Sonic Generations

[Crazy Penguin]

Since it's all side-scroller, I wonder if Classic and Modern Sonic will actually play through the same (or only marginally altered) stages?

It's interesting to imagine it working like Sonic 3, where each character's signature abilities would give them access to different routes... although I can't really picture how that would actually work. (Homing attack chains and grinding rails for modern Sonic? Spin-breakable walls for classic Sonic?)

I doubt they'll go with this direction in the one player mode, but now you've gotten me wondering how multi-player will work.

[Edgerock]

http://www.tssznews.com/2011/05/27/soni ... on-system/

Looks like the points you earn may be used for in-game cash.

So Sonic Gems Museum style concept art, trailers, soundtrack unlocks, movies, and etc hopefully.

[Crowbar]

I'm more interested in the fact that they are apparently playing the game within the interface of Final Cut Pro.

Also I can't get over how fucking cute Sonic looks on that goal panel.

[Dr. BUGMAN]

Also I can't get over how fucking cute Sonic looks on that goal panel.

It's amazing to see a character that has a fucking range of facial expressions. The only other one that even comes close is Toon Link.

I do hope they're playing one of the earlier builds, as I seen the same uncurling bullshit I was under the (possibly misguided) impression they ironed out.

[Blount]

Yeah, the way Sonic leans out of the goal panel is a really nice touch. It reminds me of all the cereal mascots who have the same habit with their boxes at the end of commercials.

It's amazing to see a character that has a fucking range of facial expressions. The only other one that even comes close is Toon Link.

That's one of the reasons I'll always prefer the toon Link over the bland, adult bishounen one.

[Zeta]

That's one of the reasons I'll always prefer the toon Link over the bland, adult bishounen one.

Link has one of the most bland character designs of all the 8-bit mascots who have survived to this day, actually. He looks like Peter Pan, basically - only with less personality. Even Toon Link's design isn't that good - it's the unique art style, not the aesthetics of the character itself.

[Dr. BUGMAN]

Link's design is immaterial to the point that Toon Link is one of the most expressive characters to star in a video game, especially compared to his "cooler, edgier" incarnations. His simple, broad face is conducive to a wide range of expressions.

[Crowbar]

That's one of the reasons I'll always prefer the toon Link over the bland, adult bishounen one.

Link has one of the most bland character designs of all the 8-bit mascots who have survived to this day, actually. He looks like Peter Pan, basically - only with less personality. Even Toon Link's design isn't that good - it's the unique art style, not the aesthetics of the character itself.

Saying that Toon Link's design is a component of the art style is redundant. It's still a design.

[Zeta]

The best and only relevant thing about it is the face, though. You could stick him in a hula skirt and wearing a scotch bonnet and the face would still be amazing. I'm just saying that Link's overall design throughout the years is nothing to write home about to anyone who has ever seen any Medieval European Fantasy art ever. Mario, NiGHTS, Sonic, Kirby etc. all have aspects that stick out, but Link could be any male Elf from any setting or story ever.

[Neo]

The best and only relevant thing about it is the face, though. You could stick him in a hula skirt and wearing a scotch bonnet and the face would still be amazing. I'm just saying that Link's overall design throughout the years is nothing to write home about to anyone who has ever seen any Medieval European Fantasy art ever. Mario, NiGHTS, Sonic, Kirby etc. all have aspects that stick out, but Link could be any male Elf from any setting or story ever.

Spoiler: that "blank slate" quality is actually a deliberate part of his design

[Farmer]

I always thought the idea behind Link* was that he was a representation of the player after they change the name to, presumably, theirs, in the same way that Ash was always meant to be the player in Pokemon. His design might match that, in the same way that Ash looks like an entirely generic child.

*Hasn't played a Zelda game since Link's Awakening. May be speaking out of arse.

[Zeta]

Spoiler: that "blank slate" quality is actually a deliberate part of his design

That blanks slate quality is archaic in an age where most games allow you to customize your appearance. It's also kind of archaic in an age where you can actually convey meaningful emotion in games. One of the reasons the Zelda games are kind of being held back is that they always have to give Link an annoyingly mouthy sidekick since they refuse to develop Link into having a personality. I'd take Link getting a few lines of dialogue over another telepathic/fairy-like sidekick riding in your shadow, pocket, ass, hat or what have you any day.

I always thought the idea behind Link* was that he was a representation of the player after they change the name to, presumably, theirs, in the same way that Ash was always meant to be the player in Pokemon. His design might match that, in the same way that Ash looks like an entirely generic child.

The difference being Ash is human and generic on the basis of the real world. Link is this creepily bishounen elf thing that looks like a background character from a Tolkien fan fiction.

Link is in this grey area of having too much character to be a blank slate (since he doesn't really look human or relatable and you can't customize his appearance) but not enough character to make him appealing (yep, that's definitely an a elf). That's one of the main reasons that I agree with Miyamoto that the games should have been in a first-person perspective for years.

It's just one more reason among many for the multitude of ways the Zelda franchise has been in a perpetual zombie-like state of stagnation ever since Ocarina of Time.

[Dr. BUGMAN]

I'd take Link getting a few lines of dialogue over another telepathic/fairy-like sidekick riding in your shadow, pocket, ass, hat or what have you any day.

Well, excuuuse me, princess!

[Zeta]

Well, excuuuse me, princess!

I've found every single sidekick with the exception of Midna just as fucking annoying. It might as well save space by shifting the annoying onto the player's character model.

And if you personally don't find the sidekick characters annoying, then what's the problem with just giving Link their dialogue anyways?

[Neo]

And if you personally don't find the sidekick characters annoying, then what's the problem with just giving Link their dialogue anyways?

...Because when the character which is supposed to be you speaks of its own accord it breaks all fucking immersion?

God knows I loved the Shenmue games, but whenever Ryo went into monologue with his "I should do this" and "I guess I'll try that" it was like the game was actively pointing out that the events that are taking place are just a video game, and ordering me to look around and remember that my life is actually not set in 1980s' Yokosuka.

[Zeta]

...Because when the character which is supposed to be you speaks of its own accord it breaks all fucking immersion?

See, for me, the fact my character model is an 8-year old or 16-year old blonde bishounen elf dressed like Peter Pan does that anyways.

[Ritz]

...Because when the character which is supposed to be you speaks of its own accord it breaks all fucking immersion?

It's funny how immersion in games is only ever a factor when silent protagonists are being discussed, as if playing a role is the only way to immerse oneself. Films and books tend to be pretty engrossing, and all we're doing in either case is observing!

[Delphine]

Right? If the story's good I have no problem with immersion, despite the fact that most game protags are dudes.

[Neo]

It's funny how immersion in games is only ever a factor when silent protagonists are being discussed, as if playing a role is the only way to immerse oneself. Films and books tend to be pretty engrossing, and all we're doing in either case is observing!

Look, all I'm saying is that the way the opening scenes in Wind Waker were presented, I actually felt some emotional attachment to the events leading to the kidnapping that kicks off the story. If Link had shouted "OH NO MY SISTER WAS KIDNAPPED" it would've ruined the whole thing for me because it's no longer what I'm thinking, but what the game's creators assume I'm thinking.

I have no problem with stories in which you're just observing -- hell, I loved the Cing adventure games on the DS and Wii, but you either go one way or the other. Zelda was designed so that the player character is passive and never expresses itself beyond basic human reactions (happiness, sadness, anger, pain) or just for comedic relief. If you don't like it, that's fine and nobody is forcing you to play the games, but I'm pretty sure the franchise still has a devoted fanbase for a reason.

[Gaz]

It seems the Japanese versions of Sonic Generations have some slightly strange subtitles.

The 3DS version will be subtitled "Blue Adventure" and the 360/PS3 versions will be subtitled "White Time and Space".

[gr4yJ4Y]

The Sega Blog finally officially announced the 3DS version of this game. It will have exclusive level layouts, special stage, and StreetPass functionality.

The specifically designed Nintendo 3DS environments, based on iconic levels from popular Sonic the Hedgehog titles, will include an exclusive unlockable ‘Special Stage’ allowing players to become even more immersed in Sonic’s world. Sonic Generations for Nintendo 3DS will also take advantage of the StreetPass™ feature by enabling players to collect new content and unlock bonus material each time they pass another player. In addition to this, the new two-player versus mode means fans can battle it out across some of the most recognizable Sonic environments in a completely new way.

Sounds like the Special Stage will be different than what we'll get in the HD versions, if those get any special stage at all. Also, there's a 2-player mode in at least the 3DS version.

[Radrappy]

So, anyone going to Sonic Boom and want to meet up?

[cjmcray]

http://media1.gameinformer.com/imagefee ... all021.jpg

[j-man]

City Escape trailer. DAT WAS TIIIGHT

[Yami CJMErl]

...okay, now THAT was pretty cool. Also, was that a clip of Spagonia (Unleashed) at the end? It didn't LOOK like Station Square, and it reminded me a little of the nighttime stages there...