sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1
Latest
Sonic 4 episodes now on Ouya; Sonic CD coming 'soon'
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 are now available on Ouya. Episode 1 allows Ouya owners free access to the Splash Hill Zone, while Episode 2 offers up its first two stages gratis. Each episode costs $6.99 to unlock the full experience. Sega previously revealed that 1993's Sonic CD, arguably the peak in the series, would launch on Ouya in June, but that obviously didn't happen. Instead, we're left to expect Sonic CD on the Ouya "soon," per Sega of America's latest update.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic CD coming to Ouya this month
Sega announced plans to support the Android-powered Ouya console after its public launch later this month with a trio of Sonic the Hedgehog releases. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, Sonic 4: Episode 2, and Sonic CD will be released in the Ouya Store on June 27 for $7 each. All three games were previously released for iOS and Android devices, though the Ouya ports are optimized for the console's Tegra 3 processor, and will have free trial versions available in the Ouya Store. Speaking to GamesIndustry International, Sega of America Director of Mobile Business David Zemke praised Ouya's "disruptive technology," and expressed the company's desire "to see what these technologies can do and be a part of it from the beginning." Zemke also addressed the potential for future Ouya releases. "We're always looking for other titles and there may be some future titles that we'd like to bring over," he said. "For us, we're always trying to bring the best gaming experience to the right platforms. It's a delicate mix of how and when to do it." The Ouya will launch on June 25.
Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]
The pinnacle of all human achievement, "Open Your Heart" from the Sonic Adventure soundtrack, is now available on iTunes, as are a plethora of other Sonic-related albums from across the breadth of time and space. The soundtracks to Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic CD and others can be yours for the paltry sum of $9.99 each, which is a small price to pay for 20 to 30 tracks per album of gloriously ridiculous nostalgia-metal.Soundtracks for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 will be available before too long, according to Sega. Head on through to the other side for a full list of what's available now and how to get it.Update: As it turns out, these soundtracks have been available since last year or earlier. Sega decided to nest the announcement of forthcoming Episode 1 and Episode 2 soundtracks within a reiteration of the availability of its other musical offerings.
Sonic 4 Episode 2 'locks on' to Episode 1 to add Metal Sonic
If you own Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, you'll be able to unlock extra content in Episode 2. Owners of both get free access to "Episode Metal," which adds four new levels and a playable Metal Sonic character.This functionality recalls the "Lock-On" technology in Sonic & Knuckles, which allowed Sega Genesis owners to connect previous Sonic games to the cartridge and replay them as Knuckles the Echidna. The difference now, of course, is that there's no cartridge to connect.
Sega Valentine's Day sale starts today for mobile titles
For some, Valentine's Day is a sweet occasion. Happy couples the world over will be lounging back, nibbling on an array of chocolate delights before partaking in the annual somersault contest that ensues. You know, like how our parents used to do before they got all old and stuff.For us loners, the holiday is a day of self-indulgent sobbing and darkness, but it doesn't have to be. If you're in the market for some iOS or Android games, you can snuggle up to Sonic and company through Sega's Valentine's Day sale starting today and running through the 14th.Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 and Sonic CD lead the charge of discounted downloads for iOS and Android users, both half off, while iDevices also see considerable price cuts down to $.99 on Streets of Rage, Golden Axe and Super Monkey Ball. Gunstar Hero, Altered Beast and Virtua Fighter 2 are also on sale for a buck each.For the full list of what's on sale, hit the source link below.
PSA: Anomaly Warzone Earth, Sonic 4 Episode 1 now on Android
The two games couldn't be more different, yet today they set aside those differences and unite on the Android Marketplace. 11 bit studios' tower offense title, Anomaly Warzone Earth, and Sega's latest downloadable addition to its tower of Sonic games, Sonic 4 Episode 1, are available on the Android Marketplace today.Both games will set you back $3.99, though if your particular device is running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) you may want to hold off on Sonic 4 Episode 1 until Sega's ironed out some bugs. Sorry, one of those bugs is not the physics -- you'll need to wait for Sonic 4 Episode 2 for that.
Sonic CD, Sonic 4, Generations DLC and more hit Steam today
A whole mess of Sonic the Hedgehog content has rolled onto Steam today. First up, Sonic CD, which has already debuted on PSN, Xbox Live and mobile platforms, has now made its way to Valve's ubiquitous service. Joining it is Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and the Sonic Generations "Casino Nights" DLC that was previously scheduled to arrive on December 26. Though it's not a Sonic game, Sega's free-to-play Spiral Knights is getting some Sonic-themed content as well. Players can pick up a Metal Sonic costume or a Tails accessory (i.e. a pair of fox tails). Spiral Knights is free, but these items are not. The Metal Sonic costume comes free with Steam copies of Sonic CD, while the Tails accessory will require an in-game energy purchase. Both items are available until February 1. Head over to Sega's blog to check out images of the new goodies.
Sonic sale today on Xbox Live
The ninth day of Xbox Marketplace holiday deals rings in several Sonic the Hedgehog discounts. The blue mammal's escapades in Sonic 4 and Sonic Adventure are 320 MSP ($4) each, a 60 percent savings, and his Genesis games are down 60 percent, at 160 MSP ($2) apiece. The discounts are only available today, so run and catch 'em before they're gone -- just don't run like an idiotic Sonic.%Gallery-103055%
Sega discounts select PSN, iOS, XBLA games for the holidays
This time of year, you can count on two things: long lines anywhere you can purchase goods and/or services outside of your home, and sales at those capitals of consumerism. Sega's hitching itself to the sales star now by slashing prices on its digital wares across PSN, XBLA and iOS starting this week. PSN's lineup includes healthily discounted classics, added savings for PlayStation Plus subscribers and a smattering of newer stuff on the cheap until January 3: Daytona USA, Sega Rally Arcade, Sonic Adventure, Renegade Ops and more. On the iOS side, classic titles make up the majority of what's on sale for $0.99; Golden Axe 2 and 3, Chu Chu Rocket, Streets of Rage 2 and 3, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, and Sega's newest iOS game, Brick People, are on sale until January 9. Xbox Live Arcade users get the least amount of variety -- only Renegade Ops and After Burner Climax are on sale. You can download each at their reduced price of 800 MS Points ($10) and 400 MS Points ($5) respectively until January 2.
Sonic 4 gets permanent price drop, now $10
If Sonic 4's original price point of 1200 Microsoft Points ($15) was a little too rich for your blood, you can cancel that transfusion you set up with your obscenely wealthy uncle. Sega will drop the price of the game to 800 Microsoft Points today, and to $10 on PSN next week.
Sonic 4 Episode 2 rolling into place in 2012
Sega has apparently joined the effort forged by Valve to change the rules of how long you can go between episodic releases, while still being allowed to call said releases "episodes." In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Sonic Team's Takashi Iikuza talked about Sonic 4, explaining, "This year, 2011, is the anniversary, so we're focusing on the celebration title." He later added, "But moving forward to 2012, Sonic will still be going, so I'd hope to provide Episode 2 then." In other news, have you guys seen this new show, Best Buds Living It Up In New York? It's this great new NBC sitcom. The first episode aired last night, and the next episode is going to air in about eighteen months.
Sonic Generations demo out now, gone in 20 days; iOS App out in Japan
Sega's going all out for Sonic's 20th birthday, buying him an enormous balloon, building him an iOS App, and releasing a demo of Sonic Generations on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. You can charge through a new(ish) Green Hill Zone with original (chubby) Sonic, and can sample the stereoscopic 3D mode while you're at it. Based on what we played, it doesn't appear as though the flipside of that level could be played with modern (skinny) Sonic. Luckily, we have 20 days to see if it's buried in there as an easter egg. Sega released a free iOS App as well, though it's only found its way to the Japanese App Store thus far -- we've checked with Sega to make sure it's coming here as well. According to Andriasang, it'll only be available for the next six months. The app is composed of the first stage of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1, a minigame named "Sonic the Sketchhog," a news feed, and an area for "weekly wallpaper downloads." Sales are also kicking off on a variety of Sonic titles for XBLA/PSN, which run from today through July 28. And yes, this Thanksgiving, Sonic -- in his skinnier form -- will once again appear in the Macy's parade, taunting our turkey-swelled bellies with his simultaneously svelte and inflated figure.
Sonic and Football Manager iOS games discounted for charity
Speaking of iPhone ports of classic console games being discounted and the profits directed toward Japanese earthquake relief ... Sega has knocked down the prices on its iOS Sonic the Hedgehog games, including (App Store links) Sonic the Hedgehog ($1.99), Sonic 2 ($2.99), Sonic 4 ($3.99) and Sonic Spinball ($0.99), with 100 percent of proceeds going to the Red Cross through March 20. Additionally, proceeds from the $10 Football Manager Handheld 2011 will also be donated. Normally, we'd recommend against iPhone ports of console games, but when your money goes straight to helping save lives, we couldn't recommend them enough. You get a game that you may derive some enjoyment from, and the Red Cross gets a little more help.
Windows Phone 7 getting six weeks of 'Must Have Games' this Spring, Fable Coin Golf in March
Microsoft is treating its phone platform like a console, planning a release "event" for its Xbox Live games on Windows Phone 7. This spring, Microsoft's mobile platform will get six weeks of "Must Have Games," including Plants vs. Zombies, Hydro Thunder, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, Doodle Jump and more. The press release reiterates that the games, like all Xbox Live games on the platform, include Achievements and leaderboards. The platform will also be the exclusive home to Fable Coin Golf. Available in March, Coin Golf will let you transfer gold earned in the game to either the PC or console versions of Fable 3. Connecting the console and mobile game will also unlock "three exclusive weapons that can be used in the Traitor's Keep game add-on." The announcement coincides with the expansion of the Windows Phone platform to another carrier in the US. Sprint's HTC Arrive is the first WP7 device for the carrier, and will be available in March. Update: WinRumors indicates that Angry Birds will be among the WP7 releases during the "Must Have Games" promotion.
Sonic games -- and The Notebook -- discounted on Xbox Live
The penultimate day of Microsoft's Xbox Live Countdown to New Year's promotion coincides with the December 30 "surprise" listed by Sega in its winter sale announcement. You can see where this is going -- Sega games are on sale today. Specifically, the sale covers a bunch of Sonic games ... a deal that was somehow hinted by this clue: "One Foe -- A world of good vs evil." Surprise! Microsoft is offering one-day discounts on Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, and 3, (now 200 MS Points each), Sonic & Knuckles (120 MSP), Sonic Adventure (400 MSP) and Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (800 MSP). The Sonic car Avatar prop is on sale for 120 MSP. Also, The Notebook is discounted today to 380 MSP. We don't think that's part of the theme, but if you're buying all those Sonic games, you should probably go ahead and buy The Notebook to try and spot any Sonic the Hedgehog references in it. Just to be sure.
Select Sega downloadable games on sale until January
In a heartwarming, post-ghost Ebeneezer Scrooge-like manner, Sega has discounted a wide array of its downloadable titles from the PSN, Xbox Live and iOS platforms. On top of the recent, permanent price reductions applied to some of those games, purchasing titles featuring impossibly acrobatic rodents and extremely rollable simians has never been so cost-effective. Check out the full list of discounted games -- which will remain discounted until January 3 -- after the jump.
Sega resets Sonic 4's leaderboards due to cheating
Look, Sonic the Hedgehog is fast. He can run faster than the speed of sound, but even if he ran full speed through Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1's shortest level, it would still take him longer than 0'00"00 to do it. That's just physically impossible, even for an improbably proportioned and colored hedgehog. And since some hackers have posted those times and impossible scores on the game's Xbox 360 leaderboards, Sega has decided to go through and reset the whole thing. That means you might have to go back and try to re-earn that record time you picked up on Lost Labyrinth Act 2 (no easy feat). But you might not want to grab that controller right yet -- Sega hasn't actually announced a fix, just reset the leaderboards. So there's a good chance the hackers will still hack, and there will be another reset to come. Thanks for nothing, cheaters. Can't we all just let the hedgehog run? (Also, cheating at Sonic? Where did our innocence go?)
Sonic the Hedgehog tops PSN sales in October
PlayStation fans happily ignored our review of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, making it the best-selling game on the PlayStation Store in October. Apparently that wasn't enough to sate your appetite: the Dreamcast re-release of Sonic Adventure jumped to number 4 on the list. Meanwhile, former Xbox Live exclusives, Deadliest Warrior and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, made strong debuts, with Castle Crashers continuing its strong performance. 1. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode One 2. Deadliest Warrior: The Game 3. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light 4. Sonic Adventure 5. Echoes (minis) 6. Castle Crashers 7. My Aquarium 8. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game 9. Costume Quest 10. Final Fantasy IX (PSone)
Sega, Namco Bandai drop iOS game prices for Halloween
Both Sega and Namco Bandai are out to scare up more sales of their iOS games over the Halloween weekend. The former has slashed prices on the likes of Shining Force, Sonic 4: Episode 1 and three others. The latter is offering nearly all of a 24-title batch for $0.99 each. Full lists after the break.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 review: Spin-dashed hopes
Sega is giving the people what they want. Sonic's lips are sewn together tightly, his pals have been laid to rest in a shoebox somewhere in the garden, and the world is nice and two-dimensional again. This is the 16-bit sequel you've been craving for sixteen bitter years, one that sidesteps every pitfall introduced in Sonic's 3D outings. Finally, the cycle is over! But there's a problem. If you've been on the verge of starvation for 16 years, you might be a tad too eager to swallow any crumb that's flicked your way. And if there's one thing that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is, it's crummy.
