Wikipedia

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

For the first episode, see Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II[a] is an episodic platform video game developed by Dimps with assistance from Sonic Team, and published digitally by Sega for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iOS, Android, and Microsoft Windows in 2012, with ports to the Ouya and Nvidia Shield releasing in 2013. It is a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (2010), taking place shortly after the events of the game and following Sonic and Tails as they attempt to once again stop Doctor Eggman and a newly revived Metal Sonic from using Little Planet to power the Death Egg mk.II space station. Like its predecessor, Episode II is restricted to a 2D plane with players guiding Sonic and Tails through levels, collecting rings and rolling into enemies; collecting Chaos Emeralds also requires players to access Special Stages by ending a stage with enough rings.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
Digital cover art featuring Sonic (right) and Tails (left) in front of the first stage, Sylvania Castle
Digital cover art
Developer(s)Dimps
Sonic Team
Publisher(s)Sega
Director(s)Makoto Suzuki
Producer(s)Takashi Iizuka
Hiroyuki Kawano
Designer(s)Kenji Ayukawa
Programmer(s)Kōji Okugawa
Artist(s)Hideaki Moriya
Yuji Uekawa
Satoshi Takemura
Composer(s)Jun Senoue
SeriesSonic the Hedgehog
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Android, iOS, Ouya, Shield Portable, Shield Android TV
Release
May 15, 2012[8]
  • Microsoft Windows
    • WW: May 15, 2012[1]
    PlayStation 3[2]
    • NA: May 15, 2012
    • WW: May 16, 2012
    Xbox 360
    • WW: May 16, 2012[3]
    Android
    • WW: May 16, 2012[4]
    iOS
    • WW: May 17, 2012[5]
    Ouya
    • WW: July 3, 2013[6]
    Nvidia Shield
    • WW: July 31, 2013[7]
Genre(s)Platformer
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Development on Episode II began shortly after the release of Episode I in late-2010, being made alongside Sonic Generations (2011) and lasting just under a year and a half. The developers primarily based the new gameplay mechanics and changes off feedback received after the release of Episode I. In addition to the return of Tails, Episode Metal was created for players who had purchased both games, allowing players to play as Metal Sonic through shortened versions of stages from the first game. Additional ports to the Windows Phone and Wii as part of the WiiWare service were conceived, but cancelled due to space constraints. In preparation for the release of Episode II, Sonic CD was re-released to act as a 'prequel' to the game's events.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II received generally average reviews from critics; many cited it as an improvement over its predecessor with praise towards its better physics engine, visuals, and multiplayer functionality, but criticism towards its music, boss fights, and level design. While a moderate commercial success, Episode II sold worse than its predecessor and would be the last Sonic 4 episode, with Iizuka confirming shortly before release that an Episode III would not be produced. In spite of the relatively poor performance of the title, it would later influence the development of Sonic Runners (2015); another mainline 2D Sonic game would not be released until Sonic Mania in 2017.

Gameplay

edit
 
In-game screenshot, showing both Sonic and Tails in White Park Zone

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II is a 2D side-scrolling platformer reminiscent of the original Sonic games for the Sega Genesis, and plays similarly to its predecessor, however levels are rendered in full 3D.[9][10] Sonic and Tails are the playable characters across the game, although Tails can only be controlled in multiplayer, as he otherwise follows Sonic's movements.[11][12] Both characters are able to move left or right to gain speed, jump, and roll into a ball to either gain speed down slopes or attack enemies. Pressing jump in mid-air allows Sonic to use the "homing attack" from the 3D games, which moves Sonic to the highlighted object (usually enemies or objects).[11][13] New to Episode II are tag-team actions, such as Tails being able to fly up Sonic to areas Sonic cannot reach, or both rolling into a singular ball to perform a fast spin attack.[9][12][13]

Episode II takes place across four levels ("zones"), each divided into three acts and a special fourth act dedicated to the boss.[13][14] Each level contains several set pieces including slopes, loops, springs, boost pads, and bottomless pits.[13] Like many Sonic games, rings act as a form of health and protect them from a hit, but are scattered before disappearing;[11] if a player is hit without any, gets crushed, or falls into a pit, they will lose a life, and losing all lives will result in a game over. Most of the stages take inspiration from locations Sonic 2 or Sonic & Knuckles (1994).[10][14]

Finishing an act with at least 50 rings will give the player an option to access a Special Stage, in a similar vein to Sonic the Hedgehog (1991). Special Stages in Episode II are based on the half-pipe format introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992), in which the game switches to a front-facing perspective as they move left and right on the board, collecting rings and avoiding hazards.[11][14] Getting enough rings will reward the player with a Chaos Emerald.[10][12] The game features Red Star Rings, reappearing from Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations, with one Red Ring hidden per act, although they only unlock an achievement and have no effect on gameplay.[10]

Owners of both Episode I and II on the same system can unlock free "Episode Metal" content in Episode II.[12][15][8] "Episode Metal" explains how Metal Sonic was revived after being defeated in Sonic CD. Players can control Metal Sonic through four acts, all of which are reworked from the first act of each zone in Episode I.[12][13]

Plot

edit

Metal Sonic survived his previous defeat in Sonic CD (1993), but was severely damaged, and left on Little Planet when it disappeared at the end of the game. After the events of Episode I, Little Planet returns, and Dr. Eggman locates and repairs Metal Sonic.[16] Sonic hears that Eggman is back and reunites with Tails to stop him. Meanwhile, Metal Sonic, after receiving a mysterious power source, searches for the heroes and sees them fly away in the Tornado, following them using Tails' rocket.

It is revealed that Eggman plans to construct a new Death Egg mk.II over Little Planet. As the dwarf planet heads back into space, Sonic and Tails follow the villains to the Death Egg. Inside, they confront and defeat Metal Sonic. Later, they defeat Eggman at the heart of the base. Sonic and Tails then escape via space pods just before the Death Egg begins to explode. As the credits roll, the duo head back to Earth while the Death Egg shuts down.

Development

edit

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II began development in late-2010, shortly after the release of Episode I and alongside Sonic Generations (2011);[17][18] like its predecessor, Episode II was primarily handled by Dimps, with Sonic Team assisting the company throughout the development.[19] Among the changes included a rewritten physics engine styled after the Genesis games after the first episode received criticism for its physics implementation.[18][20]

In February 2011, Episode II was confirmed to be in early development with brand manager Ken Balough stating: "the idea is to introduce new zones with things you haven't seen." He also hinted that Episode II may have a larger budget than Episode I, due to the commercial success of Episode I. Balough stated that many ideas in Episode II were planned while the first episode was under development.[17] Sega of America community manager Aaron Webber also hinted at Tails' appearance in Episode II with a reference to Isaiah Berlin's essay The Hedgehog and the Fox.[21]

On August 23, 2011, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka stated: "this year, 2011, is the anniversary, so we're focusing on the celebration title, but moving forward to 2012, Sonic will still be going, so I'd hope to provide Episode 2 then." He also said that Sonic Team "knew about the anniversary year," and that "Generations was planned way in advance. it was always our plan to release Episode 2 after Generations."[22] Preparing for Episode II's release, Sega re-released Sonic CD to digital platforms in late-2011, billing it as a 'prequel' to Sonic 4 as Episode II’s story would rely heavily on what occurred in CD.[23][24]

Release and marketing

edit

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II was officially revealed on December 29, 2011,[25] after previously being hinted at with a poem referring to the HMS Warrior (which made its maiden voyage on December 29, 1860).[26] While it was developed for most of the same platforms as the first episode, Episode II was confirmed to not be getting a release for the Wii on WiiWare by Balough, only stating "Episode II unfortunately will not be coming to the Wii - for reasons most have probably guessed."[27][28] Digital Spy theorized it was not developed due to size constraints,[27] which was later confirmed by Iizuka, stating that the full 3D graphics unlike Episode I's prerendered style meant it couldn't fit within the size limitation.[b][20] A Windows Phone port was also in development which was to include save compatibility with the Xbox 360 version through cloud saving, but also ended up cancelled for unknown reasons.[30][31] Sonic Super Special Magazine #3 (published by Archie Comics) also included a short promo comic for Episode II set shortly before the events of the game.[32]

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II released in all regions from May 15-17, 2012.[8] Shortly before the official release, on April 21, 2012, Episode II was accidentally made playable for people who had pre-ordered the game on Steam[33][34] before being quickly removed.[34][35] Due to the circumstances around the leak, Sega confirmed it would not seek to suspend accounts who had played the game early.[36] Just over a year after its release, both Episode I and II were released for the Ouya and Nvidia Shield on July 9 and July 31, 2013, respectively.[37][38][7] Later on in 2016, both games were also added to the Xbox One's catalog of backward-compatible games.[39] The iOS version was delisted in 2014 due to compatibility issues with iOS 7, before being relisted a year later with the issues fixed.[40] In 2018, Episode II was added to the Sega Forever service on mobile, making it free to play with ads.[41]

Reception

edit

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II received mixed reviews. Review aggregator website Metacritic gave the PlayStation 3 version 63/100,[43] the Xbox 360 version 61/100,[44] the PC version 54/100,[45] and the iOS version 66/100.[42] While a moderate commercial success, becoming the fifth best-selling game on the PlayStation Store,[52] it was noted by Ryan Langley of Gamasutra (now Game Developer) that the leaderboards weren't showing much activity, suggesting it hadn't sold as well as the first game.[53]

The game's improved physics and visuals were the most praised aspects of the game. Many reviewers considered it an improvement over its predecessor. The co-op mechanics were also praised. However, complaints were raised on its repetitive boss fights and level design. IGN's Lucas M. Thomas gave the game a score of 6.5, stating that while it fixes the physics problems of Episode I, it is still missing the "magic" of its Genesis predecessors.[12] GamesRadar+'s Lucas Sullivan criticized it in similar ways, stating that the two-player mode "seems to prioritize griefing your friends instead making real in-game progress," and further stating that "every time we felt like we were reliving our old Sonic glory days, the next stage would incorporate limp and uninspired gimmicks like shifting winds or avalanche snowboarding."[48]

Electronic Gaming Monthly's Ray Carsillo gave the game a 6.5, praising the "old-school Sonic" aspects of the gameplay, but criticizing the Tails-related gameplay, stating "there were too many puzzles that required Tails' assistance."[46] Joystiq's Richard Mitchell had mixed feelings on the game as well, awarding it 3 out of 5 stars, and stating "Episode 2 makes improvements over its predecessor, with better visuals, useful co-op maneuvers and great special stages, but the inconsistent boss battles and uninspired level design keep it from recapturing Sonic's glory days."[50] GameTrailers gave the game a score of 5.5, saying that the level design and the team-up moves often slow the pace of the game.[49] Official Xbox Magazine's (UK) Jon Blyth was more positive, concluding that the game was "a smooth, slippery Sonic that takes another step away from it's [sic] single-button origins without losing any of the hog essence. With local and online co-op, it offers just enough entertainment to justify its steep episodic price."[51]

Legacy

edit

In March 2012, Iizuka announced that Sega did not plan to continue Sonic 4 beyond Episode II.[54] In 2015, Australian developer Christian Whitehead said that he had been offered the opportunity to develop Episode III with Sega Studios Australia before that division was shut down, and he instead worked on remasters of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 between 2012 and 2013. He said that while it was possible that Episode III could eventually be made, it was unlikely.[55] Whitehead would go on to lead the development of Sonic Mania (2017), which, like Sonic 4, acts as a sequel to the Genesis Sonic games. Sonic 4 and Sonic Mania were frequently compared, with journalists viewing Sonic 4 unfavorably in contrast to Mania.[56][57]

In 2015, Sega released Sonic Runners for mobile devices; it is an endless runner game and was the first Sonic Team game developed specifically for smartphones. In an interview with TouchArcade, Takashi Iizuka admitted that the development of Runners was influenced by Sonic Team's work on the mobile ports of Episodes I and II, wishing to make a new game with the hardware in mind.[58] Like Sonic 4, Sonic Runners received mixed reviews and was considered a commercial failure, with heavy criticism towards its monetization but praise towards its gameplay.[59][60] It was discontinued in 2016.[61]

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Japanese: ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ4(フォー) エピソードII(ツー), Hepburn: Sonikku za Hejjihoggu Fō: Episōdo Tsū
  2. ^ WiiWare games have a maximum size limit of 40 megabytes.[29]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II". Steam. May 15, 2012. Archived from the original on August 1, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  2. ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (PlayStation 3)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on June 16, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  3. ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (Xbox 360)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on June 16, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  4. ^ Ruddock, David (May 16, 2012). "Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II Review: A Really Great Game - If You Have A Controller... And Some Patience". Android Police. Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  5. ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (iOS)". IGN. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  6. ^ Usher, Anthony (July 9, 2013). "Sonic spin dashes onto Ouya in Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episodes I and II". Pocket Gamer. Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II THD Pre-Loaded on NVIDIA SHIELD". Sega Blog. July 31, 2013. Archived from the original on December 6, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  8. ^ a b c Oliver, Tristan (April 5, 2012). "UPDATE: New Sonic 4: Episode II Trailer Debuts". Tssznews. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  9. ^ a b Workman, Robert (May 18, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2". GameZone. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c d e Barnholt, Ray (May 14, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II Review: Blue Renewed". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
  11. ^ a b c d e Neigher, Eric (May 22, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 20, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g Thomas, Lucas M. (May 18, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review". IGN. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  13. ^ a b c d e f Nichols, Scott (May 22, 2012). "'Sonic 4: Episode 2' review (Xbox Live): Running on fumes". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved June 29, 2012.
  14. ^ a b c d Nelson, Jared (May 16, 2012). "'Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II' Review – Another New Sonic Game That Isn't Terrible". TouchArcade. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  15. ^ "'Sonic 4: Episode 2' Release Date & 'Episode Metal' Bonus Revealed". Game Rant. April 10, 2012. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  16. ^ Sahdev, Ishaan (December 29, 2011). "Tails Returns As A Playable Character In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2". Siliconera. Gamurs Group. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  17. ^ a b Oliver, Tristan (February 25, 2011). "Sonic 4: Episode II Now "In Early Development", Says Ken Balough". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on February 27, 2011. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  18. ^ a b Joscelyne, Svend (March 13, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 - Interview". SPOnG. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  19. ^ "Who's making Sonic 4? Well, since you asked..." Sega Forums. Sega. February 24, 2011. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  20. ^ a b Yin-Poole, Wesley (March 13, 2012). "Sonic 4 Episode 2's new physics based on Mega Drive games". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  21. ^ Oliver, Tristan (February 3, 2011). "Sega Celebrates Hedgehog Day, Hints at Tails in Sonic 4: Episode 2?". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on February 5, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  22. ^ GeneHF (August 23, 2011). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 in 2012, Episode 3 Unlikely". Sonic Retro. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  23. ^ Meyer, John (August 25, 2011). "Sonic CD Spins Onto Consoles, Phones". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  24. ^ Orland, Kyle (August 25, 2011). "Sega Confirms Sonic CD Release For Consoles, PC, Smartphone". Game Developer. Informa Tech. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  25. ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Ken Balough Interview". GameSpot. Fandom, Inc. December 29, 2011. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  26. ^ Balzani, Louis (December 21, 2011). "Cryptic Sonic 4: Episode II Hint Posted". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on December 2, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  27. ^ a b Nichols, Scott (December 30, 2011). "'Sonic 4: Episode 2' not coming to Wii". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  28. ^ Newton, James (December 30, 2011). "SEGA Confirms No WiiWare Outing for Sonic 4: Episode II". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  29. ^ Kietzmann, Ludwig (December 25, 2010). "Team Meat explains what went wrong with WiiWare's Super Meat Boy". Engadget. Yahoo! Inc. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  30. ^ Phillips, Tom (March 16, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 syncs Xbox, Windows Phone play". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  31. ^ Kieldsen, Sam (March 19, 2012). "Xbox and Windows Phone unite in new Sonic game". CNET. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  32. ^ Esposito, Joey (April 25, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog Preview Madness". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  33. ^ Conditt, Jessica (April 22, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 was playable on Steam yesterday, oops". Engadget. Yahoo! Inc. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  34. ^ a b Good, Owen (April 21, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode 2 Beta Accidentally Leaked To Steam Users". Kotaku Australia. G/O Media. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  35. ^ Sanchez, David (May 18, 2012). "Sonic 4: Episode II was leaked on Steamews". GameZone. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  36. ^ Oliver, Tristan (April 21, 2012). "Those Who Nabbed S4E2 Leak on Steam "Did So Legitimately," Says Parker". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on April 28, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  37. ^ Williams, Mike (June 5, 2013). "Sega embracing "disruptive" Ouya with Sonic". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on June 8, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
  38. ^ Usher, Anthony (July 9, 2013). "Sonic spin dashes onto Ouya in Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episodes I and II". Pocket Gamer. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  39. ^ Matulef, Jeffrey (July 21, 2016). "Sonic 4 is now backwards compatible on Xbox One". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  40. ^ Musgrave, Shaun (May 29, 2015). "'Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 2' Works Again On iOS 8.3 For Some Reason". Touch Arcade. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  41. ^ Robertson, Kieran (August 3, 2018). "Sega Forever brings Sonic 4: Episode II to the collection". PocketGamer. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  42. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
  43. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  44. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  45. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  46. ^ a b Carsillo, Ray (May 15, 2012). "EGM Review: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II". Electronic Gaming Monthly. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  47. ^ Schaller, Kevin (May 29, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review". GameRevolution. Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  48. ^ a b Sullivan, Lucas (May 15, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II review". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  49. ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review". GameTrailers. May 21, 2012. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  50. ^ a b Mitchell, Richard (May 16, 2012). "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 review: Running in place". Joystiq. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  51. ^ a b Blyth, Jon (May 17, 2012). "Xbox Live Arcade Review: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Review". Official Xbox Magazine UK. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  52. ^ "May 2012 PSN Top Sellers: The Walking Dead Invades The Charts". PlayStation Blog. Sony. June 13, 2012. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  53. ^ Langley, Ryan (June 20, 2012). "Xbox Live Arcade sales analysis, May 2012". Game Developer. Informa Tech. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  54. ^ Batchelor, James (March 23, 2012). "Future Sonic 4 episodes canned". MCV/Develop. Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  55. ^ Whitehead, Christian [@The Taxman] (January 5, 2015) I've always assumed Sonic 4 Episode 3 fizzled out as things evolved with SOA, Sega Networks & F2P etc. I guess it's been long enough that it's not relevant any more, but I was briefly asked if I would be interested in collaborating with Sega Studios Australia (Who did the Castle of Illusion remake) as a potential dev team to work on the third one. Sadly though, SSA were shut down, and Stealth and I worked on the Sonic 1 & 2 remasters in late 2012-2013. Of course, you never know, Sonic Team could one day decide Ep3 should happen, but Ken pretty much confirms my personal thoughts Archived September 20, 2024, at the Wayback Machine (forum post) – via Sonic Retro. Accessed April 17, 2020.
  56. ^ Linneman, John (July 26, 2016). "Is Sonic Mania the sequel we've waited decades for?". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  57. ^ Nelson, Jared (August 15, 2017). "'Sonic Mania' First Impressions – The True 'Sonic 4' Has Arrived, and I'm Begging You Sega, I Need It On Mobile". TouchArcade. Archived from the original on October 1, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  58. ^ Musgrave, Shaun (June 30, 2015). "An Interview With Sonic Team's Takashi Iizuka About 'Sonic Runners' – TouchArcade". Touch Arcade. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  59. ^ "Sonic Runners Critic Reviews". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  60. ^ Musgrave, Shaun (June 30, 2015). "'Sonic Runners' Review – It's Always Something, Isn't It?". TouchArcade. Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  61. ^ Whitehead, Thomas (May 28, 2016). "Sonic Runners, SEGA's Mobile Release by the Sonic Team, is Getting Shut Down". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sonic_the_Hedgehog_4:_Episode_II&oldid=1257009234"