In the early 1990s, the Sonic the Hedgehog series was such a force that it propelled Sega to a level of prominence that it had not even dreamt of and unfortunately still tries to return to today. The much maligned Sega has redeemed itself lately by publishing titles such as Bayonetta and others but the Sonic franchise is trying to polish its tarnished name which has degraded slowly over time.
For a short period of time it was cool to play Sonic and the chubby, overall-wearing Italian plumber was nearly forgotten by some as Sega was arguably winning that generation’s console war. The company’s aggressive strategies, deemed madness by some within the company, amounted to achieving a 55% market share against Nintendo which had been considered impossible.
The fall of Sonic was largely due to the rise of 3D gaming. Unlike Mario, most of Sonic’s allure was in the speed of the experience and it did not translate well into 3D. The new Sonic games were poorly thought out as the gameplay was weak at best. It became apparent that Sonic was reliant on what I like to call the “cold beer effect” where once the 2D structure was abandoned it, it was clear that the games were hollow and could not succeed without it much like the way Coors Light in unbearable without the mind-numbing cold wave shocking your palate and brain.
Repeated attempts to modernize and stay competitive with games like Mario 64 left Sonic loyalists disenchanted to a point that they would condemn their beloved rodent unlike any other protagonist in gaming. “Improvements” such as adding characters, which worked in the past, were seen as cheap tricks and the Sonic series became known as a product for suckers and petitions against the company could be found.
A return to the 2D tradition finally came about with Sega bowing to the Nintendo DS with Sonic Rush and a sign of hope could be felt. Overall, the game was received well by critics and scored an 82% on Metacritic.
Most recently, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was announced for summer 2010 for multiple platforms and so far it appears that the children of the ‘90s will be pleased. The side-scrolling environment and the feeling of speed seem to be replicated well as these are paramount for a good Sonic game. In the trailer Sonic is running through a corkscrew loop while off in the background rest buildings in the game’s familiar art style.
While I do feel the angst that sadly now comes along with being a Sonic fan, I find it hard to believe that this game can be screwed up – even if it is Sonic Team making it. While many are already panning this game’s release, perhaps we should give the series one more chance to redeem itself and I believe it will. The odd thing about Sonic 4 is that the bar is set so low that it is a win win situation for Sega. If it does well with critics then the developers will be cited as being in tune with the fans and if it doesn’t do well with critics the amount of old fans will likely still make it profitable and will ask, “What did you expect from a 2D game?” However it turns out, I hope there will be a nod to Michael Jackson in the game and if you have not heard about his supposed work on Sonic 3 then I suggest researching it.
The return to the 2D environment demonstrates a change in the company’s strategy, for the better, and shows that they understand what Sonic is. Sonic is a great character that does well in what he was originally made to do but he is also a character that has difficulty adapting to 3D space so until a better way of doing it is found, the side-scrolling method is best as it will bring old fans back to the brand and will attract new players looking for something different.
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I hope this gets released on the PSP and DS. Would be ideal platforms
Ian
I’m so completely excited for this game. It’ll be a definite insta-buy.
Side scrolling games will ALWAYS have a special spot in my heart… I get excited every time I see a new one being released.. Super Mario Bros Wii was amazing and I’m sure this one will be awesome as well!
I look forward to playing it!!
One word, PROOFREAD!!!
Dude, Sonic was ALWAYS cool!
Jess
http://www.online-anonymity.cz.tc
Having just played through “Sonic Megamix”, which is a romhack of the original sonic the hedgehog that adds moves from the more recent 3d sonics (homing, ring following) as well as a ton of stuff from StH2 & StH3, I’m not entirely sure that Sega can make a good sonic game again.
I want sonic on the biggest screen in the world all the time. your tiny handhelds are useless.
Return to 2D on the DS? There were at least 2 2D Sonic games on Gameboy Advance.
@ TheDago
Two words “Learn English” lol.
It would also be an exact copy of sonic rush
Ian’s Mom
I hate sonic. Mario is definitely better.
Wait, I don’t hate Sonic. I despise it. And Mario is better, but guys… seriously… 2D? WTF?
- OmFG iTz Snip3dowN v2 -
I just hope they don’t incorporate those other stupid characters into the game…Rogue & Shadow.
Capcom went there first with MM9 and with the help of other games, resurrected 2D. Sega is just following a series of hits like Braid, New Super Mario Bros. and a host of other games, notably Shadow Complex and ‘splosion Man.
I agree that the Sonic developers have had no success trying to port Sonic to 3D, but they haven’t made 2D cool again by putting another 2D game out there. I like Sonic – I own all the original Genesis games (1, 2, 3, S&K) and have beaten them multiple times, but Sega’s trying to just ride the success of these other 2D games.
Your article’s title doesn’t get addressed by the article itself, nor does it address the recent successes of these 2D games.
that game brings back memories.
I wouldn’t say the fall of sonic was completely due to the rise of 3D. The Sonic Adventure games were in 3D and played quite well if you ignored the non-sonic level.
Also, the return to 2D happened with the GBA games.
So far the write-ups I’ve read about the Sonic the Hedgehog 4 are cool, that Sega has outdone themselves this time around and will not disappoint. I’ll be totally looking forward to this game since I’m a Sonic fan, but will keep my eyes open for the reviews when it’s finally released this summer.
this looks like a sick game i can’t wait.
http://www.likemyscreenshot.com
no offense but i’m tired of alot of the old side-scrollers, their just so limited.
the only reason their making this now is because they screwed up when they came out with Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic and the Secret Rings, Sonic Unleashed, and Sonic and the Black Knight.
After all, everything started with 2D games. Why should we avoid them, since they can be so entertaining?
this is next gen, 2d is so farking old!
Unless 2d supports 3D Reald 3D.
Bring Sonic back to 3d, sonic adventure 3.
i like your opinion. thanks for your time.
The moment I saw the trailer for Sonic 4 I was immediately excited. I am looking forward to playing a brand new 2D Sonic game. I thought that was the direction they were going with Sonic Unleashed but sadly that turned out like most Sonic games that come out these days.
I am definetly interested in this game. Although i wish Sega would announce a “Sonic Unleashed 2″. The first game was absolutely incredible.
All Mario 3d games were overrated. The 2 New Super Mario Bros DS games have been the first good TRUE Mario games released since Mario World… so I am looking forward to Sonic 4 also considering it is more specialized for 2D being that it’s basically a glorified pinball game.
The only good 3D games are keyboard & mouse FPS based or 3rd person and have tight keyboard & mouse FPS gameplay like Max Payne. The main reason Mario 3d fails to me is the fact that the controls are too loose. Well of course 3D killed off Sonic because it needs tighter controls than even Mario.
Oh I am sorry… driving games and rail shooters, etc. are good with joysticks/controllers. Just not 3rd/1st person games that require tight & sudden directional changes.
And I also meant New Super Mario Bros. DS & WII as if you didn’t already know.