THE BORE
General => Video Game Bored => Topic started by: Momo on April 30, 2012, 10:36:24 AM
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http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/122/1223896p1.html (http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/122/1223896p1.html)
The two stages we played through were packed with shortcuts and alternative routes. A Panzer Dragoon-themed course naturally has you spending a fair bit of time in the air, while the Monkey Ball track allows you the choice of winding, narrow, barrier-free strips of track up above, or the wider stretches below that are slower but easier to negotiate. One particularly neat touch is a shortcut which sends you leaping onto a numbered target lifted from the Monkey Target mini-game. Sumo has been careful to ensure that the tracks fit the IP, though in the case of Monkey Ball, the studio had to get special permission from SEGA Japan to include water, before then entering into discussions about how water should behave in the Monkey Ball universe. It's heartening to witness that kind of meticulous focus on fine detail, and Sumo's near-fanboyish enthusiasm for the characters and worlds featured here show that these SEGA favourites are in safe hands.
If the track design is easy to admire, the graphical overhaul is even more attention-grabbing. Sumo is using a bespoke engine for Transformed, and the improvements over its predecessor are startling. It still has those same glorious SEGA blue skies, but there's much more detail in both environments and vehicles, while the whole thing runs at an exhilarating pace. Even in its unfinished state, this demonstrates surprisingly strong production values for a kart racer, and the graphics can only improve between now and its autumn release.
As for the soundtrack, popular composer Richard Jacques has contributed a number of tracks that remix classic SEGA tunes from yesteryear, while some players will be delighted to learn that the polarising commentator from the first game has been removed. Instead, an announcer only occasionally interjects to relay the most important race information, while crowds clap, cheer and chant the name of their favourite racer.
Which brings us to the character roster, and there are a few surprise names on there. Naturally, there are some familiar faces, too Sonic obviously returns, though this time he's driving a Koenigsegg-style supercar, part of a conscious decision by Sumo to make the vehicles a little cooler. But Dreamcast owners will be particular thrilled to see Skies of Arcadia's Vyse, in a vehicle based on the Delphinus. Golden Axe's Gilius Thunderhead who was originally planned for inclusion in the original gets to ride a Ray Harryhausen-esque bronze creature that morphs into a turtle and an eagle. We're sworn to secrecy on the later stages, but suffice to say anyone who didn't think the first game was enough of a SEGA love-in is in for a treat. The fan service here is phenomenal, and the final unlockable in particular is one that will delight long-term Sega acolytes.
Other aspects have been refined, so now instead of SEGA miles you earn points for your chosen character that feed into a levelling system, unlocking various trinkets and vehicle mods. Though the focus is still on split-screen multiplayer, there are now online races, supporting up to eight players, with a range of modes and options to customise your race experience. For lone players, there's an extensive Story mode with 16 new tracks spread across a number of different SEGA worlds, represented here by floating islands. Four favourites from the original game also return, including Jet Set Radio Future's Shibuya and the Death Egg track which was released as downloadable content.
:hyper :hyper :hyper
UPDATES
(http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/122/1223896/rev-up-for-sonic-all-stars-racing-transformed--20120430064344973.jpg) (http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/122/1223896/rev-up-for-sonic-all-stars-racing-transformed--20120430064344973.jpg)
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In addition to Vyse from Skies of Arcadia and Gillius from Golden Axe being revealed this morning, TSSZ has learned from this source that Ristar and Vectorman were also playable characters based on a build received. We are also told this game may be very Dreamcast centric, with Ryo Hazuki making a return to the game and perhaps gracing the cover when sold in stores. The source also tells TSSZ that the NiGHTS franchise should be included in some form, and while were not certain to what extent, it should be more than a flagman role. We also know characters like Bayonetta, Kazuma from Yakuza, Joe Mushashi from Shinobi, and some classic Phantasy Star and Valkyria Chronicles representation were also considered, but we do not know what of that, if any, made the cut. We are leaning toward unlikely, as the source made clear that Sega of Europe wants to market this toward kids. We also know there was a push to include Kirby in the Nintendo versions, which Nintendo would not sign off on.
In terms of levels, our source assures there will be more variety this time around, with a more balanced representation of the franchises represented. That said, there are tracks that recall the style seen in Sonic Generations, as well as Super Monkey Ball with what was seen in the asset release today.
ASR Transformed will cater to the XBOX 360 audience above all else, the source said. Several exclusives, including content and a possible console bundle, are being planned by Microsoft. The source said Microsoft was pushing for Kinect support, but we cannot confirm that will be a part of the 360 edition. On the contrary, our source indicates Sony is rather uninterested with this game, and actually may be concerned it will compete with some of its own upcoming fare, like Playstation All-Stars: Battle Royale. Still, we are told Sony wants some exclusives enabled via PS3-Vita connectivity.
http://www.tssznews.com/2012/04/30/source-reveals-additional-asr-transformed-details/
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I was pleasantly surprised with the first one. Here's hoping this one is even better.
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Golden Axe's Gilius Thunderhead who was originally planned for inclusion in the original gets to ride a Ray Harryhausen-esque bronze creature that morphs into a turtle and an eagle.
Holy fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck. (I wish it was Tyris Flare though :-[ )
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:hyper Sumo Digital :hyper
:hyper Bruuuuu~ Skiessss~ :hyper
:hyper Richard Jacques :hyper
:hyper Vyse from SOA :hyper
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The first game was pretty good - better than almost every Mario Kart. Will probably buy the PC version.
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Was the best karter I played this gen, and with the extended lineup, i am :hyper
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Those Samba stages, holy fukkk awesome
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Those Samba stages, holy fukkk awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmNxnmlYki8
:hyper
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http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=37432100&postcount=153 :yuck
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http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=37432100&postcount=153 :yuck
He can fuck right off :hyper
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Will buy this when it hits $20 bargain within a month
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Finally a multiplatform game that actually has Vita support...
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http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=37432100&postcount=153 :yuck
What the fuck?
Sorry, but I don't fall for shameless fan service which I consider a sad misuse of a classic property.
Waiting for Sega Rally 1995, Daytona 2, and Scud Race HD digital adaptations and passing on this gimmick based casual kart racer.
You're going to be waiting for a long time, dingleberry.
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Cool. Look forward to picking up the PC version for a $5 on steam like I did the original (which I still need to play). Although if it handles more like PGR, I'll up that to $20.
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Sounds good, and the PC version has online play this time around.
I wonder if they'll make a crummy PS3/360 port for Vita or it'll be a better version of the 3DS game (same assets at native res, frame rate depending).
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Those Samba stages, holy fukkk awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmNxnmlYki8
:hyper
Never played Samba de Amigo... but man I remember that Samba De Janeiro track being quite popular back in the day, really takes me back to the late 90's. My friend made me a mixtape with stuff like that, Faithless-Insomnia, Robert Miles-Children and Sash! on it. Was awesome.
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Ristar and Vectorman has all sorts of potential to be amazing :hyper
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This thread makes me want to get my DC Samba gear out :(
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There is no shame. My maracas are currently boxed though, so I shall not join :(