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Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

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Sonic the Hedgehog 4
File:Sonic4Ep2Logo.png
Developer(s)Dimps
Sonic Team
Publisher(s)Sega
Producer(s)Takashi Iizuka
Composer(s)Jun Senoue
Platform(s)PlayStation Network
Xbox Live Arcade
iOS [3]
Windows Phone 7[4]
Android
Microsoft Windows
Release
May 15, 2012[1]
  • Steam
    May 15, 2012[2]
    PlayStation Network
    • NA: May 15, 2012
    • EU: May 16, 2012
    • JP: May 16, 2012
    Xbox Live Arcade
    May 16, 2012
    Tegra 3 Devices
    May 16,2012
    iOS
    May 17, 2012
    Android
    June, 2012
    Windows Phone 7
    July, 2012
Genre(s)Platformer
Mode(s)Single player

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ4, Sonikku Za Hejjihoggu 4) is an episodic platform video game and a sequel in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The game was developed by Dimps alongside members of Sonic Team[6] and is intended to be inspired by and similar to the original Sonic the Hedgehog titles on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.

Episode I was released in October 2010. Episode II was released in May 2012 for PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, PC, iOS and Android. It will be released for Windows Phone 7 in July 2012.[1][7]

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot, showing both Sonic and Tails on the same screen.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II plays similar to the previous episode, but with several enhancements. Sonic is now accompanied by Tails, either controlled by the computer or a second player via local or online co-operative play. Unlike in the 16-bit titles, Tails cannot be played in single player and likewise Sonic can't be played on his own.[8] There are also new various combination moves that can be performed together, such as Tails lifting Sonic up to places he would be unable to reach otherwise, and the two can roll into a ball to perform a fast and powerful spin attack.[9]

Special Stages in Episode II, also accessed the same way they are in Episode I, are based on the half-pipe style format introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, in which the player is required to collect a certain number of rings before the goal in order to obtain a Chaos Emerald.[10] Also returning are the Red Star Rings that have previously appeared in Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations. One Red Ring is hidden per act, and an achievement is unlocked after collecting them all.[11] There is also cross-compatibility planned for the XBLA and Windows Phone 7 versions, allowing players to alternate their games between them using Cloud saving.[12]

Owners of both Episode I and II (provided they are both on the same system) will unlock free Episode Metal content in Episode II.[1] Episode Metal explains how Metal Sonic came back to life after being defeated in Sonic CD. Players play as Metal Sonic through four acts, all of which are reworked zones from Episode I, explaining the significance of those zones to the story as well.

Plot

Back in Sonic CD, Metal Sonic had been defeated, but survived, albeit was severely damaged and was left on Little Planet when it disappeared at the end of the game. During the events of Episode I, Dr. Eggman had secretly located and repaired Metal Sonic. [13]. A few months later, Little Planet makes its annual return to earth. Sonic hears that Eggman is back, and reunites with Tails to stop him together. Meanwhile, Metal Sonic searches for the heroes and sees them fly away in the Tornado, and follows them using Tails' rocket.[14]

It is revealed that Eggman plans to construct a new Death Egg mk.II over the dwarfed planet to power it. As Little Planet heads back into space, Sonic and Tails follow the villains to the Death Egg mk.II. Inside, they confront and defeat Metal Sonic one last time. Finally, they defeat Eggman at the heart of the base. Sonic and Tails then escape via space pods. As the credits roll, the duo head back to earth while the Death Egg mk.II shuts down due to the internal damage suffered.

Development

In regards to Episode II, Sega Brand Manager Ken Balough has mentioned that "the idea is to introduce new zones with things you haven't seen." He has also hinted that Episode II may have a larger budget than Episode I, due to the latter being received very well commercially.[15] Sega of America Community Manager Aaron Webber also hinted that Tails may appear in Episode II as well.[16] On August 23, 2011, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka stated that “this year, 2011, is the anniversary, so we’re focusing on the celebration title, but moving forward to 2012, Sonic will still be going, so I’d hope to provide Episode 2 then.” He also said that Sonic Team “knew about the anniversary year," and that "Generations was planned way in advance," therefore "it was always our plan to release Episode 2 after Generations.”[17] In preparation for Episode II's release, Sega re-released Sonic the Hedgehog CD to digital platforms in Winter 2011, billing it as a 'prequel' to Sonic 4 as the events of Episode II will rely heavily on what occurred in CD.

On December 29, some new information on Episode II was revealed along with a teaser trailer, including the return of both Metal Sonic and Tails, and an updated graphics and physics engine. Platforms confirmed for release are Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, iOS, Android, Windows Phone 7 and PC.[18][19] It has also been confirmed that no WiiWare version of Episode II will be released due to hardware constraints.[20][21]

On April 21, 2012, an early beta version of Episode II was accidentally made temporarily available to people who pre-ordered the game on Steam before Sega removed it.[22]

Future episodes

As of March 2012, Sega does not plan to develop any future episodes for Sonic 4.[23] However, during the PAX East 2012, Cheat Code Central spoke with Sega representatives who informed that Episode II does not end the Sonic 4 story, saying if the episode does well in sales, an Episode III will likely be developed, as well as an Episode IV if that does well in turn. The representatives also mentioned a possible Sonic the Hedgehog 5 could be developed after Episode IV.[24][unreliable source?]

Reception

Like its predecessor,Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Aggregating review websites GameRankings and Metacritic gave the PlayStation 3 version 66.75% and 63/100,[25][28] the Xbox 360 version 61.17% and 61/100[26][29] and the PC version 60.00% and -/100.[27][30]

IGN gave the game a score of 6.5, stating while it fixes the physics of Episode 1, it is still missing the magic of its Genesis predecessors.[34] Games Radar criticized it in similar ways, stating that the two-player mode "...seems to prioritize griefing your friends instead making real in-game progress" and that with the game in general "Every time we felt like we were reliving our old Sonic glory days, the next stage would incorporate limp and uninspired gimmicks like shifting winds or avalanche snowboarding."[32] Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game a 6.5, praising the "old-school Sonic" aspects of the gameplay, but criticizing the Tails-related gameplay, stating "there were too many puzzles that required Tails’ assistance.[31] Joystiq had mixed feelings on the game as well, awarding it 3 out of 5 stars, and stating "Episode 2 makes improvements over its predecessor, with better visuals, useful co-op maneuvers and great special stages, but the inconsistent boss battles and uninspired level design keep it from recapturing Sonic's glory days."[36] GameTrailers gave the game a score of 5.5, saying that the level design and the team-up moves often slow the pace of the game.[33]

Official Xbox Magazine (UK) was more positive about the game, concluding that the game was "...a smooth, slippery Sonic that takes another step away from it's single-button origins without losing any of the hog essense. With local and online co-op, it offers just enough entertainment to justify its steep episodic price."[35]

References

  1. ^ a b c Oliver, Tristan (2012-04-05). "UPDATE: New Sonic 4: Episode II Trailer Debuts". TSSZ News. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  2. ^ "Sonic 4 Episode II". forums.sega.com. 2012-04-21. Retrieved 2012-04-26. {{cite web}}: Text "Steam Leak - from Ken" ignored (help)
  3. ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Announced For 'Late 2010,' iPhone Confirmed « The Sonic Stadium". Sonicstadium.org. 2010-05-20. Retrieved 2011-06-21.
  4. ^ "Xbox Live's Major Nelson » Gears of War 3 Beta update and much more just announced". Majornelson.com. 2011-02-24. Retrieved 2011-06-21.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference gamespot_interview was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ SEGA Forum – View Single Post – Who's making Sonic 4? Well, since you asked[dead link]
  7. ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Ken Balough Interview". GameSpot.com. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  8. ^ "Tails Limited to 2 Player Mode in Sonic 4: Episode 2". The Sonic Stadium. 2012-02-23. Retrieved 201 2-03-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); line feed character in |accessdate= at position 4 (help)
  9. ^ Workman, Robert (2012-05-18). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 preview | Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II Preview". GameZone. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  10. ^ "Xbox.com Releases First Screenshots of Sonic 4: Episode 2, Co-op Play Also Revealed". The Sonic Stadium. 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  11. ^ "SEGA Europe Releases More Sonic 4: Episode 2 Screenshots". The Sonic Stadium. 2012-02-25. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  12. ^ Posted: Mar 14, 2012 (2012-03-14). "Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II Video Game, GDC 2012: Features Interview HD | Video Clip | Game Trailers & Videos". GameTrailers.com. Retrieved 2012-03-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ By Ishaan . December 29, 2011 . 10:30am (2011-12-29). "Tails Returns As A Playable Character In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2". Siliconera. Retrieved 2012-03-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ "Sonic The Hedgehog 4". Sonic The Hedgehog 4. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  15. ^ Oliver, Tristan. "Sonic 4: Episode II Now "In Early Development", Says Ken Balough". TSSZ News. Retrieved 2011-06-21.
  16. ^ Oliver, Tristan. "Sega Celebrates Hedgehog Day, Hints at Tails in Sonic 4: Episode 2?". TSSZ.
  17. ^ By GeneHF. "Sonic 4: Episode 2 in 2012, Episode 3 Unlikely – Sonic RetroSonic Retro". Sonicretro.org. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  18. ^ "Sonic 4: Episode 2 Confirmed For PC Download". The Sonic Stadium. 2012-01-19. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  19. ^ "Sonic 4: Episode 2 is Already Changing Stuff". Kotaku.com. 2011-12-29. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  20. ^ "SEGA Confirms No WiiWare Outing for Sonic 4: Episode II – WiiWare News @ Nintendo Life". Wiiware.nintendolife.com. 2011-12-30. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  21. ^ Oliver, Tristan. "Video: The Funniest S4E2 Balough Interview You'll See". TSSZ News. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  22. ^ Sanchez, David (2012-05-18). "Sonic 4: Episode II was leaked on Steam | Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II News". GameZone. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  23. ^ Batchelor, James (2012-03-23). "Future Sonic 4 episodes canned | Games industry news | MCV". Mcvuk.com. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
  24. ^ "SEGA Talks to Cheat Code Central About the Future of Sonic". The Sonic Stadium. Retrieved May 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |name= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |published= ignored (help)
  25. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (PlayStation 3) reviews at". GameRankings. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  26. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (Xbox 360) reviews at". GameRankings. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  27. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (PC) reviews at". GameRankings. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  28. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II for PlayStation 3 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  29. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  30. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II for PC Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  31. ^ a b "EGM Review: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II". EGMNOW. 2012-05-15. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  32. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II review". GamesRadar. 2012-05-15. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  33. ^ a b http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-sonic-the/730327
  34. ^ a b http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/05/19/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii-review
  35. ^ a b oxm.co.uk Jon Blyth. "Xbox Live Arcade Review: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Review - Xbox 360 - The Official Magazine". Oxm.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  36. ^ a b Mitchell, Richard (2012-05-16). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place". Joystiq. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
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