Sonic Unleashed: Yoshi Hashimoto Interview

The promising new Sonic title is out soon. We find out more and get an update on Sonic Team from the game's director.

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Kikizo: How would you defend or even promote the "night time" gameplay in Sonic Unleashed?

Hashimoto: I would say it is an all-around battle platforming action game. As there are many variations of combos and the attack methods, I believe this title will be the battle game with a whole range of options. And yet, the controls of the wide range of attack methods are very simple. The title offers a system that allows you to play in either a simple or complex manner to give enjoyment to the hardcore gamers, as well as action game newcomers.

Kikizo: Do you think fans are too critical of Sonic games in general? For example, we think that Sonic Heroes and Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) have many good points! But the reviews are very mixed.

Hashimoto: I think the fans' evaluations are fair. I often read the forums run by Sonic fans on a routine basis. I hardly feel any discomfort from their comments. I often find myself rather agreeable to them. I believe that Sonic Unleashed will be accepted by many of the Sonic fans.

Kikizo: Please can you give us an update on Sonic Team. Over the years it has had divisions and staff in the USA as well as Tokyo. What are your views on this history, and what is its structure today?

Hashimoto: The environment has changed after Yuji Naka became independent and established Prope, and also with the return of Sonic Team USA to Japan. Today, Akinori Nishiyama is the manager and Takashi Iizuka, formerly of Sonic Team USA, is the sub-manager and is conducting the organization. However, there is not much change with the development staff. We are the same group of people who have been and will continue developing Sonic games, as well as others, with passion. I have worked together with Mr Iizuka before on the Sonic Adventure series, so it is my pleasure to be able to work with him again.

Kikizo: The latest footage of Sonic and the Black Knight actually looks very comparable to Unleashed. Would you agree?

Hashimoto: You may think so at a first glance, but Sonic Unleashed and Black Knight are actually completely different. Unleashed is set in the contemporary world, produced with the colorful pop art-work following through the realistic texture, but Black Knight is set in the Middle Ages and the art work is in a quieter color tone. If you actually play each game, you will find the clear differences between them in terms of direction.

Kikizo: Please have a look at this fan artwork:

Hashimoto: It is a very pretty illustration...

Kikizo: Don't you think it would be fun to make a 2D Sonic in HD like this?

Hashimoto: It is a very pretty illustration. If this is a depiction of high resolution 2D hand drawn Sonic, I would find it interesting as a work which has never been made before. If you mean Sonic designed in 2D style expressed in a 3D environment, it definitely ties to part of Sonic Unleashed's concept and gameplay.

Kikizo: Do you think this visual quality would be possible?

Hashimoto: It is possible with the use of the Hedgehog Engine!

Kikizo: Have you worked on a technical demo like this?

Hashimoto: We have continued technical experiments on a routine basis, so we could say Unleashed is the result of it. We intend to continue various experiments to bring out the best out of Sonic world's fascinations.

Kikizo: Please give fans a final message to look forward to about Sonic Unleashed!

Hashimoto: I believe that Sonic Unleashed has become the Sonic the Hedgehog that Sonic fans have waited a long time for. We expect and hope to hear people say "this is the real Sonic... Sonic has returned!".

Kikizo: Thank you for your time and we look forward to playing the final game.

Deep breath. Sonic Unleashed is released in North America on November 18 for Wii and PS2, on November 24 for Xbox 360, and on December 12 for PS3. The European dates are November 14 for PS2 and Wii, November 28 for Xbox 360 and December for PS3. The game is delayed in Japan until Spring 2009.

[Update] N.B. The above dates cannot be 100% confirmed at the time of press, and are based on our best source retail listings - they do not come from Sega. Please keep an eye out for final official release date confirmation(s).

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