Leaked pictures to a new Sonic game?

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

It looks like it suffers from the same problem as the fully 3D games: instead of carefully designing levels to allow you to build your own momentum and then reap the rewards of high speeds and huge jumps, as in the old games, they just push you along a path with a series of automatic "speed pads." All the great feats of physics are set up in advance by the game itself, and the player's input consists of zero effort, zero involvement, and zero satisfaction.

I guess sliding off the path and into a bottomless pit will be less of a problem in this one than in the fully 3D games, but that still doesn't mean it'll be worth playing.

[Skyblade]

I would agree that for the most part the Sonic games have lost touch with what made the originals so incredible, except that Sonic Rush had a lot of those lost aspects (although there seem to be a lot more bottomless pits in that game than any of the classic Sonics I remember). It's like the creators just don't care.

[Roto13]

The new game reminds me of Sonic Rush. That's why I think it looks good. xP

[Krelian]

It definitely has some Sonic Rush elements. I think it looks promising.

[Roto13]

Officially confirmed now. More details as well. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are the only playable characters, as it should be. They also talk about "extensive 2D gameplay." Still don't know what it's for, despite the fact that Xbox 360 Fanboy is talking about it. :P

But Wolf Sonic?

[Krelian]

Yeah, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are the only ones that should be playable. I'm glad they didn't come up with some new character again (at least not yet..). I like that they seem to focus more on 2D gameplay again. The right way to go in my opinion. I can't say much about Wolf Sonic, except... huh? Well, we'll see.

A 360 release would be nice :P

EDIT: According to Sega On it's not confirmed that it's 2D-heavy after all. Their goal to rebuild the Sonic brand is good news though. I'm still interested.

[Madame Adequate]

Show us you've still got it, SEGA! I still believe in you, you raised me!

[KentaRawr!]

I don't expect an experience like the older Sonic games at all. I'll just go in hoping the new experience is good.

Edit: Hey, cool, Wii and 360.

[Krelian]

The platforms aren't confirmed yet, but it's likely it will be released for all three. A release is scheduled for November and we'll know more in May. I'm looking forward to May!

Source: SEGA ON - Das SEGA Magazin. Blog. Forum. SONIC UNLEASHED SCREENS VIDEO

[ljkkjlcm9]

well this is about a week old, but now they've officially announced it with a bit more info:

SEGA ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF SONIC UNLEASHED

Latest Installment to Extend Sonic's Signature Style. but with a Twist!

SAN FRANCISCO (April 3, 2008) - SEGA® of America and SEGA of Europe, Ltd. today announced that everyone's favorite hedgehog is once again breaking new ground in the upcoming title, Sonic Unleashed™. The latest installment in the multi-million selling franchise starring the beloved blue hedgehog will take players on an unforgettable high-speed journey around the globe in a way never before experienced in the world of Sonic. Fans will be treated to an array of new, exciting and unique next generation features to heighten their experience. Sonic Unleashed is currently under development for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

"It is an exciting time for the Sonic franchise as we look to reinvent our hero while staying true to the spirit of what made him an industry icon," said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing at SEGA of America. "Sonic Unleashed will introduce a new, unexpected storyline along with innovative gameplay that compliments traditional skills and features, allowing players to experiment and engage in new ways."

Having been broken apart by the evil Dr. Eggman, it's up to Sonic to put the pieces of the world back together again by retrieving the power of the chaos emeralds! In doing so, Sonic will find himself in a race against time and faced with an unusual situation that will challenge him in ways never before seen. Both day and night play different, yet important, roles in Sonic's newest quest. as the sun sets, a new adventure awakens. By completing a wide variety of action-packed stages, spanning the seven broken continents of the world, gamers will need to unleash Sonic's amazing abilities to save the world, and himself!

Players will have an opportunity to engage in ways never before done with the Sonic franchise, so in addition to running at high speeds, which will be highlighted in four new speed mechanics, combat fighting now becomes possible. New combat, movement, functional abilities and platforming will be introduced to offer increased depth and variety.

Sonic Unleashed will offer a re-defined experience for fans and newcomers of the franchise alike by combing picturesque & detailed scenery, an expansive world with multiple paths to choose from and dynamic viewpoints for an immersive and renewed gaming atmosphere. Along with seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, the game is built on a powerful, new proprietary "Hedgehog Engine," which introduces impressive lighting abilities and new technology tailor made for Sonic's new speed capabilities. Under development for approximately three years, the Hedgehog Engine will help to produce a visually rich next generation look and feel with elements of classic Sonic gameplay components.

Currently in development by Sonic Team, Sonic Unleashed is scheduled for release worldwide for holiday 2008. For more information on the game, please visit www.sega.com/sonicunleashed .

Nintendo World Report - News Article: Sega Officially Announces Sonic Unleashed for Wii

in summary, 2-d in 3-d. Cool new skills
for the 360, PS3, PS2, and Wii

THE JACKEL

[Dreddz]

Show us you've still got it, SEGA! I still believe in you, you raised me!

Yeah but everyone that made Sega great back in the day have left. What we have left are people trying to rekindle everyones love for Sega. Its unfortunate that Sega just work well as a publisher and not as a developer anymore.

[Roto13]

Sonic still works as a side-scroller. I'm daring to dream.

[Momiji]

Sonic still works as a side-scroller. I'm daring to dream.

I may just be slightly interested, then.

[Heath]

I wish they would stop crapping on my childhood memories.

We'll always have Sonic 2, Dan. They can't take that away from us.

Either way, I'm not thrilled by the prospect of it looking at it so far. Early stages I know, but I've been particularly underwhelmed and disappointed with pretty much every Sonic game since Sonic & Knuckles. Well, Adventure and Adventure 2 were fun for a while, but they do pale by comparison. I doubt I'll play this one.

[KentaRawr!]

It looks like it suffers from the same problem as the fully 3D games: instead of carefully designing levels to allow you to build your own momentum and then reap the rewards of high speeds and huge jumps, as in the old games, they just push you along a path with a series of automatic "speed pads." All the great feats of physics are set up in advance by the game itself, and the player's input consists of zero effort, zero involvement, and zero satisfaction.

I guess sliding off the path and into a bottomless pit will be less of a problem in this one than in the fully 3D games, but that still doesn't mean it'll be worth playing.

To me, it seems like they're following a similar gameplay style to that of Sonic Rush, in that the goal of the game is to just get through as quickly as possible rather than the older Sonic game's more classic platforming feel. This is something I'm totally open to, especially considering I've found myself spending hours trying to perfect my time on Stage 2 of Sonic Rush. It would be nice if they include more slow moments, and treat the game as a platformer, but I still like the way the game's looking. Also, switching to Behind-Sonic gameplay so seamlessly is something I think will be nice for gameplay variation without changing all the rules of the game, like in the Sonic Adventure titles.

Anyway, take a look at this: Link

Really, all the above link is saying is that the pictures released on the net are based off of the Wii version. Impressive for the Wii.