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(add Sonic 4: Episode III)
Tag: sourceedit
m (→‎Trivia: Corrected a spelling error and reworded a part so that it could be more easily understood.)
Tag: Visual edit
(27 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
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{{Otheruses4}}
 
{{Otheruses4}}
[[File:Sonic 4 logo without episode sub-titles.png|thumb|220px|The logo of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' without episode titles.]]
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[[File:Sonic 4 logo without episode sub-titles.png|thumb|220px|The logo of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4''.]]
 
'''''Sonic the Hedgehog 4''''' is an episodic 2D side-scrolling game series for [[iOS]], [[PC]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Android]] and more. It takes place firmly after ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles]]'', although the saga is more of a continuation of [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|the]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|previous]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog CD|side-scrolling]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic]] [[Sonic & Knuckles|games]], with each Episode resembling one or more of the previous installments, as almost all of the enemies and bosses seen in each episode were seen before in one of those games.
 
'''''Sonic the Hedgehog 4''''' is an episodic 2D side-scrolling game series for [[iOS]], [[PC]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Android]] and more. It takes place firmly after ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles]]'', although the saga is more of a continuation of [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|the]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|previous]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog CD|side-scrolling]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic]] [[Sonic & Knuckles|games]], with each Episode resembling one or more of the previous installments, as almost all of the enemies and bosses seen in each episode were seen before in one of those games.
   
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==Story==
 
==Story==
 
===''Episode I''===
 
===''Episode I''===
The story is set sometime after ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]] [[Sonic & Knuckles|& Knuckles]]''. With the [[Death Egg]] destroyed and [[Angel Island]] floating again, [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] parts with [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] and [[Knuckles the Echidna]] and heads off to explore new territories on his own. However, [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]] has survived his latest defeat, and has taken measures to defeat Sonic by enhancing his past creations and mechs. Despite Dr. Eggman's best efforts, Sonic destroys each of his refined creations and chases the madman to his newest lair, the [[E.G.G. Station Zone]]. There, Sonic defeats each of his creations once again, including the powered-up [[Death Egg Robot]] from Sonic's first encounter on the Death Egg, after destroying the mech and the space station, Sonic returns safely back on his planet and celebrates his victory in [[Splash Hill Zone]] with his [[Animals|Animal friends]].
+
Sometime after the events of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]] [[Sonic & Knuckles|& Knuckles]]''. With the [[Death Egg]] destroyed and [[Angel Island]] floating again, [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] parts with [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]] and [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] and heads off to explore new territories on his own. However, Sonic's break is cut short when a vengeful [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]], who had survived their [[Death Egg Zone (Sonic & Knuckles)|last]] [[The Doomsday Zone|encounter]], has returned and has taken measures to get rid of Sonic with a new and improved army of [[Badnik]]s. Despite Dr. Eggman's best efforts, Sonic destroys each of his refined creations and chases the madman to his newest lair, the [[E.G.G. Station Zone]]. There, Sonic defeats each of his creations once again, including the powered-up [[Death Egg Robot]] from Sonic's first encounter on the Death Egg. After destroying the mech and the space station, Sonic returns safely back on his planet and celebrates his victory in [[Splash Hill Zone]] with his [[Animals|Animal friends]].
   
 
===''Episode Metal''===
 
===''Episode Metal''===
A short while after the events of ''Episode I'', [[Little Planet]], where the events of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]'' took place, reappeared once more. Dr. Eggman, defeated in the previous installment, sends a monitor to [[Stardust Speedway]] to revive the destroyed [[Metal Sonic]], Metal Sonic then flies to [[Mad Gear Zone]] zone where Eggman uses the bases machines to restore Metal to working order. Eggman then sends Metal out to [[Lost Labyrinth Zone]] to retrieve a mysterious object to power Metal Sonic even further. After traveling through [[Casino Street Zone]] and Splash Hill Zone, Metal Sonic sees Sonic and Tails in the [[Tornado]] flying off in the distance, using a nearby [[Tails' rocket|rocket]], Metal Sonic sets off in pursuit.
+
A short while after the events of ''Episode I'', [[Little Planet]] (where the events of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]'' took place) reappeared once more. Dr. Eggman, after being defeated in the previous installment, sends a monitor to [[Stardust Speedway]] to revive the destroyed [[Metal Sonic]]. Metal Sonic then flies to [[Mad Gear Zone]] zone where Eggman uses the base's machines to restore Metal to working order. Eggman then sends Metal out to [[Lost Labyrinth Zone]] to retrieve a [[Lost Labyrinth treasure|mysterious object]] to empower Metal Sonic even further. After traveling through [[Casino Street Zone]] and Splash Hill Zone, Metal Sonic sees Sonic and Tails in the [[Tornado]] flying off in the distance. Using a nearby [[Tails' rocket|rocket]], Metal Sonic sets off in pursuit.
   
 
===''Episode II''===
 
===''Episode II''===
Meanwhile, Sonic discovers that the mad doctor is back, and recruits his buddy Tails to help him face this new threat and save the Planet once more from destruction. Sonic and Tails pursue Eggman and Metal Sonic through several areas and confront him at his [[Sky Fortress Zone]] after defeating the evil duo there, Eggman and Metal retreat to the [[Death Egg mk.II]], Eggman's newly created space station built ''around'' the Little Planet. Sonic and Tails have a final confrontation with Metal Sonic, in a race that mimics their confrontation at Stardust Speedway and defeats Metal Sonic once again. Afterwards Sonic and Tails face Eggman's latest creation: the [[Egg Heart]], Sonic and Tails defeat this machine and escape the de-activating Death Egg, saving the planet once again, but leaving the fate of Little Planet an uncertainty.
+
Meanwhile, Sonic discovers that the mad doctor is back, and recruits his buddy Tails to help him face this new threat and save the Planet once more from destruction. Sonic and Tails pursue Eggman and Metal Sonic through several areas and confront him at his [[Sky Fortress Zone|Sky Fortress]]. After being defeated by Sonic and Tails, Eggman and Metal retreat to the [[Death Egg mk.II]], Eggman's newly created space station built ''around'' Little Planet. Sonic and Tails have a final confrontation with Metal Sonic (in a race that mimics their confrontation at Stardust Speedway) and defeat Metal Sonic once again. Afterwards, the two of them face Eggman's latest creation: the [[Egg Heart]]. Sonic and Tails defeat this machine and escape the de-activating Death Egg, saving the planet once again, but leaving the fate of Little Planet an uncertainty.
 
===''Episode III''===
 
   
 
==Characters in the series==
 
==Characters in the series==
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*[[Miles "Tails" Prower]]
 
*[[Miles "Tails" Prower]]
 
*[[Metal Sonic]]
 
*[[Metal Sonic]]
*[[Knuckles the Echidna]]
 
*[[Amy Rose]]
 
*[[Tails Doll]]
 
*[[Metal Knuckles]]
 
*[[Metal Amy]]
 
   
 
===Non Playable===
 
===Non Playable===
 
*[[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]
 
*[[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]
*[[Metal Sonic]]
 
*[[Tails Doll]]
 
*[[Metal Knuckles]]
 
*[[Metal Amy]]
 
   
 
===Badniks===
 
===Badniks===
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*[[Mantis]]
 
*[[Mantis]]
 
*[[Balkiry]]
 
*[[Balkiry]]
*[[Turtloid]]
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*[[Turtloids]]
 
*[[Clucker]]
 
*[[Clucker]]
 
</div>
 
</div>
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*[[Metal Carrier]] (Sky Fortress Zone)
 
*[[Metal Carrier]] (Sky Fortress Zone)
 
*[[Metal Sonic and Eggmobile]] (Death Egg MK.II Zone)
 
*[[Metal Sonic and Eggmobile]] (Death Egg MK.II Zone)
*[[Metal Sonic (race)|Metal Sonic]] (Death Egg MK.II Zone)
+
*[[Metal Sonic (Death Egg mk.II Zone)|Metal Sonic]] (Death Egg MK.II Zone)
 
*[[Egg Heart]] (Death Egg MK.II Zone)
 
*[[Egg Heart]] (Death Egg MK.II Zone)
 
===Episode III===
 
   
 
==Zones==
 
==Zones==
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*[[Super Ring]]: Holds ten rings
 
*[[Super Ring]]: Holds ten rings
 
*[[1-Up]]: Extra Life
 
*[[1-Up]]: Extra Life
*[[Power Sneakers]]: Makes you run faster for a limited time
+
*[[Power Sneakers (power-up)|Power Sneakers]]: Makes you run faster for a limited time
*[[Invincibility]]: Makes you invincible for a limited time
+
*[[Invincible]]: Makes you invincible for a limited time
 
*[[Shield]]: Protects you from a single hit
 
*[[Shield]]: Protects you from a single hit
 
*Special Combination: Attacks all badniks and gains points and rings {{C|Episode II only}}
 
*Special Combination: Attacks all badniks and gains points and rings {{C|Episode II only}}
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===Episode I===
 
===Episode I===
 
{{Main|Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I)}}
 
{{Main|Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I)}}
[[Special Stages]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'' play akin to ones in the first game, where Sonic must navigate a maze to reach the Chaos Emerald, collecting rings and avoiding the exit blocks. This time, the rotation is controlled by the player instead of automatically. Controllers with motion control support can use either a traditional control method or by tilting the controller to control the rotation.
+
Special Stages in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'' play akin to ones in the first game, where Sonic must navigate a maze to reach the Chaos Emerald, collecting rings and avoiding the exit blocks. This time, the rotation is controlled by the player instead of automatically. Controllers with motion control support can use either a traditional control method or by tilting the controller to control the rotation.
   
 
Two significant differences between these stages and the original ones are the inclusion of ring gates and a time limit. Ring gates are barriers that prevent the player from crossing into the next area of the stage, but can be passed once the appropriate number of rings, shown on the gate, have been collected. A time limit also kicks in at the start of each stage and boots the player out if they haven't collected the Emerald in the time frame. The starting amount varies by level, but can be extended in five, ten or fifteen second increments by collecting orbs around the stage.
 
Two significant differences between these stages and the original ones are the inclusion of ring gates and a time limit. Ring gates are barriers that prevent the player from crossing into the next area of the stage, but can be passed once the appropriate number of rings, shown on the gate, have been collected. A time limit also kicks in at the start of each stage and boots the player out if they haven't collected the Emerald in the time frame. The starting amount varies by level, but can be extended in five, ten or fifteen second increments by collecting orbs around the stage.
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{{Main|Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II)}}
 
{{Main|Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II)}}
 
Special Stages in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' play akin to the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' Special Stages. Like in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', Sonic and Tails must collect a certain amount of rings, the amount increasing after hitting a checkpoint, however, unlike ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', Tails can collect rings, but will not lose his share if he touches any bombs, although this is only true for Single Player. Also, unlike ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', the player can boost by holding the [[Tag Action]] button, and while there is no time limit, but there is a timer, used for Time Attack scores.
 
Special Stages in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' play akin to the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' Special Stages. Like in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', Sonic and Tails must collect a certain amount of rings, the amount increasing after hitting a checkpoint, however, unlike ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', Tails can collect rings, but will not lose his share if he touches any bombs, although this is only true for Single Player. Also, unlike ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', the player can boost by holding the [[Tag Action]] button, and while there is no time limit, but there is a timer, used for Time Attack scores.
 
===Episode III===
 
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
*The prototype of ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'' known as ''[[Sonic Crackers]]'' was also called ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' in some magazine articles.
+
*The prototype of ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'' known as ''[[Sonic Crackers]]'' was called ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' in some magazine articles.
*While the [[Wii]] saw a prominent release for ''Episode I'', ''Episode II'' was not released for it as the WiiWare service has a 40 MB size limit.
+
*While the [[Wii]] saw a prominent release for ''Episode I'', ''Episode II'' was not released for it as the WiiWare service had a forty megabyte size limit for games.
**Additionally, the difference in sound quality between the WiiWare version of ''Episode I'' and the other versions is that the former has been compressed to fit the size limit.
+
**Additionally, to compensate for this size limit, the sound quality is noticeably compressed in the WiiWare version of ''Episode I''.
*In ''[[Sonic Generations]]'', Splash Hill Zone's music track is unlockable to listen to in the game.
+
*In ''[[Sonic Generations]]'', the music track for Splash Hill Zone is unlockable to listen to in the game.
*During the development of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I'', it was the idea to make ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' a trilogy, but it was scrapped. However, it has been hinted that it is possible that a potential ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode III'' video game can be released.<ref>http://forums.sega.com/showthread.php?520516-Sonic-the-Hedgehog-4-Episode-III-is-NEVER-HAPPENING-Maybe</ref>
+
*During the development of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I'', the intention was to make the ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' series an episodic trilogy, but after the release of ''Episode II'', the idea was scrapped.
  +
**[[Christian Whitehead]] was asked if he was interested to collaborate with Sega Studios Australia to develop the third episode, however, the company was shut down and Whitehead worked with [[Simon Thomley]] to develop the mobile remakes ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2013)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2013)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2015/01/update-sonic-4-episode-3-was-planned-then-cancelled-3/ |title=Sonic 4 Episode 3 Was Planned, Then Cancelled|accessdate=2019-07-09 |last=Luty |first=Dave |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=5 January, 2015 |publisher=The Sonic Stadium |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712231819/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2015/01/update-sonic-4-episode-3-was-planned-then-cancelled-3/ |archivedate=12 July, 2017 |quote= }}</ref>
  +
*This is the only ''Sonic'' game to receive a copying lock within its files for the PlayStation 3 version. The lock disallows the game to be copied to a USB stick or anything that grants it access to a PC. This is one of the four known PlayStation 3 games to have this function.
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
  +
  +
==External links==
  +
{{Plain link|http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicTheHedgehog4/|Official website}} '''(Japanese)'''
 
{{-}}
 
{{-}}
  +
{{Episode I info}}
 
{{Episode II info}}
+
{{Sonic 4 Episode I info}}
 
{{Sonic 4 Episode II info}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE: ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4''}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE: ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4''}}
 
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog 4|*]]
 
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog 4|*]]

Revision as of 17:38, 10 March 2020

Sonic 4 logo without episode sub-titles

The logo of Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is an episodic 2D side-scrolling game series for iOS, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Android and more. It takes place firmly after Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, although the saga is more of a continuation of the previous side-scrolling Sonic games, with each Episode resembling one or more of the previous installments, as almost all of the enemies and bosses seen in each episode were seen before in one of those games.

Games

Story

Episode I

Sometime after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles. With the Death Egg destroyed and Angel Island floating again, Sonic parts with Tails and Knuckles and heads off to explore new territories on his own. However, Sonic's break is cut short when a vengeful Dr. Eggman, who had survived their last encounter, has returned and has taken measures to get rid of Sonic with a new and improved army of Badniks. Despite Dr. Eggman's best efforts, Sonic destroys each of his refined creations and chases the madman to his newest lair, the E.G.G. Station Zone. There, Sonic defeats each of his creations once again, including the powered-up Death Egg Robot from Sonic's first encounter on the Death Egg. After destroying the mech and the space station, Sonic returns safely back on his planet and celebrates his victory in Splash Hill Zone with his Animal friends.

Episode Metal

A short while after the events of Episode I, Little Planet (where the events of Sonic the Hedgehog CD took place) reappeared once more. Dr. Eggman, after being defeated in the previous installment, sends a monitor to Stardust Speedway to revive the destroyed Metal Sonic. Metal Sonic then flies to Mad Gear Zone zone where Eggman uses the base's machines to restore Metal to working order. Eggman then sends Metal out to Lost Labyrinth Zone to retrieve a mysterious object to empower Metal Sonic even further. After traveling through Casino Street Zone and Splash Hill Zone, Metal Sonic sees Sonic and Tails in the Tornado flying off in the distance. Using a nearby rocket, Metal Sonic sets off in pursuit.

Episode II

Meanwhile, Sonic discovers that the mad doctor is back, and recruits his buddy Tails to help him face this new threat and save the Planet once more from destruction. Sonic and Tails pursue Eggman and Metal Sonic through several areas and confront him at his Sky Fortress. After being defeated by Sonic and Tails, Eggman and Metal retreat to the Death Egg mk.II, Eggman's newly created space station built around Little Planet. Sonic and Tails have a final confrontation with Metal Sonic (in a race that mimics their confrontation at Stardust Speedway) and defeat Metal Sonic once again. Afterwards, the two of them face Eggman's latest creation: the Egg Heart. Sonic and Tails defeat this machine and escape the de-activating Death Egg, saving the planet once again, but leaving the fate of Little Planet an uncertainty.

Characters in the series

Playable

Non Playable

Badniks

Bosses

Episode I

Episode II

Zones

Key Items

Item Boxes

Main article: Item Box
  • Super Ring: Holds ten rings
  • 1-Up: Extra Life
  • Power Sneakers: Makes you run faster for a limited time
  • Invincible: Makes you invincible for a limited time
  • Shield: Protects you from a single hit
  • Special Combination: Attacks all badniks and gains points and rings (Episode II only)

Special Stages

Episode I

Special Stages in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I play akin to ones in the first game, where Sonic must navigate a maze to reach the Chaos Emerald, collecting rings and avoiding the exit blocks. This time, the rotation is controlled by the player instead of automatically. Controllers with motion control support can use either a traditional control method or by tilting the controller to control the rotation.

Two significant differences between these stages and the original ones are the inclusion of ring gates and a time limit. Ring gates are barriers that prevent the player from crossing into the next area of the stage, but can be passed once the appropriate number of rings, shown on the gate, have been collected. A time limit also kicks in at the start of each stage and boots the player out if they haven't collected the Emerald in the time frame. The starting amount varies by level, but can be extended in five, ten or fifteen second increments by collecting orbs around the stage.

Once a Special Stage has been completed, it can be replayed on the level select stage in either Score or Time Attack modes, with a 1-Up replacing the Emerald.

Episode II

Special Stages in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II play akin to the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Special Stages. Like in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic and Tails must collect a certain amount of rings, the amount increasing after hitting a checkpoint, however, unlike Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Tails can collect rings, but will not lose his share if he touches any bombs, although this is only true for Single Player. Also, unlike Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the player can boost by holding the Tag Action button, and while there is no time limit, but there is a timer, used for Time Attack scores.

Trivia

  • The prototype of Knuckles' Chaotix known as Sonic Crackers was called Sonic the Hedgehog 4 in some magazine articles.
  • While the Wii saw a prominent release for Episode I, Episode II was not released for it as the WiiWare service had a forty megabyte size limit for games.
    • Additionally, to compensate for this size limit, the sound quality is noticeably compressed in the WiiWare version of Episode I.
  • In Sonic Generations, the music track for Splash Hill Zone is unlockable to listen to in the game.
  • During the development of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, the intention was to make the Sonic the Hedgehog 4 series an episodic trilogy, but after the release of Episode II, the idea was scrapped.
  • This is the only Sonic game to receive a copying lock within its files for the PlayStation 3 version. The lock disallows the game to be copied to a USB stick or anything that grants it access to a PC. This is one of the four known PlayStation 3 games to have this function.

References

  1. Luty, Dave (5 January, 2015). Sonic 4 Episode 3 Was Planned, Then Cancelled. The Sonic Stadium. Archived from the original on 12 July, 2017. Retrieved on 2019-07-09.

External links

Official website (Japanese)