Sonic the Hedgehog producer and programmer Yuji Naka has been spilling some beans in a recent interview, talking about his secret action platformer, how Lemmings is his favorite game, and the history he has with Sega. The former president of Sonic Team went on to form his own studio, Prope, but is still very closely connected to Sega and had a few things to say about its departure from the home console market.
"Until the very final moments, I was very much against Sega ceasing to develop hardware," claims the Let's Tap creator. "In a way I feel that, had that decision not been made, Sega would have gone bankrupt - so maybe it was a good business decision. But at the same time, I also feel like, what the hell - we should have given it a go, and we should have taken that risk."
The famous game maker went on to stress that it was his personal opinion only, influenced by the fact that he loved his old company's hardware. In fact, Naka has such fond memories of Sega machinery that he honored the Dreamcast by making his studio's corproate color orange, a throwback to the tragic console's logo.
When asked about his new game (the action platformer which is apparently reminiscent of old-school Sonic), Naka is elusive, because the game is not yet approved. However, he promises that once the game gets a green light, we'll know a lot more. As a self-proclaimed Reverend of Sonicology, I can't wait to see what he's got cooking.
Contest:
3:20 PM on 02.04.2009
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and Naka...get the fuck back on Shenmue III and give us our final chapter.
I asked my folks to specifically buy me a Genesis over a SNES back in the day.
I requested a Saturn over a PS1 when that time came too.
I was born and raised on Sega hardware, and I love their systems like ill-supported and poorly designed brothers. I agree with Yuji Naka, and I'll remember the day the Dreamcast died like my grandpa did the death of JFK.
Also, needs moar Jet-Grinding and less hedgehog-milk.
Same with big companies, nobody's gonna take a chance on a Sega machine, especially not in this economical climate.
More to the point. surely Yuji Naka's departure is the core reason behind Sonic sucking balls like a prison bitch. Though when it comes to Sega they may have nearly gone bankrupt but thats due to hardware. Shenmue III, Skies of Arcadia 2. these properties alone would rake SEGA a financial fortune. WHY in gaming's name have they not made these two games yet. All we have is a tease at Vyse & Co in Valkyrie Cronhicles.
It pains me to say SEGA wouldn't last in the climate. Nintendo are dominating in the sales but aren't dominating in software interest like the 360 and if Sony wasn't the Hardware Giant from TV's dvd players etc that it is, I'ld say Sony is going the same way as SEGA. How Does the most dominant console on the market for two generations become dead last? (in terms of the big 3 consoles)
I want my classic SEGA back who gave me Panzer Dragoon Saga the most winning formula I've still played to date. SEGA isn't listening to its fan base or general audience, otherwise it knows that Panzer Dragoon Saga, Shenmue, Skies of Arcadia are in its consumers most wanted lists somewhere.