Speed differences in the classic and modern games

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.
    • classic_good.png 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
    • modern_good.png This creates a faster paced experience
    • modern_bad.png 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.

classic_good.png This allows the over-clock speed to remain relatively unique and so it possesses a greater impact when it occurs.

classic_good.png The pleasure principle of Contrasts 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.

classic_good.png The pleasure principle of Realism 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

modern_good.png The increased frequencies of over-clock speeds make the game more exciting.

modern_bad.png 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.
modern_bad.png While such obstacle sections maintain the sense of speed, they often become overly repetitive.

modern_bad.png The pleasure principle of Player Choice 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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Categories of speed Basic Concepts Rush & Spectacle Mechanics

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