people have about this physics ballbags anyway. Jesus Christ, it's a little bit sad.

The game's feeling right, bros. I honestly wouldn't hit that panic button just yet.

[saying no more - embargos are fun]

[gato]

Well I got to praise Ruby for having the guts and the honesty to come right in front of us (or even more, the Retro fanbase) and tell us something not so pretty about the game....

Seriously, you guys are awesome and SEGA earns some big "trust points" in having people like you working with them.

Sadly, my respect towards our comunity managers will not be enough to make me buy a game. This was a

serious let down and killed almost any interest I had in this game (and I would dare to say future episodes?).

p.s.: notice that I talked in plural, just so our (current?)Europe comunity manager doesn't feel unapreciated

EDIT1,2,3,4,*infinitum*:

Post

Okay... that sounds good.

But it's still not what I wanted.

Sorry for so many EDIT's, it was a bad time to post and I got lot's of things mixed, I should have waited for a less work loaded time. D:

Edited September 8, 2010 by gato