Actions

Difference between revisions of "Sonic the Hedgehog 4"

From Sonic Retro
(Added players field)
 
(135 intermediate revisions by 38 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
:''For similarly-titled media, see [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (disambiguation)]].''
 
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
−
|bobscreen=S4 Development Title.JPG
+
| bobscreen=Sonic4EpI PC title.png
−
|screenwidth=320px
+
| bobscreen2=Sonic4Episode2 Title.png
−
|system=[[sega:Microsoft Xbox 360|Microsoft Xbox 360]] ([[sega:Xbox Live Arcade|Xbox Live Arcade]]), [[sega:Sony PlayStation 3|Sony PlayStation 3]] (Sony [[sega:PlayStation Network|PlayStation Network]]), [[sega:Nintendo Wii|Nintendo Wii]] ([[sega:WiiWare|WiiWare]]), Apple [[sega:iPhone|iPhone]], [[sega:iPod Touch|iPod Touch]], [[sega:iPad|iPad]] ([[sega:App Store|App Store]])
+
| tab1=Episode I
−
|publisher=[[sega:Sega|Sega]]
+
| tab2=Episode II
−
|developer=[[sega:Sonic Team|Sonic Team]] / [[Sega:Dimps|Dimps]]
+
| icon=
−
|usa= '''Episode 1''': October 7, 2010 (iPhone), October 11, 2010 (Wii), October 12, 2010 (PSN), October 13, 2010 (XBox Live)
+
| system=[[sega:Wii|Wii]] ([[sega:WiiWare|WiiWare]]), [[sega:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]] ([[sega:Xbox Live Arcade|Xbox Live Arcade]]), [[sega:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]] ([[sega:PlayStation Network|PlayStation Network]]), iOS, [[sega:Windows Phone 7|Windows Phone 7]], PC (Steam), Android
−
|japan=  '''Episode 1''': October 12, 2010 (iPhone), October 12, 2010 (Wii), October 12, 2010 (PSN), October 13, 2010 (XBox Live)
+
| publisher=[[sega:Sega|Sega]]
−
|europe= '''Episode 1''': October 7, 2010 (iPhone), October 15, 2010 (Wii), October 13, 2010 (PSN), October 13, 2010 (XBox Live)
+
| developer=[[sega:Sonic Team|Sonic Team]], [[Sega:Dimps|Dimps]]
−
|genre=2D platformer
+
| producer=[[Takashi Iizuka]]
−
|esrb=e|pegi=3|usk=6}}
+
| director=[[Toshiyuki Nagahara]]
 +
| genre=Action
 +
| esrb=e
 +
| pegi=3
 +
| usk=6
 +
| players=1
 +
}}
 +
{{OtherPage|desc=similarly-titled media|page=Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (disambiguation)}}
 +
'''''Sonic the Hedgehog 4''''' is the collective term for two episodic ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' video games; ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'', released in 2010 and 2012, respectively. It is a sequel to ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles]]'', marketed as being a return to the franchises' 2D roots.
  
−
'''''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.
+
During development the game was codenamed ''Project Needlemouse'', after [[Mr. Needlemouse]], a mistranslation{{ref|https://archive.vn/Vbhfv|https://twitter.com/nakayuji/status/1353276720011386881}} of the name "Mr. ハリネズミ", featured on Naoto Ohshima's original sketch for Sonic, read "harinezumi" and meaning "Mr. Hedgehog". While overseen by [[Sonic Team]], much of the development was handled by long-time ''Sonic'' collaborators, [[Dimps]].
  
−
The game was first announced on the GameSpot website on September 9th, 2009, the 10th anniversary of the [[sega:Sega Dreamcast|Sega Dreamcast]]. The game will be a 2D, download-only title on [[sega:Xbox Live Arcade|Xbox Live Arcade]], [[sega:Sony PlayStation 3|PlayStation Network]], [[sega:Nintendo Wii|WiiWare]], and Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch; and will feature 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.
+
''Episode I'' takes after ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic 1]]'' in some ways, while ''Episode II'' takes after ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic 2]]''. There was to be an ''Episode III'', likely taking after ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3]]'', but in 2015 this was officially announced to have been canceled.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20180216184327/http://gameranx.com/updates/id/25983/article/sonic-4-episode-3-was-planned-has-seemingly-been-scrapped-for-good/}}
  
−
On March 22, NGamer revealed that the game will have 3 Episodes, each comprising 4 Zones. [http://www.sonicstadium.org/news/ngamer-magazine-preview-confirms-game-length-special-stage] Each Zone has 4 Acts, the last of which is a boss battle with Sonic's perpetual nemesis [[Dr. Eggman]].
+
==Plot==
 +
''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' is set shortly after the events of ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'' and takes place before the events of "''[[Sonic Adventure]]''". After [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] manages to destroy [[Dr. Robotnik|Doctor Eggman's]] space station, he decides it is time to take a much deserved break. After parting with his companions [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]] and [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]], Sonic sets off to explore new territories alone.
  
−
Both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions support custom soundtracks.
+
However, unbeknownst to him, his nemesis, Dr. Eggman, has survived their last encounter, and has revisited and improved some of his very best robotic creations in another attempt to defeat Sonic. Sonic must travel through a variety of [[Zone]]s to defeat Dr. Eggman once again.
  
−
==Gameplay==
+
===[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I|Episode I]]===
−
The game intends to replicate the feel of 16-bit era Sonic games with elements such as momentum-based physics and classic-style badniks.  Each zone will feature 3 acts, similar to [[Sonic 1]]'s gameplay, along with a boss act. The homing attack and spin dash are present.
+
The first episode sees Sonic travelling through four main Zones: [[Splash Hill]], [[Casino Street]], [[Lost Labyrinth]] and [[Mad Gear]], where he battles Dr. Eggman and altered versions of his past contraptions. Upon handling Dr. Eggman's four initial mechanisms, Sonic then squares off against the doctor in a boss battle marathon. If the game is finished with all seven [[Chaos Emeralds]] collected, a post-credits cutscene is shown, teasing the appearance of [[Metal Sonic]] in the next episode.
  
−
==Pricing/Release Dates==
+
===[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II|Episode II]]===
−
On September 27, 2010, IGN posted a news article saying that Sega had announced the pricing and release dates for the game.  
+
Episode II primarily focuses on Sonic's rivalry with Metal Sonic, following on from their last encounter during the events of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD|Sonic CD]]''. [[Tails]] also joins Sonic in this episode. Eggman uses Metal to keep Sonic at bay while his plan gets put into motion, which is a [[Death Egg mk.II|new Death Egg]].
  
−
It will cost '''$15 on all console releases''' (1500 Wii Points and 1200 Microsoft Points respectively). The iPhone price is $9.99.
+
==Gameplay==
−
 
+
''Sonic 4'' attempts to replicate the feel of the [[Sega Mega Drive]] ''Sonic'' games with elements such as side scrolling levels and classic-style badniks. Each Zone features 3 Acts, similar to ''Sonic 1''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s design, along with a boss Act. The [[Homing Attack]] and [[Spin Dash]] are present. [[Monitors]] return in this game, and power-ups attainable from them include the [[Speed Shoes]], [[Shield]], and [[Invincibility]].
−
The dates for Sonic 4's release on all platforms was also revealed:
 
−
*'''October 7th''' for iPhone
 
−
*'''October 11th''' for WiiWare
 
−
*'''October 12th''' for PlayStation Network
 
−
*'''October 13th''' for Xbox Live Arcade
 
−
 
 
−
==Criticism==
 
−
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has been criticised due to the design and content of the game. Some people believe that it is not a true sequel to the classic games, due to Episode I's content being largely based on that of previous games with minor changes, and level design that features speed boosters in every level ''(a staple of Dimps' level design with their previous Sonic games)'' and object placement that forces the use of the [[Homing Attack]]. The latter is a move that some fans do not feel belongs in a 2D game, particularly not one based on the classics and set before its debut in ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. The music has also been criticised, 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.
 
  
−
A highly controversal item 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 [http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/bring-the-classic-sonic-to-sonic-the-hedgehog-4.html petition] was set up for SEGA to include the different version. 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.
+
[[Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 4)|Special Stages]] are present, with ''Episode I''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s being based on ''Sonic 1'' and ''Episode II'''s being based on ''Sonic 2''. In both games, if all 7 [[Chaos Emeralds]] are collected in the Special Stage and 50 or more [[Ring]]s are collected the player will be able to transform into [[Super Sonic]], a feature which has not been implemented in regular levels in an action Sonic game since ''Sonic 3 & Knuckles''. The transformation is activated by pressing a button that is not Jump, making transforming into Super Sonic less likely to be accidental. In the Wii version, it's simply the {{1}} button, while on the 360 it is the {{X}}/{{Y}} buttons.
 +
==Characters==
 +
===Playable===
 +
*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
 +
**''[[Super Sonic]]''
 +
*''[[Miles "Tails" Prower]]'' (episode II)
 +
*''[[Metal Sonic]]'' (episode metal)
 +
===Non-playable===
 +
*''[[Dr. Eggman]]''
  
−
==Production Credits==
+
==History==
−
{{main|Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 credits}}
+
===Development===
 +
On March 22, NGamer revealed that the game will have 3 Episodes, each comprising 4 Zones.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20110817104700/http://www.sonicstadium.org/2010/03/ngamer-magazine-preview-confirms-game-length-special-stage/}} Each Zone has 4 Acts, the last of which is a boss battle with Sonic's perpetual nemesis [[Dr. Eggman]].
  
−
==Resources==
+
==Controversy==
−
===Artwork===
+
''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' is a controversial game among fans of the ''Sonic'' franchise. Sonic's post-''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' appearance was met with outrage from fans who were expecting the original Mega Drive look, to the point where a petition was started. Year after year there are stories of perceived low quality in graphics, music, and gameplay. ''Episode II'' has a slightly better reputation but is still considered to be "more of the same". The sheer amount of outrage may have lead to ''Episode III'' being canceled.
−
<gallery>
 
−
File:Sonic4ep1.png|Title Screen Logo
 
−
File:Sonic4Episode1-box.PNG|Leaked Box Artwork
 
−
File:S4E1clean.jpg|Box Artwork (Clean)
 
−
File:Sonic4_render.png|Title Screen Pose
 
−
File:Sonic_run.png|Sonic Running
 
−
File:Sonic_down.png|Sonic Falling Down
 
−
File:CG_eggman_03.png|Eggman Artwork
 
−
</gallery>
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 +
{{LinkRetro|topic=39938|title=Sonic Retro discussion thread}}
 
*[http://www.sonicthehedgehog4.com Official Website]
 
*[http://www.sonicthehedgehog4.com Official Website]
 
*[http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicTheHedgehog4/ Japanese Official Website]
 
*[http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicTheHedgehog4/ Japanese Official Website]
−
*[http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6216991.html Initial announcement (and teaser trailer) on Gamespot]
+
 
−
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMwKBg-VcpA Project Needlemouse Music from Hedgehog Day on YouTube]
+
==References==
−
*[http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/projectneedlemouse/news.html?sid=6249445&tag=topslot;img;1&mode=previews Sonic 4 announcement and trailer on Gamespot]
+
<references/>
−
*[http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/projectneedlemouse/news.html?sid=6216990&mode=previews The interview with Ken Balough on Gamespot]
 
−
*[http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/15/project-needlemouse-character-countdown-finale-and-concept-art/ Sega America Blog: Project Needlemouse Character Countdown – Finale and Concept Art!]
 
  
 
{{S4Omni}}
 
{{S4Omni}}
−
{{SonicXBLAgames}}
+
[[Category:Android games]]
−
{{SonicPS3games}}
+
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
−
{{SonicVirtualConsole/WiiWareGames}}
+
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
−
 
+
[[Category:BlackBerry games]]
−
[[Category:Virtual Console/WiiWare Games]]
+
[[Category:Windows Phone 7 games]]
−
[[Category:Prereleases]]
+
[[Category:iDevice games]]
−
[[Category:Xbox 360 Games]]
+
[[Category:Steam games]]
−
[[Category:PS3 Games]]
+
[[Category:Wii Virtual Console/WiiWare games]]
−
[[Category:Mobile Phone Games]]
 

Latest revision as of 16:03, 18 May 2023

n/a

show;hide
  • Episode I
  • Episode II
Sonic4EpI PC title.png
Sonic4Episode2 Title.png
Sonic the Hedgehog 4
System(s): Wii (WiiWare), Xbox 360 (Xbox Live Arcade), PlayStation 3 (PlayStation Network), iOS, Windows Phone 7, PC (Steam), Android
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Action
Number of players: 1
For similarly-titled media, see Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (disambiguation).

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is the collective term for two episodic Sonic the Hedgehog video games; Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, released in 2010 and 2012, respectively. It is a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, marketed as being a return to the franchises' 2D roots.

During development the game was codenamed Project Needlemouse, after Mr. Needlemouse, a mistranslation[1] of the name "Mr. ハリネズミ", featured on Naoto Ohshima's original sketch for Sonic, read "harinezumi" and meaning "Mr. Hedgehog". While overseen by Sonic Team, much of the development was handled by long-time Sonic collaborators, Dimps.

Episode I takes after Sonic 1 in some ways, while Episode II takes after Sonic 2. There was to be an Episode III, likely taking after Sonic 3, but in 2015 this was officially announced to have been canceled.[2]

Plot

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is set shortly after the events of Sonic 3 & Knuckles and takes place before the events of "Sonic Adventure". After Sonic manages to destroy Doctor Eggman's space station, he decides it is time to take a much deserved break. After parting with his companions Tails and Knuckles, Sonic sets off to explore new territories alone.

However, unbeknownst to him, his nemesis, Dr. Eggman, has survived their last encounter, and has revisited and improved some of his very best robotic creations in another attempt to defeat Sonic. Sonic must travel through a variety of Zones to defeat Dr. Eggman once again.

Episode I

The first episode sees Sonic travelling through four main Zones: Splash Hill, Casino Street, Lost Labyrinth and Mad Gear, where he battles Dr. Eggman and altered versions of his past contraptions. Upon handling Dr. Eggman's four initial mechanisms, Sonic then squares off against the doctor in a boss battle marathon. If the game is finished with all seven Chaos Emeralds collected, a post-credits cutscene is shown, teasing the appearance of Metal Sonic in the next episode.

Episode II

Episode II primarily focuses on Sonic's rivalry with Metal Sonic, following on from their last encounter during the events of Sonic CD. Tails also joins Sonic in this episode. Eggman uses Metal to keep Sonic at bay while his plan gets put into motion, which is a new Death Egg.

Gameplay

Sonic 4 attempts to replicate the feel of the Sega Mega Drive 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. Monitors return in this game, and power-ups attainable from them include the Speed Shoes, Shield, and Invincibility.

Special Stages are present, with Episode I's being based on Sonic 1 and Episode II's being based on Sonic 2. In both games, if all 7 Chaos Emeralds are collected in the Special Stage and 50 or more Rings are collected the player will be able to transform into Super Sonic, a feature which has not been implemented in regular levels in an action Sonic game since Sonic 3 & Knuckles. The transformation is activated by pressing a button that is not Jump, making transforming into Super Sonic less likely to be accidental. In the Wii version, it's simply the 1 button, while on the 360 it is the X/Y buttons.

Characters

Playable

Non-playable

History

Development

On March 22, NGamer revealed that the game will have 3 Episodes, each comprising 4 Zones.[3] Each Zone has 4 Acts, the last of which is a boss battle with Sonic's perpetual nemesis Dr. Eggman.

Controversy

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is a controversial game among fans of the Sonic franchise. Sonic's post-Sonic Adventure appearance was met with outrage from fans who were expecting the original Mega Drive look, to the point where a petition was started. Year after year there are stories of perceived low quality in graphics, music, and gameplay. Episode II has a slightly better reputation but is still considered to be "more of the same". The sheer amount of outrage may have lead to Episode III being canceled.

External links

Sonic Retro
Sonic Retro discussion thread

References

  1. ↑ @nakayuji on Twitter (archive.today)
  2. ↑ http://gameranx.com/updates/id/25983/article/sonic-4-episode-3-was-planned-has-seemingly-been-scrapped-for-good/ (Wayback Machine: 2018-02-16 18:43)
  3. ↑ http://www.sonicstadium.org/2010/03/ngamer-magazine-preview-confirms-game-length-special-stage/ (Wayback Machine: 2011-08-17 10:47)


Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Sonic4EpI PC title.png

Main page (I|II|Metal)
Comparisons
Maps
Achievements
Downloadable content
Credits

Magazine articles
Reception

Development
Hidden content
Bugs
Hacking guide
show;hide
  • Levels
  • Enemies
  • Bosses
  • Prereleases
  • Media
Episode I:

Episode II:

Retrieved from "https://info.sonicretro.org/index.php?title=Sonic_the_Hedgehog_4&oldid=355488"