Sonic Unleased

[pedrocasilva]

Like you're saying, the Wii is its own console. It's in a special category because it has chosen not to go the route of HD and high-powered processing, but at same time it tries to improve upon the last generation. For this reason, it's all by itself. Since the Wii is not with the majority, it's a special case. Two out of three current gen consoles are HD capable, therefore they have ports that are highly similar. The Wii cannot partake in this exchange, therefore in order to cut down on production, they have to find the next best thing.

So, instead of going the extra mile always take the shortcut into the lame PS2 assets?

In the first year was one thing, now it's a joke.

Since the Wii is not HD capable, it can't get a port of a 360/PS3 without having very very severe cutbacks. Since it is not in a production team's best interest to make a watered down version of a game for just one special case, that is why they build it around both the PS2 and the Wii. So you may ask why even bother making a PS2 version at all. They know a Wii version may sell a reasonable amount since there are so many Wii owners out there. However by that logic and if a game is multi-platform to begin with, it makes sense to have a PS2 version since there is a large pre-installed base of PS2 owners that probably can't afford a PS3 or another next gen console.

this game wouldn't have to be watered down, it's very low poly, and that's a area where Wii actually has strength... rewrite the shaders, convert textures and put a little effort... and it's done.

Regarding userbase.... this game comes in as a spiritual sequel to secret rings, a Wii exclusive that sold 1,2 millions so far, way better than Sonic 2006 PS3 and X360 combined, now we might even ask, why bother with the HD's?

I have no problem with HD's getting a version, as long as mine isn't that inferior and above all, doesn't get PS2 crap.

While it is perceived to be unfair that they would not take advantage of the Wii's capability, it's a matter of time and money. It costs more time to build a new version just for a special case. It takes money to pay people to make these new versions. In order to make it worth their while, a version is concurrently made for both PS2 and Wii. Not every company has this amount of time and money to invest in catering to each console and making special versions optimized for each console. They want to make their game and try to get it out to as many people as possible. I find it highly unreasonable to expect all third parties who make multi-console games to make a special Wii-optimized version for EACH AND EVERY multi-platform title they release. It is too much resources on a risk. It doesn't help that in this case (a Sonic game), people at this point are not confident in the franchise to begin with. If people aren't going to buy it, why bother? To counteract this, they make a PS2 version and cushion the blow from people not buying and hopefully have some of the PS2 owner base buy it as well.

Sonic always sold best on Nintendo platforms since it gone 3rd party, is it a special case?

You've made it very clear in the past that you feel, as a Wii owner, that you are being short-sticked. I very much understand that it's upsetting that devs aren't taking more advantage of the capability the Wii has over the last generation. I am not saying that I support that devs are doing this. I am saying that with the situation at hand, it is unreasonable for them to do what you are asking given the circumstances. I cannot stress enough that these things cost time and money and it's economically risky to exclusively develop a Wii version for everything unless it's guaranteed to sell. If a game was made exclusive to the Wii, you'll see a lot more effort in taking advantage of its capabilities. Multi-platform games are about finding a happy medium between consoles in order to give owners of different consoles the relatively same experience. It's not about making a special version for each to prove the superiority of one console's capabilities over another.

Thank you for understanding me; I don't think those apply to Sonic, and Tales series in particular though, quite the contrary... for a large range of the rest of the gaming franchises yes (due to lack of historical releases to be secure in a Nintendo Platform), but not these two and a handful of others.

And not even in them we get the edge or the "special treatment" of not getting a PS2 port.

In a perfect world where time and money is not a problem, you'd be seeing a lot more of what you're asking. We unfortunately have to concern ourselves with time and money therefore you get what you see and take what you can get.

yet HD consoles are more expensive to develop for and this sonic is bound to sell less there and it doesn't seem to be a problem.

In this case, they're taking us for granted I think.

couldn't they just... make a version that runs at a lower resolution with lower texture quality, or something? perhaps less complex effects and geometry? the PS2 and Wii are pretty far apart in their graphical capability, aren't they? it doesn't seem to make sense to make the Wii version a PS2 port, then.

Yes, PS2 and Wii are very far apart on what they can achieve. Sadly Wii hardware is mostly being used by third party's to do things PS2 could do.

Porting the Wii version (watering it down) to PS2... That's harder to do than the other way around, because basically a PS2 version is barren, lacks shaders, etc; they don't even have to optimize and have big chances of achieving 60 frames nonetheless.

But that doesn't make it right.

[LJkAze]

SONIICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC IS BACKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://xbox360.ign.com/do...leashed_trlr1_040308.html

[Goshi]

Gameplay looks good, I love the idea of combining two working forms of gameplay and plus being able to ram into enemies in the 3D segments instead of stopping to homing attack them is a big plus (Combat was one of the things that ruined Secret of the Rings).

But they'll probably screw over the game in some way, I just have that feeling. Also the storyline looks to be very uncreative too.

[lonerurouni187]

Gameplay looks good, I love the idea of combining two working forms of gameplay and plus being able to ram into enemies in the 3D segments instead of stopping to homing attack them is a big plus (Combat was one of the things that ruined Secret of the Rings).

 
Yeah this game is looking absolutely great.....I haven't been this excited about a sonic game in a looong while (Since SADX + SA2B......) They shouldve done this along time ago; stick to what made the old ones great while adding new ingenuity....I love it.

But they'll probably screw over the game in some way, I just have that feeling. Also the storyline looks to be very uncreative too.

Yeah, I reeaally dont want to admit it (keeping fingers crossed) but its likely.
Well, has the story ever been really outstanding.... I mean I enjoyed SA's, and SA2's was alright (went downhill somewhere within SH and to the next gens, imo...) To me, all it has to do is be the most simple story (stop robotnik from....doing something)
add in a couple of conflicts(Knuckles against Sonic again would be neat....  )and have sonic save the day by going super saiya*ahem* super sonic. As long as the gameplay looks the way it does in SU, and is fun of course, the story doesn't have to be revolutionary or anything, imho......

[spaceworlder]

The only Sonic games that had creative stories were Sonic 3 and the two Adventure ones. Even those stuck to the basic template of 1) Stopping Robotnik and 2) Getting all the Chaos Emeralds.

The reason I'm uneasy about Unleashed is because of the last Sonic game for the 360. I remember Sega making all sorts of promises about it "going back to the beginning" or something. They even named it "Sonic the Hedgehog" as a "symbolic" gesture of this. Then the game turned out to be a buggy mess with stiff controls and sloppy level design.

Now a little over a year later, Sega is once again promising to go "back to the basics," blah blah blah, etc. A part of me can't help but flashback to 2006.

[Kevassa]

the story is abuot a prince, well call it sonic prince, that never got out home, and then in a random tutorial batt--err LEVEL, a girl, lets call her amy tear, appears and then you appear on a forest, where you will get to meet an awfully kickass mage with lens called Kunckjades, which willintroduce you to stop a war against kilma-- HUMAN WORLD XD

Sounds pretty original, uh?

[lonerurouni187]

I myself gave up after Sonic Heroes.

Me too. I didnt even bother getting excited about Secret Rings or that 360 one. They BOTH let me down big time...havent played either of em.

The reason I'm uneasy about Unleashed is because of the last Sonic game for the 360. I remember Sega making all sorts of promises about it "going back to the beginning" or something. They even named it "Sonic the Hedgehog" as a "symbolic" gesture of this. Then the game turned out to be a buggy mess with stiff controls and sloppy level design.

Now a little over a year later, Sega is once again promising to go "back to the basics," blah blah blah, etc. A part of me can't help but flashback to 2006.

I understand, well said. It scares me s***less to remember the promises they made trying to be next gen and all that with incredible graphics and stuff and going "back to the basics"....and now to be saying the same thing...its definitely a frightening thought. I was a sonic nut back in middle school, but like I said, after Heroes it just went downhill.To see a potentially good Sonic game in the making that seems to go back to what made the Sonic games so awesome/unique(crazy loops, frenetic levels, running from whales ) after several years....I can't help but get a lil excited.  But back to what Goshi said, theres also still potential to screw it up. urgh.

The only Sonic games that had creative stories were Sonic 3 and the two Adventure ones. Even those stuck to the basic template of 1) Stopping Robotnik and 2) Getting all the Chaos Emeralds.

Yup, yup. And they were crazy fun too! imo

the story is abuot a prince, well call it sonic prince, that never got out home, and then in a random tutorial batt--err LEVEL, a girl, lets call her amy tear, appears and then you appear on a forest, where you will get to meet an awfully kickass mage with lens called Kunckjades, which willintroduce you to stop a war against kilma-- HUMAN WORLD XD

Sounds pretty original, uh?

lol very original indeed.  would they PLEASE stay out of the Human world! Nothing good comes out of a blue hedgehog interacting with humans. Ack....

[Kevassa]

lol very original indeed.   would they PLEASE stay out of the Human world! Nothing good comes out of a blue hedgehog interacting with humans. Ack....

YOu didnt get the Tales of the Abyss reference did you? XD

[lonerurouni187]

YOu didnt get the Tales of the Abyss reference did you? XD

Dang it I KNEW it sounded familiar!!!!! I thought you were serious.....

[Kevassa]

Dang it I KNEW it sounded familiar!!!!! I thought you were serious.....

.3. Well, talking seriously, probably the story will be:

-ZOMFG We need to get the 7 emeralds back (why dont they destroy/keep them safe?)
-Omg eggman is on it again!
-Sonic gotta save it!
-Random people run in little circles, children cry, the people are sca--- wait a minute, wrong game
-Random new hedgog appearance, Sonic > Shadow > Silver > STELLLA! XD

[spaceworlder]

.3. Well, talking seriously, probably the story will be:

-ZOMFG We need to get the 7 emeralds back (why dont they destroy/keep them safe?)
-Omg eggman is on it again!
-Sonic gotta save it!
-Random people run in little circles, children cry, the people are sca--- wait a minute, wrong game
-Random new hedgog appearance, Sonic > Shadow > Silver > STELLLA! XD

Don't forget...

- Wait a minute, Robotnik's not the real bad guy!
- The real bad guy can only be defeated by the combined might of Super Sonic, Super Shadow, Super Silver, and Super Stella. REAL ULTIMATE POWER FTW!!

[lonerurouni187]

Don't forget...

- Wait a minute, Robotnik's not the real bad guy!
- The real bad guy can only be defeated by the combined might of Super Sonic, Super Shadow, Super Silver, and Super Stella. REAL ULTIMATE POWER FTW!!

So true....XDDD

.3. Well, talking seriously, probably the story will be:

-ZOMFG We need to get the 7 emeralds back (why dont they destroy/keep them safe?)
-Omg eggman is on it again!
-Sonic gotta save it!
-Random people run in little circles, children cry, the people are sca--- wait a minute, wrong game
-Random new hedgog appearance, Sonic > Shadow > Silver > STELLLA! XD

EPIC STORY! KUURRRREEEEAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!~~~~

No, not her....

[Goshi]

I didnt even bother getting excited about Secret Rings or that 360 one. They BOTH let me down big time...havent played either of em.

Secret of the Rings had an okay idea but the controls were a mess and Sonic Team seem to have this obsession were you must kill all the enemies to continue which works very poorly considering the gameplay.

Sonic Next Gen is very buggy, has poorly done storyline and cutscenes and was pretty slow paced for Sonic games. Also...

The Game Loads
Title Screen shows up and you press Start
The Game Loads
Go through menus and select Sonic's story
The Game Loads
FMV scene
The Game Loads
Cutscene
The Game Loads
Adventure Field, head into the next room
The Game Loads
In the next room walk up to Tails
The Game Loads
Cutscene
The Game Loads
Talk to guy for quest
The Game Loads
Guy explains quest
The Game Loads
You do the quest
The Game Loads
He rewards you
The Game Loads
Make your way to the light dash rings and head to the 1st level
The Game Loads
YOU FINALLY PLAY THE FIRST LEVEL!!!!!111




The Game Loads

[lonerurouni187]

Secret of the Rings had an okay idea but the controls were a mess and Sonic Team seem to have this obsession were you must kill all the enemies to continue which works very poorly considering the gameplay.

Yeah, it looked like it had good premises, but just from watching the gameplay it looked a little akward. And they need to knock off that 'kill all enemies' stuff during the story; I dont have a problem with that as like a mission or something, but to complete the story....it deviates from the fun part playing too much 

The Game Loads
Title Screen shows up and you press Start
The Game Loads
Go through menus and select Sonic's story
The Game Loads
FMV scene
The Game Loads
Cutscene
The Game Loads
Adventure Field, head into the next room
The Game Loads
In the next room walk up to Tails
The Game Loads
Cutscene
The Game Loads
Talk to guy for quest
The Game Loads
Guy explains quest
The Game Loads
You do the quest
The Game Loads
He rewards you
The Game Loads
Make your way to the light dash rings and head to the 1st level
The Game Loads
YOU FINALLY PLAY THE FIRST LEVEL!!!!!111




The Game Loads

[Cless Aileron]

Secret of the Rings had an okay idea but the controls were a mess and Sonic Team seem to have this obsession were you must kill all the enemies to continue which works very poorly considering the gameplay.

I couldn't get into Secret Rings.  It seems pretty flaw but then again, I didn't spend enough time to evaluate it properly.  It's just too hard to get into.  I can still say it's better than Sonic Next Gen.

Sonic Next Gen is very buggy, has poorly done storyline and cutscenes and was pretty slow paced for Sonic games. Also...

The Game Loads
Title Screen shows up and you press Start
The Game Loads
Go through menus and select Sonic's story
The Game Loads
FMV scene
The Game Loads
Cutscene
The Game Loads
Adventure Field, head into the next room
The Game Loads
In the next room walk up to Tails
The Game Loads
Cutscene
The Game Loads
Talk to guy for quest
The Game Loads
Guy explains quest
The Game Loads
You do the quest
The Game Loads
He rewards you
The Game Loads
Make your way to the light dash rings and head to the 1st level
The Game Loads
YOU FINALLY PLAY THE FIRST LEVEL!!!!!111




The Game Loads

Oh no!  Make it stop!  Make it stop!  I don't want to be reminded of the awful loading time!

[Kevassa]

That loading time makes me wonder... what about if a sonic game for PSP with hi def graphics were to be released?
constant loading + 20 secs waiting= ultimate lagging gaming experience