Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
Development on Episode II began shortly after the release of Episode I in late-2010, being made alongside Sonic Generations (2011) and lasting just under a year and a half. The developers primarily based the new gameplay mechanics and changes off feedback received after the release of Episode I. In addition to the return of Tails, Episode Metal was created for players who had purchased both games, allowing players to play as Metal Sonic through shortened versions of stages from the first game. Additional ports to the Windows Phone and Wii as part of the WiiWare service were conceived, but cancelled due to space constraints. In preparation for the release of Episode II, Sonic CD was re-released to act as a 'prequel' to the game's events.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II received generally average reviews from critics; many cited it as an improvement over its predecessor with praise towards its better physics engine, visuals, and multiplayer functionality, but criticism towards its music, boss fights, and level design. While a moderate commercial success, Episode II sold worse than its predecessor and would be the last Sonic 4 episode, with Iizuka confirming shortly before release that an Episode III would not be produced. In spite of the relatively poor performance of the title, it would later influence the development of Sonic Runners (2015); another mainline 2D Sonic game would not be released until Sonic Mania in 2017.
Gameplay
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II is a
Episode II takes place across four
Finishing an act with at least 50 rings will give the player an option to access a
Owners of both Episode I and II on the same system can unlock free "Episode Metal" content in Episode II.
Plot
Metal Sonic survived his previous defeat in
It is revealed that Eggman plans to construct a new Death Egg mk.II over Little Planet. As the dwarf planet heads back into space, Sonic and Tails follow the villains to the Death Egg. Inside, they confront and defeat Metal Sonic. Later, they defeat Eggman at the heart of the base. Sonic and Tails then escape via space pods just before the Death Egg begins to explode. As the credits roll, the duo head back to Earth while the Death Egg shuts down.
Development
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II began development in late-2010, shortly after the release of Episode I and alongside Sonic Generations (2011);[17][18] like its predecessor, Episode II was primarily handled by Dimps, with Sonic Team assisting the company throughout the development.[19] Among the changes included a rewritten physics engine styled after the Genesis games after the first episode received criticism for its physics implementation.[18][20]
In February 2011, Episode II was confirmed to be in early development with brand manager Ken Balough stating: "the idea is to introduce new zones with things you haven't seen." He also hinted that Episode II may have a larger budget than Episode I, due to the commercial success of Episode I. Balough stated that many ideas in Episode II were planned while the first episode was under development.[17] Sega of America community manager Aaron Webber also hinted at Tails' appearance in Episode II with a reference to Isaiah Berlin's essay The Hedgehog and the Fox.[21]
On August 23, 2011, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka stated: "this year, 2011, is the anniversary, so we're focusing on the celebration title, but moving forward to 2012, Sonic will still be going, so I'd hope to provide Episode 2 then." He also said that Sonic Team "knew about the anniversary year," and that "Generations was planned way in advance. it was always our plan to release Episode 2 after Generations."[22] Preparing for Episode II's release, Sega re-released Sonic CD to digital platforms in late-2011, billing it as a 'prequel' to Sonic 4 as Episode II’s story would rely heavily on what occurred in CD.[23][24]
Release and marketing
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II was officially revealed on December 29, 2011,
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II released in all regions from May 15-17, 2012.
Reception
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
1Up.com | B+[10] |
Electronic Gaming Monthly | 6.5/10[46] |
GameRevolution | [47] |
GameSpot | 6/10[11] |
GamesRadar+ | [48] |
GameTrailers | 5.5/10[49] |
IGN | 6.5/10[12] |
Joystiq | [50] |
Official Xbox Magazine (UK) | 8/10[51] |
Digital Spy | [13] |
TouchArcade | (iOS) [14] |
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II received mixed reviews.
The game's improved physics and visuals were the most praised aspects of the game. Many reviewers considered it an improvement over its predecessor. The co-op mechanics were also praised. However, complaints were raised on its repetitive boss fights and level design. IGN's Lucas M. Thomas gave the game a score of 6.5, stating that while it fixes the physics problems of Episode I, it is still missing the "magic" of its Genesis predecessors.[12] GamesRadar+'s Lucas Sullivan criticized it in similar ways, stating that the two-player mode "seems to prioritize griefing your friends instead making real in-game progress," and further stating that "every time we felt like we were reliving our old Sonic glory days, the next stage would incorporate limp and uninspired gimmicks like shifting winds or avalanche snowboarding."[48]
Electronic Gaming Monthly's Ray Carsillo gave the game a 6.5, praising the "old-school Sonic" aspects of the gameplay, but criticizing the Tails-related gameplay, stating "there were too many puzzles that required Tails' assistance."[46] Joystiq's Richard Mitchell had mixed feelings on the game as well, awarding it 3 out of 5 stars, and stating "Episode 2 makes improvements over its predecessor, with better visuals, useful co-op maneuvers and great special stages, but the inconsistent boss battles and uninspired level design keep it from recapturing Sonic's glory days."[50] GameTrailers gave the game a score of 5.5, saying that the level design and the team-up moves often slow the pace of the game.[49] Official Xbox Magazine's (UK) Jon Blyth was more positive, concluding that the game was "a smooth, slippery Sonic that takes another step away from it's [sic] single-button origins without losing any of the hog essence. With local and online co-op, it offers just enough entertainment to justify its steep episodic price."[51]
Legacy
In March 2012, Iizuka announced that Sega did not plan to continue Sonic 4 beyond Episode II.
In 2015, Sega released
Notes
References
- ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II". Steam. May 15, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
- ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (PlayStation 3)". GameSpy. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (Xbox 360)". GameSpy. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ Ruddock, David (May 16, 2012). "Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II Review: A Really Great Game - If You Have A Controller... And Some Patience". Android Police. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (iOS)". IGN. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ Usher, Anthony (July 9, 2013). "Sonic spin dashes onto Ouya in Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episodes I and II". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ a b "Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II THD Pre-Loaded on NVIDIA SHIELD". Sega Blog. July 31, 2013. Archived from the original on December 6, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
- ^ a b c Oliver, Tristan (April 5, 2012). "UPDATE: New Sonic 4: Episode II Trailer Debuts". Tssznews. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
- ^ a b Workman, Robert (May 18, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2". GameZone. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ 1UP.com. Archived from the originalon March 19, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e Neigher, Eric (May 22, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 20, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g Thomas, Lucas M. (May 18, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review". IGN. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f Nichols, Scott (May 22, 2012). "'Sonic 4: Episode 2' review (Xbox Live): Running on fumes". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 29, 2012.
- ^ a b c d Nelson, Jared (May 16, 2012). "'Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II' Review – Another New Sonic Game That Isn't Terrible". TouchArcade. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
- ^ "'Sonic 4: Episode 2' Release Date & 'Episode Metal' Bonus Revealed". Game Rant. April 10, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- ^ Sahdev, Ishaan (December 29, 2011). "Tails Returns As A Playable Character In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2". Siliconera. Gamurs Group. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
- ^ a b Oliver, Tristan (February 25, 2011). "Sonic 4: Episode II Now "In Early Development", Says Ken Balough". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on February 27, 2011. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
- ^ a b Joscelyne, Svend (March 13, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 - Interview". SPOnG. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ "Who's making Sonic 4? Well, since you asked..." Sega Forums. Sega. February 24, 2011. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
- ^ a b Yin-Poole, Wesley (March 13, 2012). "Sonic 4 Episode 2's new physics based on Mega Drive games". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Oliver, Tristan (February 3, 2011). "Sega Celebrates Hedgehog Day, Hints at Tails in Sonic 4: Episode 2?". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on February 5, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
- ^ GeneHF (August 23, 2011). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 in 2012, Episode 3 Unlikely". Sonic Retro. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
- ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Orland, Kyle (August 25, 2011). "Sega Confirms Sonic CD Release For Consoles, PC, Smartphone". Game Developer. Informa Tech. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- Fandom, Inc.December 29, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Balzani, Louis (December 21, 2011). "Cryptic Sonic 4: Episode II Hint Posted". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on December 2, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- Nintendo Life. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
- ^ Kietzmann, Ludwig (December 25, 2010). "Team Meat explains what went wrong with WiiWare's Super Meat Boy". Engadget. Yahoo! Inc.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (March 16, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 syncs Xbox, Windows Phone play". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Kieldsen, Sam (March 19, 2012). "Xbox and Windows Phone unite in new Sonic game". CNET. Red Ventures. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Esposito, Joey (April 25, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog Preview Madness". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ Conditt, Jessica (April 22, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 was playable on Steam yesterday, oops". Engadget. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Kotaku Australia. G/O Media. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Sanchez, David (May 18, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode II was leaked on Steamews". GameZone. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ Oliver, Tristan (April 21, 2012). "Those Who Nabbed S4E2 Leak on Steam "Did So Legitimately," Says Parker". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on April 28, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
- ^ Usher, Anthony (July 9, 2013). "Sonic spin dashes onto Ouya in Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episodes I and II". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Matulef, Jeffrey (July 21, 2016). "Sonic 4 is now backwards compatible on Xbox One". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- Touch Arcade. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- PocketGamer. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
- ^ CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
- ^ CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
- ^ CBS Interactive. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
- ^ a b Carsillo, Ray (May 15, 2012). "EGM Review: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II". Electronic Gaming Monthly. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ Schaller, Kevin (May 29, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review". GameRevolution. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
- ^ GamesRadar. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review". GameTrailers. May 21, 2012. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
- ^ a b Mitchell, Richard (May 16, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place". Joystiq. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ Official Xbox Magazine UK. Archived from the originalon July 18, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- PlayStation Blog. Sony. June 13, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ Langley, Ryan (June 20, 2012). "Xbox Live Arcade sales analysis, May 2012". Game Developer. Informa Tech. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Batchelor, James (March 23, 2012). "Future Sonic 4 episodes canned". MCV/Develop. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
- ^ Whitehead, Christian [@The Taxman] (January 5, 2015) I've always assumed Sonic 4 Episode 3 fizzled out as things evolved with SOA, Sega Networks & F2P etc. I guess it's been long enough that it's not relevant any more, but I was briefly asked if I would be interested in collaborating with Sega Studios Australia (Who did the Castle of Illusion remake) as a potential dev team to work on the third one. Sadly though, SSA were shut down, and Stealth and I worked on the Sonic 1 & 2 remasters in late 2012-2013. Of course, you never know, Sonic Team could one day decide Ep3 should happen, but Ken pretty much confirms my personal thoughts (forum post) – via Sonic Retro. Accessed April 17, 2020.
- ^ Linneman, John (July 26, 2016). "Is Sonic Mania the sequel we've waited decades for?". Eurogamer. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ Nelson, Jared (August 15, 2017). "'Sonic Mania' First Impressions – The True 'Sonic 4' Has Arrived, and I'm Begging You Sega, I Need It On Mobile". TouchArcade. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- Touch Arcade. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- Fandom, Inc.Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ Musgrave, Shaun (June 30, 2015). "'Sonic Runners' Review – It's Always Something, Isn't It?". TouchArcade. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ Whitehead, Thomas (May 28, 2016). "Sonic Runners, SEGA's Mobile Release by the Sonic Team, is Getting Shut Down". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
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