In Brief
- As noted in the previous section, there are four different categories of speed.
- The classic games use normal, accelerating and top speeds frequently.
- This retains the impact of over-clock speed and makes it easier to incorporate obstacles
- Modern games use top and over-clock speeds frequently, as the levels contain more speed devices
- This creates a faster paced experience
- However, it also causes the speed to become repetitive, as it becomes harder to include obstacle sections.
As noted in the previous section, there are four different categories of speed. The modern and classic games use these speeds in different ways, which produces different results.
Speed in the classic games
In the Mega Drive games normal, accelerating and top speed are the most common speeds experienced. The over-clock speed occurs less frequently (usually only once per a level).
▲ The normal, accelerating and top speeds occur most frequently in the classic games.
The greater use of normal and accelerating speeds makes it easier to include obstacle sections. Sonic often has to travel at a slower pace in order to tackle obstacles and, as the player is more familiar with the normal and accelerating speeds, the lowered pacing does not seem too alien.
The greater use of normal and accelerating speeds makes the experience more authentic, as in real life fast vehicles and animals (such as Cheetahs) have to accelerate to reach a top speed.
Speed in the modern games
In newer games, the top and over-clock speeds occur most frequently. The normal and accelerating speeds are less prominent. This difference is due to the greater proliferation of speed pads and other such devices that keep Sonic continually moving.
▲ In modern games, the top and over-clock speed are the most common
However, it also makes it harder to include obstacles, as the slower pace needed to overcome dangers breaks too greatly with the sensation of speed. This causes the slower pace to feel irritating and annoying.
As a result, obstacles in the modern games are simplified and usually consist of using the homing attack at the correct time to defeat enemies.
While such obstacle sections maintain the sense of speed, they often become overly repetitive.
The player has little control over the speed. The speed devices often force the player to travel solely at overclock speed.
Conclusion
- Modern games need to offer more control over how fast Sonic travels.
- This can be achieved by:
- Reducing the number of speed pads that automatically propel Sonic to overclock speed.
- The greater control will make the speed more rewarding.
- Limiting the overclock speed will allow this speed to retain an impact.
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