Sonic Mania

pablomakaveli

I havent enjoyed a Sonic game since Sonic 3 but this one actually looks genuinely promising. From the trailer it looks like it captures a lot of what was great about the classic Sonic games. I really hope this one turns out to be as good as it looks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxmtYdEWVzo

Encrypted Pigeon

Like that, I stopped after Sonic & Knuckles, I could never take to any of the 3D sonic games, so going back to grass roots has definitely piqued my interest and am looking forward to see what comes of it.

Retr0gamer

Christian Whiteheads involvement has sparked my interest. He is the one responsible for the ios/android ports of Sonic 1 and 2 as well as the recent port of Sonic CD. He created his own engine for porting them which has absolutely nailed the physics and those ports are some of the best retro releases outside the stuff M2 does.

Dare I say this... it might even be great. Wasn't all that gone on Sonic Generations. It was an ok game but not the amazing Mario beater some sonic fans would have you believe. Sign posting the unsign-posted pitfalls with actual signposts was a laughably half arsed way of dealing with poor design that shouldn't have been present in the first place.

fifth

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Christian Whiteheads involvement has sparked my interest.

This! This is exactly what I thought when I saw the trailer. You can be sure the physics will be true to the original games, and the dodgy physics ruined a lot of the later games too. They just didn't feel right.

pablomakaveli

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Dare I say this... it might even be great. Wasn't all that gone on Sonic Generations. It was an ok game but not the amazing Mario beater some sonic fans would have you believe. Sign posting the unsign-posted pitfalls with actual signposts was a laughably half arsed way of dealing with poor design that shouldn't have been present in the first place.

Didnt like Generations much either. The 2d "classic" levels were great but I hated the modern Sonic levels. Between the fiddly controls and constantly changing camera perspective those levels were infuriating for me. Though I've found that to be the case with any 3D Sonic games I've played. It just doesnt translate well to 3D at all and Sega have never managed to get it right.

CiDeRmAn

If they never release another Sonic game with that gods awful jump-target mechanic, just awful, and in place since Sonic Adventure on the DC.
I know Sonic Generations 2 was also announced, I can only hope that sales of Sonic Mania will so eclipse it's release that they'll just draw a line under 3D Sonic games and just give us what we want instead.

Or ask Nintendo to make their Sonic games on the quiet instead.

K.O.Kiki

I just hope they realise that everyone has widescreen displays now, and use that to make going FAST fun (i.e. allow you to see ahead to make it possible to easily speed through levels).

And that it works with my USB Saturn pad.

BlitzKrieg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omKGDC4JaMU

Generic Dreadhead

What was so wrong with Sonic 4 episodes 1&2 dare I ask?

K.O.Kiki

Cormac... wrote: »

What was so wrong with Sonic 4 episodes 1&2 dare I ask?

From TV Tropes:

The game featured almost no momentum thanks to the physics being copied and pasted from Sonic Rush. The developers even admitted to doing so intentionally to place more emphasis on using the Homing Attack.

What's weird is, I used to speedrun Sonic Rush and I don't remember the physics being that bad. But it turns out they were terrible even back then.

Generic Dreadhead

I actually have Ep 1 and 2 on PS3 and was totally underwhelmed by them
That being said I am not a huge Sonic fan (never had a Sega console in my own home growing up) so I just assumed there was something lost on me.
I guess if your whole thing is "Going Fast" and the dev don't let you go Fast, it's not going to wow anyone.

Retr0gamer

Cormac... wrote: »

I actually have Ep 1 and 2 on PS3 and was totally underwhelmed by them
That being said I am not a huge Sonic fan (never had a Sega console in my own home growing up) so I just assumed there was something lost on me.
I guess if your whole thing is "Going Fast" and the dev don't let you go Fast, it's not going to wow anyone.

Sonic was never about going fast though, it's just something people got into their heads from the marketing. Sonic is about momentum, the more momentum you have the easier sonic controls, whereas from a dead stop Sonic is hard to control. Unfortunately the devs have decided going fast was what the old games were about as well and just make them unplayable. The guys in charge of this new game going by the levels they have designed themselves seem to get what old sonic was about.

As for not getting Sonic, I'd only judge Sonic on the megadrive and early master system games. Modern Sonic sucks (yeah Sonic Adventure was terrible. Generations and Colours are decent though).

K.O.Kiki

Gameplay (Polygon)

Another video on Sonic history relating to Sonic Mania (Eurogamer)

K.O.Kiki

Meanwhile, Telltale is making... this... abomination

BlitzKrieg

(watches the 8 minute video) oh god I will be in heaven if they've genuinely taken the level design from sonic 3 (2 acts per zone, boss at the end of each a genuine sense of progression between the acts)

BlitzKrieg

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

Meanwhile, Telltale is making... this... abomination

travellers tales actually

and its not the first time they've made a bad sonic game.

they also did Sonic 3D

BlitzKrieg

and sonic R

forgot that

mandatory torture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKeTuZ-zoeA

Retr0gamer

... I like Sonic R


Even if it's mostly for the soundtrack.

BlitzKrieg

Retr0gamer wrote: »

... I like Sonic R


Even if it's mostly for the soundtrack.

when I only had a saturn I played it to death (got all secret character setc)

but when I played it again on the sonic gems collection (irony) they either completely banjaxed the controls or I must have somehow in my childhood managed to contort my fingers in such a way to keep control of the characters.

Though I was much more fond of the Nights soundtrack (even if it has a ridiculously over the top ending song)

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

BlitzKrieg wrote: »

when I only had a saturn I played it to death (got all secret character setc)

Though I was much more fond of the Nights soundtrack (even if it has a ridiculously over the top ending song)

I played mine to death too, gotta love Tails doll :pac:
NitD ost was fantastic, I like Mystic Forest (was that the name?) best. Being ott was better than the Boyz 2 Men accapella on Christmas Nights though.

BlitzKrieg

another hands on here but I want to just jump to this bit: https://youtu.be/nX4dwHSTRG4?t=8m12s

Confirmed that the special zones will be using the same system as Sonic 3, just doesnt look like its implemented yet (unless they added an extra requirement like a key or 50 rings) as the zones themselves nothing has been seen yet from what I've found.

Which I'm fine with. Encourages exploring and doesnt feel cheap like getting smacked by a random shot just right before the end of the level.

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

BlitzKrieg wrote: »

another hands on here but I want to just jump to this bit: https://youtu.be/nX4dwHSTRG4?t=8m12s

Confirmed that the special zones will be using the same system as Sonic 3, just doesnt look like its implemented yet (unless they added an extra requirement like a key or 50 rings) as the zones themselves nothing has been seen yet from what I've found.

Which I'm fine with. Encourages exploring and doesnt feel cheap like getting smacked by a random shot just right before the end of the level.

I'd prefer the 50 rings idea myself, loved those special stages, especially doing a square and getting rings, feels good man

Generic Dreadhead

BlitzKrieg

I recommend watching this one instead

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4vxzQoC0Yw

I normally not the sort to gripe about the quality of the player in a video. But whoever is playing for polygon must have a button stuck or something the way they keep randomly jumping.

The above isnt amazing, but at least they show off the new move and how it can be used and make use of some of the maps features.


Also does anyone else think the boss music reminds them of the Looney tunes Powerhouse theme:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3FCRr3t9WU

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

Anyone else see this or read more details? It looks so cool!
http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/sonic_mania/news/sonic_manias_collectors_edition_could_be_the_best_collectors_edition_ive_ever_seen.html

Further details on the Collector's Edition - along with the original link to Amazon - have been posted on PlayWebGamez, revealing a $69.99 (£52) price. The Amazon page no longer exists, however.

sniper_samurai

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy wrote: »

Anyone else see this or read more details? It looks so cool!
http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/sonic_mania/news/sonic_manias_collectors_edition_could_be_the_best_collectors_edition_ive_ever_seen.html

The Amazon US links are back up now and available to order. Went with the Xbox version as the download keys are global, costs $110 inc shipping and VAT. Its also eligible for the 20% prime preorder discount.

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

sniper_samurai wrote: »

The Amazon US links are back up now and available to order. Went with the Xbox version as the download keys are global, costs $110 inc shipping and VAT. Its also eligible for the 20% prime preorder discount.

Thanks for that sniper, a few articles showing up around Facebook now.

"The collector's edition for Sonic Mania has been announced; to confirm this edition is only available in North America. There is no information regarding a pre-order incentive for Europe at this time."

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-09-13-segas-brilliant-sonic-mania-collectors-edition-isnt-coming-to-europe
Ouch Sega <\3

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

sniper_samurai wrote: »

costs $110 inc shipping and VAT. Its also eligible for the 20% prime preorder discount.

Was that 110 with the 20% off? Would you get import on top if that?

sniper_samurai

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy wrote: »

Was that 110 with the 20% off? Would you get import on top if that?

No, that was full price including shipping VAT and import fees. Amazon US take the VAT up front and then refund you if it wasn't caught.

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

I loved this :pac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtqgkPCEIP8

BlitzKrieg

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy wrote: »

I loved this :pac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtqgkPCEIP8

The guy who proposes in the ad is the genius behind the sonic twitter account etc.

(http://www.polygon.com/features/2016/9/13/12888124/sonic-the-hedgehog-twitter-memes-aaron-webber)

MrVestek

BlitzKrieg wrote: »

The guy who proposes in the ad is the genius behind the sonic twitter account etc.

(http://www.polygon.com/features/2016/9/13/12888124/sonic-the-hedgehog-twitter-memes-aaron-webber)

And he presented the wonderfully cringey... abomination at E3.

BlitzKrieg

Tried sonic mania at egx today. Felt great and level design was solid enough. It had very clear areas that I came to recognise for specific challenges or gimmicks and had a nice mix of speed and platforming.


One issue though is there were no instructions on how to do the drop dash and try as I could I couldn't get it to work. Did get to confirm all the sonic 3 shields + classic sonic shield and the overall silky smooth animation and frame rate. Even when players lost over 150 rings.

MrVestek

BlitzKrieg wrote: »

Tried sonic mania at egx today. Felt great and level design was solid enough. It had very clear areas that I came to recognise for specific challenges or gimmicks and had a nice mix of speed and platforming.


One issue though is there were no instructions on how to do the drop dash and try as I could I couldn't get it to work. Did get to confirm all the sonic 3 shields + classic sonic shield and the overall silky smooth animation and frame rate. Even when players lost over 150 rings.

Did you take a copy of the demo for the rest of us to play? :P

BlitzKrieg

MrVestek wrote: »

Did you take a copy of the demo for the rest of us to play? :P

wasnt even allowed to take pictures or record...unless it was off the giant plastic sonic statue.

MrVestek

BlitzKrieg wrote: »

wasnt even allowed to take pictures or record...unless it was off the giant plastic sonic statue.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

BlitzKrieg

on a side note. All versions were running on PC with xbox 360 controllers and there seemed to be a sound issue where the sound would go between plays sometimes so a staff would have to restart the program through steam.

Though not as bad as microsoft who did all their gears of war 4 single player demos through windows 10 and it wasnt an official copy of windows 10 so it had a big warning label in the lower right corner all the time.

sniper_samurai

The collectors edition is now available for preorder on Amazon UK for £80. Works out a little cheaper than the US, unless your US order gets past customs without getting charged for VAT.

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

sniper_samurai wrote: »

The collectors edition is now available for preorder on Amazon UK for £80. Works out a little cheaper than the US, unless your US order gets past customs without getting charged for VAT.

I'm hoping to get it and have it shipped on from Canada if all goes well

marcbrophy

A bit of gameplay here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSA6YTP4R3U

marcbrophy

Is this thing ever coming out lads?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDFaRMmWbKo

Knuckles as a playable character and special stages over the checkpoints are apparently the highlights of this 1 minute teaser, judging by the comments

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

marcbrophy wrote: »

Is this thing ever coming out lads?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDFaRMmWbKo

Knuckles as a playable character and special stages over the checkpoints are apparently the highlights of this 1 minute teaser, judging by the comments

I'll have to give it a watch later.
I think it's delayed til Autumn now is it? I'd prefer if it took longer and find right.

marcbrophy

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy wrote: »

I'll have to give it a watch later.
I think it's delayed til Autumn now is it? I'd prefer if it took longer and find right.

Later in the year, I think is all we have to go by at this moment in time

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

marcbrophy wrote: »

Later in the year, I think is all we have to go by at this moment in time

Hooing and haaing on the pre order. Will there be enough copies by the time it's actually released. I think I'm just stung by my Persona 5 episode lol it was really tough to find it.

gerrybbadd

Seems like forever ago since this was launched.

Is there going to be new levels, are are they all remixed versions of old levels?

Delighted Knuckles is in. I hope it's just the 3 of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, I've no interest in any of the other characters!

sniper_samurai

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy wrote: »

Hooing and haaing on the pre order. Will there be enough copies by the time it's actually released. I think I'm just stung by my Persona 5 episode lol it was really tough to find it.

Its digital only, except for the already nigh on sold out(still some Xbox One copies) Collector's Edition(which still has a download code and not a disc/Switch cart).

marcbrophy

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy wrote: »

Hooing and haaing on the pre order. Will there be enough copies by the time it's actually released. I think I'm just stung by my Persona 5 episode lol it was really tough to find it.

Gonig to get it digitally for the Switch, so there should be enough of them around :pac:

gerrybbadd wrote: »

Seems like forever ago since this was launched.

Is there going to be new levels, are are they all remixed versions of old levels?

Delighted Knuckles is in. I hope it's just the 3 of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, I've no interest in any of the other characters!

I think they are all remixed or old levels. It looks to be just the trio of characters in the game anyway

As an aside, I was playing that new fan game Sonic Time Twisted a couple of weeks back on the laptop. I was playing it with the keyboard, but need to plug in a controller and go back to it. It's pretty good for a free passion project thingy.

If you are waiting for Mania and want to play this on a PC (I think they have an experimental Mac version too), try the link below
https://overboundstudio.com

gerrybbadd

marcbrophy wrote: »

Gonig to get it digitally for the Switch, so there should be enough of them around :pac:



I think they are all remixed or old levels. It looks to be just the trio of characters in the game anyway

As an aside, I was playing that new fan game Sonic Time Twisted a couple of weeks back on the laptop. I was playing it with the keyboard, but need to plug in a controller and go back to it. It's pretty good for a free passion project thingy.

If you are waiting for Mania and want to play this on a PC (I think they have an experimental Mac version too), try the link below
https://overboundstudio.com

That looks great - thanks for the heads up!

marcbrophy

gerrybbadd wrote: »

That looks great - thanks for the heads up!

No worries
I spotted it on twitter and gave it a d/l and it's pretty solid.

Let me know what you think!

CiDeRmAn

I'm pretty sure this game is all new stages, though there will be a certain familiarity in the real estate given that most 2D Sonic titles are built around the same themed levels, so there'll be an Emerald/Green Zone, Ruins Zone, a pinball level based around a carnival and, ultimately, a mechanical themed final level on Robotnik/Eggman's ship.
Still can't wait to play it though.

marcbrophy

Less than 4 weeks to go for this!
15th of August is launch day

https://twitter.com/sonic_hedgehog/status/887369350004461568