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Sonic 4: Episode 2 in development, ‘not Sonic CD remake’

Remember Sonic 4: Episode 1? I sure hope you do.

(Looking at the post below this one is cheating. Stop that.)

Sega’s Sonic 4 Brand Manager Ken Balough confirmed today that Episode 2 of the series within a series is already in production. Naturally, we’ll have to wait for the first images and teasers of gameplay.

However, a few key points were stressed about Episode 2. According to Sega, since Episode 1 sold pretty well, Episode 2 may be allowed a bigger budget for development. A lot of elements in Episode 1 that players found problematic are also being addressed, with additional feedback from Sega of America and Sega of Europe being considered. One of these includes focusing on level elements that have never been seen before.

Lastly, the company stressed that, despite a certain teaser at the end of Episode 1 when all the Chaos Emeralds are collected, Episode 2 will not be a remake of Sonic CD. The amount of episodes Sonic 4 will hold has also been long decided by the company.

So get ready for another year of Sonic 4 goodness. Hopefully this time around, things won’t cause such a massive uproar about every minute detail under the sun. Also physics.

[Via Sonic Stadium]

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68 Comments

  • Reply

    The reason there was a giant uproar about “every minute detail under the sun” is because this really isn’t Sonic going back to his roots. Sure it’s 2D – that’s about it.

    I know all I’d be 100% happy with the same old Genesis graphics, same old gameplay style, same old everything – with just new levels.

    What they did with Sonic 4 was just not what we’ve all been wanting.

    • Reply

      See, I understand that. But when I saw people going off about eyelid colors… well. You’ll have to excuse my slight jadedness on the topic.

    • Reply

      My main problem with Sonic 4 (aside from the atrocious physics) is the lack of originality in the level theming and design. Episode 1 is an almost complete ripoff of Sonic 1, with a Sonic 2 level thrown in for good measure. Sonic Colors, by contrast, tried to mix previous level themes into comparatively original levels. I don’t think I’ve seen a level quite like Sweet Mountain in any previous Sonic game. Casino Street? Just Casino night with a few elements from the Sonic 2 beta.

      I might mention that I don’t have Steam or any other way of actually playing it, but I’ve seen videos. I’m not impressed in the slightest. I hope Sega can come up with something original, rather than a total ripoff of a game I’ve played innumerable times already. I’m not that nostalgic, and I’m not too hopeful for the next episode. I’ve got my fingers crossed, though…

      • Reply

        I largly agree. I don’t like saying bad things about Sonic, but S4E1 was a huge letdown for me. I really want something better.

  • Reply

    *waits for the leaks because nothing ever stops Sonic fans*

  • Reply

    And now, the fun begins! Strap yourselves in, kids.

  • Reply

    One of these includes focusing on level elements that have never been seen before? alright prepare for another minekart level 🙁

    also please SEGA, better physics and music, and maybe more zones!

  • Reply

    First level is a beach. Called it.

    • Reply

      What traditional Sonic game (other than some of GG titles) doesn’t have a Beach/Grassland theme as the first level? That almost saying “There are going to be gold rings in Sonic.”

  • Reply

    Oh god. Retro fan rage AGAIN.

  • Reply

    We await thy trailers oh mighty ones…dig you data unravelers LOL. Dig…DIG UNTIL YOU DIE LMAO…Where’s WENTOS when ya need em these days lol?

    • Reply

      Stuck in Sonic Unleashed doing business there, that’s what.

  • Reply

    It won’t cause an uproar over every minute detail if every minute detail isn’t all wrong this time. ^_^

    • Reply

      Like. And very true. This is why I sent big angry letters to SEGA from March-August last year. At least 5 a month.

  • Reply

    Sonic Advance all over again but with less levels and more suck sigh. (though Sonic Advance 1 and 2 was better oddly enough O-o )
    I’ve been to the future actually, and my future self has played episode two.
    He says it still sucks.
    He was also sitting in the corner and wouldn’t move. Just sat there shaking.

    Perhaps I should never play it and create a small paradox….. hmmmm…. well I could try it once….
    ah crap.

    • Reply

      Dangit, YOU caused 2012!
      QUICK, CHANGE THE CHANNEL

      • Reply

        *mashes buttons*
        It’s not working! The game practically plays itself!
        Arrrgh!
        Get some bad voice acting! It’s so important it just has to work! And some more bland mission modes!

        • Reply

          Out of curiosity, do you know which movie I referenced?
          Hint: The series is popular as a game, but not in any of the movie adaptions (and in the middle of the more recent movie, the people, according to a user on YouTube, quoted that line directly because they probably couldn’t stand the horror.)

  • Reply

    I personally loved episode 1, I think it was a sweet idea to show some rehashed levels with new twists in them. They also felt fresh because of the graphic differences.
    I actually dont consider splash hill or lost labyrinth to be as much of rehashes as casino street or mad gear.
    If you consider splash hill a rehash then you also consider emerald hill a rehash…
    Lost labyrinth I basically just consider a completely new level… Its not event that much like labyrinth zone from sonic 1.
    I also love all the music for episode 1 and I love the homing attack, I also love the boss battles. Even the physics have grown on me, but i cant deny the they could use some tweaking.

    • Reply

      Also considering this is a prologue to what is the MAIN plotline of sonic 4 and re introducing sonic back to his roots… It makes sense that there would be rehashed elements.

      • Reply

        Answer me this – why, when they re-release Sonics 1-3&K periodically, in different collections/on different systems, every year, did we need a prologue for a game series well known and still played by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, on a daily basis?

        • Reply

          I dont get how this has anything to do with what i said…?

          Probably to make money, haha.

      • Reply

        In other words, why create a re-introductory game when the originals are still being sold and are available in many different forms and readily available, at that? Why not just a whole new game?

    • Reply

      I personally detested episode 1, I think it was a terrible idea to show the same rehashed levels with crap physics in them. They also felt stale. Seemed like a half-hearted rehash. I also hate all the music for episode 1 and I can’t stand the homing attack. Rehash? Talk about the boss battles. And the physics are all wonky, and i cant deny the they could use some major tweaking.

  • Reply

    Not a Sonic CD remake you say? Hmph, we’ll see about that. They’ll find a way to rehash something. I’m sure of it.

  • Reply

    Personally I’m just glad to see ‘character at the end of sonic 4 here’ getting a starring role again!! And I actualy preferred sonic colours because dispute what sega claims, it’s mOre retro that episode 1. When you see old enemies in exactly the same context your used to then it isn’t real retro, it’s a blatant reuse of available resources(see: valve). In sonic colours you see the enamys your used to in a new context, eg: motobugs in starlight carnival!! It was a huge retro moment to see the motobugs in a new light!! And supersonic was the best!! I remembered on sonic 2 where I refused to go to chemical plant zone without the 7 chaos emeralds. Why? Because I could. It was great to see supersonic revived in a new light, 3d. I just don’t think sega could be REALY retro with episode 2, Unless it’s completely original.

  • Reply

    If problems are being filtered out of Episode 2, they better damn well post an update for Episode 1 with these changes! D:<

    • Reply

      Kinda makes you wonder doesnt it?
      I mean, will they connect?
      I assume so, because it seems like more of the map will be uncovered.

  • Reply

    Sonic fans care to much 😛

    • Reply

      Consider what site you’re on. You’re looking at about 80% of the users here being the Genesis-era Sonic fanbase. There is a reason that people are going to complain about this one if Sega doesn’t get even the smallest or first detail right on reveal. Because Sonic 4 Episode 1 didn’t do them justice.

      • Reply

        ^ Speaks the truth. I enjoyed Sonic 4 somewhat….physics were—ehh…..Music needs to be improved……they should get some Sonic 3 snares in there won’t hurt…some trumpets…..Oh yeah, hope they don’t make it training-wheels-easy this time. other than that it was fairly enjoyable. 

        • Reply

          I’d probably say the same thing had I actually got the chance to play the game, but I tended to gear myself towards some real gaming (See: Cave Story. Also, I’m wanting the new Cave Story 3D just to see the new secrets (and because the 3DS is awesome IMO)!)
          God, looks like I’m starting to pay out the modern Sonic – considering that the WiiWare port of Cave Story, although updated with faster speeds and updated graphics, managed to keep the same feel of the previous PC version while still retaining everything that was good about the wonder that is Cave Story (fun fact: Every sprite in Cave Story Wii is double the size of the original sprites). See, this is what Sega have only achieved in Sonic Colours, yet they gave a modern twist to their “returning to basics” scheme. If only Dimps were given actual time with the classic Sonic games, then MAYBE we’ll see them make something good (like the DS version of Sonic Colours, but those kinds of games are designed for an engine such as the Rush engine)

  • Reply

    Um… You people realise Episode 1 was a PROLOGUE to Sonic 4 right? THAT is why is used SO many gimicks and copies from the old Sonic games. It was made to remind the OLD fans of the past saga and tale and tell NEW fans about the old adventures as well. It was a re-fresher for fans both old AND new so that they wouldn’t feel stumped or left out when the story of Sonic 4 begins. It’s kind of a… Narration to Sonic 4. Like… “Hey, this is what has happened so far” then at the end, it’s like… “Now you know the past story… So the tale of Sonic 4 can now begin!!” Basically, Sonic 4 narrates itself so far.

    • Reply

      I agree and disagree with this…
      I dont think episode 1 was made at all to tell the stories of sonic 1 and 2. Because it doesn’t.
      But allot of what you said is basically what i said in my post. They wanted to re introduce sonic to his roots.
      Now that i think about it, it was a really smart move also because they could kind of test out what they would do for the MAJOR part of sonic 4 on the prologue, and aren’t you people glad they did? We will probably be getting a game with better physics because of it.

      • Reply

        Why would there be a need to test things in the first place ? Well made platform games sell. Heck,Well made games sell.Period. Specially a good game from an established series like Sonic. Look at NSMB. Look at all the re-releases of genesis and mater system games SEGA does every year.

        There is no need to make a mediocre game in order to introduce people or warm them up.You play a game,and you decide if its well made or not.Simple as that.

  • Reply

    I hope this indeed not a remake of a Sonic game “cleverly disguised” as a new game. I also think anyone hoping to see it be just like the Genesis games might wanna lay off the retro fanaticism, since yes the Genesis games were great, but they too had plenty of flaws.

    I like playing fun platformers, fun games. So if Sonic 4: Episode II is that, that is enough for me.

    • Reply

      Well one problem is, there really are not that many ideas for zones left…Can you think of any that have not been done? I am sure they are out there but yeah.
      I really like what they did with lost labyrinth, because to me it felt completely new, but sort of re used labyrinth.

      • Reply

        It’s not about recycling themes and ideas… that’s always been fine. I don’t care if there’s another ice level. But when your levels start LOOKING and feeling almost EXACTLY the same, it just makes you look lazy.

      • Reply

        I would love to see the pinball stage done with something like a comedy club theming. Wood floors, with black, white, and red colors in the foreground, and various props in the back. Something like that is still a pinball stage, but isn’t totally derivative, either.

  • Reply

    Pretty much the only way there won’t be an uproar is if they keep the entire process under wraps until it hits the download services. These days, you can’t show so much as a silhouette of a logo without everybody giving their two bitchy cents on how they apparently already hate how it plays a year before the thing’s out.

  • Reply

    And uh, and taking ques from Sonic CD is a bad thing now? Sonic CD felt unique – there needs to be more of that “Japanese” style of Sonic in the franchise.

  • Reply

    Poll: How many of you say Episode II will be just as bad or worse than Episode I? And then, of those of you who think Ep. II will be better, how many think SEGA will STILL eff it up in SOME way?

    • Reply

      Post that as a poll on the forums – and 50% of the voting, let me tell you, will be voting that Episode II will be bad. Not 99% because there are SOME people that are actually giving Sonic a chance this time.

  • Reply

    You people suck.

    You want the same Sonic graphics but with new levels? That’s why Megaman 9 and 10 sucked.

    I don’t remember anybody complaining how Donkey Kong Country Returns didn’t have the same SNES models.

    • Reply

      I still believe the game would not have been blasted as highly (at least by the fans) if it were named “New Sonic The Hedgehog”. People put too much stock into the name.

    • Reply

      That’s not the problem. I don’t get what’s so hard to understand about the complaints raised against Sonic 4. The main issue was never the graphics, though the models were indeed incredibly lazy. (Seriously, he keeps that same dumb smile no matter what is happening. This also happens with Eggman. Why can’t they even make him stop smiling when he’s getting blown up? Is it THAT much to ask for some effort?)

      The real complaints have all be about the engine. Hell, even my girlfriend, who had never played a Sonic game besides Adventure until I had her play Sonic 4, was absolutely floored by how bad the game played. We even went through and listed off the good points of the game, of which there are quite a few, and made a game of guessing which parts of the team seemed to give a rat’s ass about the game. The level design was almost consistently impressive, and some of the level art was, as well, though there were parts that just looked horrible and/or derivative. But the engine completely ruined the flow of the levels and how well they were generally designed.

      • Reply

        No, I completely understand how the engine sucks. And complaining about how Eggman always smiles is laughable, since in Sonic 1 he didn’t even flinch when he blew up, and always had that facial expression of “oh well”.

        I’m talking about jackasses like Ralph up there.

        • Reply

          What do you mean, he didn’t flinch? His expression changes, and he is animated when he gets blown up. Yes, Eggman in Sonic 4 is animated, and I especially liked him shaking his fist at Sonic when he’s hit, but his mouth never stops smiling, and for the record, neither does Sonic’s. Even when he gets hit, he keeps that dumbass smile on his face.

          And, to be completely honest, if they used the Sonic 3 & Knuckles engine (Yes, I’m aware the Genesis code is totally obsolete with the hardware) and just made a new game with that, I’d be happy, too. The classic games had a lot more soul in their graphics than Sonic 4 did. I just don’t get why SEGA/Dimps/whoever-the-hell just doesn’t get it. Any of it.

          That’s why Sonic fans are pissed. Because it’s not that hard a problem to fix, and yet we’re stiffed time and time again. We just want our Sonic back, and if he’s got green eyes, who cares? Just so long as it’s Sonic again.

    • Reply

      And until now, I don’t remember ever seeing anybody complaining about MM9 or 10. First time for everything, I guess!

    • Reply

      Jack says:
      “You people suck.”

      Blatant baiting much?

    • Reply

      Good point on the DKCR one, not to mention that the original developers (Rare) weren’t in it thanks to a certain opposite-of-Megahard. (Nintendo changed him around in Jungle Beat into the more crazy type of ape as well, almost trying to get rid of the past traits of any of the Rare-developed DK games.)

    • Reply

      Simple: DKCR played WELL (and lived up to its new name)! Also, MM9 and MM10 did NOT suck (where did you get that idea?). As for Sonic 4, well, they already explained that you you.

  • Reply

    http://img35.imageshack.us/i/1296245850923.jpg/

    But really, considering how much sega has stomped on us, i’m not having any high hopes for this game, even if they take into some consideration from some feedback. Modern sonic is modern sonic and sega has no means of going back, even if all we want is at least one game that plays like the classics.
    Sure, i’ll buy it, sure, i’ll play it and enjoy as much as i can, but i’ll still have high hopes I won’t be very satisfied

    • Reply

      “but i’ll still have high hopes I won’t be very satisfied”
      WAIT A SECOND
      You HOPE that you’re not satisfied? You practically condemned Sonic and Sega just by saying that.

      • Reply

        Sorry, said something wrong as usual :b lemme redo
        I still expect to not be very satisfied

        Basically what I wanted to say is that I see ep 2 becoming the same as ep 1 but maybe with a few small touch ups and that i’m not that hyped about it

        • Reply

          Yeah, that’s what I thought. I did kinda get what you said but I posted ’cause I noticed (and for the lulz). Right now you’re expecting to see Episode II as being a rehash of a rehash (seeming as many consider Episode I to be a rehash). And of course that won’t get you excited because it’s the same old same old.
          Hopefully they will improve the experience, and pull off something like what happened with BIT.TRIP FLUX (Just released on WiiWare, a sort of mirror version of BIT.TRIP BEAT but with much harder levels and a lot of new powerups)

  • Reply

    Although it isn’t a remake of CD they could include elements like the super peel out move

    • Reply

      Yes.

  • Reply

    In the meantime, I’ll be walking on the ceiling.

  • Reply

    I suspect that ceiling-running will play a bigger part in Sonic 4: Episode II than ever before. After all, it was “something we couldn’t do with the Genesis’ and it was only a minor feature in Episode I.

    Real talk.

  • Reply

    Dear Sonic Team

    We saw how you guys did Sonic Colors. How about telling Dimps what you guys learned since you all actually went back to study the old games and Dimps didn’t?

  • Reply

    I Can’t wait for this. And if we find the beta of Episode 2? It’s Party!

  • Reply

    Is this supposed to be good news?

    I doubt it.

    • Reply

      Good news for us who like to see people whine (like me) :3

  • Reply

    I only had 3 problems with Sonic 4 Episode I: It’s The lack of originality (There was some, but little) and I know this may not count as a reason, but the uproar of the fans. I hope Episode II has some new levels never seen in a 2D Sonic Game like, A level on a highway, A volcano level or even a city that has been destoryed or a normal city in the winter.

  • Reply

    Ack. Boring game is boring, but I seriously hope the second episode is worth my $15.

  • Reply

    I can’t wait until this disappointment will come out, the fact they’re being so secretive of the game will be it’s down fall.

    Have fun with a game that will feature the same amount of levels with no added additions.

  • Reply

    They have masses up the classics in the first episode. Just hope this episode will be good.

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