Ken Balough plays Splash Hill in high quality, with commentary!

[Solaris Paradox]

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-sonic-4/700441

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-sonic-4/700447

Haven't watched it yet, will comment when I'm done. But here ya go.

[Yeow95]

I'll watch it later today. I'm tired right now. :oops:

[RinRam]

Wow cool, cheers solaris paradox :)

haha he said episode 4 lol maybe something was on his conscience about it

[ARingcade]

"Each of these levels is designed so that if you don't want the homing attack, you can complete it(the level)."

Now, SHUT UP(HA ppl)

[toaster1]

Deliciously awesome.

I don't like the boosters or unroll, but Sonic 4: Episode 1 is shaping up to be awesome - yes, even the homing attack, although it should be culled on bosses - or the boss should have more hitpoints. Either or.

It's nice to see gameplay from somebody competent with the controls.

[SonicGamer100]

How many times did he say "Uh..." ?

[Solaris Paradox]

He's obviously no Kevin Butler when it comes to public speaking, and it sounds like he's talking and playing at the same time--something even I'm no good at, so I can sympathize. He said "compromising" instead of "comprising," though, so... yeah, man, that was one hell of a Freudian slip. :p

Cool to see the game in honest-to-god high-res without leaks involved. Commentary was kind of meh. Some of the statements strike me as really false, like that bit about what the Homing Attack "adds" to the boss fight (which would be an "unbalancing lack of challenge," incidentally). And once more the Pre-Release Sonic Footage Curse is proven true. I haven't seen anyone actually die to the ball and chain boss since I was eight. :p

But yeah, fun watch. To be fair, he's actually quite good at the level, but the boss fight was pretty embarrassing to watch and even he admits that. >_>

[wiiplayer]

"Each of these levels is designed so that if you don't want the homing attack, you can complete it(the level)."

Now, SHUT UP(HA ppl)

from what i saw, its looks like you really need to use homing attack if u wanna play efficiently, its looks like hit a spring, use homing attack to kill a bridge of enemies and then boosters, rinse and repeat, great level design

[Solaris Paradox]

from what i saw, its looks like you really need to use homing attack if u wanna play efficiently, its looks like hit a spring, use homing attack to kill a bridge of enemies and then boosters, great level design

That's called an upper route, sai, it usually involves things that float in the air.

We've seen the lower routes, remember?

[wiiplayer]

That's called an upper route, sai, it usually involves things that float in the air.

We've seen the lower routes, remember?

i never seen those vids but i take it, its gonna be like SA2 where the HA is essantial to get the fastest time

[Solaris Paradox]

i never seen those vids but i take it, its gonna be like SA2 where the HA is essantial to get the fastest time

Actually to get the fastest time you'll want to bounce across manually, but yes, using the Homing Attack will probably be essential for the fastest time.

[Paraloop]

How many times did he say "Uh..." ?
If you think that's bad check this out and count how many times you hear "Eh..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nst_P96GoRI

[RinRam]

Who said there were no secrets??? I think I may see one here :)

http://i48.tinypic.com/2wnsowo.jpg

[RinRam]

If you think that's bad check this out and count how many times you hear "Eh..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nst_P96GoRI

lol this is irrelevant haha but just to add, the only thing I understood was the word "Er"

[Haru-chan]

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-sonic-4/700441

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-sonic-4/700447

Haven't watched it yet, will comment when I'm done. But here ya go.

Gonna check out both of this videos, then edit my post here with my thoughts.


EDIT:

- Very happy that they're making it a much shorter time period for Sonic to reach maximum speed; I didn't even think about this concern until Ken had addressed this.


- Of course, afterwards he did address that if you don't want to use the Homing Attack you don't HAVE TO. Nice to know he at least knows about the incessant b****ing about it.

- OH COME ON! YOU CAN'T TEASE US ABOUT REVEALING A PRICE FOR THE GAME AND THEN NOT REVEAL THE PRICE!! grrrrrr....

[Paraloop]

lol this is irrelevant haha but just to add, the only thing I understood was the word "Er"
I understood Mother but that was about it haha

[fastshadow101]

Who said there were no secrets??? I think I may see one here :)

http://i48.tinypic.com/2wnsowo.jpg
Pretty well-hidden secret

[Solaris Paradox]

What the deuce?

How the hell do you break THAT?!

[RinRam]

Pretty well-hidden secret

Yes it is, I cant say it is however a secret, but sure as heck looks like one

[ShadiWulf]

He's obviously no Kevin Butler when it comes to public speaking, and it sounds like he's talking and playing at the same time--something even I'm no good at, so I can sympathize. He said "compromising" instead of "comprising," though, so... yeah, man, that was one hell of a Freudian slip. :p

Cool to see the game in honest-to-god high-res without leaks involved. Commentary was kind of meh. Some of the statements strike me as really false, like that bit about what the Homing Attack "adds" to the boss fight (which would be an "unbalancing lack of challenge," incidentally). And once more the Pre-Release Sonic Footage Curse is proven true. I haven't seen anyone actually die to the ball and chain boss since I was eight. :p

But yeah, fun watch. To be fair, he's actually quite good at the level, but the boss fight was pretty embarrassing to watch and even he admits that. >_>

this is the Ken Balough too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxhlmCAetac#t=1m55s

[RinRam]

What the deuce?

How the hell do you break THAT?!

homing attack most likely :)

[Solaris Paradox]

What gets me is that he says the acceleration time is going to be shortened. The acceleration looks spot-on in this build, or close to it--it's only the spinny-feet animation that doesn't come fast enough. I'm wondering what he means--it'd kind of muck up the controls and the momentum aspect if the acceleration gets sped up too much...

[Solaris Paradox]

this is the Ken Balough too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxhlmCAetac#t=1m55s

Holy crap, that was him, too. Ken, my boy, get better at Sonic games if you're going to make a career out of demoing the things, would you? >_>

[RinRam]

What gets me is that he says the acceleration time is going to be shortened. The acceleration looks spot-on in this build, or close to it--it's only the spinny-feet animation that doesn't come fast enough. I'm wondering what he means--it'd kind of muck up the controls and the momentum aspect if the acceleration gets sped up too much...

I can say that I do agree, I guess we will have to wait and see how they apply it without hopefully making it worse lol

As for the spinny feet animation, it seriously does look too wide, I dont know but there is something wrong about it in general. Gahh im not going to start nit picking but just sooo soo tempted to..

[Solaris Paradox]

That wall... could it be for Knuckles...?

[RinRam]

That wall... could it be for Knuckles...?

The thought crossed my mind.

[K2SonicFan]

So the consoles will get to exclusive levels I hope He meant the good kind!

[Solaris Paradox]

So the consoles will get to exclusive levels I hope He meant the good kind!

I hope he means replacements for the mine cart and score attack stages. :p

[RinRam]

So the consoles will get to exclusive levels I hope He meant the good kind!

Which ones are the good ones? You mean as in 2 Normal acts, not gimmick acts?

I think they will replace them, in fact im 95% sure they will after hearing all the hints & reviews etc

[K2SonicFan]

I hope he means replacements for the mine cart and score attack stages. :p

Yes I meant that kind!




Which ones are the good ones? You mean as in 2 Normal acts, not gimmick acts?

I mean normal acts! Beavers Dam!

[Haru-chan]

What gets me is that he says the acceleration time is going to be shortened. The acceleration looks spot-on in this build, or close to it--it's only the spinny-feet animation that doesn't come fast enough. I'm wondering what he means--it'd kind of muck up the controls and the momentum aspect if the acceleration gets sped up too much...

I hope that it is the spinny feet animation that comes out sooner; takes too long as it is now.

[Haru-chan]

One thing I hope they address is that it takes entirely too many hits before Robotnik changes up the game.

5 hits? How about 4, or 3 hits even? After actually seeing that 2nd demo and the attack go on twice at least, I can see how that move would be VERY DEADLY and challenging (for a change) to deal with if he did that sooner.

[vikings622]

I thought the video was awesome, I can't wait to get it on my PS3, Wii, and iPod Touch.


I think this dude wins for most um's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_WxcNirNDM

[AwesomeTails]

I liked it when he wasn't using the homing attack in the boss battle. Looked more skill involving. Also his pinch mode changes much faster or is it me ? I remember in the leaks that the boss was charging his attack long making him get hit a lot before his first pinch attack.

[Paraloop]

I hope that it is the spinny feet animation that comes out sooner; takes too long as it is now.
I agree. It looks so satisfying and yet you only see it for about two seconds in the video.

[Haru-chan]

I liked it when he wasn't using the homing attack in the boss battle. Looked more skill involving. Also his pinch mode changes much faster or is it me ? I remember in the leaks that the boss was charging his attack a lot making him get hit a lot before his first pinch attack.

It's not just you, I think they sped up that (as you say it) "pinch mode", but they still need to dumb down the number of hits it takes before it occurs, I think.

[MightytheArmadillo]

No act 3 to show in high quality with commentary from him...oh well. :)

That was awesome! I now really can't wait for this game!

Very similar to the classics...and even a classic Sonic the Hedgehog continue sprite. :)

[K2SonicFan]

It's not just you, I think they sped up that (as you say it) "pinch mode", but they still need to dumb down the number of hits it takes before it occurs, I think.

Agreed.. .

[Solaris Paradox]

Nah, the wall probably just requires the Air Dash to break, now that I think of it. All that appears to be on the other side is a spring and a platform for quicker access to the signpost, actually...

[sloth]

Nice find thanks Solaris.

[RinRam]

Nah, the wall probably just requires the Air Dash to break, now that I think of it. All that appears to be on the other side is a spring and a platform for quicker access to the signpost, actually...

oh what? damn, so its not even a secret..

Edit : Actually it does lead somewhere else but it looks more like a secret rather than something for knuckles

[Solaris Paradox]

oh what? damn, so its not even a secret..

Edit : Actually it does lead somewhere else but it looks more like a secret rather than something for knuckles

It leads to a higher platform that probably lets you skip the last few vine-swing jumps, thus cutting down on your time. There might also be a power-up up there, but no way to know until we actually break down the wall and see.

[BaronGrackle]

It leads to a higher platform that probably lets you skip the last few vine-swing jumps, thus cutting down on your time. There might also be a power-up up there, but no way to know until we actually break down the wall and see.

I started to go to my workshop and grab the dynamite, then meet with the rest of the mob outside of town. Except, no.

Guess we'll just wait for the game instead.

[Classic Sonic]

"This truly is Sonic The Hedgehog 4 as you would've imagined it"

Erm... no it's not. Not even close.

[Solaris Paradox]

My oh my, Ken Balough's commentary is not going over well with the guys at Sonic Retro, no sir, it's not.

[The Rug]

"This truly is Sonic The Hedgehog 4 as you would've imagined it"

Erm... no it's not. Not even close.

I don't like being a hater, but this is true. It's not Sonic 4, it's Sonic's Greatest Hits. I'm giving Sega the benefit of the doubt, because it's only Episode 1, but I'm not really impressed with the way they're trying to sell this as a new thing.

"This boss will bring back some great memories!" - no, it'll make me wonder why I'm fighting a boss from 1991. If I wanted that, I'd plug in my Sonic 1 cartridge. Or play it on my DS collection, or my Wii Virtual Console, or my iTouch...

[wiiplayer]

"This truly is Sonic The Hedgehog 4 as you would've imagined it"

Erm... no it's not. Not even close.

this 1000 times. the sonic 4 i imagined is so far ahead of this its not even funny

[Solaris Paradox]

I don't like being a hater, but this is true. It's not Sonic 4, it's Sonic's Greatest Hits. I'm giving Sega the benefit of the doubt, because it's only Episode 1, but I'm not really impressed with the way they're trying to sell this as a new thing.

"This boss will bring back some great memories!" - no, it'll make me wonder why I'm fighting a boss from 1991. If I wanted that, I'd plug in my Sonic 1 cartridge. Or play it on my DS collection, or my Wii Virtual Console, or my iTouch...

There is a certain charm to seeing it newly realized in HD with modern graphics and a new attack pattern, mind, but it's not exactly the sort of charm you associate with a sequel, y'know what I'm saying?

[wiiplayer]

There is a certain charm to seeing it newly realized in HD with modern graphics and a new attack pattern, mind, but it's not exactly the sort of charm you associate with a sequel, y'know what I'm saying?


I really wish they went 2.5d like marvel vs capcom 3 and donkey kong country returns, nothing screams epic about this game, not the bosses or the levels

[RinRam]

omg i almost feel famous lol someone used my breakable wall photo on Retro hehehe..
Anywayz alot of people are stirred up with Ken, mainly about the homing attack and implying "this is sonic 4, how we imagined it"

If i imagined Sonic 4, it would of had new badniks, new bosses, new levels.. But anyway we wont go there

[BaronGrackle]

I actually watched it... I love how the Act introduction screens resemble the Texas flag, only without a star. :)

Homing attacking the boss. Bleh. Leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.

[sloth]

I actually watched it... I love how the Act introduction screens resemble the Texas flag, only without a star. :)

First rule of Texas, do not speak about Texas.

[AwesomeTails]

I don't mind the game being rehashed and I love how they brought back the bosses with tweaks and updates.

I just don't like how the gameplay is at the moment but please ow please let them see the problem a lot of people have with the homing attack. Please let them notice why sonic 4 will never top the classics if the game stays like this and just fix the game to be played without it(have him stay in ball form when going up a slope and such)

This is just a request of mine but more importantly the physics and animations is where the developers MUST(MUST!!!!!!!!!!!) deliver because if not they'll just have to do with the fans that don't care. Or the newer ones who are unknown with the classics. The whole purpose of aiming the game at the old schoolers would fail so hard

[sloth]

My oh my, Ken Balough's commentary is not going over well with the guys at Sonic Retro, no sir, it's not.

Were you expecting a different reaction? really?

[Black_Doom]

People are still *****ing about the damm homing attack? STFU already! Spindash enhansed sonic 2 and evryone loved it, instashield enhansed sonic 3& knuckles and everyone loved it,homing attack enhanses sonic 4 everyone hates it WTF! If this game came out in 1996 like this(exept with sarurn graphics) you would all be worshiping it and the homing attack!

[Demise the Hedgehog]

"Decreasing time frame for Sonic to run at maximum speed."

^GLORIOUS!

And watching all of these videos of the first Zone over and over again is going to greatly increase how fast I'm going to increase the first zone getting done.

[Haru-chan]

My oh my, Ken Balough's commentary is not going over well with the guys at Sonic Retro, no sir, it's not.

Seriously? Ugh.

I don't know why this fanbase continues to shock me....aye.

[Haru-chan]

"Decreasing time frame for Sonic to run at maximum speed."

^GLORIOUS!

And watching all of these videos of the first Zone over and over again is going to greatly increase how fast I'm going to increase the first zone getting done.

Yeah...I've just about started thinking about how I'm going to tackle a few of those Acts.

[ShadiWulf]

Ruby needs to save the day.

[BaronGrackle]

instashield enhansed sonic 3& knuckles and everyone loved it

Yes. And now it's gone. :(

Since it's been confirmed that you can complete this game without Homing Attack... how sweet would it be to have a Classic Sonic option who had the Insta-Shield instead? Whew. So nostalgic, it would be.

[Solaris Paradox]

Seriously? Ugh.

I don't know why this fanbase continues to shock me....aye.

It's kind of understandable. A good deal of what Ken Balough said really just does not strike the right chords with retro fans of our sort--even I'm kind of nonplussed by how off-key it was.

[Solaris Paradox]

homing attack enhanses sonic 4

No, it doesn't. Stop saying that, because it really isn't true. I could be implemented so as to work, but it really doesn't "enhance" anything. It undermines a few key aspects of the gameplay, in fact.

[Black_Doom]

yes. And now it's gone. :(

since it's been confirmed that you can complete this game without homing attack... How sweet would it be to have a classic sonic option who had the insta-shield instead? Whew. So nostalgic, it would be.

oh no they di'int!!!!!!

[Black_Doom]

No, it doesn't. Stop saying that, because it really isn't true. I could be implemented so as to work, but it really doesn't "enhance" anything. It undermines a few key aspects of the gameplay, in fact.

From what I've seen it doesn't really take much away, in fact, I'm willing to say that the spindash undermined the momentum stuff people keep talking about.

[Solaris Paradox]

From what I've seen it doesn't really take much away, in fact, I'm willing to say that the spindash undermined the momentum stuff people keep talking about.

It utilized momentum in a new way, yes, it was a pace-changer, but it had its place in the game. Some people prefer not to have it, but it's in a different class than the Homing Attack, which literally defies all physics completely.

[Haru-chan]

It utilized momentum in a new way, yes, it was a pace-changer, but it had its place in the game. Some people prefer not to have it, but it's in a different class than the Homing Attack, which literally defies all physics completely.

Haters Gonna Hate; I don't mind the Homing Attack. I understand the issues people have with it of course, but I don't really care.

I've already had experience in how the H.A. works in 2D with as much Sonic Unleashed as I've played.

[RinRam]

People are hating Sonic 4 because they are only seeing a mere 4 zones that have been rehashed & is supposed to be, as stated by iizuka himself, a prologue to the game, homeage to the classics etc

I think we personally need some news on Episode 2, to clarify some of the things missing in Episode 1, perhaps even combine 2 episodes for release in fall 2010

[Haru-chan]

People are hating Sonic 4 because they are only seeing a mere 4 zones that have been rehashed & is supposed to be, as stated by iizuka himself, a prologue to the game, homeage to the classics etc

I think we personally need some news on Episode 2, to clarify some of the things missing in Episode 1, perhaps even combine 2 episodes for release in fall 2010

Who wants to start placing bets that once Episode 2 information starts floating around on the 'net, that peoples' opinions will change drastically? From the leaked info we ALREADY have an awesome teaser for what's going to be in it.

*raises hand* I think so.

[RinRam]

Who wants to start placing bets that once Episode 2 information starts floating around on the 'net, that peoples' opinions will change drastically? From the leaked info we ALREADY have an awesome teaser for what's going to be in it.

*raises hand* I think so.

haha Exactly, especially if episode 2 has what its missing in episode 1, and u and I both know its got one thing to get excited about

[sloth]

@Haru I disagree so long as the homing attack, eggman, green eyes, shoes, eyelids, jumping, music, quill length, graphics, and Wiiplayer exist nothing will really change.

[RinRam]

@Haru I disagree so long as the homing attack, eggman, green eyes, shoes, eyelids, jumping, music, quill length, graphics, and Wiiplayer exist nothing will really change.

but then, what would any of that matter if it were a good game? and started actually feeling like a sequel to Sonic 3 & knuckles?

Edit : Beside Wiiplayer lol

[Haru-chan]

@Haru I disagree so long as the homing attack, eggman, green eyes, shoes, eyelids, jumping, music, quill length, graphics, and Wiiplayer exist nothing will really change.

Your post made me laugh more than I originally thought it would. XD

[wiiplayer]

@Haru I disagree so long as the homing attack, eggman, green eyes, shoes, eyelids, jumping, music, quill length, graphics, and Wiiplayer exist nothing will really change.

go take a look at sonicretro and neogaf.com people there are really trashing the game over there, i understand this forum is made for furrie sonic fans that will buy everything sonic related.

[sloth]

go take a look at sonicretro and neogaf.com people there are really trashing the game over there, i understand the forum is made for furrie sonic fans that will buy everything sonic related.

http://www.golivewire.com/forums/img.cgi?s=69135

[SEGALoop]

That's called an upper route, sai, it usually involves things that float in the air.

We've seen the lower routes, remember?

There shouldn't be any routes like this.

level design looks ok, but lacks much platforming still.

Uncrulling is horrible

But hey its in HD and u runs fast and do loops :rolleyes:

[Haru-chan]

go take a look at sonicretro and neogaf.com people there are really trashing the game over there, i understand the forum is made for furrie sonic fans that will buy everything sonic related.

That's nice. If nothing else, this proves you're "that guy" since he said the same thing.

NeoGaf is one of the worst communities ever though; it's like playing Halo 3, mics up, Ranked games, and IN THE AFTERNOON.

Yeah, I went there.

[wiiplayer]

That's nice. If nothing else, this proves you're "that guy" since he said the same thing.

NeoGaf is one of the worst communities ever though; it's like playing Halo 3, mics up, Ranked games, and IN THE AFTERNOON.

Yeah, I went there.


ok who is this sonic4321, was he your lover or something.

[sloth]

There shouldn't be any routes like this.

level design looks ok, but lacks much platforming still.

Uncrulling is horrible

But hey its in HD and u runs fast and do loops :rolleyes:

I'd just love to hear you thoughts on "Colours." No this is not sarcasm.

[wiiplayer]

http://www.golivewire.com/forums/img.cgi?s=69135

true story bro

[Nieves]

Watch the very start of Act 1. The game tries to briefly be a normal Sonic. You have some space and a few basic platforms to move around.

It's just my opinion I know, but to me it looks like for this moment of free play Sonic is just too powerful. He devours distance with his jump and new moves, and this brief area of open space really can't stand up to it. The guy playing is trying to actually relish this area a little but he has to avoid running and leaping a lot just to do so.

Then the free space just stops at about 0:58.

Devour is the word. Sonic is about burning through space now. The level is very, very shaped to handle this. Slow exploration isn't being pimped here.


"One of the big things the fans have told us is that it takes too long for Sonic to go from inert state to maximum velocity, so we're gonna be decreasing that time frame..."Wtf.

The blurry feet don't look good imo.

Horizontal control when jumping is just insane.

Spin dash actually looks overpowered sometimes...

[SOTI]

Have a copypasta:

"The fans wanted dash pads" < Not in every damn level, and not used excessively.
"The fans wanted old badniks" < New badniks, not rehashed enemies that can turn a 180.
"The fans wanted homing attack" < Depends on the fan, I didn't want to see it being used as a necessity to be used all the time.
"We want to have environmental activity, so Act 2 has vines" < Lame excuse at the stupid gimmick acts.
"You can use homing attack or not, it's really up to the player" < Yet you can't complete a level without a single homing attack.
"This is truly Sonic the Hedgehog 4 as you imagined it." < No, there are many fans who wanted original gameplay, not Rehash City Zone.

Ken Balough talked a lot of crap in the playthroughs, stuff that isn't even true anyway. Although, maybe the newer builds have different layouts to allow a non-homing attack run. I doubt it though, this is Dimps after all.

The E3 demo was an old build, somebody asked about it. From what we've seen, it isn't different from the leaked footage. There are too many speed boosters (which is not needed) and the game forces you to use the homing attack otherwise enemies will hurt you.

Hopefully, the final build won't have these issues. Same goes with sound effects and music. The music is pretty bad, and the sound effects are mostly wrong (roll sound is spindash sound, spindash is roll) as well as some sounds not from the classic games, which was sheer laziness as there are enough classic sounds to cover the entire game.

That is all.

[DarkMetroid]

go take a look at sonicretro and neogaf.com people there are really trashing the game over there, i understand this forum is made for furrie sonic fans that will buy everything sonic related.

We're special. Ha.

[sloth]

No act 3 to show in high quality with commentary from him...oh well. :)

Act 3 but no commentary http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2010-sonic-4/700690 beware of passing rockets.