Okay, we all know Sonic the Hedgehog; Sega's cool, blue and super fast mascot, right? But we also may know that Sonic's game have not done well lately, minus the recent Sonic game, Sonic Unleashed, which has seemed to be getting some really unnecessary hate from people all over.
While Sonic games like Heroes, Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic 06' (even though I enjoyed those games honestly) have been medicore at most to Sonic fans and reviewers alike or really disliked. However, Sega may have gotten it right with Sonic Unleashed, or Sonic World Adventure as it is called in Japan. If you don't let the nighttime levels, where you control Sonic the Werehog (Sonic's alter ego at night) bother you; the daytime levels, which have Sonic's trademark speed gameplay will blow you away.
But first, I will attemt to explain why some of the arguements/debates/complaints in the Sonic fandom and maybe outside of it are flawed or ridiculous.
First, I don't know why people say that Sonic is about speed alone. Sure it is about a supersonic speedy hedgehog, and you control him and race past levels at breakneck speed, but I think there is something that most people may not have noticed.
I don't think Sonic is just about Speed alone. It just gives that thrilling roller coaster feeling. The game may seem to be about speed, but the player should also be aware that the reaction time involved is what makes things great.
The reaction time with the controls to get Sonic to avoid obstacles is just half of what makes it fun. The reacting is what makes you have that adrenaline fell of the Sonic game you play. Seeing Sonic run through levels at reckless speed it the other half of the experiencing how fun Sonic games are.
It seems to me that reaction time and speed are confused with each other through many Sonic fans. But even with a good reaction time the player has, the game still has to be wild and fast to have the same feel as the classic era. For example, even if a player had a good reaction time in Sonic Heroes or Sonic Next Gen, the game may still not have that fast pace feel those players would want in a Sonic game. In fact, glitches in such games and bad controls may take away the fun of experiencing fun through the player's reaction time, since bad controls, glitches, and possibly slow framerates impeding the player's ability to play the game!
The Werehog gameplay in Sonic Unleashed is being bashed for its slow. However, even if it was that slow, the many combos and moves the werehog can do should have a different, but still fun experience if it is balanced enough for the controls and has no glitches. When evened for the player's reaction time; the combat performance of the Werehog and well done controls and such may possibly be fun to gamers of all ages if they can "keep up" with the Werehog gameplay.
What I am trying to say, is that it is not ENTIRELY the speed in Sonic games that makes it fun; the game is all nothing without good reaction time to avoid enemies, obstacles, finding new paths and routes, etc.
Also, there is platforming involved. Platforming was another reason why Sonic games were great when Sonic 1 for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive came out. Precision platforming is what made Sonic popular back then along with the other important part of the gameplay, which is speed. The platforming was what made Genesis Sonic games challenging in fun. Without any platforming, Sonic would just be running from point A to B, which would eventually get boring in a short amount of time! Sonic was never just about speed ALONE. The precision platforming added with the speed, and the reaction time to deal with enemies and obstacles in early Sonic games, were all what made Sonic so special as a gaming character.
I know that Sega has not done well in making good Sonic games lately; especially by adding different forms of gameplay, or what one may call gimmicks. Knuckles' treasure hunting in Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 were not well liked at all among Sonic fans. The three man team system in Sonic Heroes was not really well recieved, despite being innovative. Tails' and Eggman's shooting levels in Sonic Adventure 2 weren't all that hot. Shadow using weapons catergorized as guns in the gameplay of his own game and having to complete different missions in his own game gave fans mixed, but many reasons to hate Shadow. As for Silver the Hedgehog from Sonic Next Gen, not only was his telekinetic powers unoriginal, but he became strongly hated by many for being so slow compared to the two other playable characters; Sonic and Shadow. Finally, Big the Cat's gameplay in Sonic Adventure 1 is still mostly hated by fans to this day.
But why was Sega trying to add such things? Heck! Why did they decide to throw the Werehog in Sonic Unleashed? Simple:
So that the game would not have to be finished in under five minutes. Think about it. If the next Sonic game was to come out with just you controlling Sonic and running through several levelss before beating the game, would you want to play the game again...and again...and again?
You know you wouldn't! That is wny Sega has added different forms of gameplay: so that players could get tired less quickly from playing the game. I know not all forms of gameplay Sega has added in Sonic games were not fun, but at least Sega wanted to make Sonic games longer so they would not quickly become boring all the time.
Now, let me add something. Some fans of the Sonic franchise say that Sega should make a Sonic Adventure 3. Others say that Sega should do what Capcom did with Megaman 9 and make a Sonic 4. Fans think that these strategies would save the Sonic franchise. Would it?
No it would not! One game cannot save the rest of the franchise, and it could still be as bad as some past 3d Sonic games. Besides, Sonic Heroes and Sonic 06' were all originally going to be called Sonic Adventure 3. Those games had shared some aspects in common with the first two Sonic Adventure games, but they went by different names. Plus, even of one of these games were named Sonic Adventure 3, it would not make a difference of the quality those games turned out to have.
As far as going retro with a Sonic 4; how should it be done? It has been years since Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles came out, and no, Sonic and Knuckles is not Sonic 4! Besides, the Genesis Sonic games were not made by Sonic Team, but a completely different team from Sega, which has since been disbanded. What is the point of making Sonic 4 when Sonic Team did not make the Genesis games and the team who did is no longer around?
This is about the bad reviews some biased game reviewers like IGN and the like and such gave Sonic Unleashed bad reviews...well, for the Xbox 360/PS3 versions anyway. IGN and Gamespot gave a bad score to Sonic Unleashed backed up with bad reasoning. Also, they gave that game a score lower than what they gave Sonic 06', which is actually much terrible than Sonic Unleashed! I will attempt to explain why Sonic Unleashed for the Wii and PS2 got better scores and reviews than their superior versions. Just to give a head start, I loved Sonic Unleashed! I have nothing against it. Not even the Were hog!
So here goes nothing!
About the framerate issues, controls and hub worlds stuff that IGN and other biased reviewers have complained about; they were all more of a problem than in Sonic 06. Not to mention that Sonic Unleashed had far fewer bugs and glitches than Sonic 06.
Now, it seems that IGN and the like took the faults out of Sonic '06 and superimposed them into their review of Sonic Unleashed to overexaggerate the games faults, even if they were non-existent.
If IGN, Gamespot and the like hate Sonic that much, they must have brought some faults of Sonic 06 as they saw them so they could try to influence the public as if Sonic Unleashed was worse than Sonic 06, even when it's all BS.
And the fuel all comes from their "hatred" for Sonic.
So essentially, those reviewers are trying to bring the past (the common faults of past, 3D Sonic games) into the present where such fewer faults exist (a la Sonic Unleashed).
See where I'm coming from?
Also, to expand, the reviewers seemed aware about how the Wii/PS2 version would turn out. They knew it would be inferior to the other versions (Xbox360/PS3). So, they took advantage of this by making their reviews of the Wii/PS2 versions in away so they would seem better than the 360/PS3 versions to those who read their reviews. The exact reason they would do this when the Xbox 360/PS3 version is the actual superior version is still a mystery to me, but it does seem that the reviewers wanted to get their readers to buy the Wii version by giving it high scores (regardless of what it lacks compared to the 360 version) so that they would end up buying a less fun/boring/dull version of the game when they said through their review rather than getting the better made 360 version. This way, they could have their readers end up as likely to hate Sonic even more, considering how the Wii version actually turned out, which they seemed aware of to begin with.
Note: I actually don't think the Wii version is bad at all. What you read about the Wii version was from a Hardcore gamer's perspective.
Well, do not listen to IGN or other reviewers now. Sonic Unleashed is actually better than Sonic 06'. In fact, it is much, much better! If you don't let the slowness and the repetivite combat system of Sonic Unleashed bother you, they daytime levels of the game will blow you away! This game is a step in the right direction for Sonic! It may not be a complete comeback for the blue blur, but this game is still something many Sonic fans and maybe newcomers to the franchise to enjoy!
Bfore I end this blog post, I want to say one more thing. Did you all really think that Sonic Unleashed was going to be a return to Sonic's roots? Wherever you have heard that, you thought wrong! This game did try to add some sections of past and classic Sonic games into the works, but Yoshihisa Hashimoto; the new head of Sonic Team who directed this game already said that he was not planning to go back to Sonic's roots while making this game.
Just look here:
http://blogs.ign.com/SEGA_SonicUnleashed/2008/10/23/104478/
At the very bottom, under the bolded part, "Back to its roots?" he says...
"I’ve been asked a lot of times if “Sonic is going back to its roots” in interviews. My answer is always “No.” Sonic Unleashed still retains the spirit from his Genesis days, which is his origin. But it’s only one of the many amazing qualities of Sonic Unleashed. We are learning from and taking good bits from his origin but we are not “going back” at all. And actually, I wanted to “go beyond” the origin."
Well, there you have it. Whoever told you that this game was going back to Sonic's roots have mislead you easily, and made it so by the time you got this game, you would think Sega lied to you when they never even planned to go back to Sonic's roots!
Now there you have it. This is the end of this blog post. Oh, and sorry for the length of this.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
IGN's Sonic Unleashed Head to Head Insider Article
Well, this blog post I am posting will include an Insider article from IGN about the comparisons of Sonic Unleashed.
For those who are still wondering on what version of the game they should get, here is what IGN says:
"December 12, 2008 - About The Head-to-Head
The Head-to-Head is designed to let gamers know which version of a multiplatform game is worth your hard-earned money. We break down each segment of a game, and then tell you which platform reigns supreme when the dust settles.
If there's one thing game fans can count on, it's Sega's willingness to take big risks. From racing to third person shooting elements, Sega has boldly experimented with the Sonic franchise in hopes of finding a way to modernize the series' once vibrant 2D gameplay. Sonic Unleashed is yet another departure, mixing the puzzle racing elements from Sonic and the Secret Rings with a button-mashing brawler where Sonic transforms into a rubber-armed Werehog. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game were developed from the ground up by Sega's Sonic Team, while the Wii and PlayStation 2 versions of the game were made by Dimps (of Sonic Rush for the DS fame). While the progression and level art are similar between each version, the PS2 and Wii versions have some unique level design and enemies, but otherwise the experience is similar to what you'll find on the PS3 and 360. For more on the game read Hilary Goldstein's review of the 360 version here, then take a look at Matt Casamassina's Wii and PS2 reviews.
So you're ready to ride with the hedgehog but aren't sure which version will be right for you? Keep reading to find out about all the major differences between each game!
Price Points
Sonic Unleashed will cost you $49.99 on the 360, PS3, and Wii. The PS2 version is only $29.99. There are no special editions or bonus swag for gamers who pre-ordered the title.
Content and Control
There are two prevailing gameplay styles across all versions of Sonic Unleashed. There are daytime levels where you'll steer Sonic through on-rails tracks focusing on ring collection, quick reactions, and enjoying the full-throttle Sonic experience the series is known for. Then there are the nighttime levels which have Sonic transforming into a slower Werehog who'll claw and brawl through a series of arenas and traditional platforming segments. In the PS3 and 360 version these two segments are connected by a hubworld in which Sonic, and his cuddly amnesiac friend Chip, talk to townfolk, collect hidden items and find portals to unlock new levels. The Wii and PS2 dispense with the 3D hubworld and offer a 2D map with conversation points featuring short dialogue boxes and a static 2D image of an NPC offering some friendly advice. The hubworld doesn't add much to the PS3 and 360 versions of the game, but having to fiddle around with 2D text boxes in between levels is tedious and disconnected. The PS3 version offers Trophy support to counter the 360's achievements.
The 360 and PS3 versions control equally well. You'll steer Sonic in the racing stages with the left stick, jump with the X/A button, perform homing attacks with the Square/X button, and slide under obstacles with the Circle/B button. You can also shift Sonic left or right with L1/R1 or the left and right bumpers. The game does a good job training players with an easy and unobtrusive tutorial stage, and you should be able to control Sonic with ease on both platforms. The Wii version offers the most variety in controls. You can play with the Wii remote and nunchuk, using the Classic controller, or with a good old GameCube controller for your diehards. The Wii and nunchuk configuration is fun during the racing levels. You'll steer with the analog stick, drift around tight turns (a la Mario Kart) with the Z button, and perform homing attacks with a simple but always satisfying shake of the Wii remote. During the Werehog sections of the game, you'll swing the remote and nunchuk to perform left paw and right paw attacks. This is initially fun, but quickly becomes repetitive since there isn't much variation in the core combat. Swinging the nunchuk to attack while also using the analog stick for movement can create some moderately frustrating moments as well. The PS2 version controls similarly to the PS3 and 360 versions.
Ultimately the PS3 and 360 versions offer a little more content with the 3D hubworlds and achievements/Trophies. The racing levels are most fun to control in the Wii version with the nifty waggle gesture for the homing attack, but the clunky gestural controls during the Werehog segments are more of a chore than the other versions. The PS3 and 360 versions offer the most consistent controls and the most content making them the winner in this category.
Overall
1. PS3 & Xbox 360
2. PS2
3. Wii
Presentation
Sonic Unleashed is a bright and cheery game with an impressive amount of environmental detail across all platforms. The different game environments are colorful and earnestly imaginative, spanning tropical islands and craggy Chinese-style mountain locales. The PS3 and 360 versions look terrific, but both have noticeable framerate issues that mar the otherwise terrific visuals. The 360 version runs most smoothly, but in the Werehog stages the engine chugs dramatically when more than seven or eight enemies are on screen at once. You'll frequently face off with 20 or more enemies at once and the framerate will drop noticeably, which can make it tough to properly time some of Sonic's combos. The PS3 version has the same framerate issues, but they happen even more frequently, sometimes even hitching as Sonic enters a new room, which I didn't experience at all in the 360 version. The PS3 version also has some hitching and dropped frames in the racing segments that didn't happen in the 360 version. Neither version is a shining example of framerate stability, but the 360 runs just a bit more smoothly. There is also no install on the PS3, in case you're averse to waiting the extra 5-10 minutes to start playing after you get your game.
The Wii version is the next best looking with a mostly steady framerate and some nicely detailed character models. Environments, especially the daytime racing stages, are big and detailed. Textures look pretty lackluster when you come to a full stop, but they present quite nicely in motion. The game is dramatically aliased, however, especially when playing in 480p. You'll see jaggies everywhere, which is disappointing. The PS2 version is a downscaled version of the Wii game. The character models are less detailed, the color palate is dull and muddy, and the aliasing issue is even worse. The PS2 version does support progressive scan, which is nice.
Aside from the hub world issue, the menu layouts are similar and intuitive across all versions. The Wii game allows you to use the Wii remote pointer to navigate menus, which is a nice touch. Ultimately, the 360 version looks and runs the best. The PS3 is pretty, but technically inconsistent. The Wii version looks decent for the system, but the jaggy image is a disappointment.
Overall
1. Xbox 360
2. PS3
3. Wii
4. PS2
The Verdict
Sonic Unleashed is a pretty similar experience across all four platforms. The racing sections are good fun in every version. It looks fantastic on the 360 and PS3, but controls best on Wii with the simple amusement of waggle homing attacks. The Werehog stages are equally plodding on all platforms, but the Wii version is the least enjoyable with its jumbled motion controls for melee attacks that exacerbates the repetitive nature of the combat.
The 360 version looks and runs the best. It offers the most consistently intuitive control scheme making it my choice for the overall best version. The PS3 version is the next best bet with the same great visuals and control scheme, but a much more variable framerate. The Wii version is fun and younger gamers might enjoy the motion controls in short bursts, but the less detailed visuals and inconsistent controls take it down a notch. The PS2 version controls as well as the 360 and PS3 games, but the visuals are a dramatic downgrade from the Wii version. Ultimately, the 360 version offers the most consistently rewarding and technically stable Sonic of them all.
Overall
1. Xbox 360
2. PS3
3. Wii
4. PS2"
Well, there is all there is to it. Thank you for time.
For those who are still wondering on what version of the game they should get, here is what IGN says:
"December 12, 2008 - About The Head-to-Head
The Head-to-Head is designed to let gamers know which version of a multiplatform game is worth your hard-earned money. We break down each segment of a game, and then tell you which platform reigns supreme when the dust settles.
If there's one thing game fans can count on, it's Sega's willingness to take big risks. From racing to third person shooting elements, Sega has boldly experimented with the Sonic franchise in hopes of finding a way to modernize the series' once vibrant 2D gameplay. Sonic Unleashed is yet another departure, mixing the puzzle racing elements from Sonic and the Secret Rings with a button-mashing brawler where Sonic transforms into a rubber-armed Werehog. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game were developed from the ground up by Sega's Sonic Team, while the Wii and PlayStation 2 versions of the game were made by Dimps (of Sonic Rush for the DS fame). While the progression and level art are similar between each version, the PS2 and Wii versions have some unique level design and enemies, but otherwise the experience is similar to what you'll find on the PS3 and 360. For more on the game read Hilary Goldstein's review of the 360 version here, then take a look at Matt Casamassina's Wii and PS2 reviews.
So you're ready to ride with the hedgehog but aren't sure which version will be right for you? Keep reading to find out about all the major differences between each game!
Price Points
Sonic Unleashed will cost you $49.99 on the 360, PS3, and Wii. The PS2 version is only $29.99. There are no special editions or bonus swag for gamers who pre-ordered the title.
Content and Control
There are two prevailing gameplay styles across all versions of Sonic Unleashed. There are daytime levels where you'll steer Sonic through on-rails tracks focusing on ring collection, quick reactions, and enjoying the full-throttle Sonic experience the series is known for. Then there are the nighttime levels which have Sonic transforming into a slower Werehog who'll claw and brawl through a series of arenas and traditional platforming segments. In the PS3 and 360 version these two segments are connected by a hubworld in which Sonic, and his cuddly amnesiac friend Chip, talk to townfolk, collect hidden items and find portals to unlock new levels. The Wii and PS2 dispense with the 3D hubworld and offer a 2D map with conversation points featuring short dialogue boxes and a static 2D image of an NPC offering some friendly advice. The hubworld doesn't add much to the PS3 and 360 versions of the game, but having to fiddle around with 2D text boxes in between levels is tedious and disconnected. The PS3 version offers Trophy support to counter the 360's achievements.
The 360 and PS3 versions control equally well. You'll steer Sonic in the racing stages with the left stick, jump with the X/A button, perform homing attacks with the Square/X button, and slide under obstacles with the Circle/B button. You can also shift Sonic left or right with L1/R1 or the left and right bumpers. The game does a good job training players with an easy and unobtrusive tutorial stage, and you should be able to control Sonic with ease on both platforms. The Wii version offers the most variety in controls. You can play with the Wii remote and nunchuk, using the Classic controller, or with a good old GameCube controller for your diehards. The Wii and nunchuk configuration is fun during the racing levels. You'll steer with the analog stick, drift around tight turns (a la Mario Kart) with the Z button, and perform homing attacks with a simple but always satisfying shake of the Wii remote. During the Werehog sections of the game, you'll swing the remote and nunchuk to perform left paw and right paw attacks. This is initially fun, but quickly becomes repetitive since there isn't much variation in the core combat. Swinging the nunchuk to attack while also using the analog stick for movement can create some moderately frustrating moments as well. The PS2 version controls similarly to the PS3 and 360 versions.
Ultimately the PS3 and 360 versions offer a little more content with the 3D hubworlds and achievements/Trophies. The racing levels are most fun to control in the Wii version with the nifty waggle gesture for the homing attack, but the clunky gestural controls during the Werehog segments are more of a chore than the other versions. The PS3 and 360 versions offer the most consistent controls and the most content making them the winner in this category.
Overall
1. PS3 & Xbox 360
2. PS2
3. Wii
Presentation
Sonic Unleashed is a bright and cheery game with an impressive amount of environmental detail across all platforms. The different game environments are colorful and earnestly imaginative, spanning tropical islands and craggy Chinese-style mountain locales. The PS3 and 360 versions look terrific, but both have noticeable framerate issues that mar the otherwise terrific visuals. The 360 version runs most smoothly, but in the Werehog stages the engine chugs dramatically when more than seven or eight enemies are on screen at once. You'll frequently face off with 20 or more enemies at once and the framerate will drop noticeably, which can make it tough to properly time some of Sonic's combos. The PS3 version has the same framerate issues, but they happen even more frequently, sometimes even hitching as Sonic enters a new room, which I didn't experience at all in the 360 version. The PS3 version also has some hitching and dropped frames in the racing segments that didn't happen in the 360 version. Neither version is a shining example of framerate stability, but the 360 runs just a bit more smoothly. There is also no install on the PS3, in case you're averse to waiting the extra 5-10 minutes to start playing after you get your game.
The Wii version is the next best looking with a mostly steady framerate and some nicely detailed character models. Environments, especially the daytime racing stages, are big and detailed. Textures look pretty lackluster when you come to a full stop, but they present quite nicely in motion. The game is dramatically aliased, however, especially when playing in 480p. You'll see jaggies everywhere, which is disappointing. The PS2 version is a downscaled version of the Wii game. The character models are less detailed, the color palate is dull and muddy, and the aliasing issue is even worse. The PS2 version does support progressive scan, which is nice.
Aside from the hub world issue, the menu layouts are similar and intuitive across all versions. The Wii game allows you to use the Wii remote pointer to navigate menus, which is a nice touch. Ultimately, the 360 version looks and runs the best. The PS3 is pretty, but technically inconsistent. The Wii version looks decent for the system, but the jaggy image is a disappointment.
Overall
1. Xbox 360
2. PS3
3. Wii
4. PS2
The Verdict
Sonic Unleashed is a pretty similar experience across all four platforms. The racing sections are good fun in every version. It looks fantastic on the 360 and PS3, but controls best on Wii with the simple amusement of waggle homing attacks. The Werehog stages are equally plodding on all platforms, but the Wii version is the least enjoyable with its jumbled motion controls for melee attacks that exacerbates the repetitive nature of the combat.
The 360 version looks and runs the best. It offers the most consistently intuitive control scheme making it my choice for the overall best version. The PS3 version is the next best bet with the same great visuals and control scheme, but a much more variable framerate. The Wii version is fun and younger gamers might enjoy the motion controls in short bursts, but the less detailed visuals and inconsistent controls take it down a notch. The PS2 version controls as well as the 360 and PS3 games, but the visuals are a dramatic downgrade from the Wii version. Ultimately, the 360 version offers the most consistently rewarding and technically stable Sonic of them all.
Overall
1. Xbox 360
2. PS3
3. Wii
4. PS2"
Well, there is all there is to it. Thank you for time.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Survey!
Come check 0ut this survey I made!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=c8J45Ivb_2fa7BRYgxT2WfhA_3d_3d
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=c8J45Ivb_2fa7BRYgxT2WfhA_3d_3d
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Sonic Unleashed: Werehog and Amy Rose SA1 gameplay comparisions.
I have all ready posted this twice in other forums, but I thought I would give more if an insight on the gameplay of the Werehog and help some users see how the puzzling part of the Werehog will probably work out.
Now, you may be aware of this; you may not. But I just want to send this message to more people in the Sonic fanbase. Please, don't complain about how obvious it is.
Now, for the blog post.
We all should know that Sonic Unleashed will have only Sonic playable, both in his normal form, and his new werehog one.
As you know, it has some similarities to Knuckles' gameplay modes in both Sonic Adventures.
I shall post some videos of both Knuckle's Gameplay (SA2/Battle) and the new Werehog Gameplay:
Here are some videos on Knuckles' gameplay:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44diYY_y8Wc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKa_m5qoS98...feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcO1nch5FH0
And here are some to the Werehog Gameplay:
Sonic Unleashed e3 demo part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVsPvJX7COo...feature=related
Sonic Unleashed e3 demo part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqgttI7C7KI...feature=related
However, notice that this new Werehog gameplay is not just like Knuckles.
It is also like Amy's gameplay from Sonic Adventure/DX in some ways.
Here is a video of Amy Rose in Hot Shelter, one of the levels in the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZqmyoHmM7Y...feature=related
Now, let me point out some things:
Between 0:19-0:32, in Amy's video, she moves a handle to make a door open. Kind of like how Sonic the Werehog can lift open a door.
In 2:14-2:36, Amy has to push a set of stairs so they are directly below a passage that Amy has to get through to continue.
We may not have seen Sonic the Werehog do something similar, but you can expect this to be part of the gameplay in perhaps, later levels.
Finally, in both durations 6:03-6:47, and 7:19-8:38, Amy has to put these colored boxes into their slots to move on through the level.
Just like in the SU e3 demo part 3 video at 6:13-7:27; where Sonic has to find these red and green stone blocks and put them in each slot to open the door. There, Sonic must put the block in the slot that matches the stone's color. So if he was carrying that green stone block, he would have to put it in the slot that is glowing green, and vice versa.
So, in plenty of ways, Sonic's Werehog Gameplay for this game is simlilar to both gameplays of Amy from SA1 and Knuckles from both Sonic Adventures. Of course, it's different from Amy's gameplay in which you don't have to run from a big, green robot who keeps stalking you.
Now, you may be aware of this; you may not. But I just want to send this message to more people in the Sonic fanbase. Please, don't complain about how obvious it is.
Now, for the blog post.
We all should know that Sonic Unleashed will have only Sonic playable, both in his normal form, and his new werehog one.
As you know, it has some similarities to Knuckles' gameplay modes in both Sonic Adventures.
I shall post some videos of both Knuckle's Gameplay (SA2/Battle) and the new Werehog Gameplay:
Here are some videos on Knuckles' gameplay:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44diYY_y8Wc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKa_m5qoS98...feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcO1nch5FH0
And here are some to the Werehog Gameplay:
Sonic Unleashed e3 demo part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVsPvJX7COo...feature=related
Sonic Unleashed e3 demo part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqgttI7C7KI...feature=related
However, notice that this new Werehog gameplay is not just like Knuckles.
It is also like Amy's gameplay from Sonic Adventure/DX in some ways.
Here is a video of Amy Rose in Hot Shelter, one of the levels in the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZqmyoHmM7Y...feature=related
Now, let me point out some things:
Between 0:19-0:32, in Amy's video, she moves a handle to make a door open. Kind of like how Sonic the Werehog can lift open a door.
In 2:14-2:36, Amy has to push a set of stairs so they are directly below a passage that Amy has to get through to continue.
We may not have seen Sonic the Werehog do something similar, but you can expect this to be part of the gameplay in perhaps, later levels.
Finally, in both durations 6:03-6:47, and 7:19-8:38, Amy has to put these colored boxes into their slots to move on through the level.
Just like in the SU e3 demo part 3 video at 6:13-7:27; where Sonic has to find these red and green stone blocks and put them in each slot to open the door. There, Sonic must put the block in the slot that matches the stone's color. So if he was carrying that green stone block, he would have to put it in the slot that is glowing green, and vice versa.
So, in plenty of ways, Sonic's Werehog Gameplay for this game is simlilar to both gameplays of Amy from SA1 and Knuckles from both Sonic Adventures. Of course, it's different from Amy's gameplay in which you don't have to run from a big, green robot who keeps stalking you.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
My little rant on Save Sonic
For those who don't know, there are forums on the net that go by the name, Save Sonic. However, unlike what may of you think, this is not a forums trying to save the Sonic Series in general.
Instead, this forum is focused on its sole purpose on bringing back Sonic's former voice actor; Ryan Drummond.
Here is a link to that site:
http://savesonic.all-up.com/index.htm
There has been a change in the voice acting cast back a few years ago, where Ryan Drummond, as well as the rest of the voice acting cast were replaced by the cast of an Anime cartoon from 4Kids; which was called Sonic X.
Now, what you must understand is, not everyone liked that cartoon. There are many reasons why it was not liked, but one big reason for this was because the voice acting was terrible from what I heard. And after Sonic Heroes was released, the whole cast for that game was replaced by the 4Kids cast of Sonic X. Many fans were either disappointed, upset, or very angry about this before the time the successful, but not well received Sonic game that came next, "Shadow the Hedgehog", was released, having used the 4Kids voice actors who took part in Sonic X. This turned into a huge voice acting war. Soon, many members of the now completely controlless Sonic fanbase argued endlessly over the years. While there are many fans who don't even care about getting Ryan back, a handful stil remain. And it seems that most of those fans hang out in the forum I provided above.
Now, it seems those fans have made many attempts to get Ryan back. After Shadow the Hedgehog was released, most Ryan fans who loved Sonic started to boycott the games. They also started to try and have Ryan return as Sonic's VA. They made petitions, made numerous phone calls to Sega about this, there were even many videos uploaded on Youtube made about this.
Probably the biggest attempt those fans have made to get Ryan back was after October 10, 2007, the very day that Sonic the Hedgehog was announced as a playable character in the would-be-released-later game, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, the third installment of Nintendo's flagship fighting franchise. Shortly afterward, the Ryan fans, who knew that Jason Griffith, the current voice actor for Sonic, would voice Sonic in the upcoming, most anticipated Nintendo game. The goal was to get many phone calls to both Sega and Nintendo to get Ryan back. There were actually many phone calls made that those fans thought they would end up getting Ryan back after all. But in the end, Jason Griffith remained Sonic's voice actor.
Now, for the rest of the blog post, I will make some counter points on this.
1. To all of those Ryan fans out there, how can you achieve anything when...
1. You use repetitive tactics for Ryan every single game that comes out?
2. Sega does not pay attention to you, Sonic fanboys and those begging, pleas and demanding?
3. You are part of a big number of fans who want Ryan when you don't recognize that despite the large group, you are still overpowered by the officials of Sega, who control everything; not you?
4. Have no idea how difficult the process of getting Ryan back and having Jason and how complicated it is for Sega and they may not be able to achieve your request (and they are not lazy)?
5. That you may be unaware that Ryan is doing more important things and may not be able to return?
6. A single phone number to Sega and huge support for Ryan as well as everything you tell Sega how bad the 4kids VAs are will not sway their opinion, whatsoever?
7. That the myspace account where Jason was rude to the users was a fraud, because someone was posing as Jason to tick off Sonic Fans when in reality; Jason is actually a good person and respectful, as in this link?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di8Yl6Y2f0w
8. Despite the number of attempts you have made, recordings and game development have gone ahead of you too far to get Sega to consider getting Ryan or the old voice cast back?
Referring to number seven, there are fans who have said that Jason is actually a nice guy. However, not everyone thought of it that way. Someone make a fake account on Myspace posing as Jason, and acted rude to anyone who talked to him. This lead to belief that Jason was very rude. At the same time, fans actually sent death threats to Jason Griffith and Amy Paltant (the voice actor for Tails). Not cool eh?
Now,
Number 2. Most of those Ryan fans seem to think that the bad voice acting from the 4Kids crew was because the voice actors were bad them selves. That is not even true. The Main reason is because of bad voice directing to the voice actors themselves. In Sonic X, the show was know for having bad faults; one of them being voice acting. This bad voice directing the release of the 2006 title simply called Sonic the Hedgehog, which was actuallty a bad game, mainily because it was unfinished at release.
But since Smash Bros Brawl, Jason has been improving as Sonic's voice actor. It is most likely because of better voice directing to Jason. In fact, even though a later game, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity had a lower score than it would have deserved, even the critics thought that the voice acting in that game was decent at the most. So the voice acting is getting better not just because the voice actors had been practicing (which I believe they did), but with better voice directing at them!
Now think about it: while voice actors and actresses may have to practice over the character they voice, better voice directing can lead to better overall voice acting. Think of it as a good Soccer team that has been on a winning streak lately. They may be practicing alot, but the other main reason on how they are able to win so many victories is because they have had good coaching from a good coach. Same for voice directing. The better the voice directing, the better the voice acting; although the voice actors and actresses would still need to practice some.
Number 3. Do those voice acting fans have any idea what is going to happen to them later in life? A user of deviant art explains that here...
http://supersonication.deviantart.com/
By the way, the user within that link is actually me. Yes, I am SuperSonication. This is what I said in my Journal Entry:
"Hello there. For those who do not know who I am, I am known as Sonication of the Sega of America forums. I am a long time Sonic fan, but I do realize there has been a lot of senseless fighting going on in the Sonic fanbase; like the Sonic voice acting wars.
This is my rant on the Sonic voice acting wars. However, I noticed that these kinds of rants have used the same style of rants over and over. So this is my attempt at a different approach as a rant.
I will most likely make more of these rants that are not limited to voice acting. Until then, here is my voice acting rant.
A message to all Ryan Drummond Fans Out There.
I understand about the fact that some users do not wish to accept that despite many petitions, Ryan will not come back.
I do understand why it seems important to have Ryan or the old voice acting crew back. I will not mention any faults just to play safe, but I know that there are Sonic fans who still want Ryan back.
Even the new 4Kids crew may not have the talent you wish to see performed in the voice of your favorite characters, there is, at the most, nothing you can do except accept what we have for the current voice acting crew for the Sonic Series.
There are those who are smart and aware of the consequenes of their actions. Others feel things so much, that their feelings overwhelm them into not letting go of what they would want to have when they can't hold onto it anymore.
I know it's not easy handling the flaws of things you may not intolerate; or don't want to change, or even don't feel is right. Just like how the Sonic X voice crew recieved negative criticism, treatment of unwantedness, or even being threatened and verbally (written or spoken) attacked by the many fans who refuse to accept change.
However, in life, that anger, dislike or any kind of uncomfort of what you want can hurt you more than you are hurt by the voice acting. This kind of behavior and attitude, of it is not let go in time, will eventually lead to more hinderances, socially, mentally, and emotionally; weakening your ability to work, learn, or go into any sort of activity you may be in efficentally or effectually. It can aslo induce you with the lack of ability to cope with others or be able to get along with later peers.
You may not believe that this will never happen to you, but if you can't accept something you don't like, and let go of the problem and instead, focus on it too much; it could, and will negatively affect your life. It's not just voice acting that could be the issue. Anything can be just as big of issue, potentially causing harm regardless of how minor the whole thing may seem.
Voice acting issues within fans, such as the Sonic the Hedgehog fanbase, may not be too much of a problem in one's life. But don't think that just because an issue on voice acting that you are trying to work to change in the way you would want it are too small to cause any problem in life. It won't happen immediately, but any of those feelings that are still there will come back later in life in any situation; causing more problems then to hurt your status and reputation socially. You may not imagine how it can happen, but just about anything can result from those feelings years ago, creating a series of harmful events of what happened back then,
Also, there are better things to worry about in a Sonic game, like gameplay, game design and other important aspects. If you focus on those instead, you will not have to worry about any problems resulting later in life. In fact, you may not have to worry at all! You can help make a difference in trying to get involved in changing what is more important for games. Just focusing on trying to help get those aspects improved. I can assure you that if the result of all of that work actually helps end up with better gameplay and such; you would feel so much better than you would making a change in the voice acting issue.
So, to conclude, you, the fans, are all smart people, with potential to do something great. Please don't waste that potential by focusing on changing not so important things; it just deteriorates the potential you need to make the biggest change you want to have happen, and it does not have to be about Sonic games. It could be changing and helping the lives of people out there in the world who really need it. Whatever you may not like as the reality, just believe that it is not something to worry about, and then let it go."
You should get what I mean. The Ryan fans, who have tried so long to get Ryan back as Sonic's voice actor, are wasting their entire time trying to achieve a hopeless goal that is impossible for them to win at.
I don't think everyone who is reading this is a mother, or father, or something along those lines. But think about it: most of those fans are still in their teenage years, and more importantly, in school. If you were good parents, even if you are not parents at all; would you want your own child to grow up without the social interaction skills you taught them? Would you even want them to go waste their own lives trying to reach an impossible goal to someone they are devoted to, or spend much of thier lives trying to do something for their icon? I bet that I know how you'd think; it's a scary thought.
Plus, for those who are not parents, but still have icons you look up to as their fan; would you want to spend much of your life working for that icon when you still have a life of your own? A life that you must work for rather than the one you admire? What would happen if you could not interact with others who disagree with you about what you do or you can't get along with people that don't like what you're doing?
This is life; reality. You can't just work to help someone rather than to do things for yourself. If you do, those actions will get you nowhere in life. You don't want to be disrespected by people that live far from you, do you? You don't wish to be a nobody, in today's society, right?
You may not be able to see it happening to you, but it does happen to everyone like this. As Murphy's law states, "What can go wrong, will go wrong."
And Number 4. And finally, here is a link to a post from a user on Sega Boards.
http://boards2.sega.com/sega_board/viewtopic.php?t=93203&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
Also, let me put that post here...
"Well, but the fact the VAs are from 4Kids would not add to the problem. It may have had fans go upset, but the fact the Sonic X voice cast is the current Sonic Series cast now is not something within those fans control. They should deal with it.
I mean, those people who say that Ryan and co. should come back and have their jobs back think they can help, or actually get Ryan and co. their jobs back because they have free will, freedom of speech, expression, ect.
But does freedom mean they can actually make a change? No.
Because complete freedom just allows you to perform, choose, or attempt to achieve an action. It does not by any means, that you can change the course of events with your free will or actually influence the minds of the people you want to listen to you. Also, it does not mean that they can control what they wish to happen, period.
What these guys don't seem to know is the difference between freedom of executing/choosing or trying for you goals and the freedom to control the consequences or events in your favor so you can get to your goal sooner/easier.
Freedom of choosing or acting is not the same as the ability to control the consequences of yours or others' actions. It means you just have the ability to do, think or express what you think is right. The freedom that those "old Sonic voice cast" think they have is not what they actually have. Sure they can make petitions, call Sega numerous times or even make videos about it on Youtube. But would the content of those things actually get Sega to listen? Not a chance.
While it's true that people are allowed to make a difference in the U.S., the petitions are politically weak in changing the Will of Sega. Not to mention those methods are not well done or well made, and those Ryan fans think that that if they just say "help get Ryan Drummond back as Sonic" or something like that will actually get Sega's attention and see how important it is to them. WRONG!!
The education, reality perception, wishes and even the will of both Ryan fans or old voice cast fans AND Sega are completely different. While Sega's choices may make them seem "full of it", their knowledge of business politics and how businesses run, as how they perceive what should be done to, say, a great Sonic game; they will use their own judgment to decide what they should do.
The VA fans, on the other hand, most are still in school and have not made a good reputation and worthiness in Society yet. In fact, those who paint, make videos, write or make all those fan things does not change the fact that they are still amateurs, or people who don't work for Sega officially. Plus, most of those VA fans do not have the experience of business politics, even if that business is not Sega. They may had jobs in life, but their knowledge of business politics or even activism is not in shape to get Sega's attention about their wanting Ryan and co. back. And those petitions and videos the make, despite their efforts, are not strong enough to convince Sega to listen to them about Ryan.
So, despite that those Ryan fans believe they can make a change with their free will, have yet to recognize that their efforts in getting Sega to listen to them about having Ryan back are too weak to even have Sega notice. Plus, their efforts don't have any real effect on how Sega runs things, neither do they change the course of events Sega has going on. No matter how hard they try, the Ryan fans will not have the power to change the mind or will of Sega in their favor, at least, not as easy as they think. In fact, it's far harder than they think. And since most of those fans are still in school, getting Ryan back is a near impossible feat for them.
That's all I have to say."
Once again, that user who posted that is me. That's right, I am Sonication.
Now, the Ryan fans who are still trying to get Ryan back have not-so-stellar knowledge in business politics. In fact, they don't seem to bother with business politics as they try to get Ryan back. Also, they say they have the freedom to do this, and nothing can stop them from trying.
But what they don't know, is that having freedom to do something is far different from being able to persuade or even infulence the wills of higher powers who decide to make their own decisions. Just because you live in a free world, doesn't mean you can actually change what you want so easily.
In fact, because most of these Ryan fans still trying to get Sonic's former voice actor return are still young and have not finished school yet; they are unaware of the dangers that they may encounter if they keep this attitude up, just like I have mentioned in counter point 3.
Number 5. They can hope that they may actually have gotten Ryan to come back by persuading Sega, but they can not change or control the consequences, or the events that follow from their efforts, to their favor. In fact, without sufficent knowledge and experience of business politics that they really would need, their efforts are still too weak to even move the will of the authorities at Sega to begin getting what they requested. Despite many petitions the Ryan fans make, or how many phone calls they make to Sega, or even how many videos are uploaded to Youtube, Sega will not listen; especially to many young fans who have not even finished school yet.
As those Ryan fans have continued to achieve their pointless goal,
they have shown less care about what would happen to Jason Griffith,
the current voice actor for Sonic. Now, as I have heard over and over
again, Ryan really loved his job as Sonic's voice actor. He also
wishes to come back, but due to business politics, it is not easy for
him to do so.
But even if he does come back, what would happen to Jason Griffith?
Sure he may have more than one job, but he also loves voicing Sonic!
Not to mention that he is friends with Ryan himself. And despite all
of this, Ryan's fans continue to push to remove Jason as Sonic's voice
actor.
Would it really be fair to remove a man from his job as a video game
character's voice that he loves doing so much? I mean, put yourself in
Jason's shoes for a moment. If you were still voicing Sonic, but
Ryan's fans have actually succeed in kicking you out of your job as
Sonic's voice actor? How would you feel? And how would you look at the
Sonic fanbase after this had happened? Would you like it if you were
kicked out of your job by Sonic's own fans just so that the former
voice actor, who you are friends with, would return? If that actually
happened, would you still like the Sonic fanbase, or would you not
even perceive them the way you did before? Would you want this to
happen to you when it was unnecessary to do so? When all of this were
to happen fast, would you still be happy, after what happened?
Most of all, would you look at Sonic himself the same way again after
all of this?
The thing is, I don't think Ryan would want to replace Jason to just
get his job back, especially if they really ARE friends! And Ryan's
fans don't even seem to give care; thinking that Jason does not
deserve to voice Sonic; Ryan is the best Sonic, no matter what
happens; Ryan is the TRUE Sonic (come on, there is no such thing as a
TRUE Sonic), and Jason replacing Ryan was very wrong of him, etc.? I
don't think Ryan would even appreciate how his own fans are trying to
get him back, and just to get rid of Jason, it's so unfair!
Well, that is mostly what I have to say. I have one thing left that I must say.
It's okay to be a friend of Ryan. Or Sonic, or anything like that. Still, I know that whichever fan you really are; you would not want to go through many petitions and make many videos on getting who you want back, as the icon you once knew, or the voice of that icon. You may be smart enough to like Ryan, but not go through pointless efforts just so you can get what you want, because if you did, you would waste tons of effort doing so.
But whatever you do, and if you happen to see some of the more obsessive fans post something about getting Ryan back; don't pay attention to them. Don't support their efforts (you can support their views of Ryan if you want to, though), don't waste time within your life joining to reach an unachievable goal. And most of all,
Don't look at the more obsessive fans like Ryan's like they are angels. Never take them seriously.
PS. If you remember me saying to spam the site, forget it! Read the new concluding paragraph!
Instead, this forum is focused on its sole purpose on bringing back Sonic's former voice actor; Ryan Drummond.
Here is a link to that site:
http://savesonic.all-up.com/index.htm
There has been a change in the voice acting cast back a few years ago, where Ryan Drummond, as well as the rest of the voice acting cast were replaced by the cast of an Anime cartoon from 4Kids; which was called Sonic X.
Now, what you must understand is, not everyone liked that cartoon. There are many reasons why it was not liked, but one big reason for this was because the voice acting was terrible from what I heard. And after Sonic Heroes was released, the whole cast for that game was replaced by the 4Kids cast of Sonic X. Many fans were either disappointed, upset, or very angry about this before the time the successful, but not well received Sonic game that came next, "Shadow the Hedgehog", was released, having used the 4Kids voice actors who took part in Sonic X. This turned into a huge voice acting war. Soon, many members of the now completely controlless Sonic fanbase argued endlessly over the years. While there are many fans who don't even care about getting Ryan back, a handful stil remain. And it seems that most of those fans hang out in the forum I provided above.
Now, it seems those fans have made many attempts to get Ryan back. After Shadow the Hedgehog was released, most Ryan fans who loved Sonic started to boycott the games. They also started to try and have Ryan return as Sonic's VA. They made petitions, made numerous phone calls to Sega about this, there were even many videos uploaded on Youtube made about this.
Probably the biggest attempt those fans have made to get Ryan back was after October 10, 2007, the very day that Sonic the Hedgehog was announced as a playable character in the would-be-released-later game, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, the third installment of Nintendo's flagship fighting franchise. Shortly afterward, the Ryan fans, who knew that Jason Griffith, the current voice actor for Sonic, would voice Sonic in the upcoming, most anticipated Nintendo game. The goal was to get many phone calls to both Sega and Nintendo to get Ryan back. There were actually many phone calls made that those fans thought they would end up getting Ryan back after all. But in the end, Jason Griffith remained Sonic's voice actor.
Now, for the rest of the blog post, I will make some counter points on this.
1. To all of those Ryan fans out there, how can you achieve anything when...
1. You use repetitive tactics for Ryan every single game that comes out?
2. Sega does not pay attention to you, Sonic fanboys and those begging, pleas and demanding?
3. You are part of a big number of fans who want Ryan when you don't recognize that despite the large group, you are still overpowered by the officials of Sega, who control everything; not you?
4. Have no idea how difficult the process of getting Ryan back and having Jason and how complicated it is for Sega and they may not be able to achieve your request (and they are not lazy)?
5. That you may be unaware that Ryan is doing more important things and may not be able to return?
6. A single phone number to Sega and huge support for Ryan as well as everything you tell Sega how bad the 4kids VAs are will not sway their opinion, whatsoever?
7. That the myspace account where Jason was rude to the users was a fraud, because someone was posing as Jason to tick off Sonic Fans when in reality; Jason is actually a good person and respectful, as in this link?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di8Yl6Y2f0w
8. Despite the number of attempts you have made, recordings and game development have gone ahead of you too far to get Sega to consider getting Ryan or the old voice cast back?
Referring to number seven, there are fans who have said that Jason is actually a nice guy. However, not everyone thought of it that way. Someone make a fake account on Myspace posing as Jason, and acted rude to anyone who talked to him. This lead to belief that Jason was very rude. At the same time, fans actually sent death threats to Jason Griffith and Amy Paltant (the voice actor for Tails). Not cool eh?
Now,
Number 2. Most of those Ryan fans seem to think that the bad voice acting from the 4Kids crew was because the voice actors were bad them selves. That is not even true. The Main reason is because of bad voice directing to the voice actors themselves. In Sonic X, the show was know for having bad faults; one of them being voice acting. This bad voice directing the release of the 2006 title simply called Sonic the Hedgehog, which was actuallty a bad game, mainily because it was unfinished at release.
But since Smash Bros Brawl, Jason has been improving as Sonic's voice actor. It is most likely because of better voice directing to Jason. In fact, even though a later game, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity had a lower score than it would have deserved, even the critics thought that the voice acting in that game was decent at the most. So the voice acting is getting better not just because the voice actors had been practicing (which I believe they did), but with better voice directing at them!
Now think about it: while voice actors and actresses may have to practice over the character they voice, better voice directing can lead to better overall voice acting. Think of it as a good Soccer team that has been on a winning streak lately. They may be practicing alot, but the other main reason on how they are able to win so many victories is because they have had good coaching from a good coach. Same for voice directing. The better the voice directing, the better the voice acting; although the voice actors and actresses would still need to practice some.
Number 3. Do those voice acting fans have any idea what is going to happen to them later in life? A user of deviant art explains that here...
http://supersonication.deviantart.com/
By the way, the user within that link is actually me. Yes, I am SuperSonication. This is what I said in my Journal Entry:
"Hello there. For those who do not know who I am, I am known as Sonication of the Sega of America forums. I am a long time Sonic fan, but I do realize there has been a lot of senseless fighting going on in the Sonic fanbase; like the Sonic voice acting wars.
This is my rant on the Sonic voice acting wars. However, I noticed that these kinds of rants have used the same style of rants over and over. So this is my attempt at a different approach as a rant.
I will most likely make more of these rants that are not limited to voice acting. Until then, here is my voice acting rant.
A message to all Ryan Drummond Fans Out There.
I understand about the fact that some users do not wish to accept that despite many petitions, Ryan will not come back.
I do understand why it seems important to have Ryan or the old voice acting crew back. I will not mention any faults just to play safe, but I know that there are Sonic fans who still want Ryan back.
Even the new 4Kids crew may not have the talent you wish to see performed in the voice of your favorite characters, there is, at the most, nothing you can do except accept what we have for the current voice acting crew for the Sonic Series.
There are those who are smart and aware of the consequenes of their actions. Others feel things so much, that their feelings overwhelm them into not letting go of what they would want to have when they can't hold onto it anymore.
I know it's not easy handling the flaws of things you may not intolerate; or don't want to change, or even don't feel is right. Just like how the Sonic X voice crew recieved negative criticism, treatment of unwantedness, or even being threatened and verbally (written or spoken) attacked by the many fans who refuse to accept change.
However, in life, that anger, dislike or any kind of uncomfort of what you want can hurt you more than you are hurt by the voice acting. This kind of behavior and attitude, of it is not let go in time, will eventually lead to more hinderances, socially, mentally, and emotionally; weakening your ability to work, learn, or go into any sort of activity you may be in efficentally or effectually. It can aslo induce you with the lack of ability to cope with others or be able to get along with later peers.
You may not believe that this will never happen to you, but if you can't accept something you don't like, and let go of the problem and instead, focus on it too much; it could, and will negatively affect your life. It's not just voice acting that could be the issue. Anything can be just as big of issue, potentially causing harm regardless of how minor the whole thing may seem.
Voice acting issues within fans, such as the Sonic the Hedgehog fanbase, may not be too much of a problem in one's life. But don't think that just because an issue on voice acting that you are trying to work to change in the way you would want it are too small to cause any problem in life. It won't happen immediately, but any of those feelings that are still there will come back later in life in any situation; causing more problems then to hurt your status and reputation socially. You may not imagine how it can happen, but just about anything can result from those feelings years ago, creating a series of harmful events of what happened back then,
Also, there are better things to worry about in a Sonic game, like gameplay, game design and other important aspects. If you focus on those instead, you will not have to worry about any problems resulting later in life. In fact, you may not have to worry at all! You can help make a difference in trying to get involved in changing what is more important for games. Just focusing on trying to help get those aspects improved. I can assure you that if the result of all of that work actually helps end up with better gameplay and such; you would feel so much better than you would making a change in the voice acting issue.
So, to conclude, you, the fans, are all smart people, with potential to do something great. Please don't waste that potential by focusing on changing not so important things; it just deteriorates the potential you need to make the biggest change you want to have happen, and it does not have to be about Sonic games. It could be changing and helping the lives of people out there in the world who really need it. Whatever you may not like as the reality, just believe that it is not something to worry about, and then let it go."
You should get what I mean. The Ryan fans, who have tried so long to get Ryan back as Sonic's voice actor, are wasting their entire time trying to achieve a hopeless goal that is impossible for them to win at.
I don't think everyone who is reading this is a mother, or father, or something along those lines. But think about it: most of those fans are still in their teenage years, and more importantly, in school. If you were good parents, even if you are not parents at all; would you want your own child to grow up without the social interaction skills you taught them? Would you even want them to go waste their own lives trying to reach an impossible goal to someone they are devoted to, or spend much of thier lives trying to do something for their icon? I bet that I know how you'd think; it's a scary thought.
Plus, for those who are not parents, but still have icons you look up to as their fan; would you want to spend much of your life working for that icon when you still have a life of your own? A life that you must work for rather than the one you admire? What would happen if you could not interact with others who disagree with you about what you do or you can't get along with people that don't like what you're doing?
This is life; reality. You can't just work to help someone rather than to do things for yourself. If you do, those actions will get you nowhere in life. You don't want to be disrespected by people that live far from you, do you? You don't wish to be a nobody, in today's society, right?
You may not be able to see it happening to you, but it does happen to everyone like this. As Murphy's law states, "What can go wrong, will go wrong."
And Number 4. And finally, here is a link to a post from a user on Sega Boards.
http://boards2.sega.com/sega_board/viewtopic.php?t=93203&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
Also, let me put that post here...
"Well, but the fact the VAs are from 4Kids would not add to the problem. It may have had fans go upset, but the fact the Sonic X voice cast is the current Sonic Series cast now is not something within those fans control. They should deal with it.
I mean, those people who say that Ryan and co. should come back and have their jobs back think they can help, or actually get Ryan and co. their jobs back because they have free will, freedom of speech, expression, ect.
But does freedom mean they can actually make a change? No.
Because complete freedom just allows you to perform, choose, or attempt to achieve an action. It does not by any means, that you can change the course of events with your free will or actually influence the minds of the people you want to listen to you. Also, it does not mean that they can control what they wish to happen, period.
What these guys don't seem to know is the difference between freedom of executing/choosing or trying for you goals and the freedom to control the consequences or events in your favor so you can get to your goal sooner/easier.
Freedom of choosing or acting is not the same as the ability to control the consequences of yours or others' actions. It means you just have the ability to do, think or express what you think is right. The freedom that those "old Sonic voice cast" think they have is not what they actually have. Sure they can make petitions, call Sega numerous times or even make videos about it on Youtube. But would the content of those things actually get Sega to listen? Not a chance.
While it's true that people are allowed to make a difference in the U.S., the petitions are politically weak in changing the Will of Sega. Not to mention those methods are not well done or well made, and those Ryan fans think that that if they just say "help get Ryan Drummond back as Sonic" or something like that will actually get Sega's attention and see how important it is to them. WRONG!!
The education, reality perception, wishes and even the will of both Ryan fans or old voice cast fans AND Sega are completely different. While Sega's choices may make them seem "full of it", their knowledge of business politics and how businesses run, as how they perceive what should be done to, say, a great Sonic game; they will use their own judgment to decide what they should do.
The VA fans, on the other hand, most are still in school and have not made a good reputation and worthiness in Society yet. In fact, those who paint, make videos, write or make all those fan things does not change the fact that they are still amateurs, or people who don't work for Sega officially. Plus, most of those VA fans do not have the experience of business politics, even if that business is not Sega. They may had jobs in life, but their knowledge of business politics or even activism is not in shape to get Sega's attention about their wanting Ryan and co. back. And those petitions and videos the make, despite their efforts, are not strong enough to convince Sega to listen to them about Ryan.
So, despite that those Ryan fans believe they can make a change with their free will, have yet to recognize that their efforts in getting Sega to listen to them about having Ryan back are too weak to even have Sega notice. Plus, their efforts don't have any real effect on how Sega runs things, neither do they change the course of events Sega has going on. No matter how hard they try, the Ryan fans will not have the power to change the mind or will of Sega in their favor, at least, not as easy as they think. In fact, it's far harder than they think. And since most of those fans are still in school, getting Ryan back is a near impossible feat for them.
That's all I have to say."
Once again, that user who posted that is me. That's right, I am Sonication.
Now, the Ryan fans who are still trying to get Ryan back have not-so-stellar knowledge in business politics. In fact, they don't seem to bother with business politics as they try to get Ryan back. Also, they say they have the freedom to do this, and nothing can stop them from trying.
But what they don't know, is that having freedom to do something is far different from being able to persuade or even infulence the wills of higher powers who decide to make their own decisions. Just because you live in a free world, doesn't mean you can actually change what you want so easily.
In fact, because most of these Ryan fans still trying to get Sonic's former voice actor return are still young and have not finished school yet; they are unaware of the dangers that they may encounter if they keep this attitude up, just like I have mentioned in counter point 3.
Number 5. They can hope that they may actually have gotten Ryan to come back by persuading Sega, but they can not change or control the consequences, or the events that follow from their efforts, to their favor. In fact, without sufficent knowledge and experience of business politics that they really would need, their efforts are still too weak to even move the will of the authorities at Sega to begin getting what they requested. Despite many petitions the Ryan fans make, or how many phone calls they make to Sega, or even how many videos are uploaded to Youtube, Sega will not listen; especially to many young fans who have not even finished school yet.
As those Ryan fans have continued to achieve their pointless goal,
they have shown less care about what would happen to Jason Griffith,
the current voice actor for Sonic. Now, as I have heard over and over
again, Ryan really loved his job as Sonic's voice actor. He also
wishes to come back, but due to business politics, it is not easy for
him to do so.
But even if he does come back, what would happen to Jason Griffith?
Sure he may have more than one job, but he also loves voicing Sonic!
Not to mention that he is friends with Ryan himself. And despite all
of this, Ryan's fans continue to push to remove Jason as Sonic's voice
actor.
Would it really be fair to remove a man from his job as a video game
character's voice that he loves doing so much? I mean, put yourself in
Jason's shoes for a moment. If you were still voicing Sonic, but
Ryan's fans have actually succeed in kicking you out of your job as
Sonic's voice actor? How would you feel? And how would you look at the
Sonic fanbase after this had happened? Would you like it if you were
kicked out of your job by Sonic's own fans just so that the former
voice actor, who you are friends with, would return? If that actually
happened, would you still like the Sonic fanbase, or would you not
even perceive them the way you did before? Would you want this to
happen to you when it was unnecessary to do so? When all of this were
to happen fast, would you still be happy, after what happened?
Most of all, would you look at Sonic himself the same way again after
all of this?
The thing is, I don't think Ryan would want to replace Jason to just
get his job back, especially if they really ARE friends! And Ryan's
fans don't even seem to give care; thinking that Jason does not
deserve to voice Sonic; Ryan is the best Sonic, no matter what
happens; Ryan is the TRUE Sonic (come on, there is no such thing as a
TRUE Sonic), and Jason replacing Ryan was very wrong of him, etc.? I
don't think Ryan would even appreciate how his own fans are trying to
get him back, and just to get rid of Jason, it's so unfair!
Well, that is mostly what I have to say. I have one thing left that I must say.
It's okay to be a friend of Ryan. Or Sonic, or anything like that. Still, I know that whichever fan you really are; you would not want to go through many petitions and make many videos on getting who you want back, as the icon you once knew, or the voice of that icon. You may be smart enough to like Ryan, but not go through pointless efforts just so you can get what you want, because if you did, you would waste tons of effort doing so.
But whatever you do, and if you happen to see some of the more obsessive fans post something about getting Ryan back; don't pay attention to them. Don't support their efforts (you can support their views of Ryan if you want to, though), don't waste time within your life joining to reach an unachievable goal. And most of all,
Don't look at the more obsessive fans like Ryan's like they are angels. Never take them seriously.
PS. If you remember me saying to spam the site, forget it! Read the new concluding paragraph!
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