Camp Sonic

It’s only been a few days, and E3 has already been one heck of a ride for Sonic Fans.  Amidst the plethora of Sonic Unleashed news thrown our way, we’ve had very little time to actually let things soak in.  I think that it’s about time we take a closer look at what many probably consider to be the most sensitve part of Sonic’s new Adventure -

Weresonic.

It’s been no secret that Sonic will have an alternate form in Unleashed, as many fans can probably remember even the first leaks of information contained hints to a Werehog of sorts.  Up until E3 though, we hadn’t actually gotten a good look at how this beast version of Sonic will function.  However, after SEGA’s release of the new E3 Sonic Unleashed Trailer and Screenshots, we’re FINALLY starting to understand what sort of role Weresonic will play in Unleashed, and more importantly, how (or if) he will work.

Let’s take a closer look.

Why Weresonic?

If there is one element of Sonic Unleashed that has kept classic Sonic fans on constant edge over Sonic Unleashed, it would have to be Sonic’s new counterpart, Weresonic.  Ever since Sonic entered the 3D realm of gaming, fans have lost more and more faith in the series due to awful gameplay, poor storylines, and the constant introduction of new characters in order to try and save the game from the first two problems.

So after SEGA announced that they would be returning to their classic form, does it come as any surprise that many didn’t take their word for it after seeing Weresonic?  I must admit, I’ve been very concerned myself, despite all of the good things I’ve seen aside from Sonic’s alter-ego (this is my childhood we’re talking about here folks).  After some light was shed on Weresonic’s beginnings, things do seem to be shaping up nicely, and my faith hasn’t been lost in the game yet.  Actually, if anything, after watching the new trailer from E3 a lot of my concerns have been transformed into pleasant surprises – but only time will tell if SEGA pulls through.

Weresonic’s Beginnings

Concerns, anxiety, and worries set aside, let’s look at how Weresonic will actually be integrated into the World of Sonic.  As you may know, Sonic Unleashed is not connected to any previous installments of the series, but is rather a rebuilding of the series.  In the beginning of the game, players will be blasted with a cutscene depicting Sonic taking on Dr Eggman and his minions out in Space in what appears to be an EPIC battle.

As Sonic get’s closer to his nemesis, things start looking dreary for the blue hero, and he is forced into one of Eggman’s machines powered by the 7 chaos emeralds.  The machine begins to transform Sonic into a massive beast, and from what SEGA has revealed so far, the machine also separates the world into 7 different pieces, while awakening a beast from the center of the planet.  In the whole process of things, Eggman corrupts the Chaos emeralds (which Sonic must fix during the rest of the game by restoring their power at shrines around the world).

Thus, a Weresonic is born. All in one of Eggman’s contraptions at the very beginning of the game, thus sentencing the player to the beast-like form throughout the game at various moments (always at night – during day hours, Sonic remains as the classic hero).  Upon restoring the power of the Chaos emeralds, Sonic will be able to once again transform into Super Sonic, and will likely have to do so for the final battle in the game.

That’s not so bad…  But How will Weresonic Play?

The gameplay for Weresonic will be vastly different from anything we’ve seen from ordinary Sonic so far.  While Sonic will act as the speedy blue blur we grew up to know him as, Weresonic will feature a slower pace of gameplay (although, it is evident that he CAN move quickly), and will have free roaming capabilities (versus regular Sonic who more or less moves in a 2 dimensional space, or will move on preset paths).

Weresonic features a Combat system of his own which allows him to swing his apparently elastic arms at swarms of enemies, throw baddies, and perform combo attacks.  In the video shown at E3, we see Weresonic using his massive new claws to knock down gates, and tear up large groups of enemies with ease.  At one moment, we see Weresonic throwing a quick jab or two, and before you know it, we see him spinning ferociously attacking in all directions like a wild whirlwind.  From the looks of things, it’s comparable to Banjo Kazooie or even Zelda games… only minus the sword and green cap… and Kazooie.

At other times, we see Weresonic running on all fours like a canine, then suddenly scaling a wall almost efforlessly.  It would seem as if various interactions with the environment will be a necessity with Sonic’s new form, as footage also shows Weresonic swinging from polls Indiana Jones style, and also lifting objects only to place them down elsewhere on switches to open doors.

All in all, the important thing to note here is that things look like they work.  We’ll hold final judgment for after we actually get to try things out ourselves, but until then, we’re happy to see that the gameplay isn’t too complex, and also offers a new dynamic to the series which might actually work on a 3D perspective for Sonic.

Shield and Vitality

The HUD changes when you transform from Sonic into Weresonic.  Rather than the Ring Gauge, we see a Shield and Vitality Gauge.  At this point, both remain a mystery to us, but at any rate, it doesn’t look like Ring Energy plays the same role to Weresonic as it does for Sonic.

We did notice some strange, Purple/Magenta orbs flying around which Weresonic appeared to absorb.  These could have something to do with one of these gauges, or an entirely new element of gameplay we aren’t aware of yet.  They seem to come from enemies after they perish…

Day and Night

During daytime hours, Sonic will be Sonic.  During the Night, he’ll take on Weresonic’s persona.  Some points in stages will allow time to flow freely, meaning that transformation may take place while you are playing.  At other points in stages, it will always be night or day.

So… what if we’d rather use regular Sonic in one of the areas where time flows automatically?  According to an interview with Sega of America Producer Patrick Riley, players will easily be able to adjust the time of day in such areas.  Gameplay mechanics like this worked really well in titles like Majora’s Mask, and so long as we’re not switching the time of day every 30 seconds, will probably satisfy our gameplay needs.

Will We Fight Bosses as Weresonic, or…

Actually, some bosses will need to be battled with Weresonic, while others will require the speed of the classic hedgehog.  In the video shown at E3, we’re convinced we see Weresonic jumping over the sonic-waves of a boss while simultaneously taking on plenty of smaller enemies.

We like the idea of mixing things up.  Too much of the same’ol CAN get old after a while.  At the same time, we haven’t seen enough action out of Weresonic to really call this decision on SEGA’s part in their favor.

The Looks

Weresonic is bigger, more hairy, and much more rugged than the Hedgehog we all know and love.  He’s got huge fangs gaping out of his mouth, massive fists complete with claws that would send deafening notes down a chalkboard, arms that put the stretchy arms of Mister Fantastic from the Fantastic Four to shame, and boots that certainly will leave marks in the new flooring.

It’s still Sonic – but it’s definitely something new… at least for a Sonic title.  Like I mentioned before, some of the combat gameplay is reminescent of recent Zelda titles… but imagine more of a Donkey Kong-esque Link… who wears boots, and sports massive fangs and claws.  Paint that figment of your imagination Blue, and you’ve probably got a good idea of what Weresonic looks and acts like.

Tags: e3, Sonic Unleashed, weresonic