RIVALS2: IGN Slams Sonic Rivals 2

Sure, it’s only one review, but if IGN’s review of Sonic Rivals 2 is any indication, SEGA and Backbone Entertainment might want to consider: a) letting Nintendo handle all Sonic-related projects from now on, b) split up considering none of their Sonic-only projects have been successful, or c) stop producing damn racing games and get back to the platformer that once was great in all of its speedy glory. They gave it a 6.5, citing horrendous gameplay, cheap-ass mini-games, short and painful boss battles, and did a double-whammy assault, claiming now that the first-game (which they panned nearly as much) is great in comparison to this one. I’ve come to give only a grain of salt to any reviewer when they pan Sonic games, because it’s still a lovable and thriving franchise that I enjoyed with Sonic Rivals. Even still, this could be hurtful to the game’s sales, as the majority of unsure, potential buyers trust the reviews highly before anything else.

Previewrama2: Sonic Rivals 2

Previewrama2 :: Sonic Rivals 2 (PSP)
Release Date :: November 2007 [tentative]

Sonic’s first entry onto the PSP came last year in the format of Sonic Rivals, a fast-paced racing game attempting to appeal to both nostalgic Sonic fans and newcomers who simply wanted a great game. What we found was a beautiful game with a few costly flaws, but in the end, the game surpassed my expectations and it still has longevity to this day. SEGA recently confirmed Sonic Rivals 2, and the developer, Backbone Entertainment, has promised to add more characters and levels, all the while increasing multiplayer support and adding new trading cards. So the big question is, why did it make Previewrama and why should you buy it?

Sonic Rivals 2 Impressions and Gameplay, via GameSpot

When Sonic Rivals hit the PSP late last year, I was curious and made a purchase–a cautious, $40 purchase. I expected to be both impressed and disappointed, as I look up to Sonic as one of the few decent videogame heroines left. (Most heroines today are tainted and are called ‘heroin’es for purposes other than being heroes) I was slightly impressed with my initial review, but found that the game became better after utilizing all of the features. Then, following rumors across the net regarding a sequel, SEGA confirmed that our hero would be back for second pickings, but valuable ones. GameSpot had a nice hands-on with the game, and we have our impressions after the break. Also, check out some awesome Rivals 2 gameplay in our VodPod.

E307: SONY Press Conference [Breakdown]

SONY Press Conference
Keynotes & Impressions

This afternoon at 11:30AM PDT/2:30PM EDT, SONY held their annual press conference, hoping to spark interest in their two current-generation devices and keep interest in their last-generation device. Like Jack Tretton, SONY President of America, said, it was all about the games, but SONY had some nice surprises that surely didn’t disappoint. For one, an updated PSP hardware, the introduction of several high-profile PS3 games, and a very long (and clearly exciting) Metal Gear Solid 4 trailer that was near-simultaneously launched around big announcements from Hideo Kojima and Jack Tretton were breathtaking.

Here’s our breakdown of the big conference:

It’s Official: Sonic Rivals 2 Headed to PSP This Fall…

Sonic Rivals became one of my favorite PSP games, despite mixed reviews and slightly mediocre frame-rates and loading times. SEGA is looking to approve on the downfalls of the first game with Sonic Rivals 2, the sequel to the game; SEGA officially announced its existence today, despite a leaked confirmation weeks ago. A new “jostling” gameplay to keep the competition tighter and a slew of new characters should freshen up the original–which proved only to be a “testing ground” for the eager Sonic to make his way to the PSP. At the same time, Rivals 2 won’t rid itself of the trading card collections; rather it will re-emphasize it. They will introduce up to 150 new customizable cards. There’s word that multiplayer will be improved (including game sharing), but none on whether SEGA will be daring enough to introduce online multiplayer to the sequel. It will arrive to the PSP this fall. Can’t wait!

[Via PSPFanboy]

Say Wha? Sonic Rivals Sequel Headed to PSP?

My review and follow-up (plus all of my coverage) of Sonic Rivals was an extensive, but cautious process. Thanks to recent SEGA renditions where the 3D Sonic versions stink, many Sonic fans have been wary of just picking up a game. Sales for the first were modest, but reviews were pretty good. If anything is to be said, SEGA should improve on the game’s overall quality by fixing some framerate and Ad-Hoc problems that many have complained of experiencing. If anything else, they should add full-time online gaming support and mini-games to add longevity to the game. Furthermore, they should build on the PSP’s gorgeous graphics. We can’t wait!

[Via PSPFanboy]

Sonic:R- Multiplayer Review

Some were angered that Sonic: Rivals would not include any infrastructure gameplay, but ad-hoc was enough for SEGA, so we took it in stride. Luckily, a friend of mine is a Sonic-fan like me and also owns a PSP, so instead of getting together for our Tekken:DR game shares, we played ad-hoc with Sonic: R non-stop for hours and hours (right before playing with his Wii). There are many different ways to get your multiplayer game on. After connecting with your opponent, you may create a game that is either a single race or multi-race cup circuit game. Excluding Metal Sonic, an unlockable character, you may play any character against your opponent. You may also wager (or “bet”) cards on your winnings. If you lose, your cards goes to the winning player. For Sonic: R’s multiplayer feature to actually seem enticing, the gameplay must be taken in short doses and your opponent must be a skilled player. Outside of regular multiplayer, players in Ad-Hoc mode may also trade cards. This is an easy and fun process that can give you new outfits and such. I haven’t even begun to master the game and I’ve barely unlocked anything, so my opponent was a fierce competitor who I had the chance to beat a few times, but not nearly as better as I wanted to. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience that I will try again. It increases replayability and makes this game much better than it seemed at first glance.

CES: Any SONY Surprises Ahead, Sonic:R Update

Sorry for the delay of any new blog posts: I took a break!

One most wonder if SONY is planning any surprises for the Consumer Electroncics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which begins tomorrow. The annual technology-affair has usually brought new products to the stage like Mp3 players, laptops, digital cameras, and gaming accessories, but if SONY is planning to bring out that video service of there’s or take advantage of Amazon’s, then they might as well use the CES as the platform for revealing it. Last year, they disappointed us with the failed CONNECT update, but if they are really doing this video thing, CES is the perfect place to reveal/preview it and the newly-created E3 Expo is the perfect place to exhibit it.

Sonic: Rivals has truly surprised me more than any other PSP game has. I originally expected it to be a boring experience, but it has turned into one of my PSP favs. Actually, if I was to review it again, I would’ve given it a much nicer score. Either way, all of the acts & worlds are enjoyable and both complex. It is fun to see the camera move while your character moves and it is interesting to collect coins, do power-ups, and race at the same time. This game, though, will only be fun if you understand how to power-up and such. I still haven’t mastered all of the tricks and moves, as I will in the future, but the game is still minorly complex enough to be a fun experience. Almost like a kid with candy.

Meanwhile, PSPFanboy has a “theatre” for video downloads straight to your PSP from your PSP. Muy interesante, but when will we see something other than trailers? Which we can already access from everywhere else?

Sonic Rivals- Impressions, Links, and More…

Sonic Rivals is SEGA’s latest adaptation of the classic Sonic series, except it is far unlike its 3D console counterparts–it involves a story where you are catapulted into an all racing-fest full of competitiveness and some classic 16 bit Sonic play. Sonic Rivals fails where it lacks features, but does wonders where it offers superb features.

Sonic:R Storyline, Update on the Demo…

Sonic Blast, a SONIC fansite, has been posting frequently about Sonic: Rivals, the latest incarnation of the popular Sonic the Hedgehog video gaming series. The latest has been touted as a driving game–a la many of the 16-bit Sonic games. But, with GameSpot giving it a 6.9, and it averaging only a 69 on Metacritic, one is to wonder whether the game is worth the $40. They post a very catchy storyline. I’m not one for spoilers, so I haven’t read it, but I’m sure that if you’re a concerned Sonic fan who owns a PSP, this will help you make up your mind to buy Rivals. I want this game, desperately, and I don’t believe GameSpot simply because they always underrate games, such as LocoRoco, for one.

Updating you on my Christmas demo experiences: the Christmas demo is very well planned. But, the map is very complex. Not necessarily a reccomendation for a LocoRoco newbie whose never played the game before because many of the maps used are hard to navigate. Clearly, though, worth the wait. I haven’t completed it–simply because I’ve been awfully busy these past few days, but I will tonight/tomorrow and have some comprehensive reviews. I dunno how to do pictures, but I will surely ask around. (Thanks to our blog readers and new readers for giving us an awesome 2,000+ views in the past 5 days to hype our demo!)