Shrygue
August 7th, 2008, 19:57
via Computer and Video Games (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=194796)
Sega of America VP Sean Ratcliffe has admitted that some of the criticism directed at recent Sonic games "is probably warranted.
"We definitely recognize that a franchise that has been going as long as Sonic," he said to Game Daily, "you really have to put a huge amount of effort in to make sure that you maintain that quality, and arguably a disproportionate amount of effort."
Ratcliffe went on to say that Sega was looking for new ways to innovate and keep the franchise fresh. "We can't just stand still with Sonic," he said. "We've got to be looking at different ways to develop the character, different genres, and so on."
So how does that relate to recent titles, like the Sonic game released in 2006? Ratcliffe added: "I think that was relatively early in the next-gen cycle when lots of developers were just coming to grips with the technology.
"It's not a huge surprise when you try to get something out for launch or thereabouts and the quality is not optimal.
"This time around, with Sonic Unleashed, we got a great new engine, the Hedgehog engine, and that allows us to truly deliver the Sonic experience as it arguably should have been on the next-gen - you know, blending classic 2D gameplay with 3D, beautiful landscapes, rich environments."
According to the VP, the 'Werehog' feature is also part of the innovation Sega is trying to introduce. "For fans of Sonic that have been looking for a next-gen experience, this is the game they've been waiting for," he said.
Sega of America VP Sean Ratcliffe has admitted that some of the criticism directed at recent Sonic games "is probably warranted.
"We definitely recognize that a franchise that has been going as long as Sonic," he said to Game Daily, "you really have to put a huge amount of effort in to make sure that you maintain that quality, and arguably a disproportionate amount of effort."
Ratcliffe went on to say that Sega was looking for new ways to innovate and keep the franchise fresh. "We can't just stand still with Sonic," he said. "We've got to be looking at different ways to develop the character, different genres, and so on."
So how does that relate to recent titles, like the Sonic game released in 2006? Ratcliffe added: "I think that was relatively early in the next-gen cycle when lots of developers were just coming to grips with the technology.
"It's not a huge surprise when you try to get something out for launch or thereabouts and the quality is not optimal.
"This time around, with Sonic Unleashed, we got a great new engine, the Hedgehog engine, and that allows us to truly deliver the Sonic experience as it arguably should have been on the next-gen - you know, blending classic 2D gameplay with 3D, beautiful landscapes, rich environments."
According to the VP, the 'Werehog' feature is also part of the innovation Sega is trying to introduce. "For fans of Sonic that have been looking for a next-gen experience, this is the game they've been waiting for," he said.