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Sonic Generations Skips Wii

by Pedro Hernandez - April 18, 2011, 3:17 pm EDT
Total comments: 39 Source: (Kotaku), http://kotaku.com/#!5793017/sonic-generationes-is-...

Sega's Sonic anniversary project will not see a Wii release.

Sega has confirmed that Sonic Generations will not be released on the Wii due to the system not being an HD-capable console. The title is set to be released on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Sonic Generations is a game that celebrates Sonic the Hedgehohg's 20th anniversary. In it, players take control of one of two Sonics: Classic Genesis Sonic (who looks like Sonic did in the early 90s) and Modern Sonic. Both characters feature distinctive modes of play. Classic Sonic's gameplay consists of 2D side-scrolling levels, while Modern Sonic's gameplay will be in third person and resemble the modern 3D games, such as Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colors.

It is not known whether Sega will release a Sonic 20th anniversary project exclusive for the Nintendo systems.

Talkback

MorariApril 18, 2011

Um... Aren't us Nintendo owners still waiting for the rest of Sonic 4 to be released on WiiWare?

leahsdadApril 18, 2011

The other consoles can have Sonic. 


If Sega is thinking about what to do for the Wii, how about a Jet Grind Radio game?  The "tagging" mini-game in that game would be perfect for motion control.  Or for touchscreen/stylus action, for that matter.

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterApril 18, 2011

Not just WiiWare, all consoles are still waiting for the next Sonic 4 episode. Nothing has been said or show since the first episode was released last year.

Retro DeckadesApril 18, 2011

Quote from: Morari

Um... Aren't us Nintendo owners still waiting for the rest of Sonic 4 to be released on WiiWare?

Perhaps you are, but I'm not!

xcwarriorApril 18, 2011

Do people still care about Sonic? NOt caring one bit if this comes to Wii, or those dumb episodic games for that matter. Sega I'm sure will find a way to screw this up, but I'm sure with HD and all it will look really pretty.

They were on the right track with Sonic 4. With a few tweaks and a bit better level design that could have been great.

Now where did I put that reaction image... ah, here it is.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/dragonmick/giveadamn.gif

happyastoriaApril 18, 2011

People still like Sonic?

Chocobo_RiderApril 18, 2011

Sorry to be the odd man out, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the modern Sonic games.

Fortunately, since I like the modern games, I couldn't care less about Sega's attempts to appease the people who think Sonic peaked in 16-bit.  Those folks can NOT be pleased with anything short of a time machine.

So, while I really wish the "modern" levels were on the Wii, I couldn't care less about a game (like Sonic 4) that acts like an abused lover....

Sonic "fans": "modern Sonic sux"
SEGA: "oh, ok! you don't like 3D? here! here's Sonic 4!! boom! 2D and HD graphics! no friends!"
Sonic "fans": "hey, WTF!? his eyes aren't the old color! he looks like modern Sonic! these physics aren't identical! this sucks!"
SEGA: "oh, ok! here's a Sonic game that uses the OLD Sonic design and is also in 2D, HD and has no friends!"
Sonic "fans" in the future: "hey, WTF!? this isn't a Genesis controller!..." etc, etc.

To be fair, the physics were kind of broken. Sonic lost all momentum the moment you let go of the stick/dpad. Like I said, though, it was on the right track, and given its episodic nature they could have fixed the issues and it could have been great. It's just too bad it looks like it'll never have that chance.

As a rule, I hate any Sonic game where Sonic is constantly running forward, which is pretty much every Sonic game since Sonic Adventure except Sonic 4 and maybe the first GBA game. Sonic on the Genesis was fast, but it still involved a lot of platforming, and there were plenty of areas in which you moved normal speed.

Chozo GhostApril 18, 2011

Skipping the market leading console which has the largest Sonic fanbase? Yeah, that's a smart move. Their excuse that its because the Wii "doesn't support HD" makes no sense either. All they have to do is make that version without HD. Duh.

Luigi DudeApril 18, 2011

Don't worry, the game will bomb like every other Sonic game on the 360/PS3 has which will force Sega to do one of two things.

-Have Dimps quickly make a half-assed Wii version like they did with Unleashed.

-Port the game over to the Wii's successor that will be an HD system so they'll have an easy seller ready for it's launch in 2012.


Now if you asked me before the Project Cafe rumors I would have picked the first option, but after all the recent rumors, I think the second idea is a lot more likely now.  Since Sonic games sell the best on Nintendo platforms by far, it would provide Sega with a quick and easy way to cash in big at the launch of Nintendo's next home console.

Chocobo_RiderApril 18, 2011

It is true that the Wii audience is much more receptive to Sonic games and thus a moronical move on SEGA's part.  I believe it is because Sonic has a real "image" problem and Wii owners/users/gamers do not care as much about image as they care about good gaming.

Chozo GhostApril 18, 2011

Putting the fact that many Sonic fans are also Nintendo fans aside for the moment, another reason neglecting the Wii with this game is stupid is because its a 2D platformer, and thanks to Nintendo's efforts with games like NSMB and DKC and so on, the Wii is THE 2D platformer system for this generation. People who care about Sonic own the Wii, and so do people who care about 2D platforming. So there's two different reasons why it should have been on the Wii.

Not wanting to support the Wii with M rated 3D games is one thing, but excluding 2D Sonic games goes beyond stupid. There's a reason SEGA is no longer in the hardware business. Are they now trying to destroy themselves as a software player as well??

ThanerosApril 18, 2011

Despite all the "hate" Sonic gets these days his games still sell well regardless of the system he's on. Think about it..why would a company push out games(that cost millions) at almost a yearly rate if they didn't sell? Sonic is now the Justin Bieber of the video game world. It's "cool/popular" to bash and hate on him but at the end of the day he's sitting back chillin' counting his money.

Yes,I know Sonic games sell better on the Wii/DS but this game isn't really for that crowd. Just how Colors wasn't on Xbox/PS3 be cause it was for a younger audience this one for the classic Sonic fans.

CalibanApril 18, 2011

Wii 2.

steveyApril 18, 2011

2D original sonic: Fuck YES
3D hipster sonic: Fuck No
HD: Hell No

boycott! :ph:

Wait, it's not coming out? Victory! :beer;

CericApril 18, 2011

As the only person on this forum that liked the game.  If there going to do another Wii Sonic I want one in the Storybook series with the Secret Ring controls back.  I do enjoy that series.

Oh and Plenty of Cheese rock.  mmm cheeesseee

EnnerApril 18, 2011

Odd that Generations isn't coming to the Wii, but the other consoles didn't get Colors last year so I guess this might be some weird balancing act. I still haven't gotten around to playing Sonic Colors so I'm not too miffed that the Wii is not invited to Sonic's 20th anniversary party.

Kytim89April 19, 2011

The next episode of Sonic 4 should be 1000 Wii points for the Wii and $15 for the other consoles because of this game not comng to Wii.

Chozo GhostApril 19, 2011

Maybe since its the "20th anniversary" Sega decided to keep it off of Nintendo hardware in honor of the rivalry between them that was going on at that time?

PS360 does what Nintendon't.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 19, 2011

As much as I would like to see how this turns out, me of all people could not get into Sonic Colors. Probably because I got it and DK at the same time. But I really don't care.

Oh and I can absolutely confirm that this game will be released on the Cafe, just trust me.

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterApril 19, 2011

Heh, I am loving how people are saying that they don't care for this or Sonic, and yet a lot of people have commented on this. :p

But all kidding aside, I love Sonic. Yes, he had made many crappy games, yes I liked many of them, yes I still like the character. This project sounds really exciting. I have a 360 and an HD TV so I am set.

If you guys read my review of Sonic 4 you know that I loved it. The game was too short, especially for the asking price, and some of the levels needed work, but I thought it was a step in the right direction. Same with Sonic Colors. Colors did many things right, including a story that didn't take itself VERY seriously like previous titles, beautiful graphics and very fun levels and well implemented mechanics.

I'm honestly believing that Sega is at a point where no matter what they do, they will never win. They could do away with the hipster Sonic design, hire back EVERY SINGLE staff member that worked on the Genesis games, make a game in 2D complete with Genesis graphics and fans would STILL find something to complain. Not saying that Sega didn't ask for this. Those unpolished 3D games did a lot of harm to the franchise. But still, considering how AWFUL the series can be, their recent efforts (sans Sonic Riders Kinect) have been really good.

EnnerApril 19, 2011

I think some sect of fans already complained about Colors and #4 Episode 1 not having all the Sonic side characters.

If they just made a 2D game, I would certainly complain on them giving up making an undeniably great 3D Sonic game. Jet Set Radio and Burnout Paradise has shown how speed-based platforming work. I hope for Sonic to follow their examples some day.

I will keep an eye out of Generations because I've played quite a lot of Sonic games on my Genesis. The new rendition of the 16-bit style Sonic brought a smile to my face. The ability to chose between 2D and 3D play environments sounds crazy, and I'm curious as to how it works.

Retro DeckadesApril 19, 2011

I actually watched the trailer video for this, and I'd say there an 80% chance that I would purchase this if it came to the Wii.

FZeroBoyoApril 19, 2011

As always, fans are hyped while everyone is saying that this is yet another start of the Sonic Cycle. As long as there is actually jumping around platforms and less "Keep going right/forward to win", this one could be interesting. I really did enjoy Sonic Colors, after all.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 19, 2011

I feel like SOnic 4 and Colors broke the Sonic Cycle, I just kind of forgot about colors though. Maybe if I try to beat it I will get excited for the port that will eventually make it to the Cafe.

CericApril 19, 2011

Trailer said nothing about playing as Secret Ring Sonic....

EnnerApril 19, 2011

Quote from: Ceric

Trailer said nothing about playing as Secret Ring Sonic....

Isn't that just Modern Sonic, art-design-wise?

CericApril 19, 2011

Quote from: Enner

Quote from: Ceric

Trailer said nothing about playing as Secret Ring Sonic....

Isn't that just Modern Sonic, art-design-wise?

Pretty much with the ring, the random fire, and the better game.
Or the Black Knight Model with the Sword and Gauntlets.
I'm sure Super sonic is in there.  Thos are the only ones I can think of that are even slightly different in any way.
Also Classic Sonic looks chubby.

Mop it upApril 19, 2011

It would seem to me that for whatever reason, the Sonic series just hasn't been able to transition to 3D. What is it that makes it so difficult compared to most other franchises?

CericApril 19, 2011

Quote from: Mop

It would seem to me that for whatever reason, the Sonic series just hasn't been able to transition to 3D. What is it that makes it so difficult compared to most other franchises?

It really relied on the 2D plane.  Going to the 3D plane was overwhelming to the mechanics.  One of the reason you get the Homing jump because its near impossible to jump on enemies in 3D.  I mean Mario even recieved moves to compensate.

EnnerApril 19, 2011

Quote from: Mop

It would seem to me that for whatever reason, the Sonic series just hasn't been able to transition to 3D. What is it that makes it so difficult compared to most other franchises?

They haven't quite wrapped their head around making a platforming game with a wide range of possible speeds. Instead, they seem to throw in a lot of fast sections where you have split seconds to dodge baddies.

I think Sonic should have really benefited from going to 3D in the same way racing games did. Instead of approaching Sonic as "a Mario that goes really fast", the developer should try thinking "a super car that can jump." And not some small Mario Kart hops but big leaps.

CericApril 19, 2011

Quote from: Enner

Quote from: Mop

It would seem to me that for whatever reason, the Sonic series just hasn't been able to transition to 3D. What is it that makes it so difficult compared to most other franchises?

They haven't quite wrapped their head around making a platforming game with a wide range of possible speeds. Instead, they seem to throw in a lot of fast sections where you have split seconds to dodge baddies.

I think Sonic should have really benefited from going to 3D in the same way racing games did. Instead of approaching Sonic as "a Mario that goes really fast", the developer should try thinking "a super car that can jump." And not some small Mario Kart hops but big leaps.

Excitesonic

Chozo GhostApril 19, 2011

Quote from: Mop

It would seem to me that for whatever reason, the Sonic series just hasn't been able to transition to 3D. What is it that makes it so difficult compared to most other franchises?

Sonic is like a Hamster. When he's running on a hamster wheel in 2D everything is great, but once he escapes from his cage and ends up on the 3D floor all hell breaks loose and he gets lost.

KDR_11kApril 20, 2011

Really strange business decision from Sega. Yeah, the Wii was traditionally Sonic's best performing platform.

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterApril 21, 2011

Quote from: Mop

It would seem to me that for whatever reason, the Sonic series just hasn't been able to transition to 3D. What is it that makes it so difficult compared to most other franchises?

The reason Mario works is because from the very beginning, Mario has been about exploring a stage. That means jumping on platforms, hitting obstacles and such. It is all about careful exploration of your surroundings. Hence why it translated well into 3D because you are basically doing that but in another dimension. But note this has problems as now they have a camera to deal with, which can mess up with your perspective, especially when jumping and exploring.

Sonic's concept relies on speed. Yes, you can stop and explore levels, but Sonic's main appeal is that he is really fast. This can work better on a 2D plane because you are just moving left and right. In a 3D space, however, you have far more directions to traverse through, and thus when you control Sonic at high speeds you have to control him, and that will become hard. The camera will get stuck and Sonic will crash onto objects.

This is why it has taken Sega many years to try and perfect this.

LuigiTimeApril 23, 2011

You all knew it would skip Wii anyway. Plus it would be powered down, have a worse resolution and not be as good as it's counterparts...
That's what the idiots at SEGA are saying.
I saw the trailer and I was like YES! Then it ended showing only PS3 and XBOX 360 logo's and I got annoyed again. Sure, we're getting Mario and Sonic and the London Olympics, but is that our 20th Anniversary gift? We was getting that anyway you tight jerks! I don't care if it isn't HD, neither do REAL Sonic fans. Look at Sonic Colours. That wasn't HD was it? And was it still beautiful? Hell, it looked better without HD then Sonic Unleashed looked with it on the PS3. They're making up excuses and making themselves the architect of their own downfall; EVERYONE knows that more Sonic fans have Wii then anything else because that is THE plat-forming console. And you're not giving us a 2.5D platformer "because it isn't HD". I hope SEGA go bust after they release Mario and Sonic 2012 because they are really not worth having anymore.

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