Eras UPDATE: Modern

ALL about the Modern Era

Era: Modern

Main Years: 2005-2010

Gameplay Type: The modern era is a much more experimental time for 3D and 2D games a like. 

Sonic returned to racing games in the Riders series, featuring new moves, tricks, and gimmicks. Sonic's venture to the Wii also meant several different styles. Sometimes the controls meant holding the remote sideways, sometimes it meant a nunchuck. Confusingly, the controls were almost always different. 

Sonic the Hedgehog, a game similar to the "adventure" style, would be released in 2006 for Sonic's 15th anniversary. Unfortunately, the development team was split apart and then rushed...the result being a game infamous for its numerous glitches. 

Sonic had more critical success with his 2D.5 handheld titles. Sonic Rush is notable for introducing the boost, which would soon become a Sonic norm. Sonic Unleashed was the first console game to feature the element, but the game also introduced a style more focused on fighting via the Werehog stages. 

Character Designs and Personalities: Sonic 06 slightly redesigned the main cast to fit better with the more realistic setting. In Sonic's case this meant height and shape a bit, making the character less round. The concept art reveals that they wanted to give Sonic a more realistic texture, though this was obviously cut. In 06, Eggman was designed to resemble a real human, but to to poor reception he never appeared this way again.      

Generally the same attitude that filled the previous era affected this one. In the Riders series, the Storybook series, and the Rivals series, a lot of the characters have sly remarks and memorable banter. Sonic 06 is a bit of an oddball due to the nature of the plot, making many of the characters act more serious or even passive. 

Sonic Unleashed and Sonic and the Black Knight have been praised for their particular versions of Sonic, which has been described as more serious without losing his flair.     

Story Type: Building upon some of the plots seen before, the Modern era made itself more mature with "darker" plots, though it had lighthearted moments. 

New villains like Eggman Nega, Mephiles, and the Erazor Djinn became threats equal to/greater than Eggman himself. Like with previous games, sometimes Eggman would actually help if there was a greater threat (though not always, or sometimes the result was betrayal). 

Like before Sonic also gained many new friends like Sharah, Caliburn, and Chip. After the success of Shadow, several new rival characters were created. Blaze the Cat would eventually become a friend, but makes her debut as a fiery rival. Jet the Hawk and the Babylon Rogues challenge Sonic in the air.  Silver the Hedgehog meets Sonic for the first time twice, and tries to fight him immediately in each case. And Johnny the...robot pirate...shark....thing...refused any emerald without a race.  

Visuals: While some games have aged better than others, for the first time the graphics aren't...crude. Although a lot of openings are actually also first cutscenes, they all look pretty well. While the standard cutscenes are usually nothing to brag about, the CG cutscenes have mostly aged amazingly well. Additionally Sonic Riders marked the return to 2D animation with its opening.     

The settings used a lot of diversity, relying even more on earth for inspiration. 06 used Venice as the base for Soleanna, and Unleashed used a number of locations and real-world landmarks to create similar ones. Common locations were cities, jungles, deserts, seascapes, castles, and snowy mountains.  

Music: Like with gameplay, the music experimented with different things. The Riders series dived into high-energy techno while the Rush games used samples and unique effects. The storybook games immersed themselves in themes of their fantasy worlds. 06 has a beloved OST with tracks that impress even the most critical haters. Unleashed has been called the best in the series, having a culturally inspired mix for day, night, and hub world locations. 

These years were filled with many different vocal themes. A distinct difference from the last era is Crush 40 (previously doing most of the main songs and being associated with Sonic). While they would still contribute to the games (especially Black Knight), they started to become associated with Shadow (after both Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic 06).  Meanwhile many of Sonic's new songs like "His World,""7 Rings in Hand," and "Endless Possibilities," would be done by others.           

Voice Cast: Although much of the cast had already voiced the characters on Sonic X, due to the amount of new characters several other actors joined the main cast. 

Sonic, Shadow, and Jet were all voiced by Jason Griffith, while Eggman was voiced by Mike Pollock. Amy Palant voiced Tails, with Dan Green as Knuckles (as well as Storm, Mephlies, and Professor Pickle). Dan Green also began voicing Vector. Lisa Ortiz voiced Amy, while Bella Hudson took on the characters Wave the Swallow, Blaze the Cat, and Sharah the Genie. Silver was Pete Capella. 

Veronica Taylor (known for voicing Ash from Pokemon and April in 03 TMNT) was supposed to voice Princess Elise, but was replaced by "celebrity" actress Lacey Chabert (known for voicing Eliza in The Wild Thornberrys and Meg in the first season of Family Guy).   

The characters Merlina, Caliburn, and King Arthur were intended to be British. Sega chose the voice actors for these new characters (one actor being from Nights).  

Controversy 

After first taking over, the 4kids cast gained a lot of negativity from fans. Even though they had been voicing voicing the characters since 2003 (via Sonic X), most missed the previous cast that started with Sonic Adventure. Eventually fans warmed up to the new cast, with some being called better than the previous group. They also praised the improvements over the years. Whether Jason Griffith or Ryan Drummond was the better Sonic remains a common fan debate.      

In late 2010 with Sonic Free Riders, however, Sega decided to hire new actors, with the exception of Mike Pollock. As with the first time, the move did not sit well with fans. In particular fans were upset that Sega just offered Sonic's new voice actor, Roger Craig Smith, the job. Smith later clarified he did do an audition.  

 

Main Voice (Sonic): Jason Griffith

Memorable Theme Song (for Sonic): "His World" (from Sonic 06). 

Memorable Catchphrases (Sonic):  "ALRIGHT...Bring it on!" (Sonic Riders) "Alright, lets have some fun Solaris." (Sonic 06) "Sonic...BOOM!" (Sonic Rivals) "I'm not a rat!" "No problem" "This just isn't my day!" "Too Easy" "That was tight!" "Lend me your...POWER!" (Sonic and the Secret Rings) "Whoo!" Here...we...go!" "Feelin' Good." "Eh, can't win 'em all." (Sonic Unleashed) "Your too slow!" "Come on, step it up!" (Brawl) 

"I'm a hedgehog, pal, not a guinea pig."  (cartoon)

Cartoons and other Appearances: Since it aired a bit later and has a different tone, the 3rd season of Sonic X is arguably the cartoon of the modern era. The plot of the "darker" final season is less randomized and mainly focused on saving the universe from a threatening alien species, the Meterex. 

Years later, a 3-D animated short that tied-into Sonic Unleashed, "Sonic: Night of the Werehog," was created. It had a playful plot including Chip and ghosts. 

Archie created a new spin-off based on Sonic X, which was more successful than they expected, lasting for 40 issues. 

In 2006 the Archie comics turned a new page when Ian Flynn, now infamous in the Sonic-comic community, began writing for the comics. He tried to make the series more akin to the games, but also tried to "clean-up" what happened to the main "Sat Am" cast. He tried to heal the relationship between Sonic and Sally, recreated "Evil Sonic" as Scourge, and tied up many loose ends. 

In late 2009, Sonic Universe, another spin-off, was made. Through this series Flynn introduced and reintroduced many game characters like Blaze the Cat, Gamma, Omega, Marine, and the Babylon Rogues. With flashbacks, parts of the games were now partially adapted...although tie-ins would be limited to non-canon "in another time/place" one-offs.   

Cover vs Original: 7 Rings In Hand

"7 Rings in Hand" was the main theme of Sonic and the Secret Rings, appearing in the menu and in the final boss fight. The Crush 40 version was unlocakble after completing the Secret Rings inspired "legend" missions and collecting the World Rings in Sonic and the Black Knight.

Original (Steve Conte)

It's guitar has as significant presence through out. The echo-y intro and vocals allude to the game's situation and setting. The line "7 rings in hand" is repeated often. 

Cover (Crush 40)

Though it bares a resemblance, the lyrics are sung in a new way and the instruments are more akin to that of the Black Knight. In contrast to the first version, there is more of an emphasis on ending words ("Seven Rings in Hand.")

Winner: Tie

I hate to do this again. The original better matches the scenario. Memorable, it immediately catches attention and reinforces the tones of the game. Crush 40's version sounds different, but that is by no means a deal-breaker. The vocals are a bit clearer/easier to understand and the song seems more stable/has better closure. Each guitar solo is epic in their own way.   

If I really had to narrow it down...the original is best for Sonic and the Secret Rings, but the cover is better as a song alone.

Cover vs Original: With Me

"With Me" is generally Merlina's theme--though some parts fit Sonic--and it plays in the fight against the Dark Queen.

With Me (All Ends)

This rock-backed song is notable for two rare reasons: it's a battle song other than the main theme (something that only happened once before, with "What I'm Made Of"), and it has female vocals (which was not as common in the Modern Era). It's lyrics are chillingly fitting and align with Merlina taking over to create her eternal world. 

Cover (Crush 40)

Similar in style, the obvious difference is the vocals, which are male and a bit more "familiar" since it's Crush 40. Differing with a more distorted manor, "Me" is now drawn out and the "with me" changes as it's repeated. The equal determination could just as easily fit Sonic "being the bad guy" and challenging Merlina.

Winner: TIE.

Try as I might to pick between the two, it's proved impossible. Both fit the scenario and lyrics perfectly. Both instrumentals and guitar solos are awesome. The distinct female vocals give the original an edge. However it's cancelled out by the distorted (and catchy) Crush 40 chorus.

I didn't really want to have a "tie." If forced to pick...I'd probably choose the Crush 40 version. However the All Ends version better suits Merlina. 

Best Villain? Part 5: Relatable?

It's been said that a great villain needs a great motive. Two characters stand out, in the Sonic series...

Professor Gerald Robotnik used to be a kind man who wanted to perfect the world through "the power of science." He wanted to help and protect the people of Earth.

That all changed with the Ark shut down and the death of Maria Robotnik. Imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, Gerald went insane and became intent on destroying the planet he once strived to protect. He was later put to death, but not before setting his revenge plan into motion...

Despite his cruel actions his reputation was later respected once again after "Project Shadow" and his Eclipse Cannon proved vital in the Black Arms Invasion. Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Eggman) always looked up to his "brilliant" grandfather and called him "a great scientist."   

Merlina was introduced as a sadder version of Sharah, but really she was behind the world's darkness. She used deceit to get her hands on the sacred scabbard of Excalibur, which would grant her the power to create an "Eternal Kingdom."

Merlina was saddened by death and endings. She knew how the Arthurian legend ended: with King Arthur killed. Life became futile to her. Even flowers were "destined to wither."

She grew to hate the idea and wanted to create a better story--one that never ended. She becomes a powerful entity that seems unstoppable. Her corruption was understandable--Sonic even admits it seems like he's the "bad guy," but he doesn't mind it.

Because Merlina was wrong. Everything has to end, and if it doesn't than it's not special. It loses what made it wonderful in the first place. After her defeat Sonic helped her understand this.

Merlina and Gerald both suffered from grief and wanted to fix the world in their corrupted eyes. For Merlina, it was making it everlasting, no matter the cost. For Gerald it was destroying it, no matter who would be destroyed with it.

Both came terrifyingly close to their goals.

Sonic and the Black Knight Reveiw

Rank...at the end.
What good is a review that goes on forever?!

Summary

The second edition to the storybook series had many shockingly good moments.

Characters and Voice Acting

The 4kids group's last appearance would be a spectacular send-off. Jason Griffith's Sonic voice was perfect. Thanks to both script and good acting, the "other versions" of the characters (Lady of the Lake, Lancelot, Percival, etc) are able to sound similar to their normal counterparts but with more nobility or maturity. The new comers (voicing Caliburn, Merlina, etc) also do well.

"King Arthur" was kind of a lame villain, but I was very happy with the later plot-twist. I really like Merlina and how she is relatable despite being in the wrong.

Caliburn seemed strange at first, but I like how unique his character is. No, I'm not talking about the fact that he is a talking sword. He becomes Sonic's mentor, a position that has never really been seen in the games before.

I was glad this game included more "other version" characters than Secret Rings. It's both comical and interesting to see these characters. It was especially nice to see Percival (Blaze) since she's usually side-lined in favor of Silver. Being able to play as these rivals was a welcome surprise.

Sonic himself was on point. He was showing-off making jokes, and suddenly he was serious.  Refusing to give in, Sonic was willing to fight until the end. Plus, he actually proved he has the chivalry of a Knight. This version of Sonic really had what it took to be a hero. 

Plot

The story has elements similar to Sonic and the Secret Rings, but also keeps itself unique. As mentioned, the characters are on point and the dialogue is great.

The beginning cutscene is epic, but the beginning of the game is a bit slow. Time is taken to establish elements, which is good but still "slow" for a Sonic game. The scene with Merlina and the flower was perfect, and introducing Caliburn was humorous.

The rivals help the story pick up a bit, and the false climax with "King Arthur" is similar to the Secret Rings, as expected. Still, it doesn't feel as if everything is resolved...

Because that's not the end! Black Knight is similar, but not equal to the Secret Rings. Merlina takes a stance that sets up the main theme of wanting an "eternal" world and Sonic trying to be "the bad guy" to stop her. The ending is satisfying and handled better than the "mountain of handkerchiefs" line from Sonic and the Secret Rings. The bonus with Sonic telling the story to Amy is also a delight. 

Music

The music matches the setting and takes on an "older" mood while keeping a heroic theme. Though the instrumentals are appropriate, they are generally slower than that of a typical Sonic game.

Meanwhile the vocal tracks are outstanding. Crush 40 created the perfect theme for the game, "Knight of the Wind," as well as the beautiful closing, "Live Life." "With Me" and other songs in the game also fit quite well.

Graphics and Visuals

The graphics for gameplay are barely an improvement over 2007's Sonic and the Secret Rings. Nasty. A shame because the architectural level design is quite nice.

The CG cutscenes are alright but have not aged as well as others from around the same time.

The 2-D cutscenes are beautiful, though. I like the similarity to Sonic and the Secret Rings, but also the contrast like the darker, inkier look. As with the last, it's a brilliant way of tieing in the "Story" and not having uglier, poorer quality scenes. It's reasons like these that make the storybook series missed.

The gallery also has some nice 2-D unlockables.

Gameplay and Controls

It's true, gameplay is not very smooth. Being on the Wii always seems to bring up this problem...The remote as well as the nunchuck must be used, which is a bit of a hassle.

The similarities in style to Sonic and the Secret Rings (in this area) were probably a mistake.

It takes a while to adapt to the different controls, swords, and styles. It takes too long, especially for a new player. Generally the boss fights are easy enough, though, to balance this.

The game is slower than a normal Sonic game but faster than comparable sword-based Wii games like The Force Unleashed.

Generally the missions are less annoying than in Sonic and the Secret Rings. Some of the differences between characters were awesome, but others (like the jump) could be hard to adjust to. There should have been more instructions explaining moves (like Gawain's wall-climb). The many different swords available were a plus.

The combination of typical Sonic speed and the newer, slicing fight element was interesting, but could have used improvement. Still not as bad as critics claim, though.

Final Thoughts

• This story is beautiful. The art is beautiful. The characters are perfect. I doubt anyone who actually played through could hate the game. 
• It's hard to believe Sega finally made Sonic 100% in-character and perfect...only to give the character a massive rude, egotistic, and over-joking personality change.    
• And because of Sega's over-reliance on critic opinion in the 2010s, "Black Knight Sonic" hasn't been seen since 2009 and "Colors Sonic" was permanently rooted into the character. 
• I'd like to see more characters like Merlina, who are relatable but misguided. A combination of Merlina and Mephiles would be very intriguing. 
• Along those lines Eggman's absence was a slight bother story-wise since he's usually always there...
• It would have been cool to see Jet and Silver, too, but I'm glad they stuck with Shadow, Knuckles, and Blaze when they decided to narrow it down.     
• IGN is an outrageous crime. 

Rakning (S is best, E is worst): A

The story is one of the best; the cutscenes were beautiful; the voice acting was great; the new characters were unique. I'd like to give this game an S. But I can only ignore gameplay so far.

It's okay after a while, but it doesn't have the same flow as an S-rank level game, so for being almost perfect (but not quite), Sonic and the Black Knight receives an A.

AS I SIT. AS I STAND. BY THE TABLE I COMMAND...

Sonic's Scariest Moments.

We're touching on some of Sonic's scariest moments, characters, and concepts.

Step One: Mild & "Festive" 

There have been lots of  Halloween-like details within the games and outside of them, too.

• Sonic's gone through many "spooky" zones, from Mystic Mansion to Haunted Ship. 
• Even the "Megadrive" comic had an addition, the "Haunted Depths Zone."
• Sonic's had plenty of ghostly encounters, from human-like spirits in Night of the Werehog and Sonic 06, to the totally-not-copying-Mario round blobs like King Boom Boo and the ones in Sonic and Knuckles.
• Sonic turned into a "werehog" (werewolf/hedgehog) in Sonic Unleashed and the short, Night of the Werehog.  
• The chao can be "light or dark" and live in gardens alluding to "heaven and hell." 
• This was revisited in the Riders level, Digital Dimension. 
• Metal Sonic mocks Sonic in CD by waving his pointed finger back and forth.
• In the JPN soundtrack of Metallic Madness (bad future) there is evil laughter (similar to USA's boss theme) and voices taunting the player ("You can't do anything so don't even try"). 
• Ironically this is in English, and the US ended up with a different soundtrack.   
• Some cartoon episodes have had ghosts or "scary" tones (Ant!, Sonic the Hedgehog; A Hedgehog's Home, Sonic Underground; Sonic Scream Test, Sonic X;--arguably others)  

Step Two: The Light, the Dark, and the Uneasy

Taking this up a notch.

• Sonic games often have a light and dark theme. 
• Technically Sonic CD was the first game to show such a contrast of "good and evil" with its' possible futures.
• This started in Sonic Adventure 2, but Shadow the Hedgehog actually had the player "decide" the outcome, which may result in a more "evil" Shadow. 
• Though it's not clear, it's possible he kills GUN soldiers, Eggman, or Sonic.
• However, the games to feature these themes in a "creepy" way are Sonic the Hedgehog (06) and Sonic Unleashed. In Sonic Unleashed, light was "good," but in 06 both were villainous. 
• In Sonic and the Black Knight and Sonic and the Secret Rings, the enemies were evil spirits written into the story. 
• In Sonic and the Secret Rings, Sonic uses a "negative" transformation after his new friend is "killed." 
• Sonic also seemingly kills the Erazor. In the mid-credits scene, he drops the magic lamp (and the Erazor) into lava. 
• In Sonic X, Sonic transformed into "Dark Sonic." The moment was not very long but is noted for Sonic's vicious, past pissed-off attitude.
• In Sonic 06, Mephlies is a demonic-like creature with no mouth. He "only craves destruction" and is the true cause for most of the trouble in the game. Both Mephlies and Iblis have "evil" names. 
• In Sonic Unleashed, Dark Gaia would "possess" people at night and Sonic would have to "exorcise" them (by taking their picture and fighting minions). 
• Sonic R introduced the Tails Doll, which became one scary creature with the internet. This leaked into the Archie comics. 

Step Three: A Nightmare on Sonic Street

The title says it all.

• Death. Some characters died or "died" or "died and came back," but there was one moment that no one could get over...  
•  [Sonic 06] After Mephlies kills Sonic, his friends use the emeralds to bring him back to life (after getting the Chaos Emeralds from the "End of the World" stage).
• Most consider this the worst moment in Sonic history because A, his death was cheap & cheesy; and B, Elise did a "sleeping beauty/snow white/sorta' beauty and the beast" and kissed Sonic to life (this is especially controversial as Elise was a human girl). 
• Hey, End of the Word was a fun level, though. 
• In Sonic CD, Easter Eggs were found within the sound test. As if "DJ Mc Sonic" and "Batman-Sonic" weren't freaky enough, an odd image of Sonic meshed with a face was put in. It plays the US boss music (Robotnik laughing) and has words in Japanese that translate to "Fun is Infinite with Sega Enterprises" and supposedly signed, "the devil." 
• However, it is believed that the signature was someone's name misinterpreted. 

Well, did you make it though the list? There are other "dark" moments, too, but I had to limit it a bit. This is about what's frightening. "Spiders are scary...I'm scary...you? You're not scary." BOO.  

Alright, fine. Let's talk Mania. (About it's awesome opening and it's imapct)

Sonic Mania is a 2D, classic Sonic game (released, that's right, here in 2017). If you don't know that much you either haven't looked up 'Sonic' in the last (year?) or you're not a Sonic fan. In which case, I guess you should find a different blog.



Mania's opening. Note the flickies.


For those who haven't watched it ten million times, here it is, along with it's preorder trailer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex3QDARGtLg

 
The Opening. It's sick! (I mean awesome)
I recently watched the Sonic Mania opening...



The Opening

 

It's pretty epic. I love animation. Hate CGI. I understand it, in a video game. It's not a TV show, after all. But when they add it, I'm reeling with excitement: obsessed.

Sonic CD was the first to do so (that technically making it the first official cutscenes--something more than the in game sprites moving around...). It had an awesome opening that leaves "Sonic Boom" (by that I mean the song) echoing in your head for the rest of the day. In the American version, of course. It also had two endings and some clips during the credits, all pure amazing...ness.

Sonic CD-an ending credit scene

We wouldn't see anything like this again until Sonic Riders, with it's speedy, way past cool opening (called the "Demo Loop" in the theater section). It showed us, with it's edgy style and it's fast pace, "what true speed is...."

Sonic Rider's Opening

The only other games to compete with these striking scenes where Sonic and the Secret Rings, and Sonic and the Black Knight, AKA the "storybook series." The majority of the cutscenes in these games where not CGI but "purposely made 2D." I thought this was genius. This way, there were no "bad" (lesser quality) cutscenes, and the styles fit in with the themes of each tale. It was revolutionary. Too bad there are and likely will only ever be two.



Sonic and the Secret Rings and it's "picture like" cutscenes

But now we have a new revolution. And it's name is Mania. Sonic Mania.



Mania's pre-order trailer

Although the gloss and quality clear defines it as a work of the modern world, the opening fits early Sonic art (JP art...in the US he looked edgier. Or 90sier. Take your pick) and Sonic CD's style. It defines the game as every thing a Sonic game should be: Cool, cute, and fun.



The Opening

Personally I thought the music was "meh," but everyone was raving about it in the comments. It must be more of the world likes what I hate and blah blah blah. I mean, it was alright, sure. But it's not Crush 40, am I right?
Did somebody say Sonic Heroes? Because...



The Opening


At his side are his best buds Tails and Knuckles (as they are playable in the game). We get some peeks at the levels the game has in store with out it feeling slow. Sonic's attitude is the same as it has been: tapping his foot, giving a thumbs up, and expressing himself through smirks and stares.



Pre-order Trailer

I'd like to point out that Modern Sonic does the same (there where points where I was either like "that's just like modern," or "That's classic right there!") with his expressions, but since Classic Sonic lives in a (er...almost) voiceless world, it has more of an impact. Also, again, it's very similar to CD. 
 
Battle of the Ages...well not really. Gotta think fast?
 
I have to admit, I haven't been obsessing over this like...well? Everyone else. I love classic, I do, but instead of simply enjoying this moment, most have been trashing Sonic's modern era. Here's what I commented on one the youtube videos of it (not that you'd know considering it got buried among a ton of hater's comments--why they didn't reply to me remains a mystery. Scaredy-cats.)

This is what I put, mad at comments putting down modern games, voice acting, and storylines:
 
"First of all: WHOO! That was awesome (jumps up and down like a four year old)! WHOO! (looks at comments-sighs) Second of all: Stop trashing the modern era...When I was young, I played the classic games and watched the cartoons and I always disliked all the modern games and characters, save for Sonic (I loved those green eyes) and the main cast (Tails, Amy, Knux). But when I got older (and my family finally decided to move up from a Sega Genesis), I started to play the modern games, and now I love them (and modern characters--Shadow, Blaze, Jet...). I think most classic fans would like them, too, if they could adjust to the gameplay. Remember the ever so hated Sonic 06? I love that game; I think it's really fun. I like the stories, and the voice acting (at least with the 4kids voice actors). There had always has been a story to Sonic, whether it's the instruction book saying that Dr. Robotnik's up to his old tricks, Knuckles punching Sonic in the beginning of Sonic 3, or Sonic rescuing Amy ("Sally") after beating Metal Sonic. The story is just told differently, now. Now it's Sonic calling Shadow "faker" and it's Amy chasing Sonic with a huge hammer. Sonic may have gotten taller and his eyes maybe green but he's never lost his "I'm WAITING" attitude. Modern Sonic is Classic Sonic. End of story. On a side note, for those of you who have never touched a game beyond the 90s, I'd recommend Sonic Rush. It's 2D(.5) on the DS, close enough to classic gameplay that you could pick it up after playing a round of Sonic 2, and modern enough to include a different character with her own (pretty awesome) storyline and moves. If you not interested, THAT'S WHY THEY MADE THIS GAME, but stop taking your anger (probably from Sonic 4, right? I can't defend that. It made Sonic a slow-mo!) out on those who like the modern games. A person (or rather, "I") can easily love a round of Spring Yard Zone as they can a round of Mystic Mansion. And a person can be excited just as excited to play Mania as Forces (not me, though. I hear they're trying to make Shadow into a henchmen-type. Don't think I like that. Meanwhile, here's Mania, showing off some serious style). Now. I'm going to watch Sonic CD's opening and then Sonic Riders and then I'll watch this one again. Back to the awesome-ness. Back to the awesome-ness. 'I'm outta here.'"

If you don't feel like reading that, here's a summary: I love classic, but I love modern too. So XXXX off. It was a bit kinder but that's what it is.


Sonic CD: Sonic and a rescued Amy

So?
I probably won't get Mania for a long time. I mean, it's not like won't be available five years from now, when it's (hopefully) cheaper. That's my logic with most of the games now. It looks exciting; it looks like fun. But so does Sonic 2, which is currently shoved in my Sega Genesis.
"Respect the classics, man."



Sonic Mania Opening. Ignore Knuckles.



After Thoughts
First of all, I hope there's more of this animation, in Mania (I'm sure I could look it up, but do I dare?), but also in the Sonic series as a whole. I liked the cartoons as a kid, and was pretty disappointed that Sonic Boom was CGI (one of MANY disappointments with that show). But I think we all were impressed/satisfied with this style. I want more! Not just for classic, but for modern, too. I remember wishing that Zero Gravity ("Sonic Riders 2") had an intro like the first one...
It shows that the creators care about quality and expression, and it shows something important: that Sonic is cool.  

I hope that this [game] continues to be a new series, of sorts. Classic and modern. 2D games with simple expression, and 3D with complex stories.
...but I hope they ditch the cliché fan favs. No more Green Hill. Please. If I see or play it again, I swear...Seriously. I avoid Sonic 1 now. And classic should stick to his games and the generation series (if that becomes a thing). There's no need to give us more confusing 2D that's 3D. We want classic to be classic, not modern classic. If that makes any sense.

When they made Sonic 4, this is what we wanted. Old school style with new school polish. I'm sure that we'll all love it, but is it truly a new spin on the old tale, or is it just a rehash of the same old same old?

(Dun dun dun! To be continued...But, you know, not really.)

Have you gotten to play Mania? Tell what you think of it in the comments. Think it's exciting? Lame? Come on. Do it. I'm waiting...



Pre-order trailer

Well I'm outta here.