Review - Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 - Revisited

So I already reviewed Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 forever ago. But I decided to review it again for my whole Sonic project thing because my opinion has changed a bit after playing over 30 Sonic games in the course of the year. I still like it but it's not as good as I thought it was at first. Oh well!


Oh. I also never properly made updates about our Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Pokémon Puzzle Challenge let's plays. I should probably do that but for now, you can find the playlists in the Let's Try That Again section up top or just by clicking those links there.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Gameplay Trailer

As I mentioned in my previous post about Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2, the gameplay trailer was scheduled to be released through Gamespot today. Well, here it is.


I do think, visually, it looks better than Episode 1 but not by too much. It's certainly not on par with Generations but I never expected it to. After all, it is a downloadable title. The gameplay looks like a nice return to form and the physics look better, though one can't be sure until the game is released. I'm not sure how I feel about the team-up moves but at least they look to add a little bit of a depth and give Tails a purpose for being there other than to drown a lot. Plus, it'll probably be especially fun to use those moves in Co-Op. The stage design, while completely ripped-off from past games, is looking pretty sweet too.

I'll remain cautiously optimistic for now, mostly because of the physics. Though I do honestly believe Sega was going to listen to the fans and fix them. The engine is supposed to be from the ground up. After Sonic Generations did so much to please the fans, I'll give Sega the benefit of the doubt if only this once.

First Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Screenshots Released

Tuesday, a handful of screenshots for the upcoming second part of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 were released on Xbox.com and today, a few more were shown off on Sega's own blog. I figured I'd share them with you all because 1. we've posted about this game before and 2. they look fantastic.

On top of the new screenshots. We also got a little bit more information about the game. It's set to include an all-new graphics and physics engine, which we already knew, but part of that new engine involves teaming up with Tails to do a number of partner moves including flying to reach new places as seen above. It was also confirmed that the game will have four zones, like the first. There's a rumor going around that it's also supposed to feature co-op multiplayer both local and online but X-Box removed that information earlier. Still, the game is looking great and sounding great. The first gameplay trailer is set to release next Thursday on Gamespot.com.

Hit the jump for the rest.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Not Coming to WiiWare

Just a quick follow up to Don's article about the teaser trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2, Sega representative Ken Balough confirmed in a recent interview that Episode 2 would not be hitting the WiiWare. I figured I'd share this as we here are pretty diehard Nintendo fanboys and chances are you are too if you're reading this. Here's what Balough had to say;

But no - the reason Episode I was on the Wii was because we wanted to bring the Sonic 4 saga to the widest possible audience. Episode II unfortunately will not be coming to the Wii - for reasons most people have probably guessed, but that doesn't mean the SEGA isn't supporting Nintendo platforms, we have a very strong partnership and will continue to do so.

While he never specifically mentions the reasoning behind this, it is quite obvious why. The WiiWare limitations are simply too strict. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 had to be dumbed down graphically and in terms of the music in order for it to even run on Wii. While most critics said the game still played almost the same, it was likely still pushing the WiiWare's limits. Since Episode 2 will likely feature more content and better graphics, it's unlikely the Wii would be able to handle it with it's given limitations. They could dumb it down but they probably don't want to have to do that and want to make an equal product all around. I don't really blame them but I do have to wonder why they would just shrug the Wii off. According to Sega's very own sales reports, Episode 1 sold the best on Wii. So again, I understand why they went this route but that doesn't mean it's necessarily a good idea business wise.

Regardless, I picked up Episode 1 on the PS3 so I'll do the same here. Also and don't quote me on this but I'm sure once the Sonic the Hedgehog 4 saga is complete, Sega will package them all together for a retail release. Maybe then the Wii will see the missing episode.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Teaser Trailer

I'll just leave this here...

New physics engine, new graphics engine, playable Tails, and the return of Metal Sonic. Fuckin' sign me up.

Interview with SEGA by Gamespot here