[_Alkaline_]

Developed by the same people as Sonic and the Secret Rings


Good. They developed the only decent console Sonic game in years.


As Sonic runs along, a simple flick of the Wii remote will execute a basic slash, which is enough to dispatch most low-level grunts.


Sounds like MotionPlus won't be needed then.


More advanced swordplay consists of the ability to thrust, parry, and even pull off a buzz-saw maneuver midjump.


The key will be ensuring that there's enough variety to the combat, and that it doesn't wander into repetitiveness.


During out demo, we saw the hedgehog leap from a high precipice, then thrust the blade into a wall to slow his decent, sparks flying impressivly as steel cut through brick


This is promising. Using the sword for platforming manouveres would be pretty cool and reminds me of Prince of Persia.


Combat is integrated in such a way that most of the time you can slice through any who stand in your path without even slowing down


Good! My fear was that it would slow him down too much. Seems like it's not the case then.


Sonic is controlled with the Control Stick.


I'll miss the tilt controls, but it's not feasible for this game given the use of the sword.


his sword, a talking blade named Calibur, serves as a mentor


lol


If you help civilian townfolk in need of assistance, you’ll earn points toward knighthood. If you smite one of those civilians, your reputation will take a hit. At the end of each stage, the game tallies your good and not-so-good deeds and updates your rank accordingly.


Interesting. I wonder how this ties in with the stage design and gameplay. I hope it doesn't hurt it.


You can purchase items from residents. “Sonic can aquire everything from gauntlets to magical tomes to new swords, and when equipped, each article bestows him with a unique benefit.. About 200 items in all, with some being able to be combined with others to make new ones.


I guess this can't hurt. It seems like they're taking the theme pretty far.


You have the option to go online and trade items with friends.


Nice.


On the audio side, veteran composer Jen Senoue is taking a smiliar approach, injecting familiar Sonic themes with a Celtic flavor.”


Nice again.


Each stage has multiple branching paths and searching for townsfolk and treasure chests provides an element of exploration that recalls Sonic’s early Genesis days.


I like the idea of branching paths. Not so sure on the exploration though - i hope this doesn't slow the gameplay down too much. Careful now SEGA.


the camera will occasionally pan to a side-scrolling perspective for a quick dose of classic 2-D action


Galaxy did the same thing and it worked wonderfully. I hope it works nearly as well here.


-SBK Bringing back the skill system from Secret Rings, but they’re trying not to have the skill system interfere with the game’s tempo this time around.


YES. No more gimped sonic. Hopefully.


The mission structure also returns but the developers hope to make it less arduous.


YES. No more crappy missions. Hopefully.


And there will be no dinosaur eggs!


YES. No more crappy eggs. Hopefully


Other characters beside Sonic are playable, but it is entirely optional to play as them. Knuckles, who can hold two swords at once, and Shadow have been confirmed so far.


YES. No more shitty friends.


Oh wait.


Fuck.



I've seen the screens and they actually look pretty good. More impressive than Secret Rings and definitely better looking than Unleashed. Am I optomistic? I'm intrigued at least. I'll have to see it in motion though. It looks like quite a departure from normal Sonic gameplay. I just hope it's a positive departure, and not something shitty like the werehog. The thing is, despite this info, i still have no real idea of how it will play. Looking forward to seeing a video of the game, hopefully soon.