Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations | |
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File:Sonic Generations Logo.jpg | |
Developer(s) | Sonic Team (Xbox 360, PS3, PC) Devil's Details (PC)[4] Dimps (Nintendo 3DS)[5] |
Publisher(s) | Sega |
Producer(s) | Takashi Iizuka |
Designer(s) | Hiroshi Miyamoto (director) |
Composer(s) | Jun Senoue (sound director) |
Series | Sonic the Hedgehog |
Engine | Hedgehog Engine (graphics) Havok (physics) |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 Microsoft Windows Nintendo 3DS |
Release | November 1, 2011 |
Genre(s) | Platformer, Action Adventure |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Sonic Generations (ソニック ジェネレーションズ, Sonikku Jenerēshonzu) is a 2011 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, produced by Sonic Team for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows[6] and Nintendo 3DS. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of the original Sonic the Hedgehog game and was released by Sega in North America on November 1, 2011, in North America on November 4, 2011 for PC Download, November 4, 2011 in Europe, and will be released in Japan on December 1, 2011.[7][8]
In Japan, the two versions are given subtitles: the PS3/Xbox 360/PC version of the game is given Shiro no Jikū (白の時空, lit. "White Spacetime") while the 3DS version is given Ao no Bōken (青の冒険, lit. "Blue Adventure").
Plot
The story starts as Classic Sonic is exploring Green Hill, when suddenly a mysterious new enemy called the Time Eater (タイムイーター, Taimu Ītā) appears and erases Green Hill. Later, in the present day, Sonic's friends celebrate Sonic's birthday, when the Time Eater appears, destroying the party and sucking everyone through various "time holes", scattering them across different places in Sonic's history. Sonic tries to stop him, but the monster easily knocks back Sonic. Soon, Sonic finds himself in strange dimension known as White Space, where everything has been drained of color and life. As Sonic searches for his friends, he encounters his younger self, Classic Sonic, along with a younger Classic Tails. As the two Tails determine that Time Eater's actions are damaging time and space itself, both Modern and Classic race through their history, restoring time to normal and rescuing their friends. After restoring the worlds and collecting all the Chaos Emeralds, they discover that the mastermind behind the Time Eater is none other than Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik, who has joined forces with his past self to erase Sonic's victories from history. Although the Time Eater manages to overwhelm the two Sonics, the support of their friends and the power of the Chaos Emeralds allow them to become Super Sonics and defeat the two Eggmen. With the Time Eater's destruction, the group returns to the present and finally finishes celebrating Sonic's birthday while, after attempting to learn one of Modern Sonic's moves, Classic Sonic and Classic Tails travel back to their time as everyone says their farewells. In a post-credits scene, the two Eggmen find themselves stuck in White Space after the Time Eater's defeat, with seemingly no way out.[9]
Gameplay
The game features levels derived from 20 years of Sonic history, spreading across three eras: Classic, Dreamcast and Modern, which are played as either Classic Sonic or Modern Sonic.[10] Classic Sonic's levels are strictly two dimensional side scrolling stages, using classic moves like the Spin Attack and Spin Dash, while Modern Sonic's levels follow a gameplay style similar to more recent entries in the series, with the console versions using the 2D/3D style gameplay of Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colors, while the 3DS version will use the 2D gameplay of the Sonic Rush series, both featuring techniques such as boosting and homing attacks.[5][8] As well as classic power-ups such as Invincibility and Speed Shoes, certain levels have unique power-ups, such as skateboards in City Escape and Wisp powers in Planet Wisp.[11] Each zone consists of a main act for each Sonic, as well as 10 challenges such as beating an opponent to the goal. A Skill Shop allows players to use points earned from high scores to unlock upgrades such as abilities, shields, and even the original Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis game. Completing challenges, as well as finding Red Star Rings hidden in each of the main Acts, unlocks additional skills, as well as bonus artwork and music.[12] There are also online leaderboards for two modes; Ranking Attack, which challenges players to obtain the best time and score on each level, and 30 Second Trial, which challenges players to see how far they can get through a level in 30 seconds. Unlike the console versions, the 3DS version will feature special stages (based on the ones from Sonic Heroes) and a multiplayer versus mode, and the majority of stages included will be different from those of the console versions.[13] There are also several missions which can be unlocked via StreetPass, or by using Play Coins.[14]
Levels
Other than the original Green Hill Zone, both the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3/Windows version and 3DS versions of the games feature their own list of stages, taken from the games of the main series. The classic versions of the first three 3DS stages are faithful recreations of the original Genesis levels. The game contains the following stages:
Xbox 360/PS3/PC | 3DS version | ||
---|---|---|---|
Stage | Original Game | Stage | Original Game |
Green Hill | Sonic the Hedgehog | Green Hill | Sonic the Hedgehog |
Chemical Plant[15] | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Casino Night[16] | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 |
Sky Sanctuary[17] | Sonic 3 & Knuckles | Mushroom Hill[15] | Sonic 3 & Knuckles |
Speed Highway[18] | Sonic Adventure | Emerald Coast[16] | Sonic Adventure |
City Escape[19] | Sonic Adventure 2 | Radical Highway[20] | Sonic Adventure 2 |
Seaside Hill[15] | Sonic Heroes | Water Palace[21] | Sonic Rush |
Crisis City[11] | Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) | Tropical Resort[22] | Sonic Colors |
Rooftop Run[15] | Sonic Unleashed | ||
Planet Wisp[1] | Sonic Colors |
Bosses
Xbox 360/PS3/PC | 3DS version | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boss | Stage | Original Game | Boss | Stage | Original Game |
Metal Sonic | Stardust Speedway (Bad Future) | Sonic the Hedgehog CD | Metal Sonic | Casino Night | Sonic the Hedgehog CD |
Death Egg Robot | Death Egg | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Big Arm | Launch Base | Sonic 3 & Knuckles |
Shadow the Hedgehog | Final Rush | Sonic Adventure 2 | Shadow the Hedgehog | Radical Highway | Sonic Adventure 2 |
Perfect Chaos | Station Square | Sonic Adventure | Biolizard | Cannon's Core | Sonic Adventure 2 |
Silver the Hedgehog | Crisis City | Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) | Silver the Hedgehog | Tropical Resort | Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) |
Egg Dragoon | Eggmanland | Sonic Unleashed | Egg Emperor | Final Fortress | Sonic Heroes |
Time Eater | Center of Time | Sonic Generations | Time Eater | Center of Time | Sonic Generations |
Development
The game was first revealed on April 7, 2011, when Sega posted a teaser trailer on their Facebook page.[23] The teaser depicted both modern and classic interpretations of Sonic the Hedgehog running alongside each other. The game was officially unveiled as Sonic Generations on April 18, 2011, along with the first gameplay trailer.[24] The game's plot was penned by Ken Pontac and Warren Graff, who previously worked on Sonic Colors.[25] Sega's Community Manager Aaron Webber revealed that Classic Sonic will be mute. Both Classic and Modern Sonic will have their own sets of physics, the former of which Webber claims will be "closer to the classics than anything since, including Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1."[26] Producer Takashi Iizuka has confirmed that although other characters will be part of the story, only the two Sonics shall be playable. Iizuka also confirmed that each returning level shall feel familiar but will also feature a new visual element like the caves seen in the Green Hill stages.[27] The game will also feature boss battles against foes from past Sonic titles, including Metal Sonic, the Death Egg Robot, Shadow the Hedgehog, Perfect Chaos, Silver the Hedgehog, and the Egg Dragoon.[28][29][30]
A financial earnings report posted by Sega Sammy Holdings listed versions of the game for Nintendo 3DS and PC,[31] though a revised version of the report no longer listed either version.[32] The game was eventually confirmed in Nintendo Power to be coming to the Nintendo 3DS, being co-developed by Dimps.[33] Other than Green Hill Zone, the console and 3DS versions of the game will feature completely different sets of levels. A Steam client update contained details on a Sonic Generations Beta, further hinting at a PC version of the game.[34] SEGA officially announced a PC version of the game on October 11, 2011, which will be released digitally on November 4th 2011, with a retail version to be released in Europe shortly afterwards.[35][36] All versions of the game will support stereoscopic 3D.[37] A downloadable minigame based on Sonic 2's Casino Night Zone will be available for the console versions as a pre-order bonus from GameStop in the USA and from Game in the United Kingdom. A Collector's Edition was announced for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, containing the game and manual with limited lenticular box art in a steelbook case, special booklet containing never before seen pictures, a documentary disc about Sonic's history with never before seen footage, a music album containing many tracks specially picked by Sonic Team, a limited and individually numbered gold ring, a voucher for downloadable content, and a figurine of both classic and modern Sonic striking a pose on a ring. Currently the Collector's Edition will only be available in Europe and Australia.[38] The original Sonic the Hedgehog game can be unlocked in the console versions of the game.[39] Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles and Sonic 3D is also being offered for people who preorder the PC version on Steam.[40]
A time-limited playable demo of the game containing Classic Sonic's Green Hill Zone was released on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network between June 23, 2011, and July 12, 2011, when downloaded copies were disabled. A second demo for PSN and Xbox Live, which also contains Modern Sonic's Green Hill Zone, was released on October 18th and the 19th for Xbox Live Gold members and the European PSN respectively. The demo was also released on the North American PSN on the 25th.[41]
Reception
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
GameRankings | 78.43% (PS3) 78.52% (Xbox 360)[42] |
Metacritic | 76/100 (PS3)[43] 78/100 (Xbox 360)[44] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
1Up.com | B |
Eurogamer | 7/10 |
Famitsu | 35/40[45] |
G4 | 4/5 |
Game Informer | 6.75/10[47] |
GamePro | |
GameSpot | 8.0/10 [48] |
GamesRadar+ | 8/10 (360/PS3/PC) 7/10 (3DS) |
GamesTM | 7/10 [49] |
GameTrailers | 8.1/10 |
GameZone | 9.0/10[46] |
IGN | 8.5/10 |
PALGN | 9.5/10 |
Sonic Generations has received generally positive reviews. On Metacritic, Sonic Generations scored a 76 on the PS3[50], and a 78 for the Xbox 360[51]. IGN gave the game a score 8.5 out of 10 and an Editor's Choice award, praising the overall gameplay and the level design, while criticising some occasional control issues and limited boss battles.[52] Computer and Video Games gave it a 7.5/10, praising the balanced design but criticising the framerate of the graphics.[53] 1UP.com gave the game a "B" score, praising its variety, fun-to-play levels and interesting set-pieces, while criticising some on-rails sections and occasional frustration.[54]
PlayStation Official Magazine gave it an 8/10, calling it "a masterpiece of platform game design."[55] GameTrailers gave the game a score of 8.1, calling it "the best Sonic game in over a decade."[56] GamesRadar gave the console version 8/10, calling it "the best Sonic game since Sonic 2,"[57] while they gave the 3DS version 7/10, praising its replay value but criticising some sparse level design.[58] Eurogamer, however, was less enthusiastic, writing that "Sonic Generations still doesn't do much to dissuade us that the hedgehog's best days are distant memories, but at least it is a worthy tribute to them."[59] The most positive review on Metacritic is a 9.5/10 from PALGN, which argues that the game is significantly better than Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic the Hedgehog 4.[60] Game Informer's Tim Turi was more critical of the game, criticizing Sega for "...shoehorning recent Sonic games, no matter how awful, into the 20-year timeline." He felt that such stages served "...only to remind you of how far the series has fallen from its original form."[61] Famitsu gave the game a score of 35/40, praising the speed and addictiveness of the gameplay as well as the bonus material, while emphasising that "you do need a certain amount of ability to play it the way it was meant."[62]
References
- ^ a b Sterling, Jim. "New Sonic Generations out November 1, gets new screens". Destructoid.
- ^ "Sonic Generations Release". Digitalspy.
- ^ http://andriasang.com/comyeu/
- ^ http://store.steampowered.com/app/71340/
- ^ a b Nintendo Power, ed. (2011). Sonic Generation 3DS Preview. Nintendo. p. 47.
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ignored (help) - ^ Sterling, Jim. "Sonic Generations confirmed for PC". Destructoid.
- ^ Robinson, Martin. "Sonic Generations is The Best of Sonic". IGN.
- ^ a b http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2011/06/01/nintendo-3ds-two-sonics-one-epic-adventure/
- ^ Daniel, Andy. "Sonic Generations Preview".
- ^ Totilo, Stephen. "Sonic Generations Is Like A Dream Sonic Game, Except It's Real". Kotaku.
- ^ a b "Sonic Generations Modern Era Trailer Posted". Anime News Network.
- ^ http://www.tssznews.com/2011/10/14/new-video-cnet-sonic-generations-preview/
- ^ Kietzmann, Ludwig. "All Sonic Generations 3DS levels to be platform-exclusive (save for Green Hill Zone)". Joystiq.
- ^ http://andriasang.com/comyr3/
- ^ a b c d http://blogs.sega.com/2011/08/17/segagc-new-screens-trailer-for-sonic-generations/
- ^ a b http://www.sonicstadium.org/2011/08/sonic-generations-picnic-image-3ds-casino-night-zone-screen-emerald-coast-revealed/
- ^ http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/09/14/sonic-generations-new-levels-trailer
- ^ http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_avances.php?id=cw4e78c27f8d2de&idj=cw4d9ddf5b9ad23
- ^ http://blogs.sega.com/2011/06/07/segae3-sonic-generations/
- ^ http://www.tssznews.com/2011/09/16/classic-homing-attack-confirmed-in-sonic-generations-3ds/
- ^ http://www.tssznews.com/2011/11/16/water-palace-not-apotos-last-sonic-generations-3ds-stage/
- ^ http://www.sonicstadium.org/2011/10/nintendo-power-reveals-tropical-resort-in-sonic-generations-3ds/
- ^ http://currentaffairs99.com/sonic-generations-teaser-trailer-hits-facebook-and-youtube
- ^ Oliver, Tristan. "Sega Officially Unveils "Sonic Generations"". TSSZ.
- ^ Oliver, Tristan. "Report: Sonic Colors Writers a Part of Sonic Generations". TSSZ.
- ^ Oliver, Tristan. "Webber Dishes on Sonic Generations's Classic Sonic". TSSZ.
- ^ http://www.segabits.com/?p=12513
- ^ Charles, Jonathan. "Chemical Plant Zone, Metal Sonic Confirmed for Sonic Generations (Update: Classic Metal Sonic Character model)". TSSZ.
- ^ "http://uk.ign.com/videos/2011/10/14/sonic-generations-bosses-trailer".
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- ^ "http://www.gametrailers.com/video/death-egg-sonic-generations".
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: External link in
(help)|title=
- ^ Sinclair, Brendan. "Sonic Generations speeding to 3DS, PC". GameSpot.
- ^ Rosenberg, Jared. "Sega Removes Listing for Sonic Generations 3DS". Nintendo World Report.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael. "Sega's Shinobi and Sonic Generations Outed for Nintendo 3DS". Kotaku.
- ^ http://www.sonicretro.org/2011/06/see-sonic-generations-beta-on-steam-with-your-own-eyes/
- ^ http://blogs.sega.com/2011/10/11/sonic-generations-confirmed-for-pc-digital-download/
- ^ http://www.tssznews.com/2011/10/11/sega-makes-sonic-generations-pc-port-official/
- ^ Oliver, Tristan. "E3: Sonic Generations High Resolution Box Art". TSSZ.
- ^ "Sonic Generations Special Edition Announced".
- ^ Condit, Jessica. "Sonic Generations will include the original Sonic The Hedgehog (if you can unlock it)". Joystiq.
- ^ Mallory, Jordan. "Pre-order Sonic Generations on Steam, receive classic Sonic games free". Joystiq.
- ^ http://www.sonicstadium.org/2011/10/sonic-generations-second-demo-goes-live/
- ^ http://www.gamerankings.com/browse.html?search=sonic+generations&numrev=3&site=
- ^ http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-generations
- ^ http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-generations
- ^ Gifford, Kevin. "Japan Review Check: Mario Kart 7, Sonic Generations." 1UP. November 22, 2011. http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-mario-kart
- ^ http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/sonic-generations GameZone - Sonic Generations Review by Dustin Steiner, November 03, 2011
- ^ Turi, Tim. "Sonic Generations Review." Game Informer. October 31, 2011.
- ^ http://www.gamespot.com/sonic-generations/reviews/sonic-generations-review-6345198 Gamespot - Sonic Generations Review by Nathan Meunier, 11. November 2011
- ^ http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/sonic-generations-review/ GamesTM - Sonic Generations Review, 31 Oct 2011
- ^ http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-generations
- ^ http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-generations
- ^ http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/121/1211024p1.html
- ^ Blyth, Jon. "Sonic Generations Review." ComputerAndVideoGames.com. October 31, 2011.
- ^ Mackey, Bob. "Sonic Generations Review." 1UP. October 31, 2011.
- ^ Iwaniuk, Phil. "Sonic Generations Review." PlayStation Official Magazine. October 31, 2011.
- ^ http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-sonic-generations/723399
- ^ http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-generations/?page=1
- ^ http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-generations-3ds-review/?page=2
- ^ Bramwell, Tom. "Sonic Generations Review." Eurogamer. November 2, 2011.
- ^ Khan, Jahanzeb. PALGN. November 1, 2011. "Sonic Generations Review."
- ^ Turi, Tim. "Sonic Generations Review." Game Informer. October 31, 2011.
- ^ Gifford, Kevin. "Japan Review Check: Mario Kart 7, Sonic Generations." 1UP. November 22, 2011. http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-mario-kart
External links
- Articles with bare URLs for citations from October 2011
- 2011 video games
- 3D platform games
- Crossover video games
- Nintendo 3DS games
- PlayStation 3 games
- Side-scrolling video games
- Sonic the Hedgehog games
- Time travel video games
- Video games with 2.5D graphics
- Video games with stereoscopic 3D graphics
- Video games developed in Japan
- Windows games
- Xbox 360 games