So Nintendo Power hinted at a new game they would be announcing in their next issue and its finally here: Sonic and the Black Knight! From the same company that created Sonic and the Secret Rings they bring us this new adaptation to the Sonic Universe. This time Sonic is transported into the land of one of the most famous mythological kings in history: King Arthur! But does this game seem promising or have they finally managed to run this old icon into the ground?
Read on to find out!
A sorceress named Merlina has summoned Sonic to the mythical realm of Camelot where the once fabled monarch has become corrupt and now rules the people as the tyrannical Black Knight. It is up to Sonic to set things right and in this land being fast with his feet won't do much good..he must take up the sword and channel his inner Lancelot to defeat this once beloved foe. With the ability to use the sword Sonic is able to do moves such as thrust, parry and even pull off a buzz-saw maneuver midjump. This sword isn't only for combat..it can also be used as a way to slow down your decent by thrusting it into the side of the wall as your falling down.
The Sonic team isn't forgetting the main point of any Sonic game which is: SPEED. You will be able to slice through enemies without slowing down. How will you control this speedy character? With the good ol' Joystick! The Wii remote is being used as a way to wield the sword so its only natural that you would have to use the Nunchuk to control this awesome furball.
The main focus that the team wanted to center on was to create something completely new with SBK. The importance of what it is to be a knight will be a big part of the game. Sonic will start as a knave and work his way up from there with the guidance of his talking sword --Calibur (familiar huh?). Only when he becomes a full-fledged Knight does he have any chance at defeating King Arthur. There will be citizens that need your help -should you choose to help them you will get points toward knighthood, but if you decide to slay them or any innocent bystanders your reputation will take a hit --sounds a little like Assassin's Creed.
Many of the gameplay concepts that were featured in Sonic and the Secret Rings will be implemented into SBK, such as the skill system. The mission structure will also be returning with each stage consisting of multiple missions with different stipulations but you won't be forced to complete many of them to progress through the main story. The soul gauge will not be returning but the team has created an all new special gauge that will bestow Sonic with similarly impressive powers. The meter will fill gradually whenever you vanquish an enemy or snag a purple element and once a certain point is reached you will be able to unleash a powerful combo attack capable of tearing through multiple foes. All these features are still being worked on though.
A few familiar faces will be featured in SBK assuming the roles of Arthurian personas, such as how they played such characters as Ali Baba and Aladdin in SSR. Though now some of these characters will be playable this time around with each hero boasting unique abilities. Two characters have been revealed: Knuckles, will brandish two swords at once, and Shadow, will possibly wield a magical blade forged from overwrought angst. One of the main things to know about this feature is that playing these characters is OPTIONAL. But come on who wouldn't want to play as Shadow or Knuckles?
I am actually really excited for this game. Though I have only played a tiny bit of Sonic and the Secret Rings this makes me want to play the whole thing so I can view how they have changed/refined some of the features. I know quite a few people where eager to hear of any news that might have been in regards to a new Kid Icarus or Zelda game but hey Sonic is just as good to me.
Source Nintendo Power Mag.
