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New trailer for Sonic and the Black Knight (and Blaze the Cat)
Because you, the fans, demanded it, Sega is indeed including some of Sonic's pals in Sonic and the Black Knight. Clearly the best part of any Sonic game is the supporting cast. The latest trailer features an epic battle between Sonic and the fan-favorite Blaze the Cat, one of the more complex, multifaceted characters in the Sonic canon. In this game, Blaze plays the part of Percival, one of the Knights of the Round Table. She also fights with Sonic for some reason.The good news is that once you defeat her in the game's story mode, you can unlock Blaze, so you won't have to play through the whole Sonic game as Sonic. Whew.%Gallery-33434%
Joystiq hands-on: Sonic and the Black Knight (Wii)
Sonic continues his gimmicky journey into the current generation this March with Sonic and the Black Knight, the second in the "Sonic Storybook" series of games. In this series Sonic is pasted into a classic storybook environment -- Arabian Nights in Sonic and the Secret Rings and the Arthurian legends in Black Knight. "Pasted into" is definitely the right phrase, too. At times it's not clear why this is a Sonic game at all.In case you haven't heard, Sonic now has a sword. Those spines on his back? Pretty pointless. Swinging that sword requires you to shake the Wiimote, which we're sure you're already aware, gets pretty tired after a while. Despite that, Black Knight isn't a terrible game. It's definitely an improvement over Secret Rings, though you'd expect that considering the two and a half year gap between the titles.The horizontal Wiimote-only control system of Secret Rings has been replaced with the far superior Wiimote + Nunchuck system. As a result Sonic is no longer on rails and you can move him forwards and backwards as you please, though the levels have remained largely linear, with the exception of some arena-style duels. There are plenty of levels to explore, with incentives to go back to each of them and complete specific tasks and collect more followers.
Near-simultaneous worldwide release for Sonic and the Black Knight
Some happy news to start the weekend on: Sega's Japanese arm just announced that Sonic and the Black Knight would launch on March 10 in all territories apart from Japan, which will be getting the title on March 12. Then, on or around March 17, we can all start telling ourselves that Sonic's next game will see his return to form (we kid, please don't hurt us).Incidentally, should the planned release date hold, it will mean less than five months have passed between the release of Black Knight and Sonic's previous game, a prolific turnaround. Sega also sent out four new shots -- these are now ensconced in our gallery, and looking pretty fine!%Gallery-33434%
Sonic, the Black Knight, and the Stereotypical Sonic Music
For some reason, somebody at Sega got the idea that Sonic games needed to have ridiculous cheese-rock soundtracks. Come to think of it, discussion of a lot of aspects of 3D Sonic games would start with "For some reason ... " They're fairly enjoyable in a hilarious sort of way, but they always catch us off guard when we first hear them. This new Japanese trailer for Sonic and the Black Knight contains one of the finest examples of outrageous Sonic music yet!Speaking of recent Sonic tropes, is that ... another human(ish) love interest? That ... could be a problem. We must say that, at this point, the game parts of the game look pretty cool -- if you're going to give Sonic a sword, that's exactly the way to do it! If you'd like to see more, check the link for a few new screens! We remain skeptical -- there are certain warning signs about this game, like the presence of Sonic the Hedgehog.%Gallery-33434%
Sonic and the Black Knight's Wi-Fi modes explained
This pretty sweet Sonic and the Black Knight boxart emerged last month, inadvertently revealing that Sega had a whole new "Storybook Series" planned for Sonic. It also sported the Nintendo Wi-Fi logo, but the exact nature of the game's online mode wasn't clear -- until now.For those of you hoping for online sword duels: sorry, that's not happening. Siliconera's Spencer discovered a listing for the game on the site of Japanese retailer Rakuten which revealed Wi-Fi play would consist of trading items (Black Knight has 200+ items for you to hunt down) and ... some kind of ranking system. As it stands, you'll have to wait a bit longer for your chance to impale fellow Wii owners on the pointy end of Excalibur.%Gallery-33434%[Via Siliconera]
Try out Sega's Wii line-up early
If you're in the New York area between February 6 - 8, we are now officially jealous of you, for something other than the fact that you live in New York. Sega USA's blog informs us that House of the Dead: Overkill, Sonic and the Black Knight, MadWorld, and The Conduit will all be playable at the 2009 New York Comic-Con, which in our opinion makes the $30 fee for a Friday or Sunday ticket (or even the $40 for a Saturday pass) totally palatable. Alternatively, if you fancy being the jerk who hogs the Wii booths for a full three days, you can pony up $50 for the entire event.%Gallery-22964%[Via IGN]
Sonic and the Black Knight boxart suggests more storybook games
Without making a big deal about it, Sega quietly began a new spinoff franchise with Sonic and the Secret Rings. The first Sonic Wii game put Sega's mascot into an Arabian Nights-influenced world. The followup, Sonic and the Black Knight, was announced as the second entry in the "Storybook Series." New North American boxart for Black Knight found on Amazon shows that Sega has now decided to officially identify the game (and thus Secret Rings, retroactively) as a Storybook Series entry, right there in the corner of the label. And, really, the only reason to do that now is to set it up as an ongoing series. That means more Wii Sonic games in different worlds taken from classic stories. Hopefully for Sega, this initiative will work out better than Nintendo's Education Series.%Gallery-33434%[Via GoNintendo]
Trying to be nice about Sonic and the Black Knight
Even though Sonic Unleashed disagreed with us, we're going to try and maintain some optimism for Sonic and the Black Knight; after all, that's what The Cycle demands of us all, right? So let's see if we can make it through a whole Sonic post without being snarky jerks ... go!Nintendo Power's Sonic and the Black Knight preview has produced a pile of unrelated tidbits about the game. Some of which sound rather good, such as the news that there will be two interweaving paths throughout the title. You'll begin at Misty Lake, before progressing through Camelot Castle, Molten Mine, and Titanic Plain (where you can cut the grass with your sword, Caliburn -- a nice touch). In combat, you'll be able to incorporate different fighting styles; the new skills you gain depend on the style in which you played the level. You can also customize characters by granting them certain abilities, such as immunity from elemental status ailments.Oh yes, and plenty of Sonic's friends will be milling about. In what could be a genuinely interesting twist, Tails plays the role of blacksmith in this game, turning junk you collect into handy devices. Nintendo Power also confirms the presence of Knuckles, Blaze, and Shadow! Shadow!! That's (*grits teeth really, really hard*) brilliant news!%Gallery-33434%[Via Go Nintendo]
Nintendo dates Play on Wii, other 2009 releases for Europe
Supposedly, a list for what's coming next year in Europe was issued by NoE and it's been found on a few sites. The problem is that none of these sites source anything entirely credible, so we're remaining a bit skeptical on this one. What are you waiting for? Dive past the break for this rather extensive list of what's apparently going to release in Europe, including some Play on Wii titles, next year.
Sonic and the Ludicrous Body Armor
So it has come to this. Sonic and Knuckles, both kitted out in body armor (including some truly laughable headwear on Knuckles), and having it out with swords. Just kill us now.The latest fifteen screens of Sonic and the Black Knight suggest that Sega has learned nothing from the critical response to Sonic Unleashed. Many reviews heavily criticized the werehog melee sections, but praised the running bits. So why are Sonic and Knuckles now exchanging scimitar swipes?! Sega's fascination with turning Sonic games into some kind of cartoony God of War baffles us.Mind you, one possible explanation for this trend cropped up in the latest IGN 'Three Red Lights' podcast. Editor David Clayman revealed how Sonic Team has thus far avoided making a Sonic game featuring only running stages because it would last around three hours, such is the hedgehog's speed (full transcript here). In which case, may we politely suggest a WiiWare Sonic game?%Gallery-33434%[Screens via press release; Indoor Heroes link via Go Nintendo]
Sonic and the Black Knight loses a little color
Nintendo's logo isn't the only thing that seems to be missing a little color lately; the latest batch of screenshots from Sonic and the Black Knight are noticeably washed out in comparison to the last set we peeped. Those last screens were lush, bold, and beautiful, and while these look good, they just don't look as bright. There's something gritty in this new batch, though, something that's a little dark and a little dirty and very appealing. Go forth, young knight, and see for yourself.%Gallery-33434%
Another peek at Sonic and the Black Knight
We're slowly building a picture of Sonic and the Black Knight, and from the last we saw of the game, there's a real split among Wii owners on the game. Certainly we can all agree on one thing, though: these are probably not in-game shots. Doesn't mean we can't enjoy 'em, though!As you see more of the game, does your opinion change, or had you pretty much made up your mind upon first hearing about Sonic and his new big bad sword?%Gallery-33434%
Sonic and the Black Knight and the debut trailer
On July 19, 2008, seismologists across the globe experienced a strange phenomenon -- the needles on their trusty seismographs began to bounce ever so slightly. Some would blame it on tiny movements in our Earth's tectonic plates. Others would attribute it to faulty equipment. Those with an active internet connection and a penchant for gaming news, however, quickly discovered the cause of the activity -- simultaneous, powerful groans, uttered in response to an image of Sonic the Hedgehog, brandishing a broadsword.If you were among those who were hesitant towards yet another Sonic title in which the protagonist vanquishes foes, not with speed and well-timed jumps, but with weaponry, you might want to check out the debut trailer for Sonic and the Black Knight we've considerately posted after the jump. It looks quite similar to other post-Dreamcast games featuring the hyperactive hedgehog, only with, you know, a sword. We're a little puzzled by the trailer's complete lack of Martin Lawrence, but we're sure he'll make an appearance in future media for the title.
First look at Sonic and the Black Knight
And here's the other Sonic game. After this morning's gameplay trailer of Sonic Unleashed achieved the seemingly impossible and impressed us, this Sonic and the Black Knight footage wasn't quite as jaw-dropping.It looks like most other 3D Sonic games since the first Sonic Adventure, in that's it's very fast and very whizzy, and appears to restrict levels of player input. It could, potentially, be fun, but we're still not sold on the idea of tying Sonic into Arthurian legend, or even equipping him with weapons. Mind you, Sonic with a talking sword is still preferable to Shadow with a gun. Sheesh, we just remembered Shadow is in this and depressed ourselves.%Gallery-33434%
Put a bit of yourself in Sonic and the Black Knight
You might be feeling disheartened about not hearing back from the organizers of the Little King's Story "UMA" Contest, a competition that gave fans a chance to have their art appear in the game. But don't pack your crayons away and sulk just yet, because Sega is offering the exact same prize for Sonic and the Black Knight.If you're over 13 years of age, reside in the U.S. or Canada (there will be a European contest in the future), and are willing to draw Sonic or one of his awful friends, then get entering! If you're one of the twenty artists selected by Sega, your art will appear in the title, and you'll get a free copy of the game.Did we say twenty? We meant nineteen. Naturally, we're super-duper drawers and color-inners, so you may be lucky enough to have your art placed next to ours in Sonic's world! That's right: we just asked you to bring it.[Update: removed link][Via Siliconera]
Even Sega thinks Sonic needs saving
It's not just everybody in the world but Sega who thinks Sonic games have lost their way. The company itself thinks it, and not just in its quieter, more private moments -- Sega of America Marketing veep Sean Ratcliffe has admitted to GameDaily that "some of the criticism" for years of janky 3D Sonic titles is "probably warranted." Some? Probably? Fortunately for us, the Nintendo platforms have so far escaped with okay Sonic games -- Sonic and the Secret Rings was decent, while the Sonic Rush titles on the DS were enjoyable romps. Elsewhere, things are bleaker, but Ratcliffe hopes the likes of Sonic Unleashed and Sonic and the Black Knight can kickstart the rescue mission. "I would say we recognize [the dip in quality], which is why you're seeing us this year taking the first steps in making sure the quality is right, and we're constantly looking at innovation."Sega, it really could not be simpler: Hand-drawn 2D. 30 stages. Just Sonic and maybe Tails. WiiWare. 500 Points. Bam.%Gallery-19031%
Sonic and the Black Knight scann'd and quartered
We promised an update, so here we are! That oft-discussed Nintendo Power cover did contain some righteous screens of Sonic and the Black Knight within its papery (Remember paper? The stuff you learned stuff from before the internet?) depths, and we commandeered the above shot for your viewing pleasure.This new Sonic adventure takes the series in a new direction which, as evidenced by fans continuously lamenting the destruction of the franchise, is sorely needed. The initial reaction hasn't been positive, as fans don't expect this game to be some kind of salvation. Some gameplay details have been revealed, including multiple characters (namely Shadow and Knuckles), different sword maneuvers, and a system which earns knighthood points depending on your good or bad actions during levels. Oh, and his sword is named Calibur, and it talks.Well, we all wanted Sonic to go really fast, and that turned out to be a big bust, so what now? Do you feel like a passenger on a train bound for Shovelware City? Check out the rest of the scans at Gamekyo and have your say.
Sega confirms Sonic and the Black Knight, Spring 2009
Sonic continues his storybook adventures with Sonic and the Black Knight, a Wii-exclusive Arthurian sequel to the Arabian Nights-infused Sonic and the Secret Rings. In this installment, Sonic picks up a sword "to aid in his effort to save the day," causing us to wonder aloud (stop staring at us!) if Black Knight could be one of the first third-party games to utilize the Wii MotionPlus.Oh, and far be it from us to tell Sega how to run its show but, despite the opportunity provided by a recent industry event, the first you'll see of Sonic and the Black Knight will be within the pages of next month's Nintendo Power before its release in Spring 2009.
Sonic and the Black Knight is totally real
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Sonic_and_the_Black_Knight_is_totally_real'; After that sexy Nintendo Power cover (check it out again after the break) and a pretty legit-sounding scenario, Sonic and the Black Knight is now confirmed as a Wii-exclusive title. Some guy on the official SEGA message boards "confirmed" it was real, but offered no details beyond waiting for the official page on sega.com. So, like the genius detectives we are, a short investigation of the official page turned up this information.The game takes place in a "storybook world of Arthurian legend," with Sonic wielding a sword to do battle with various ne'er-do-wells in medieval times. Not much else is explained beyond that, but we'll keep you posted on any updates to the official page. Stick around and Sonic will thank you.
Rumor: Nintendo Power to reveal Wii exclusive Sonic and the Black Knight
At the end of last month's issue of Nintendo Power, the editors promised a huge reveal in the magazine's following issue, teasing those anxiously awaiting Wii-exclusive installments in the Earthbound and Kingdom Hearts franchises. However, if the supposed scans of the cover of the upcoming edition of Nintendo Power that have begun to trickle onto the internet are legit, then the publication's big surprise could be coming from an unexpected source -- a new adventure of a recognizable blue rodent, titled Sonic and the Black Knight.Assuming the scans are real, the twentieth anniversary edition of Nintendo Power will give readers their first look at the title. No other details are given on the supposed cover, though we're sure the sole image of the cerulean speedster brandishing a broadsword is enough to send you into a tizzy. However, let us not forget the disaster that resulted the last time we bestowed a lethal weapon upon a hedgehog.
