Topic: Sonic 4 - Ep. 1 - Reviews

Hmm. I wouldn't say that the virtual d-pad is better, by any means. I guess what I meant is that Sonic's movements feel a lot tighter. For example, when you're walking slowly in Sonic 4 for WiiWare, it's pretty awkward because it feels like Sonic is walking slower than his feet are moving. That's not the case in the iPhone version--also, Sonic can turn on a dime, which makes it feel like more of a 2D game. The virtual D-pad actually works really well on the iTouch version, and trust me, I'm not someone who has had a lot of experience with virtual D-pads. I despise them and most games utilize them horribly. But since it's really only used for left and right movement it works incredibly well.

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks. I think I'll still pass on the iPhone version. It's pretty much used only for left/right movement on Sonic 1, and there's no way I'll ever be able to beat the game with it. Maybe I'm just too old to get used to it! As much as I love to save money, I think for me having it on a big screen with a real controller will be worth the extra $5.

My thoughts exactly. Besides he still needs to duck, and I'm sure I'll be doing that a lot by accident like I always do with those things.

I haven't had the chance to play it myself yet, but I've heard a lot of people attack Sonic 4 on the grounds that the physics are nothing like those in the Genesis original. I found this video of some dude doing a pretty meticulous comparison. Well, first he whines for like 2 minutes. Check it out.

Wow, Sonic 4's physics look really messed up now after watching that video. I guess they replaced Sonic's brakes with new ones since the Genesis games.

Just like when people first played a 2D Sonic game, they always had to get used to the physics. Sonic 4 is no exception.

That guy in the video does have some valid points. I played the demo today and while I kind of liked the game, I felt that Sonic's movements just feel a bit off. He doesn't feel very fast and takes too long to accelerate. There is no feeling of forward momentum. I don't like how he just comes to a dead stop even after building up speed and jumping when I let go of the d-pad. He also came to a complete stop when I was speeding through the loops. The physics just feel wrong to me. The graphics look really nice and I suppose I could get used to the controls eventually but I don't think that this game is worth the $15 for just one episode. I'll just get it when it drops in price.

WolfRamHeart nailed my feelings exactly. Hooray demos!

@lockelocke

Wow, that is a bit disappointing. I really do have to ask who coded it? And of course they still kept the lousy running animation that makes it look like he's moonwalking.

But despite those gripes, I'm sure I won't let it get to me. Like Irken said, I'll just have to get used to it like I do with every Sonic game.
...but seriously, you can't spindash off a ledge? Seriously?!

From what I played, you don't really need to in Sonic 4. I think they tried focusing Sonic's speed on his running, not his spinning.

Remember in Sonic 2's Casino zone where a part of the level was like a half-pipe? In that game, you could build momentum by rolling along the sides until you reach the top of either side. In Sonic 4, you can do the same thing, but only when running, not spinning.

have I mentioned I like how they used gimmicks for levels instead of adding unnecessary entirely different gameplay gimmicks?

Yes. But it needs to be said again.

the thing that seems weirdest to me is that Sonic won't continue to roll downhill, unless you continue to hold a directional button. its almost like these dudes have never heard of inertia or momentum. but I won't judge til I play, just thought the vid was interesting.

I'm really in doubt. This will be my first real Sonic game (apart from Rush and the Golden Rings both of which I never got around to playing). Will this be worth the 15 Euro's for me, or should I rather by the DS Collection (20 Euro's). I'm really impressed with the visuals of the new Sonic.

I have Sonic 1,2&3 on My Genesis, Wii,and that DS Port
I have played and Completed Those games countless Times, with no cheats,
(so yeah, I have I got'in 14 Chaos Emeralds for Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles)

I havn't played Sonic 4 yet.
But I can see what that guy mean by how the game dosen't have the same gameplay.

Well, the DS version has emulation problems and glitches. Sonic 4 does not, albeit it does have weird physics. If I had to chose between the two, I'd go with Sonic 4 since at least it's not a sloppy port.

But the DS Sonic collection does run fine on a DSi, since it "secretly" was a DSi enhanced game.

People are complaining left and right about how they screwed up the mechanics, but honestly, WHO CARES? Mario Galaxy had MUCH different feel than SM64, yet everyone loves it. People will go to such great lengths just to criticize one game.

I'm buying this game as soon as I can, nothing anyone says is going to stop me.

thats a really good point. I think people are putting such a giant emphasis on physics because the game is touted as the return of 16bit style Sonic. Nobody tore apart Windwaker from a physics standpoint and whined about how it didn't feel exactly the same as Ocarina. Mostly because they were probably busy whining about the cel-shading

Sonic used in it in Sonic Advance 2. Which is a 2D game.

Also, can I moan about how the controls in the New Super Mario Bros. Wii feel a bit floaty? It's nothing like in the old NES/SNES games.

I don't think Sonic actually used it. Wasn't it Cream who had the homing attack?