![]() ![]() This means that not only would we finally be able to play as Sonic and Knuckles, or Knuckles and Tails, but we’d also be able to team up any two characters for co-operative play and to utilise some unique co-op mechanics.įor example, playing co-op with Tails would be pretty much the same for every character (Tails can carry his partner while flying or swimming) but teaming with Knuckles would see characters jump onto his back to glide across gaps and use his immense strength to bash through walls. Secondly, Sonic Mania 2 should really capitalise on its expanded roster to build upon the team-based gameplay seen in Knuckles’ Chaotix (SEGA, 1995), Sonic Advance 3 (specifically), and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (Dimps/Sonic Team, 2012). Team moves have promise that Sonic Mania 2 could expand upon. With that in mind, or just for a laugh, today I’m going to talk about a few key features I’d like to see in a potential Sonic Mania sequel… With 2020 being touted as the “ Year of Sonic” and some major announcements planned to take place in the run up to Sonic’s 30 th anniversary, I think it’s only fair to hope that Sonic Mania 2 is on the cards for a 2021 release. ![]() However, since Sonic Mania released, we’ve heard very little about a sequel in 2018, Takashi Iizuka stated that a sequel was not likely to happen as “it feels like we did everything we could for the Sonic Mania project”. ![]() In addition, Sonic Mania Adventures (2018) had a nice little five episode run online alongside a few bonus episodes along the way to keep the game alive in the minds of fans and the general public. A physical edition, Sonic Mania Plus, was later released in 2018 featuring all the updates and downloadable content (DLC), and some nifty extras like a reversible sleeve that featured classic nineties-inspired artwork. The coincidence of the game's launch timing isn't lost on me but even though I doubt real-world events played a role in that direction I'll always be curious how a game full of that kind of theming would've turned out.Sonic Mania (PagodaWest Games/Headcannon, 2017) was a hit, there’s no doubt about it within a year, the game sold over one million copies. Heck even the Mania title can fit pretty well in the media sense of the word, perhaps acting as a reversal of the actual mania/popularity of the brand in the 90's. Studiopolis and Press Garden are pretty steeped in that idea of smashing a fake news facility, while Mirage Saloon and the Phantom Ruby play well with the idea of further blurring what's real and what isn't (though with literal illusions). The original zones, but this one in particular, always make me think there was a different concept for the theming of the game initially, perhaps revolving around Eggman utilizing deception via mass media to defame the heroes while furthering whatever grand scheme needed stopping. I still enjoy Act 1, but my hype is capped for autoscrollers.Ĭan't be overstated enough, the artificial and natural ends of the zone are both familiar yet shockingly fresh for a series that's done a lot of both. Unfortunately, Act 2 could stand to be a bit longer, and Act 1 (for everyone except Knuckles) is just Sky Chase with a short train segment. Mirage Saloon Act 2 is also basically a perfect Sonic level. It's not a flawless stage, but it still beats the shit out of every other classic Sonic final stage for me. ![]() There are also a ton of elaborate little bits in the level design that I find amusing - shout out to the Egg Robo rollercoaster car things. Titanic Monarch is probably a bit too long for it's own good, though the use of the Sonic 3 gravity orbs is pitch perfect - flinging Sonic and friends around with them never doesn't feel incredible. It doesn't have quite as much swag factor as Studiopolis for me, but it's an easy second. Act 2 spices things up quite a bit with its Rube Goldberg-esque ice block sequences, and is a very pretty stage. The first act is elevated significantly by the bouncy conveyor belts being a standout gimmick. Press Garden is a weird zone that takes some interesting turns. The art and music are bursting with swag (dat Act 2 transition), there's a great mix of slower platforming, high speed, and level gimmicks, and there's plenty of objects to stretch the pinball physics. Studiopolis is in some ways the perfect classic Sonic zone. Studiopolis > Press Garden > Titanic Monarch > Mirage Saloon ![]()
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