Sonic the Hedgehog 4
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- For similarly-titled media, see Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (disambiguation).
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Sonic the Hedgehog 4 |
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System(s): Microsoft Xbox 360 (Xbox Live Arcade), Sony PlayStation 3 (Sony PlayStation Network), Nintendo Wii (WiiWare), Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (App Store) |
Publisher: Sega |
Developer: Sonic Team / Dimps |
Genre: 2D platformer |
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Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is a Sonic the Hedgehog episodic game with its first episode released in October 7th, 11th, 12th, and 13th in the US regions, October 7th, 13th, and 15th in the EU region, and October 12, 13th in the JP region. It was originally codenamed Project Needlemouse, after Mr. Needlemouse, the name given to several early prototypes of Sonic.
The game was first announced on the GameSpot website on September 9th, 2009, the 10th anniversary of the Sega Dreamcast. The game is a 2D, download-only title on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, WiiWare, and Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch; and features HD graphics on the former two platforms. It is a direct sequel to Sonic & Knuckles and is set after the events of that game. It was released in episodic format, with its storyline spread across several episodes. Takashi Iizuka, who was involved in level design in Sonic 3 & Knuckles, is involved with the development, while Jun Senoue is the game's Sound Director.
On March 22, NGamer revealed that the game will have 3 Episodes, each comprising 4 Zones. [1] Each Zone has 4 Acts, the last of which is a boss battle with Sonic's perpetual nemesis Dr. Eggman.
Contents
Gameplay
The game intends to replicate the feel of 16-bit era Sonic games with elements such as side scrolling levels and classic-style badniks. Each zone features 3 acts, similar to Sonic 1's design, along with a boss act. The Homing Attack and Spin Dash are present. Power-ups include the Speed Shoes, Shield, and Invincibility. Special Stages are present and take place in a level which must be navigated by tilting the level with either the controller or through motion controls (on systems that have them). If all 7 Chaos Emeralds are collected in the Special Stage the player will be able to transform into Super Sonic by pressing a button that is NOT Jump, making becoming Super an optional feature for the 1st time. In the Wii version, it's simply the button, while on the 360 it is the / buttons. The player must have 50 or more rings to transform into Super Sonic. Sonic is the only playable character.
Platform Differences
In order to fit within WiiWare size limits, music in the Wii version uses a sequenced format similar to MIDI or module formats. As a result, there are noticeable differences from the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions, which use recorded music. As the Wii is not capable of producing high definition graphics the screen size is also smaller.
The iOS version retains the rotating minecart stage in Lost Labyrinth Zone and the Score Attack section in Casino Street Zone that were first seen in the PartnerNET build. The camera also rotates when running through loops.
Only the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions support custom soundtracks.
Criticism
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 has been criticized due to it containing "floaty" physics due to its use of the Sonic Rush engine. This can often result in various oddities such as Sonic being able to stand sideways on walls. Although it was stated that the physics were going to be looked at, it seems that Dimps did not have enough time to fix them due to the amount of level changes that would be required.
The music has also been criticized, due to it featuring low-quality synths and drum samples (the latter from Sonic 2, not the more advanced ones from Sonic 3) that vary little between songs.
Another controversial issue is Sonic's design, which is the modern style model that debuted in Sonic Adventure and has since received refinements until its most recent state in Sonic Unleashed. Many fans believe that the classic Sonic design should have been used, and a petition was set up for SEGA to include a classic model. However, in a magazine Takashi Iizuka said that the classic style wasn't returning, as all games since Sonic Adventure have featured Sonic in his modern design.
Production Credits
Main article: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 credits |
Resources
Artwork
External links
- Official Website
- Japanese Official Website
- Initial announcement (and teaser trailer) on Gamespot
- Project Needlemouse Music from Hedgehog Day on YouTube
- Sonic 4 announcement and trailer on Gamespot
- The interview with Ken Balough on Gamespot
- Sega America Blog: Project Needlemouse Character Countdown – Finale and Concept Art!
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 | |
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Episode II: Episode I: Episode II: Episode I:
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Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems | |
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2007 Sonic the Hedgehog | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 2009 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Sonic & Knuckles 2010 Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I | Sonic Adventure 2011 Sonic the Hedgehog CD 2012 Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II | Sonic Adventure 2 | Sonic the Fighters |
2006 Sonic the Hedgehog 2008 Sonic Unleashed 2009 Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection 2010 Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing 2011 Sonic Generations 2012 Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed |