SAGE 7 Interview: Ultrasonic, 'Sonic Ultimate: New Beginnings'

Time for a New Beginning... Sonic Ultimate: New Beginnings that is! Today we have an interview with Ultrasonic, the creator of this fabulous game. Read on to see more info on Ultrasonics game...

TSS: Good afternoon Ultrasonic it's a pleasure to have your company today ^_^.
US: It's a pleasure to be your company today. Now on with the questions!

TSS: This is the first time we've spoken to you on Sonic Ultimate, now titled Sonic Ultimate: New Beginnings. My first question would have to be; why the change in name? What's so "New" about this game?
US: Well, the "New Beginnings" thing is less about telling something new, then finding a new beginning. During mid-development, my computer went to heck and I lost the game in the process. The 'New Beginnings' basically means that I started basically back at square 1 with very little of an engine left.

TSS: I see. So what is left of your game engine, and are there any major changes that have been implemented into the New Beginnings version?
US: Well, New Beginnings actually retained much of the original engine - which by the way I can't take credit for. A few modifications have been made, such as a slightly better spin dash. And the original version had no sound. No sound at all - rings didn't ring, for example. Super Sonic is being implemented, but it is early right now... a nice flame effect is finished for him, but more spriting is necessary.

TSS: So what sort of a storyline have you cooked up for us in the game?
US: Well, I wanted something extremely basic. Not as detailed as some of the other things out there. The story was also cooked up to represent the random levels system in game. Eggman has found a Chaos Emerald, which he has used to power a machine which changes Zones. Sonic now has to find his way to Eggman without knowing where he's going. The random levels system may be simplified due to space restrictions. I'm one level in and it's already about 5 megs.

TSS: That does present problems for people who want to download it. I've noticed that there are some secrets already included in the game such as the Hidden Palace Zone - can we expect to see similar secrets in the full game?
US: Oh God, without secrets my game would be like all the other games out there that have failed! I'm planning a ton of secrets, which may end up also linking to my comic series The Sonic Chronicles. Super Sonic is a given, and you may find some TSS favorites - including one of my good buddies, Dreadknux. I'll be in there as well, and many more secret levels are also planned.

TSS: Ah, so nothing's to be leaked until the release ^_^ The game handles fairly nicely when played... what sort of improvements could you add to the game in the near future?
US: Well, probably an easier wall jump. Dread seems to say it's hard to do, but it's easier these days. I also noticed it takes 500 miles just to stop from braking, and you get flung miles away when you get hit. I'm also considering a completely new set of graphics. Sonic's has already been completed, but other then Sonic I have no clue about new graphics everywhere.

TSS: So any new characters for the future at all?
US: Well, plans for Tails and Knuckles are being made, and many secret characters are also being planned. No details on them yet because they're only on paper at the moment.

TSS: I see, very interesting! I shall have to watch out for any new developments. So how long, and how big, should I say the final product is going to be? And is there any sort of release date at all?
US: Release date? I'm not going to give a release date because I have no clue. The way I see it, it's released when it's released. You'll know when, but expect the final product to be huge at the rate it's going. Not just game wise but size wise. It's already 5 megs!

TSS: Well I'm looking forward to the final product. Just some last questions - what have you thought of this year's SAGE compared to previous years?
US: Well, I've only been to one other, a few years ago, and I only went there to see SRB2. This could be considered my first SAGE in most ways.

TSS: Anything else you'd like to share with us about Sonic Ultimate: New Beginnings?
US: There's a chance that something huge will happen with it soon, but theres also a chance of it not happening. Chances are getting higher, but trust me that you'll definitely know if it happens. The SSMB will definitely know because I'll brag myself to death if it happens.

TSS: Good good! Ultrasonic, it's been a pleasure chatting to you about Sonic Ultimate New Beginnings, I hope we can do this again some time.
US: Me too. You'll be chatting with me again about something else should that big thing happen. Trust me.