Sonic 4: Episode 1 Impressions, Thoughts, & Help Topic

[Spooky Mulder]

I think the best thing in mind right now is that SEGA has said they're going to listen to the fans and the critics so even of they only listen to a few complaints, future episodes should get progressively better. And since the majority did have fun with the game, despite its flaws, t's nice to know that more fun is on the way.

[Aquaslash]

To be honest, I'm a disgusting whore and don't really care about the homing attack. While I understand and will debate its game breaking potential, it works on the weak grounds that I can't think of another air attack that hasn't been done already. I tried to with Scourge in S Factor, didn't go too well, and Sonia ended up with a glorified insta-shield.

The homing attack isn't the problem, it's Sonic's controls. His weight, momentum, inertia, all of that. That HAS to be fixed if this game wants to stand near the likes of Sonics 1, 2, 3, and even CD! I've seen some people in defense of S4's physics start to bag on the originals, and say that S4's work better and all that jazz. My response to that is if you can't handle the "heat" of the old games, get out of the slaggin kitchen.

Those physics and controls back in the day made Sonic what he was back then. Sure, some of us like me weren't even playing games back then and were watching the cartoons, and reading the comics, but it was always the games that were the most popular item.

If Sonics 1-3K and CD controlled back then like Sonic 4 controls now, Sonic would not be anywhere as popular as he is now. In fact, we probably would have been lucky to see a third game.

The complaints are fair I'd say, and after all, it's a working strategy! I don't need to bring up the Mine Cart and Score Attack levels do I?

[Patticus]

How did Sonic reacting like this to inputs actually get though even the alpha build? Seriously? Did the QA team not say anything? If they did, were they just ignored?

It's actually embarrassing that a retail product can have such abysmal attention to control design, getting the feel of play right is the very first thing that should be set in stone before even considering level designs or enemies. Sonic is nowhere near as fun to maneuver in this as he is in the classic games.

That said though, I am seeing some excellent level design in this game, particularly in the latter two zones, and the special stages are really well done (and benefit from not having to jump or anything like that).

[Tyranno]

If Sonics 1-3K and CD controlled back then like Sonic 4 controls now, Sonic would not be anywhere as popular as he is now. In fact, we probably would have been lucky to see a third game.

Speaking of a purely hypothetical statement as though it were a certainty is a very poor argument.

[SuperStingray]

I just find it funny that I don't notice how terrible Sonic 4's physics are unless I'm watching someone else play it.

[Detective Shadzter]

According to Autosaver at the SEGA Forums, there's a different Sonic ending pose if you get those rings in the ending as Sonic without the emeralds:

http://forums.sega.com/showthread.php?348793-I-GOT-THE-RINGS!!!!!-and-learned-a-secret!&p=6286726&viewfull=1#post6286726

Can anyone confirm this and/or show a pic/video of it? I've got all of the emeralds now so can't see it unless I delete my save and restart.

[Remy]

Ruby already mentioned that he's going to adress that near universal complaint when they're going to have the next meeting regarding Ep 2.

[Ristar]

According to Autosaver at the SEGA Forums, there's a different Sonic ending pose if you get those rings in the ending as Sonic without the emeralds:

http://forums.sega.c...l=1#post6286726

Can anyone confirm this and/or show a pic/video of it? I've got all of the emeralds now so can't see it unless I delete my save and restart.

Edited October 17, 2010 by Ristar

[Core]

Yesterday I finally downloaded the game to try it for myself. When I played the demo I wasn't too impressed, but I decided to buy the full game anyway.

Despite the physics problems, I actually found the game to be fun, especially in the later levels. Maybe that's because I got used to the weird physics over time.

There are still some things that annoy me though; lack of momentum can be a pain, and I hate how when you hit a vertical spring, even if you're holding left or right, Sonic won't move until he's high in the air.

On the other hand, the strange ability to crouch on a slope can come in handy when you're standing on a curve while being chased by a crushing wall.

Despite the rehash-ness, the levels had a lot of creativity sometimes. I especially like the Lost Labyrinth boulders that you ride on, or the giant gears in Mad Gear that you make spin.

At times, I was particularly impressed by the graphics. The game is much prettier than I expected it to be. Casino Street Zone had some nice effects, and I liked the background stuff that reacts when you touch it, as useless as it is. I don't like how Sonic is shaded though.

I enjoyed the music too (again, especially in the later levels), even if the instruments aren't too great.

I also liked the Special Stages. Some of them were challenging, but I got the 7th Emerald on my first try.

The strange thing is, when I first completed the game, I felt like I had just completed a classic game.

... but that may be because of the rehash-ness. I hope the next episodes will have more original content.

All in all it was quite fun, but too expensive compared to the length, and I don't think I will replay it much. But it's not a bad game, despite its flaws.

Edited October 17, 2010 by Core

[Carbo]

If Sonic Team pay as much attention to their US community guy (Ruby) as their other ones, I really doubt anything will come of it.

I really hope they take some criticism on board though, Ep2 has the potential to be really good if they make some engine improvements instead of just farting out new levels with the same base.

Well the point is, he's going to atleast make those complaints heard. We can't fault Ruby for what goes wrong with the game, the effort he puts in is what counts. I doubt he's going to go in without any solid backup on the claim, part of the idea releasing it episodically was so they could take some criticism from the fans and improve it for further installments.

[Remy]

part of the idea releasing it episodically was so they could take some criticism from the fans and improve it for further installments.

This is indeed the idea behind episodic games but it never really seems to work out that way in the end unfortunately. I don't wont to give off the impression here that I'm wishing doom on Sonic 4 or anything, because that couldn't be farther from the truth, I'd love to see Sonic 4 Ep2 be super freaking awesome- but! - I'm not exactly confident it will be

The nature of virtually every episodic release till now has basically made me very doubtful ion regards to future titles. Half Life 2 ep3 is MIA, as is the future of Rainslick Precipice, and the telltale episodic games are essentially one big game just split into pieces for the sake of it, which is, what I'm expecting of sonic 4.

but whatevs. could still rock.

[Agent York]

This is indeed the idea behind episodic games but it never really seems to work out that way in the end unfortunately. I don't wont to give off the impression here that I'm wishing doom on Sonic 4 or anything, because that couldn't be farther from the truth, I'd love to see Sonic 4 Ep2 be super freaking awesome- but! - I'm not exactly confident it will be

The nature of virtually every episodic release till now has basically made me very doubtful ion regards to future titles. Half Life 2 ep3 is MIA, as is the future of Rainslick Precipice, and the telltale episodic games are essentially one big game just split into pieces for the sake of it, which is, what I'm expecting of sonic 4.

but whatevs. could still rock.

If anything I hope for episode 2 they drop the samities and bring out the uniqueness. Physics have been talked about enough, if episode 2 had awesome level motifs, gimmicks, enemies, and more that didn't feel like it was just recreating the old games I think it would be a lot more enjoyable. Seeing something like a Western Zone, Jungle Zone, etc and throw in originality into the mix would feel a lot more at home with Sonic 4 than continuing to copy. Episode 1 has similar themes to the older games, that's fine. Just please let that be episode 1 only and now lets move on to some more original stages and design.

(still totally hoping that the black area in Episode 1's map is pointing to a Canyon/Western stage for episode 2)

Edited October 17, 2010 by Dusk the Wisp Keeper

[Detective Shadzter]

[Blue Blood]

Thanks, but you misunderstand me. Autosaver is saying that there are 3 endings.

Sonic (no emeralds and no end scene rings)

Sonic (no emeralds and all end scene rings)

Super Sonic (all emeralds and all end scene rings)

I'm wondering what the middle one in bold looks like. I have all emeralds and so can't do it without deleting my save and starting fresh.

The sprite has been ripped. It's based on the Sonic 2 pose. Lemme find it real quick...

EDIT: Thanks Woun!

Edited October 17, 2010 by Blue Blood

[Detective Shadzter]

Thanks Blue Blood, and to Woun for ripping it

[Solid SOAP]

Anyone else think that the ending poses looked really dumb and awkward? Sonic's face had next to no expression on it, making him look dopey, and his proportions just looked odd. What made the old poses cool was how exaggerated his features were, like his hands or fist being larger. Very, very minor complaint, but I think it could've looked better.

[Senator NinjaShark]

Now then, I downloaded that game myself for WiiWare yesterday, Completed it without Emerwoolds yesterday and spend Most of the day Collecting Emerwoolds and beating the Final Boss again.

Graphics: Fairly Decent, Levels Look Nice and Pretty...Thats about all I have to say about that Matter, really :V

Music: I haven't compared The WiiWare OST to the Other Platforms I found it be pretty Good personally. Nothing Outstanding, but enjoyable to me. Mad Gear Zone and Lost Labyrinth being my Personal Favourites.

Gameplay: Sonic Felt a Little Heavy and akward to me at first, but after a few Seconds I got used to it and had Fun with it.

Bosses: the Bosses were mostly Recyclet ,yes, However The Twist they gave them I found to be Fun. and it was Nice seeing Flying Eggman (Who now has a Dash of the Jet Mobile) again. The Final Boss was quiet Tricky too I admit.

Level Designs: The Themes Present are Indeed very simliar to Older Installments, but I still Liked the Levels and the Gimmicks they had. Mad Gear being Probably my Favourite Level in this case.

lolphysics: I didn't encounter any Major issues with them but the Physics are Indeed Flawed, which I realised by the Time I somehow managed to Spindash backwards up a Curve while not pressing any Buttons (How did I manage that?). But aside from giving me a Laugh I didn't find them to be Gamebreaking, Still I hope they fix The Physics in Future Episodes (and also make Backwards Spin dashing an Official Move)

and that would be my Two Cents on this Game.

Overall, I Like this Game and found it to be a Fun First Episode, not amazing and rather Flawed but Fun. Hopefully Episode 2 will Fix the Flaws present in this Game (and maybe have some Original Levels and Bosses) and also Release it at a Bit more Fairer Price. Do I think it's a Worthy Sucessor to the Classics? I personally prefer to reserve my Final Judgement until the Other Episode are released.

Edited October 17, 2010 by Mr. Ninja Shark

[Blue Blood]

Anyone else think that the ending poses looked really dumb and awkward? Sonic's face had next to no expression on it, making him look dopey, and his proportions just looked odd. What made the old poses cool was how exaggerated his features were, like his hands or fist being larger. Very, very minor complaint, but I think it could've looked better.

I find that's the base with most of his animations in this game. He looks kind of awkward. Nothing against the new design (thought I do prefer the old one), but re-shaping his eyes a little would allow him to be much more expressive, just like this game wants.

[Doctor MK]

I went home for the weekend and have played through the game entirely (Chaos Emeralds included), so here are my thoughts...

It's a good, albeit flawed game. The aesthetics are pretty much spot on for a current-gen classic Sonic game, and I love the soundtrack (Mad Gear Act 1 <3). However, as much as the game feels like a classic Sonic game, it also doesn't feel like one. If that makes any sense at all. Sonic is a tad too slow in picking up speed and I really don't like the fact that rolling has been nerfed so badly. The homing attack is a surprisingly excellent addition and aside from that I can't think of anything too disastrous worth mentioning. Yes, the physics are "broken" but they work for what Sonic 4 is so I'll let it slide. Oh, yes of course - the major downside - far too short. As much as I enjoyed playing through it, Episode 1 still doesn't feel £15-worthy to me. Not for two hours worth of gameplay. Sorry, but for me price is definitely the biggest negative.

The special stages were a lot easier than I anticipated. The seventh one in particular was a breeze, I thought (in comparison to what people were making it out to be). I struggled on a couple... erm... the fourth one, I think? (DAMN fourth Chaos Emerald!)... but aside from that it was simple - and enjoyable - to collect all the emerooooooowlds.

Would I recommend Sonic 4: Episode 1? Yes. But I'm going to have to wait for the future episodes before I start thinking about comparing it to the lofty heights of the original trilogy.

[Detective Shadzter]

I went home for the weekend and have played through the game entirely (Chaos Emeralds included), so here are my thoughts...

It's a good, albeit flawed game. The aesthetics are pretty much spot on for a current-gen classic Sonic game, and I love the soundtrack (Mad Gear Act 1 <3). However, as much as the game feels like a classic Sonic game, it also doesn't feel like one. If that makes any sense at all. Sonic is a tad too slow in picking up speed and I really don't like the fact that rolling has been nerfed so badly. The homing attack is a surprisingly excellent addition and aside from that I can't think of anything too disastrous worth mentioning. Yes, the physics are "broken" but they work for what Sonic 4 is so I'll let it slide. Oh, yes of course - the major downside - far too short. As much as I enjoyed playing through it, Episode 1 still doesn't feel £15-worthy to me. Not for two hours worth of gameplay. Sorry, but for me price is definitely the biggest negative.

The special stages were a lot easier than I anticipated. The seventh one in particular was a breeze, I thought (in comparison to what people were making it out to be). I struggled on a couple... erm... the fourth one, I think? (DAMN fourth Chaos Emerald!)... but aside from that it was simple - and enjoyable - to collect all the emerooooooowlds.

Would I recommend Sonic 4: Episode 1? Yes. But I'm going to have to wait for the future episodes before I start thinking about comparing it to the lofty heights of the original trilogy.

[DistantJ]

Hey everyone. So as I said, I took a break from the topic for a while. Have been browsing around the rest of the forum and things though, and these are good, smart people on here, so I'm inspired to apologise for any posts of mine getting a little too fiery and repetitive. Thanks to mods who have had patience with this all, for seeing that I intend to discuss and not to demean.

As much as I've disagreed with Phos and Slingerland in the past, they've at least phrased their arguments in a manner that shows they're making an effort to prove why they disagree and why they believe the physics to be bad.

Distant J, no offense

Edited October 17, 2010 by DistantJ

[Doctor MK]

I agree that it could have been better if the physics matched the classics or better and that it's still fun as it is. Rolling being nerfed is odd, but homing attack is a great addition and mostly optional if you don't want to use it.

The £15 thing I can't agree with, because it's £10.50 via card payment on the Wii Shop Channel, which is close enough to the same price as on the other two consoles. The pricing of physical Nintendo Point cards isn't SEGA's fault at all. I respect not everyone can or likes buying their points on their bank card, but I don't think Nintendo overpricing physical point cards should be held as a negative towards SEGA.

[Blue Blood]

Here's a thought. If Sonic 4 was done 'right' from the the start, opinions wouldn't be so polarised. Just if the game was a main project rather than side one or if they tried to appeal to classic fans on anything more than surface appeal.

[Nix]

Well after playing through this game some, getting a 200/200 on it, and playing it some more I can say that I'm quite satisfied with the game despite the developers missing the point of the classics completely.

E.G.G. Station can burn in hell for all I care. Getting the untouchable achievement involved a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. It's sad to say I stayed up to midnight trying to get it. I also scored myself the hat; pretty awesome.

[DistantJ]

This damn final boss. How are you supposed to dodge when he shoots his arms off? I can't do that part at all without losing rings, it's too fast. And for some reason on this boss when you lose your rings they go flying for miles so they're really hard to get back (kinda disappointed also that this is pretty much the exact Sonic 2 final, behaving slightly differently. I know the other bosses were semi-rehashes but I thought at least the final would be new).

Edited October 17, 2010 by DistantJ