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Friday Apr 25, 2008
Playing UnleashedHaving worked in the video game industry for closing in on a decade, I’ve heard a lot of common misconceptions from my friends and family regarding exactly what it is that I do as my job. The most common one seems to be: “You just get to sit around and play video games all day, don’t you?” The short answer is no, I don’t — not even close, unfortunately. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get to play games at all; on the contrary, most of the time I’ll get to play one of our titles well before it hits retail shelves. Today, as an example, I got to play Sonic Unleashed on the 360 for about 15 minutes. The game is far from complete, but most of the game elements are in place, and in some cases it’s just a matter of polish and tweaking to get the gameplay to work correctly. In other cases, there’s more development that needs to be done, but since the game’s not due to ship until late in the year, there’s still a ton of time to iron out the details, both large and small. I got to see three different levels being played, and then got to try one of the levels myself. Here are my initial impressions, keeping in mind that there are still aspects of the game that we won’t discuss until a later time: Overall, even though it was one level, it was a blast and I would have played it a lot more if I’d had the opportunity. The gameplay style of this particular level — a style that comprises a good portion of the overall game — is going to make a lot of old-school Sonic fans really happy. The little blue guy gets going so fast sometimes that it’s truly difficult to keep up…! That’s all I can really say at the moment, but I wanted to throw it out there to wet your whistle on a Friday afternoon. Have a good weekend! EDIT Saturday 4/26: It’s a gorgeous day in the Bay Area so I don’t want to spend too much time on work stuff, but after seeing the flurry of comments here and on various boards and blogs, I wanted to clarify some things. One: I know you guys have a ton of questions about the game, but please keep in mind that there are aspects of the title — ranging from environments to characters to gameplay — that haven’t been officially announced yet. There’s a lot about the game that I still don’t know about myself. So, don’t take it personally, but please understand that your questions will be answered in due time, and for various reasons I can’t address some of the things that are being asked. (Not to mention that if I did answer every question, I wouldn’t have enough time to do all the other work on my plate…!) Two: I only played one level. I played for 15 minutes, mainly because I kept dying over and over. Right now the controls are ultra-sensitive (this will be refined in the coming months) and not having played before, it was really easy for me to mis-time a jump or fall off the path to my doom. But for the 15 minutes I played, I had a lot of fun. Third and perhaps most important: Yes, I am a SEGA employee. This means that of course there will be a bias in whatever I write about any of our games. And yes, as someone else commented, early builds of games almost always get positive reviews, at least in the gaming press, to say nothing of reviews from employees of the company that makes the game…! That said: You Sonic fans are a very loyal and rabid fanbase, and you deserve a great game. Unleashed, right now, has the potential to be that game. Thing is, it’s not going to ship for a half-year at least, which is a long time… and that means your hands-on stories from the gaming press won’t show up for quite a while. But I work here, and I got my own hands-on yesterday, and I had a good time with it. I figured giving you guys a few tidbits to tide you over, even if it’s from an official company source like myself, is better than just giving you complete radio silence until our next big PR announcement. So — take it for what it is: one man’s impressions of an early build, nothing more. I haven’t seen well over 90% of what the game has to offer, and when I do finally see the rest (and I get the go-ahead from our execs), I’ll tell you a lot more. For right now, feel free to keep discussing what I wrote, and again, trust that your questions will be answered in due time, in most cases long before the game is due to ship. But there’s still a long way to go, so please keep that in mind. Happy gaming!
Posted by SegaDawg in Sonic Unleashed on 4:42:28PM Apr 25, 2008
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Comment # 1
One thing I really want to know is: does it play more like Sonic on Genesis or Sonic Rush?
The physics and “platform then speed” of the Genesis titles really made the difference. Sonic Rush is just go fast… mindlessly. And the bouncing/rolling physics are not there. Getting this game engine right seems very important if they plan to keep evolving it for more games.
Posted by Kogen on April 25th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Comment # 2
Awesome impressions SegaDawg! I’m glad you could share you experience of playing Sonic Unleashed with us! Really can’t wait to hear more about this game.
Posted by Shadiwulf on April 25th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Comment # 3
Question,
In the 3D sections, can you move Sonic fully around a level like in the 3D platformers (like moving around in a circle around a spot for example, that kind of freedom in movement), or are you only able to move stright ahead, or backward like in Secret Rings?
Posted by Hero of legend on April 25th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Comment # 4
Good update SegaDawg =) With every new thing I hear about this game, I get more and more excited!
Posted by Camp Sonic on April 25th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Comment # 5
Sounds good, I’m still cautious, but it looks like Sonic Team really is giving it their all with this one. I’m really excited about this game. Go, SEGA!
Posted by NintendoBrad on April 25th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Comment # 6
I cant wait to see what more else this game may have in store. I am so excited for it.
Posted by Tristan on April 25th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Comment # 7
I read a little bit of the Official Nintendo Magazine hands-on for this game for the Wii version. They are really hyping it up. I hope it lives up to the hype for Wii supporters.
Posted by Durffen on April 25th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Comment # 8
Good to hear some impressions. But to those of you who are very exited, a word of caution: previews are nearly ALWAYS positive. Most people who preview a game only writes about the basic gameplay- the rest are phrases such as “there’s still some parts to be worked on…”, “certain parts still need polish…”, etc. etc.
Most Sonic games that “suck” in their final form don’t “suck” because they have bad fundemental gameplay- it’s all the details (or lack thereof) that make it bad.
Posted by Kev on April 25th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Comment # 9
It really seems that this game is coming together. Reading how it plays a bit like the originals and 3D games is good news. If the weresonic sections are just as good, this game could be a win.
Posted by nozwhompolton on April 26th, 2008 at 4:24 am
Comment # 10
Have you played any of the ‘wolf Sonic’ sections at all?
Posted by sonicfan on April 26th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Comment # 11
if you can, recommend to sega that they take their time with this game instead of rushing it.
Posted by brandon on April 26th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Comment # 12
Can you tell us if the 2d parts will have more depth than just “holding right”? Is there decent platforming? This is what killed Sonic Rush for me. I felt like I was just mindlessly zooming through the levels.
Also, when you played it, were there any parts that felt like it was being controlled for you?
Posted by Zoomy on April 26th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Comment # 13
How are the physics? Does Sonic lose notable momentum when he goes uphill, and gain it when he goes downhill?
Are there animals inside the robots?
Posted by Kijuna on April 26th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Comment # 14
Wow. That’s pretty awesome, getting to play the newest Sonic game. I’m kind of jealous. Kind of. When I was younger, I wanted to work with video games, but as I grew older, reading more and more about the industry and the process of video game development, I begin to wonder…
Maybe I don’t want to make games. When I really think about it, what I really enjoy is playing them! I keep telling myself that if SEGA doesn’t get it together and make a decent Sonic game, I’ll have to learn to code and design… Then just go ahead and do it myself. Seeing what I’ve seen of Unleashed and hearing what you’ve had to say in this post…
I’m willing to sit back and relax for a while longer and see what comes my way. No worries, though. Someday, I’ll be on the team for the “next” Sonic game - and it’ll rock!
Posted by Soniku on April 26th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Comment # 15
Hi. I would like to know more about the graphics on the Wii version. The Official Nintendo Magazine (UK) said that it was identical to all the footage released until now, is it true?
Thanks.
Posted by Daniel on April 26th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Comment # 16
Is it possible you could tell someone at Sega to at least frikin try to make some of the levels in the game actually look like levels that belong in the Sonic universe?
I mean what happened to the brilliant level style of the original Sonic games?
If Nintendo can manage to recreate green hill zone in beautiful 3D then why can’t sega artists do the same and really make this look like a proper Sonic game as opposed to it looking like Sonic was forced into a semi-realistic universe that has nothing to do with him.
Posted by Kirk on April 27th, 2008 at 2:58 am
Comment # 17
it looks a great game, but have played as the waresonic? if yes how it is?
Posted by bruno on April 27th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Comment # 18
I really want to be excited for this game. I really do.
But you guys at Sega have been touting such phrases like “taking Sonic back to his roots” for years, and it’s starting to get to the point where I question whether you guys even remember what made those older games (including Sonic Advance 1) so great. Hearing that the game seems to subscribe to the same trend that Sonic Advance 2 and the Rush series have embodied only does more to tick me off, especially when it’s muttered in the same train of thought as “taking it back”.
So, sorry if I sound hyper-critical, but after so many years worth of sequels that have only left me either feeling lacking, if not out-right disgusted, the excitement that I do have for “Unleashed” is marred by past disappointments.
If you guys can just focus on making a solid Sonic game, whichever style you choose (Genesis style, or Rush style), I’ll look into it. And for the sake of all that’s good, PLEASE look into making sure the control scheme and level design is on point. I would rather not have to deal with finicky controls that will be a detriment in a platformer, nor would I want to have to deal with every level seemingly being above a bottomless pit. The Genesis games didn’t have that, so I don’t understand why a number of the new ones seem to have it, for some reason…
Posted by TreIII on April 27th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Comment # 19
I don’t know… I think you people at Sega have to replay the Genesis games. It feels like you think Sonic began at Sonic Adventure. Everytime you say “taking it back”, “roots” and all those other past-relative things you follow with something that is completely native of the 3d games.
I could easily send my Genesis to you guys with some Sonic games, so you can play and remember that Sonic’s roots aren’t in Sonic Adventure 2 or Sonic Rush.
About the tweaking… we heard exactely the same thing about Sonic ‘06, and look what has become of it. I hope this time you guys really use these next 6 months for something.
Posted by Jande on April 28th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Comment # 20
SegaDawg, do you know if they’re planning on releasing a demo on Xbox Live around E3 this year?
Posted by Dr. SEGA Monkey on April 28th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Comment # 21
Will Super Sonic be playable in normal levels like past Sonic games?
Posted by Stefan on April 28th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Comment # 22
Will there be bonus levels for collecting rings and chaos emeralds? Like in the old games when they are activated by the checkpoint markers. I would like to see the different shields return, the fire, lightning, water shield.
the game looks great, i hope to see some more screens and video clips, i have a feeling that this will be the best Sonic game to date.
Thank you
Posted by Stefan on April 28th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Comment # 23
A couple of Questions!
1.Will the gameplay of the Wii version reqiure the hedgehog engine?
2.Will Sonic’s friends and rivals by any chance be playable or have an important role in the story? Like for example Silver or Shadow having a chance to be in the game or have a story of their own that connects with Sonic’s story?
3.I noticed that most of the stages are being based on places around the world. I was wondering how many places around the world are you planning to include in the game?
4.Is it possible that the Chaotix might return or have one of them be playable? Or at least Espio being playalbe like his gameplay in Sonic rivals 2?
5.Is it true that there might be townstages where you can talk to people that are human or animals?
6. Will Silver be in the game?
Thank You
Posted by Alex on April 28th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Comment # 24
Once again, this is a start. At least you’re really trying to hype it up into something right now while the finished product falls short of it, because I personally believe that’s been a sore spot with fans concerning the most recent titles.
And secondly - you ADMITTED there were bugs. To think that the game at point is perfect is a laugh and a half, given that it was only revealed to the public a few weeks prior. Makes me feel like you guys might be putting your money where your mouths are, so to speak, and I rather hear that than ‘OMG THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST SONIC TITLE EVA!!!!!’
Posted by K-Nakajima on April 28th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Comment # 25
Ugh. Just to clarify my previous post, I absolutely forgot to have the preposition ‘not’ right before ‘trying to hype it up….
Posted by K-Nakajima on April 28th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Comment # 26
I want to feel excited about this game I really do but Sonic Team hasn’t been having the best of lucky with recent games. Their stories are not that great and the game play hasn’t been either. I have to say I’m more excited about the Sonic RPG because it’s not being done by Sonic Team. And I’m going to be honest the whole werewolf/hedgehog did not really appeal to me. Not because of the whole “it’s not based on pure speed” like others are saying but because the game might be a Jekyll & Hyde rip off Sonic style. but despite my pre judgments I really do hope that the game is great none the less and that it does come off as original rather than a rip off. Also as long as the “werehog” gameplay is not boringly slow and is fun in it’s own way, I should be cool if the whole game is not about sound breaking speed.
Posted by Tazzy Taz on April 28th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Comment # 27
Any Sonic fan should read this article:
http://wii.kombo.com/article.php?artid=11846
Posted by Ryan/Sharky on April 29th, 2008 at 5:08 am
Comment # 28
Well, I watched a trailer of it somewhere and the game-play is a mix of Genesis and 3D. The graphics are 3D but the view is Genesis-style.
Posted by Kacheek703 on April 30th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Comment # 29
Thanks for the first play impressions, SegaDawg.
In that particular case about the bumpers, I supose that the gameplay can sometimes have to rely on trial and error, as with most Sonic titles.
Sadly and ironically, a few game critics have forgotten that memorization is a essential part of the Sonic core gameplay experience. They seem to think that the entire franchise was based entirely on speed, which is highly misleading.
There will be traps that you won’t see coming on each new stage.
But so far, it sounds great.
Posted by Carlos on May 3rd, 2008 at 6:01 am