Project Needlemouse (Sonic 4) Thoughts, opinions

[Pulsar_t]

There are at least two homebrew Sonic engines that replicate the 16-bit Sonics, so why did Dimps have to reinvent the wheel is beyond me.

The minimalistic approach to storytelling in S3&K has never been attempted again, afaict.

Edit - Upon trying the demo, I think I'll save this one for a budget compilation.

[Jrecee]

I don't care about the homing attack. That's been around since Sonic 3D blast and it almost seemed like an inevitable edition if they had made a Sonic 4 for sega genesis.

The problem is it's not implemented particularly well. The lock on is hit or miss which is inexcusable considering there's only 2 directions you can move. It seems to be limited too much in its range.

The physics are lackluster. Why they can't get the physics right on a powerhouse like the PS3 or xbox 360 when they did it on the genesis in 1991 is beyond me. I mean fans have replicated the original sonic physics better than this. It's really noticable in the casino level. Maybe Yuji naka patented his code or something, who the hell knows.

The game picked up a bit in the Temple stage after the disappointing casino level.

The music was ok for the most part. I don't know why they attempted to recreate old 16 bit synths when they didn't try to recreate any other 16 bit element. Even sonic CD from 1993 had CD quality sound.

Overall I give it a 7/10. Play Sonic megamix if you haven't already, it feels more like Sonic 4 than this. Otherwise I'd suggest waiting til they put all the episodes on one disc for $30.

[jfe2]

Just want to say, the mine cart level that everyone was bitching about is on the iPhone (pretty sure its exclusive to that platform) and it is AWESOME. Most fun I've had with the game so far.

[emwearz]

I just finished up with it, recorded all of it and working on a video review for it which I can hopefully have up tomorrow or on the weekend.

The Lock on feature gave me the shits and most of my dislikes with the game stem from the lock on system.

[darthmunky]

Does the Wii version support the classic controller?

[MrPopo]

Wii version is Wiimote only. Considering it uses exactly one button I don't see this as a problem.

[ZeroAX]

Wii version is Wiimote only. Considering it uses exactly one button I don't see this as a problem.

The classic controller has a bigger D-pad

[GSZX1337]

Wii version is Wiimote only. Considering it uses exactly one button I don't see this as a problem.

The classic controller has a bigger D-pad

It also feels nicer than the Wii-Mote.

[SpaceBooger]

After playing this game for a while on my Wii (beat the first zone and a level or two in the other 3) I have to admit I like it.

The controls seem a little off at first. Like mentioned earlier in this post, Sonic feels a little floaty and his walking/starting speed seems off too. But, once I got used to the control, I don't notice those issues and this game feels more like the 16-bit versions than any I have played since.

I like the game and get the same feeling/enjoyment from playing this as I did when playing Sonic 2.

As for the homing attack, I like it. I like how it adds a different element of platforming to the game that helps you find different paths though the levels.

And I have to add to the classic controller vs Wiimote - prefer playing with the WiiMote if the protective sleeve is on it. The Wiimote with the safety sleeve fits my hands better.

[alexjames01]

I am actually pretty pleased with it. Some things could be better if you really want to be nit-picky (music for example) but overall i think it overcomes most of the minor flaws it has. The only real issue I have with the game is the frustration i felt when the homing target would go slightly off screen or it would just not lock on correctly and would result in a steep fall or cheap death.

Overall I think its a deserving game and high above any recent series addition. It's not Sonic 2 or Sonic CD but it holds up for what it is IMO.