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

[Detective Shadzter]

I'm hearing at the SEGA Forums that the U.S. PSN version is out now:

IT IS!

Go to the search bar at the top and type in Sonic 4, I don't know why, but it's pretty much hidden on the store, but you can buy it now.

http://forums.sega.com/showthread.php?t=348132

[Blue Blood]

The game's physics are much more horrible than I could have possibly dreamed of. It's not even a matter of being different from the classics, oh no. Sonic Advance had different physics, but they were okay. This... This is a travesty. Sonic controls like a boulder. He feels sluggish, the Spin Dash never takes you far, even when you're spinning through a loop. Honestly, I think I might have to play more of this game first, though. You know, FOR SCIENCE. But I can tell you right now, my hopes aren't taking me far.

Please use shoot yourself from a CSZ3 cannon, upwards at about 45 degrees. Don't press any of the directional buttons either. It's funny.

[Scar]

Please use shoot yourself from a CSZ3 cannon, upwards at about 45 degrees. Don't press any of the directional buttons either. It's funny.

Its like they gave EVERYTHING friction. Like they programmed in Air-resistance....Its quite funny to watch.

If the problem is caused by whether or not you press the button, then changing it shouldn't be such a problem........right?

[Tiller]

I'm trying the demo tomorrow, and I'm a fussy physics person, so I'm not getting my hopes too high.

Anyone with the game want to start filming and doing comparisons of the Classics physics to Sonic 4's? Obviously since EP2 hasn't started yet they're looking for fan reaction for this one. If we truely want to see better physics in the next few episodes we have to start spreading the message and show exactly what we want. Comparison videos will help showcase this.

Oh and on the note of "playing the game right:" a well designed and robust game will account for wacky user input and still function in an acceptable fassion. EG: Spamming the boost randomly in Sonic Unleashed while spinning the control stick resulted in some questionable and glitchy movement. Something should have been in place to counteract this.

[Ferno]

Spamming the boost randomly in Sonic Unleashed while spinning the control stick resulted in some questionable and glitchy movement.

O_O...?

...

I've never tried that in the 2 years I've had the game.

[Tiller]

Spamming boost while trying to turn in other directions in a part where you're supposed to be slow (training stage in HD versions) made you zip around and look funky. Sonic should have either rammed into a wall to be stunned for a bit, or boost presses should have a cooldown before reuse. You can make the game look bad because no one took this into account.

[Chooch]

Okay I played the DEMO because I don't have money for the full thing just yet but here we go:

Initially, I'll admit. This game felt rather awkward.

I mean, with speed boosters forcing you into rolling mode and jumping canceling all of your momentum each time you do it was a little weird. Uncurling when going off slopes will bug people but I find it at least moderately understandable considering the Homing Attack being implemented. Homing Attack is pretty fun in this, by the way. The main thing really got me was the fact that in person this game is fucking gorgeous, holy shit. I saw many a video showing off the game's visuals but I really was taken aback in the midst of starting Splash Hill Act 1 the first time myself.

The game is fast, the game looks good, and although a little awkward initially and different from the classics it's still fun and it's still Sonic. :3

P.S. I didn't get stuck on any walls because, well.. I was actively trying to get to the end of the stage. You know, like most normal people.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Chooch

[Legendary Emerald]

Just beat the first three zones.

It was grand.

The physics are a bit fucked in the arse though, I will agree. I still haven't gotten used to not rolling constantly, since I've learned you can accelerate and go much faster just by running. That's just stupid. And the jumping feels off as well, because of the lack of momentum. And those cannons blood loves so much... lol.

Best moment so far: "Awesome! Beat the first zone, and I didn't even stand on a wall once! Time to start the casino zo-*stands on wall* FFFUUUUU-"

Only stood on a wall one other time, in that same act. Was annoying, but at least it gave me a good post.

It's amazing the game is as fun as it is despite these problems. Hopefully there will be a patch, though. Because physics and episodic quality aside, its damn near perfect. Even the homing attack is fun to use, and the level gimmicks work wonderfully...

except for that fucking water pool thing where you tilt the map to get the cork to come out in the third act of the Labyrinth-like Zone. WHY do you take damage if you try to drain the water too fast? Is that a glitch or what?! Killed me three or four times because I couldn't understand why I was taking damage when there was no enemy and I had full supply of air.

Anyone can explain that one for me?

[PC the Hedgehog]

except for that fucking water pool thing where you tilt the map to get the cork to come out in the third act of the Labyrinth-like Zone. WHY do you take damage if you try to drain the water too fast? Is that a glitch or what?! Killed me three or four times because I couldn't understand why I was taking damage when there was no enemy and I had full supply of air.

Anyone can explain that one for me?

[Legendary Emerald]

If you look closely, you'll see that there is a tiny set of spikes sticking out of the wall. I had the exact same reaction before I noticed them, heh heh.

That's easily the worst part in Lost Labyrinth, save for the irritating torch-lighting puzzle.

[Kuzu]

Has anyone figured out how to get past that without getting hit?

[Saint Nathan]

Please use shoot yourself from a CSZ3 cannon, upwards at about 45 degrees. Don't press any of the directional buttons either. It's funny.

[Legendary Emerald]

Wait hold on.

Nothing odd happens when I do that. The whole time with the cannons I didn't press in a direction at all while in the air.

What is supposed to happen?

Edited October 13, 2010 by Legendary Emerald

[Ferno]

Sooo, you guys are saying that he only falls straight down when your not putting actual input into the game, but when you've got 'right' pressed down most of the time (like 99% of people who play Sonic games do,) everything is normal and he flies in a normal arc?

Oh Mai Gawd....that is SUCH a reason for RAEG!

FFFFUUUUUUU-!

[Joshi]

Sure I guess I'll make this my first post here in.. like, what, a decade?

SO SOME BACKSTORY, I GUESS. To add some perspective to this all. I came in not expecting much. I started out expecting a decently average game, nothing grossly offensive. I figured it would neither stick out as a shining pinnacle of light, nor a soul-crushing despairgame. Just.. inoffensive.

Then I heard Dimps was working on the game and lost all interest forever. Sod off, Dimps. You ain't made a decent (not even good!!) Sonic game since the first Advance game; they've just gotten progressively worse since then. (Okay, so I never played Rush Adventure so I can't confirm that that continues the pattern). Since then the game had dropped off my radar until someone told me the iPhone version was out, and I decided to give that a shot.

So, okay, the game itself. Wow. WOW. This is loads better than I expected! Although considering I expected it to be silicon excrement, that is not saying much. In the end it.. it's nothing that excites me. I had fun in a few levels. I didn't hate the others. Most of the others.

My biggest problem with the game is probably that it's just Sonic 2: Electric Boogaloo, with a few touches of Sonic 1. Which is a huge shame, because Sonic 2 is the Worst One. ZONE RUN-DOWN!!

Splash Hill Zone: It's just Emerald Hill. Again. oboy, hold me back !!! I guess I can forgive the game of this, because retarded Sonic fans DEMAND that every game begin with Green Something or Something Hill. It is a pattern we will never break, much to Sonic's detriment.

Splash Hill was overall unoffensive and boring. The levels aren't bad, but they're not inspired, either. Very forgettable.

Casino Street Zone: Hey man remember Casino Night Zone?? Remember how awesome that was??? Here's the exact same thing but with shitty physics and subpar level design! Yeah!!!!!!

The first level was bad. The second level was awful. The third level was okay. The boss was STRANGELY FAMILIAR...... and also really easy.

Act 3 was this zone's saving grace. I enjoyed it.

Lost Labyrinth Zone: Fuck you.

Mad Gear Zone: Okay so I've only played Act 1 of this and so far it's basically bullshit. Maybe Act 3 will be its saving grace as well. Other than that, it's just Metropolis Zone again, innit? It's even green!

I don't like the visuals to this level. It's very busy. There are times that I think there's a platform and nope !! Part of the background. whoops lol.

I'm not even going to rant about the physics because I'm sure everyone already has and it's all self-apparent anyway. Most I'll say is that the complete lack of inertia when you're in the air is hilarious.

The people who complained about homing attack need to shut their fools mouths. It fits in fine. (Are people still complaining about that? Is that a "thing" anymore?)

I think the worst thing about this game, to me, was the touch controls. And that's a problem with the format, not the game. I would, however, still like to take this moment to say how stupid I feel it is to ever put a platformer on an iPhone. I need real buttons for them, damnit.

hi guys im joshi

Edit because why not:

but when you've got 'right' pressed down most of the time (like 99% of people who play Sonic games do,) everything is normal and he flies in a normal arc?

Edited October 13, 2010 by Joshi

[Chaos Walker]

Hooray for bagging on the momentum. I wonder, if episode 2 locks on to episode 1, is there any hope for a Wii owner like me to get fixed physics? Or will Sonic magically stop in midair straight through every episode? I seriously doubt they would touch the physics now, but it would be nice if episode 2 addresed this, and even nicer if the lock-on fixed the physics of previous episodes. From my understanding, Xbox and PS3 owners have hope, as the game can get a patch... or something.

[Superstarsmasher]

Sure I guess I'll make this my first post here in.. like, what, a decade?

SO SOME BACKSTORY, I GUESS. To add some perspective to this all. I came in not expecting much. I started out expecting a decently average game, nothing grossly offensive. I figured it would neither stick out as a shining pinnacle of light, nor a soul-crushing despairgame. Just.. inoffensive.

Then I heard Dimps was working on the game and lost all interest forever. Sod off, Dimps. You ain't made a decent (not even good!!) Sonic game since the first Advance game; they've just gotten progressively worse since then. (Okay, so I never played Rush Adventure so I can't confirm that that continues the pattern). Since then the game had dropped off my radar until someone told me the iPhone version was out, and I decided to give that a shot.

So, okay, the game itself. Wow. WOW. This is loads better than I expected! Although considering I expected it to be silicon excrement, that is not saying much. In the end it.. it's nothing that excites me. I had fun in a few levels. I didn't hate the others. Most of the others.

My biggest problem with the game is probably that it's just Sonic 2: Electric Boogaloo, with a few touches of Sonic 1. Which is a huge shame, because Sonic 2 is the Worst One. ZONE RUN-DOWN!!

Splash Hill Zone: It's just Emerald Hill. Again. oboy, hold me back !!! I guess I can forgive the game of this, because retarded Sonic fans DEMAND that every game begin with Green Something or Something Hill. It is a pattern we will never break, much to Sonic's detriment.

Splash Hill was overall unoffensive and boring. The levels aren't bad, but they're not inspired, either. Very forgettable.

Casino Street Zone: Hey man remember Casino Night Zone?? Remember how awesome that was??? Here's the exact same thing but with shitty physics and subpar level design! Yeah!!!!!!

The first level was bad. The second level was awful. The third level was okay. The boss was STRANGELY FAMILIAR...... and also really easy.

Act 3 was this zone's saving grace. I enjoyed it.

Lost Labyrinth Zone: Fuck you.

Mad Gear Zone: Okay so I've only played Act 1 of this and so far it's basically bullshit. Maybe Act 3 will be its saving grace as well. Other than that, it's just Metropolis Zone again, innit? It's even green!

I don't like the visuals to this level. It's very busy. There are times that I think there's a platform and nope !! Part of the background. whoops lol.

I'm not even going to rant about the physics because I'm sure everyone already has and it's all self-apparent anyway. Most I'll say is that the complete lack of inertia when you're in the air is hilarious.

The people who complained about homing attack need to shut their fools mouths. It fits in fine. (Are people still complaining about that? Is that a "thing" anymore?)

I think the worst thing about this game, to me, was the touch controls. And that's a problem with the format, not the game. I would, however, still like to take this moment to say how stupid I feel it is to ever put a platformer on an iPhone. I need real buttons for them, damnit.

hi guys im joshi

Edit because why not:

He does not.

[Joshi]

thanks for quoting a long reply that you're not actually responding to.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Joshi

[SykoTech]

(like 99% of people who play Sonic games do,)

Eh, your mileage may vary there. I for one tend let Sonic do the rolling in the Classic games.

I'm with you that it's not a big deal, but I still feel it's a legitimate complaint. It's nothing like the classic physics, and it doesn't really make sense either. When you roll a ball down a hill, it should keep rolling. Someone shouldn't have to keep pushing it.

Edited October 13, 2010 by SykoTech

[Ferno]

*reads long post*

....

I love this guy.

Welcome aboard Joshi.

He does not.

Still not a reason for all the B'awwing I've been seeing from people all day. It's not like it's a glitchy mess. Sonic '06 wishes that it's only problems were physics based.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Ferno

[Joshi]

Oh yeah, definitely. It's a bit of a slap in the face after they claimed a return to momentum-based gameplay or whatever crap they tried to feed everyone, but it's hardly gamebreaking. It's barely even an annoyance. It's just... more funny, than anything, IMO.

[Dummy Bear]

You can please some of the people all the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can never please Sonic fans.

EVER.

Especially hardcore purist elitists.

Edit: Fucking butterfingers...

Edited October 13, 2010 by Slash

[Dr. SEGA Monkey]

About the rolling, you CAN move really fast while rolling downhill like in the classics, but you MUST hold right/left on the D-pad for it to work. If you don't, Sonic rolls downhill really slowly.

So basically it's like how letting go of the D-pad stops you in mid-air during a jump. If you aren't holding right/left while Sonic is rolling, he slows to a crawl.

That's how it's like in Sonic Rush. So I'm assuming it's like that in Sonic 4.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Dr. SEGA Monkey

[Dummy Bear]

About the rolling, you CAN move really fast while rolling downhill like in the classics, but you MUST hold right/left on the D-pad for it to work. If you don't, Sonic rolls downhill really slowly.

So basically it's like how letting go of the D-pad stops you in mid-air during a jump. If you aren't holding right/left while Sonic is rolling, he slows to a crawl.

That's how it's like in Sonic Rush. So I'm assuming it's like that in Sonic 4.

So that's why I never noticed this rolling downhill slowly business.

In the classic games, I always held down the direction I'm going as I rolled down hills and stuff.

[Sean]

You can please some of the people all the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can never please Sonic fans.

EVER.

Especially hardcore purist elitists.

Edit: Fucking butterfingers...

Sorry that not all of us can enjoy this game. I find it terrible.

I just love how people fall back on this statement whenever a bunch of people are disappointed in something. Trying to negate the other side's opinion and make them look foolish, yeah real cool.

I've bitched about this game before it was released. I said I wouldn't give it a chance, but I gave it a chance anyway. I now know everything this game has to offer, and none of it is for my tastes.