So Sonic is teaming up with Mario in a game, but haven’t Sonic games just sucked hard lately? That was the first question that popped into my head as I started to read N’gai Croal’s interview with Nintendo’s Vice President Perrin Kaplan and Sega of America President Simon Jeffery. Let’s face it, Sonic games have sucked pretty much since they came out on something other than a Sega console. And, although Sonic and the Secret Rings has received decent press I have also heard enough negative things about it, and seen enough of the game being played to ultimately find it completely uncompelling. But when we throw Mario and Nintendo into the mix, does it give the title hope?
Croal’s interview with two powerful members of Sega and Nintendo boiled down to a few reasons why this game has potential: it is being developed by Nintendo and Sega, and Miyamoto is contributing to the title. Croal asked the dynamic duo about how they are going to push this game onto an audience that might feel burned about the “quality of recent Sonic releases” to which Jeffery responded:
The game itself is being built as a collaboration between Sega and Nintendo. It’s being built predominantly by Sega’s sports team, rather than Sonic Team. [Note: We asked Sega PR whether the company's AM2 studio was making the game. The answer was no, that it's a separate team that they aren't currently identifying.]. We wanted to bring some fresh air in. But there’s very heavy involvement from Nintendo, and we’re honored that Miyamoto-san himself is actually very closely involved, is looking at every milestone, is involved in the strategic direction for the game. So this isn’t another game that’s being built by the Sonic Team. It’s something that’s a collaboration between Nintendo and Sega.
While I am sure that that is enough assurance for the many Nintendo fanboys it still remains to be seen if someone can revive the Sonic franchise. While the inclusion of Mario will definitely help title sales I wonder if this will also help improve the quality of the game that Nintendo makes. With two big developers like Nintendo developing a title together people’s expectations will be high. Perhaps with Miyamoto-san on board we will get a game that is worthy of our 50$ investment.
I am not worried about the quality of the title because it is a Sonic game, but because it is a Wii game. We don’t have to worry about the problems of recent Sonic games because it is not a traditional Sonic game. It is a game composed of numerous olympics inspired minigames. I think that the minigames issue is where the true problem lies. How much longer do we have to continue receiving Wii games that are multiplayer oriented. Sure there are other single-player games out for the Wii but thus far the most interesting titles, besides Twilight Princess, have been the party games. While I do love me some party games every now and then this is not why I purchased a Wii and believed in their message. They have disillusioned me and will continue to do so until I see some games that use both the innovative controls and present a compelling experience for the hardcore gamer in me.
Chufmoney