New Sonic game: A talking sword, 2D gameplay, Wi-Fi support

– Same development team as Sonic and the Secret Rings
– A sorceress (Merlina) summons Sonic, monarch gets corrupted, turns into the Black Knight
– Similar storybook setup as Sonic and the Secret Rings
– Slight Wii controller movement = slash to kill low-level grunts, use control stick to move Sonic
– Thrust, parry, midjump cut techniques
– Usually no slowing down because of the way combat is set up
– Sonic’s sword can talk, named Calibur
– Aiding citizens = points for knighthood, killing citizens = hurt reputation
– Can buy items from residents – EX: gauntlets, tomes, swords – each item has its own advantages
– Close to 200 items, can combine items
– Wi-Fi support: Trade items with friends
– Jen Senoue handling songs, “injecting familiar Sonic themes with a Celtic flavor.”
– Alternative/branching paths: Look for townspeople, treasure chests: Reminiscent of Genesis games
– Side-scrolling camera at points for 2D gameplay
– Skills system, missions from original game returns, don’t want it to interfere with the games’ pacing
– Sonic characters will take on the roles of Arthurian people
– Other characters playable, but are optional to play as
– Knuckles (dual swords) and Shadow are two confirmed characters
– Meter/gauge can give Sonic powers – the meter rises as Sonic kills enemies, takes a purple elemental
– When meter reaches its potential, Sonic can execute a strong combo attack, sear through numerous foes quickly”
– Developers wishing to fix problems with past titles

Thanks to Lepli once again for the NP news.