As you know by now, I spent a portion of E3 chatting with Sonic the Hedgehog 4 brand manager Ken Balough. I wanted to know exactly why Sonic 4 is episodic, and I was informed that the reasons were twofold.
"The thing is we need the consumer to be able to absorb it," he stated. "If we went out with the grand story that is Sonic 4 it would be a very large and costly download experience. The consumer has gotten used to paying a certain amount of money for a certain packet of content so we need to make sure we abide by that because we definitely don't want to turn off the consumer. We want them to pay the right price for the right content.
"Not only does it allow the consumer to absorb it, it allows the consumer to give feedback every step of the way, and that's something that a lot of games don't do. With Episode One you'll be able to give feedback that will apply to Episode Two and so on. Basically, we're going to let the community be very involved with Sonic 4 and that's the way it should be."
I hope by "grand story", Ken just means the size of the game as opposed to the sweeping grandeur of another Sonic narrative that nobody will like. Regardless, I like the second reason for the episodic decision. Fan feedback that can alter the course of future episodes is a promising concept, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that Sega is serious about listening to consumers.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
9:40 AM on 06.22.2010 | 
What i'm trying to say is I don't want to wait for the next "part" of the game, especially with Sonic. It doesn't feel right.
Episodic downloaded games can suck on my left nut.
As for player feedback, the problem is that if you change anything considerable in later installments, it creates a disconnect, where the game you thought you knew how to play no longer plays the same. Just have the balls to go with your vision and stick to it.
But who am I kidding, Sega's testicles exploded a long time ago.
Sega: "no no, we're still fucking it up... just in a different way this time"
There's just something about physically owning a game that feels nicer than just owning data.
He must just run his finger through the dictionary until he finds the best verb to use.
So Sonic 4 is in parts because it's downloadable, and because they aren't confident enough in their product to sell it at retail and want fan feedback?
Those are some huge red flags when they have that little confidence in their ability to make a 2D platformer.
No, seriously. The last couple have been stretched out over a week. I just find it mildly annoying to see the same interview pop up every day. I'd rather just sit down and read the whole thing in one go.
I joke. I for one am looking forward to Sonic 4. Would absolutely prefer a shiny retail disc though.
Tap: AAAAAAAAAAAA
Let go.
Result: VROOOOOM!
And yes, I liked Shadow the Hedgehog ;P
One game for the price of three!
BUY!