The release of a new Sonic game has become a somewhat sad affair over the course of the last decade, right after it seemed like he was finding his footing with games like Sonic Colours and Sonic Generations. So after nearly two full run-throughs of the game, it brings me great joy to say that Sonic Frontiers is the best Modern Sonic title released in the past 10 years. In fact, there’s elements of it I think I enjoy more than Generations! It’s also, however, a game with no shortage of issues; in ways that often feel much like ‘first game syndrome’ for the ‘open-zone’ concept that Takashi Iizuka believes could form the future of Sonic games.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
SEGA has released a new trailer for the upcoming Sonic Frontiers, launching next month. This time, we get a look at the various ways Sonic will be able to sock it to his foes.
The trailer notes that as well as the typical Sonic fare, such as homing attacks, drop dashing and the stomp, Sonic’s combat has been massively expanded with a skill tree system implemented. We also get a glimpse at how this stuff’s upgraded – Skill Tokens from defeating enemies (giving incentive to actually go after them instead of waltzing by as you might be tempted to), and Seeds of Power and Defense from completing other tasks. We also get to see the Cyloop yet again, with emphasis put onto how it can be used in combat – and the Phantom Rush, a powered-up state where afterimages of Sonic fly around the enemies, laying on the hurt. It actually reminds us of the Sonic OVA a bit!
Finally, we get a look at the cosmetics included with the game’s digital deluxe edition – some very brown shoes and gloves. We’re personally not too sure the fashion justifies the Digital Deluxe approach we’ve called out in the past (nor the included bonus items, which just seem to be a means to… play less game?), but at the very least there’s no early access included this time – presumably they’ve learned their lesson on that detail after Colours Ultimate.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
The previously released Sonic and Knuckles costumes are returning to Fall Guys this week, and they’ve got company. The recently gone Free-to-Play take on the Takeshi’s Castle format is getting a slew of new content themed around SEGA’s spiky blue mascot, including costumes of Tails, Dr. Eggman and Super Sonic. A new event will also be added to the game, tasking you with collecting rings in… Bean Hill Zone. Now that’s a pun we can get behind.
There’ll also be other goodies up for grabs, such as nameplates and accessories. The Sonic-themed fesitivites won’t last forever though, as the event only runs from August 11th to August 15th; so you’ll have to be quick to score everything, which we suppose is pretty fitting.
We’ve also got some key art to celebrate the event from Epic Games’ PR, which you can check out after the jump. (more…)
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
As part of the latest Nintendo Direct, SEGA has revealed our first look at Sonic Frontiers’ linear ‘cyberspace’ levels.
Via SEGA PR:
Entrances to Cyber Space made by the ancient civilization of Starfall Islands can be found all throughout the map. Sonic fans will solve puzzles and complete challenges to earn Portal Gears to unlock these entrances access Cyber Space levels featuring the traditional, fast-paced, speed running action platforming. They’ll need to complete the challenges in each Cyber Space level to receive Vault Keys to progress further in the game.
To the joy of probably very few people, one of the cyberspace levels has Sonic revisiting Green Hill Zone for the umpteenth time. Thankfully the other cyberspace level shown seems a lot less derivative, showing a suspended highway branching off in a multitude of directions. (more…)
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
SEGA aren’t exactly strangers to wheeling out the Classic Sonic games now. It’s a running joke amongst the fanbase that every Sonic fan owns at least 30 different copies of the original game across just about every gaming platform known to man. Hell – I had Sonic the Hedgehog on my chunky old iPod Classic! But after the rather staggering way SEGA stuffed up Sonic Colours Ultimate last year, I don’t think it’s unreasonable that some people were even more wary of Sonic Origins than they’d usually be. The good news is that this isn’t the mess that Sonic’s Wii outing got turned into. The bad news is that Sonic Origins is still a very flawed package, full of glaring errors and mistakes that are made more aggravating knowing they could’ve been very easily fixed.
The first episode of “Sonic Origins: Speed Strats” has been released, a new series of trailers that offers a deeper look into the upcoming Sonic compilation coming to modern platforms.
This edition includes a look at the various modes and options on offer across the entire package, as detailed below (via SEGA PR)
Classic Mode – For a trip down memory lane, Classic Mode features the original game presentation in 4×3 with remastered visuals, finite lives and game overs. Classic Mode is available for all four titles and is unlocked from the start.
Anniversary Mode – If you are looking for something new, Anniversary Mode features a full 16×9 screen display and an infinite number of lives to keep the fun going without any game overs. Anniversary Mode is available for all four titles and is unlocked from the start.
Story Mode – Combines all four games into one adventure. Start with Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and end with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles.
Animations / Cutscenes – Sonic Origins includes all-new animated opening and ending cutscenes for each game, connecting all of Sonic’s classic adventures.
Boss Rush Mode – Battle Dr. Eggman, Metal Sonic and other challenging foes in Boss Rush Mode.
Mission Mode – Take on various missions in all four games. The better you perform the higher your rank will be.
Mirror Mode – Once unlocked, experience classic levels in a brand new way – backwards.
Coins – Enjoy new rewards by collecting coins in Anniversary Mode or completing missions in Mission Mode. If players fail a special stage in Anniversary Mode, coins can be used to retry the stage instantly. Coins can also be used to redeem content in the museum.
Museum – Check out a ton of exciting music, concept art, videos and never-before-seen content found in the Premium Collection Vault.
Notable points in the trailer include a look at a new intro for Tails in Sonic 3 & Knuckles (we actually see him land the plane this time!), and re-iterating that Sonic CD will retains its original intro and outro cutscenes, fully remastered – in addition to the brand new cutscenes made for the game’s Story Mode.
As a cool aside, this trailer was produced by Strategy Guide PR, and as a result the narration was provided by Evan from our friends over at TailsChannel. It’s nice to see SEGA finding ways to bring fans into the fold, especially given the remasters in Origins started out as a simple pitch from a fan that then exploded into something more as the years went by.
Sonic Origins launches June 23rd on PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
A new teaser video from IGN showcasing some in-game action from Sonic Frontiers has arrived. Click the embed below to see Sonic running around some beautiful, grassy vistas while battling some strange new enemies:
Sonic Frontiers appears to introduce a new laser-grapple mechanic that requires you to run rings around your enemies and launch them into the air. Combat seems to be similar to the homing attack-and-melee attacking style of Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic 06. There is also a new glowing ring item that Sonic can run in hamster wheel-style that appears to initiate a scan of the surrounding area. Boosting and grinding also make a reappearance.
Sonic Frontiers will be the first open world Sonic title and is being developed in house by SEGA’s own Sonic Team. The game will launch on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC in “Holiday 2022”.
IGN are also planning a month-long look at Sonic Frontiers with hands-on impressions and interviews with the game’s creators coming soon. We will be certain to highlight any interesting updates on Sonic Frontiers as they appear.
The House of the Dead Remake from Megapixel Studio and Forever Entertainment arrives on the Switch’s eShop on April 7th 2022. The game will be available to pre-order from March 31st.
In addition to a complete visual overhaul, the game will feature a local 2 player co-op mode, a photo mode, in game achievements, an armory with unlockable weapons that can be used in subsequent playthroughs, a new game mode that promises “hordes of the undead” and a gallery for viewing enemies and bosses. Check out the latest trailer below:
The House of the Dead Remake is being developed by Megapixel Studio and published for Forever Entertainment under license from SEGA. This is the same arrangement as the 2020 remake of Panzer Dragoon. There is currently no word on a boxed release for the game.
The second part of the Sonic Colours Ultimate promotional animation, Sonic Colours: Rise of the Wisps, has been released via YouTube.
Via SEGA PR:
In today’s climactic episode, temperatures rise as Sonic and the Jade Wisp clash with Dr. Eggman’s robotic henchman and the Blue Blur’s evil doppelganger, Metal Sonic. The duo must attempt to save the Wisps from Dr. Eggman’s clutches before he harnesses their power for his own diabolical plans. It’s a race against time as Sonic and Jade fight to thwart Dr. Eggman’s plans to take over the universe.
It’s a fun watch, with some lovely voice work from Roger Craig Smith and Kate Higgins on show too.
Sonic Colours Ultimate will be launching September 9th, for Xbox, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Epic Games.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
As part of Gamescom 2021’s Opening Night Live presentation, it’s been announced that Morgana from Persona 5 will be a DLC character in Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania. He’ll cost $4.99 USD on release.
Banana Mania is quickly and somewhat unexpectedly becoming a big ol’ SEGA crossover, with Jet Set Radio’s Beat, Yakuza’s Kiryu, and Sonic & Tails previously being announced. This new reveal adds Atlus into the mix, too!
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania launches on October 1st.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
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