Sonic Crackers
| Sonic Crackers | |
|---|---|
|
Sonic Crackers title screen | |
| Developer(s) | Sonic Team |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Composer(s) | Junko Shiratsu |
| Series | Sonic the Hedgehog |
| Platform(s) | Sega Genesis |
| Genre(s) | Platform game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Sonic Crackers, also sometimes referred to as Sonic Stadium[1] (due to the ROM header containing the title Sonic Studium [sic]), is an early Sonic the Hedgehog prototype video game for the Sega Genesis. While it was never officially released in the form of a Sonic the Hedgehog game, the concepts, engine, and various other materials in the prototype were subsequently implemented in the Sega 32X game Knuckles' Chaotix in 1995,[2][3] and the prototype itself is widely circulated on the internet.[4]
Background
The prototype game consists of two main parts: two "adventure" levels and two "field" levels. The "adventure" levels in the game are played as 2D sidescrolling platformer and are highly reminiscent of the "Techno Tower" and "Speed Slider" levels in Knuckles' Chaotix.[5] The game has Sonic and Tails joined together by a band of rings, which would later become the core gameplay concept for Knuckles' Chaotix for the Sega 32X.[3] Further more, the games share other gameplay mechanics. For instance, the player may also use the elasticity of the connection of the two characters to stretch and "slingshot" the other character into the air.[5] Additionally, both Sonic Crackers and Knuckles Chaotix levels can be played at different times of day.[5]
Conversely, the open field levels were played in an isometric viewpoint, with checkered floors, clouded backgrounds and a waterfall.[5]
Legacy
Many misconceptions about the game have circulated the internet about the game, such as that it was initially intended to be a Sonic 4[3] or an elaborate fan-made hoax since Sega as a company has never announced or acknowledged its existence.[4] However, it has been confirmed to be an official Sega developed prototype that eventually led to the creation of Knuckles' Chaotix.[1][2][4][5] Beyond introducing gameplay mechanics later seen in Knuckles' Chaotix, similar use of isometric gameplay was later seen in 1996's Sonic 3D Blast,[5] and the prospect of a "field" level was later seen in 1998's Sonic Adventure.[3]
References
- 1 2 "Unreleased Sonic the Hedgehog Games". UGO.com. 2010-02-22. Retrieved 2013-08-01.
- 1 2 Fahs, Travis. "Sonic X-Treme Revisited." IGN UK. May 29, 2008. 1. Retrieved on February 13, 2010. "There was the experimental multiplayer Sonic Crackers, eventually to become Knuckles Chaotix."
- 1 2 3 4 "Feature: The Sonic Games That Never Were". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2013-08-01.
- 1 2 3 "Following the Trail of Cracker Crumbs: The Origins of Sonic Crackers | Nintendo Player - A Not-For-Profit Retro Gaming Fansite". Nintendo Player. Retrieved 2013-08-01.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ken Horowitz (2005-06-24). "Sega-16 – Sonic Crackers: The Lost Sonic Game". Sega-16.com. Retrieved 2013-08-01.