Sonic Lost World

Sonic Lost World is a platform game with action-adventure elements, in which the player controls Sonic the Hedgehog as he travels across the Lost Hex in order to rescue captured animals and stop the Deadly Six.[5] Levels range from side-scrolling 2D levels to fast-moving 3D linear levels to levels taking place on spherical worlds similar to the canceled Sonic X-treme and the Super Mario Galaxy series.[6][7][8] This also translates to the 3DS version, as it was the first handheld game in the series presented entirely in 3D.[5]

In-game screenshot of the "Frozen Factory" level from the Wii U version

The game uses a new control system which allows players to control Sonic's speed. Simply moving the directional controls will move Sonic at a moderate pace, allowing for more precision. Holding down a trigger button will cause Sonic to sprint, allowing him to move faster and perform new parkour moves, such as running up and along walls and hopping over small ledges.[5] In the air, Sonic can perform a double jump, which returns from Sonic Colors, a homing attack, which can now target multiple enemies in quick succession, and a new kick attack, which can be used to defeat stronger enemies, or knock them into others.[5][9]

The initial set of Wisps introduced in Sonic Colors, alongside the "Indigo Asteroid" wisp introduced in Lost World

Also returning from Colors are the Wisp creatures, which provide short-lived power-ups to Sonic. The Wisps' powers are now controlled using the Wii U GamePad's touchscreen and gyroscopic features. Alongside returning powers such as Drill, Laser and Rocket, new powers include Eagle, which lets Sonic fly through the air, Asteroid, which atomizes objects in his path, and Rhythm, which lets him bounce along a path of notes. There are also some Wisps exclusive to each version of the game.[10] During the game, players can rescue animals by destroying enemies or opening containers, allowing players to progress, or find Red Star Rings that open up circus-themed bonus stages where players can earn more animals. Collecting all the Red Star Rings in the game unlocks the ability to transform into Super Sonic.[5][9]

The Wii U version supports both co-operative multiplayer, in which a second player can control a remote controlled vehicle to assist Sonic, and competitive multiplayer, in which a second player can use the Wii U Gamepad screen to race against the other player.[11] The game also supports Off-TV Play functionality and formerly Miiverse.[12] Using Miiverse, players could exchange items such as Wisps or shields, which would grow more effective if they were used by other players. The 3DS version supports both local and online multiplayer for up to four players.[11][12] Players may also customise RC vehicles in the 3DS version, which can then be used in the Wii U version.[13]

Development for Sonic Lost World started shortly after Sonic Colors was finished, when a few core members started the experimentation for the former[20] and took place over two-and-a-half years.[2] Sonic Team sought to streamline the controls,[21] increase the length,[20] and add more diverse levels compared to previous entries in the series.[13] After reviewing the history of the franchise with Sonic Generations, game producer Takashi Iizuka hoped to "deliver a new experience" with Sonic Lost World.[20] Development started on PC, with early experiments involving "twisted tube-type level[s]" inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk.[20] As the concept "was totally new", early levels had to be remade "over and over."[22] Players were given greater ability to control Sonic's speed in an effort to create a more traditional platforming experience.[2] The parkour mechanic was introduced to maintain a more fluid sense of movement, in contrast to previous Sonic games where running into a wall would force the player to a complete stop.[21] Iizuka stated that "This game is like going into the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, an action game where you can experience many strange and fun experiences."[20]

Development ultimately focused on the Wii U and 3DS because of the success of previous Sonic games on Nintendo platforms.[2] Because Wii U "has two monitors to use", Sonic Team decided to include both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes.[20] The Wii U GamePad's touch screen and gyroscope were employed to activate the returning Color Powers.[2] The 3DS version, co-developed with Dimps, was designed to "fully utilize" the 3DS hardware with 3D gameplay and motion controls.[20] Development was harder on 3DS due to its more limited processing power.[20] Iizuka stated that the Color Powers are "essential" to the level design of the 3DS version, while they work as an "additional tool" in the Wii U version.[20] A simple art style was used to make objects stand out more against the backgrounds, and to keep the game running at a consistent 60 frames per second.[23] The design of the new "Deadly Six" villains was based on that of an ogre, and each one's appearance was intended to reflect a certain key characteristic of their personality, which the developers hoped players could see "just by looking at them."[24] The Wii U version of the game was directed by Morio Kishimoto, the director of Sonic Colors and the lead designer of Sonic and the Black Knight,[2][25] while the 3DS version was directed by Takao Hirabayashi, the director of Sonic Colors DS, and previously lead designer of Sonic Unleashed PS2/Wii.[2]

Sega trademarked the title Sonic Lost World in May 2013.[26][27] The game was revealed on May 17, 2013, in a Nintendo Direct announcement,[28] as part of an exclusive partnership between Sega and Nintendo for the Sonic the Hedgehog series.[27] It is one of three games in this partnership, the other ones being the fourth entry to the Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games series, and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, a game based on the Sonic Boom animated series. Sega reported that more on the game would be revealed before E3 2013,[29] and that the game would contain both returning and new original characters, both in enemies and friends of Sonic.[30] The first trailer for the game was released on May 28, a day earlier than previously announced.[9] A downloadable demo of the game's first stage was made available for both consoles on October 9 in Japan[31] and in mid-November in North America and Europe.[32] To promote the release of Sonic Lost World, Hardlight released an update for Sonic Dash that includes a boss battle against Zazz, one of the Deadly Six.[33] Super Smash Bros. for Wii U also includes a stage based on Windy Hill Zone from the game.

The soundtrack was composed and directed by Tomoya Ohtani, with Takahito Eguchi handling the orchestration and cutscene music. Naofumi Hataya also contributed a single piece, the theme for "Desert Ruins Zone - Act 3". A three-disc soundtrack, Sonic Lost World Original Soundtrack Without Boundaries, was released physically in Japan and digitally worldwide via iTunes and Amazon Music on November 27, 2013.[34][35]

A special, limited stock "Deadly Six" edition of the Wii U version of the game was available for pre-order, which included special "Nightmare" downloadable content (DLC), featuring a new stage and boss battles based on one of Sonic Team's previous games, Nights into Dreams. Clearing the DLC unlocks a special Color Power, the Black Bomb, normally only obtainable via Miiverse.[36][37] Pre-ordering the game from Amazon.com allowed the player to start off with twenty-five extra lives.[38]

A patch for the Wii U version was released on December 10, 2013, adding additional features such as button controls for some Wisps and the traditional extra life reward for collecting 100 rings.[39] On December 18, 2013, Nintendo announced two exclusive pieces of free DLC for the Wii U version based on other Nintendo games. The first DLC stage, "Yoshi's Island Zone", was released on the day of the announcement,[40] with a second installment, "The Legend of Zelda Zone", released on March 27, 2014.[41] A Windows port was released by Sega Europe on November 1, 2015.[42]

Sonic Lost World received "mixed or average" reviews, according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[43][44][45]

The game's presentation was well received. Chris Plante (Polygon) praised the Wii U version's visuals and music as "arguably the best" in the series.[75] Tim Turi (Game Informer) wrote that "The orchestrated tracks evoke Mario Galaxy in the best ways."[58] Mark Walton (GameSpot)[62] and Chris Scullion (Computer and Video Games)[46] singled out the candy-themed "Dessert Ruins" level as a visual highlight. However, Turi made note of "ultra-compressed" cutscenes in the 3DS version.[59] Vince Ingenito (IGN) was favorable to the "pleasant" art direction and stable framerate, but criticized the "subdued" color palette.[66] Roger Hargreaves (Metro) stated that the "imaginative" designs and "spectacular set piece[s]" kept him "interested to know what comes next."[79] Chris Schilling (Eurogamer) was effusive: "Blue skies forever!"[50]

Strong criticism was directed at the game's control scheme, especially the new parkour mechanic. Turi "never got a good feel for the rhythm of wall running and jumping, and felt lucky to pass sections where it was forced."[58] Hargreaves,[79] Walton,[62] and Matthew Castle (Official Nintendo Magazine)[73] agreed. Ingenito found it problematic that Sonic tends to wall-run on every nearby vertical surface.[66] Schilling singled out the multi-lock homing attack, writing that while it usually worked "perfectly well", it appeared to "inexplicably fail" on occasion.[50] Ingenito,[66] Turi,[58][59] and Hargreaves agreed.[79] Castle struggled with the homing attack "locking on too late or attacking enemies in awkward sequence."[73] However Justin Towell (GamesRadar) defended the control scheme, explaining that while it had a learning curve, it also "modernize[s] environmental traversal" and "provide[s] a distinct safety net". Towell argued that Sonic was mainly hard to control in 2D because there are "so many rules for how Sonic reacts contextually to his environment".[63] Reona Ebihara (Famitsu) stated that the ability to slow down made the game easier to play for beginners.[56] However, Turi criticized Sonic's "odd sense of momentum" and imprecise jumps,[58] stating that switching between two speeds is "jarring" and produces "touchy platforming".[59] Schilling excoriated the "profoundly frustrating" controls as the worst in the series, explaining that "Sonic's too sluggish while walking, and too skittish to cope with the trickier platforming bits when running".[50] Ingenito agreed: "I've played a lot of Sonic over the years, and the controls have never felt as alien and inconsistent as they do here."[66]

Several critics felt that Sonic controlled better on the 3DS. Jose Otero (IGN) said the parkour "felt great" and "turned most obstructions into minor hurdles" in this version.[67] Joe Skrebels (Official Nintendo Magazine) felt that Sonic "controls far better at top speed on 3DS".[74] Stephen Totilo (Kotaku) stated that the 3DS version does a better job of teaching the controls,[80] although Turi derided its "constant, lengthy tutorial text".[59] However, Schilling called the homing attack "even more capricious" on 3DS.[50]

Reaction to the game's level design was mixed. Turi made note of oddly placed invisible springs in the Wii U version's "confusing" and "aggravating" levels,[58] and expressed frustration with the 3DS version's "head-scratching" puzzles.[59] Walton preferred the "inoffensive" 2D sections to the "frustrating mishmash of speed and exploration" found in 3D.[62] Plante praised the Wii U version's 3D stages as "wildly creative exercises in platforming experimentation" while decrying its 2D stages as "so clunky and tiresome that it's hard to imagine a time when a side-scrolling Sonic was actually good."[75] Philip Kollar (Polygon) was harsher on the 3DS version due to its "confusing and labyrinthine" level design and "awkward puzzles".[76] Ingenito stated that the Wii U version's levels were stuck in "design gridlock" and "lack[ed] rhythm and cohesion".[66] Otero praised the 3DS version's "better levels" as "competently made race tracks full of alternate pathways", but called the "trial and error" required to complete the "slower-paced 3D stages" "incredibly frustrating".[67] Castle stated that the Wii U version's "best stages play to the strengths of Sonic's tiered speed",[73] while Skrebels felt the 3DS version featured levels well-suited for handheld play.[74] Totilo praised "the intuitive, flowing, player-friendly levels of the 3DS version" but panned "the badly-explained, choppy, punitive levels of the Wii U version".[80] Schilling wrote that "I came perilously close to biting my GamePad at one particularly sharp difficulty spike."[50] Edge noted that "Sonic games, and platformers in general, have always been about memorizing the lay of the land, but rarely have mistakes been so costly or heavily punished."[48]

The alternate gameplay styles polarized many critics. Daniel Cairns (VideoGamer.com) and Castle highlighted the level where Sonic becomes a giant snowball as "genuinely excellent"[77] and "a cool riff on Monkey Ball",[73] whereas Turi and Ingenito described it as "atrocious",[58] "uncontrollabl[e]" and "the exact opposite of fun".[66] Turi encountered multiple game overs while playing a mandatory pinball sequence. [58] Walton felt that some of the Wisps were an "amusing aside," but problematic motion controls and short time limits impaired their utility.[62] Justin Speer (GameTrailers) stated that the Wisps felt out-of-place in the Wii U version.[65] Totilo preferred how the Wisps were implemented in the 3DS version,[80] but Towell stated that while they were "more integral" to the design, they tended to interrupt "the free-form gameplay" with "clumsy mechanic[s]".[64] Towell described the 3DS version's motion-controlled Special Stages as "borderline unplayable".[64] Totilo and Castle criticized the Wii U version's Jetpack Joyride-style flying levels as "regrettable"[80] and "horribly imprecise".[73] Turi and Totilo criticized the Wii U version's balloon-popping minigame as "mind-numbing"[58] and "awkward".[80] Turi called the Wii U version's co-op mode "useless".[58] Castle wrote that "Two-player races would be a cool addition were it not for the horrible framerate issues."[73]

The Deadly Six were negatively received. Towell found the personalities of the characters to be enjoyable and stereotypical, but was disappointed by the poor quality of their dialogue. [63] Speer called the boss battles "weirdly anticlimactic",[65] and Ingenito stated they were "some of the most boring in the series' history".[66] Turi described the Deadly Six as generic, forgettable, and "some of the most aggressively annoying villains ever."[58] EGM Now observed that the inclusion of the Deadly Six subverted the familiar Sonic-versus-Dr. Eggman concept, but questioned whether the plot was a clever self-parody or had been “scrawled together by a couple of grade-schoolers”. [49]

Critics disagreed over what to make of the game as a whole. In 2015, USgamer referred to Lost World as "perhaps Sonic's best outing in years."[81] Jim Sterling (Destructoid) said it "can wildly swing from brilliant to horrific at the drop of a hat, but when one steps back and takes a look at the whole production, one sees far more to love than hate."[47] Plante noted that "the early stages display a degree of design ingenuity and polish which gradually degrades".[75] David McComb (Empire) called it "A cheap, cruel, crushing disappointment in the wake of Sonic Colors and Generations."[78] Walton concluded that "in overtly coveting the great Italian plumber, it smothers the talents of its blazing blue hedgehog."[62]

• Official website