I just stumbled upon an Industry Gamers article, where in an interview with Sega of America’s Sean Ratcliffe, the VP of Marketing admits the quality of Sonic games of recent haven’t been any good. He goes on to point out that the die-hard Sonic fans (me included) loved the daytime levels in Sonic Unleashed. They are, in my opinion, the best Sonic levels in the series. Now, I will admit that 2005’s Sonic the Hedgehog was crap – I’m not sure what actually happened there. Sonic 2005 had terrible controls, graphic glitches, and a sloppy camera. It’s those elements the made the game turn out poor, and just left a bad taste in every gamers mouth. Now, how that could have happened after the Adventure series is unknown. Did the team have limited funding? Were they rushed? In the end, it wasn’t worth it and now we’re stuck with dual personalities.

Sonic can continue in 3D. Just as the fans have pointed out, and Sega recognizes, they need to focus on the daytime elements from Unleashed. A game based around that would be great. But, wait – that’s what the Adventure series was all about! Where’s Sonic Adventure 3? I’m pretty sure that’s what we’re all waiting for. The interview went on to touch on the success of 2D games. New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Sonic on iPhone, and XBLA, PSN, Virtual Console success. A proper 2D Sonic sequel could potentially happen and be successful. But if so, I wouldn’t want Sega to focus on that forget about the 3D Sonic. I really, really, want a Sonic Adventure 3.

Now as a marketing VP, what is he looking at? In the gaming market, with how much it is currently booming, who is the majority? I would assume Sonic fans are the minority. And it’s the majority’s needs after the 2005 Sonic that made Sega retool the franchise. That’s why we got a Werehog that plays similar to a beat-em-up. Originally, Unleashed was going to be SA3, but the designers really wanted to expand on the Werehog element, which led to it being its own game.

So I don’t think Sonic necessarily needs to be fixed, but Sega needs to grab the working elements and run with it. Unfortunately, if the market’s majority wants something fresh, Sonic may never survive 3D, and be stuck in 2D. That wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing, but it just leaves me without an SA3.

Sometimes, as good as a game may be, it will frustrate you until you give up. Such is the case with Ninja Blade. It is a fun and simple game, yet, from the start of a specific level until (most likely) the end, I was stuck in a room that was pitch black, requiring my Ninja Vision ability. Unfortunatley this ability wears off and you have to wait for it to recharge. Because of this, I was stuck in the room for sometime. At one point, I decided to take a break, but paused the game since leaving would just start me at the beginning of the level. I don’t feel like doing that. I then proceeded to watch a movie on my PS3 (Sundown – it has to be seen to be believed) but unfortunately, my universal remote accidently shutdown the 360. At that point, I said ‘fuck Ninja Blade’. I’d continue if it wasn’t for the fact that I have so many games I want to play. I’ll have to revisit it later.

The game didn’t do anything wrong though, it’s really just me. It’s a good game and I really want to finish it, but I’m debating on sending it back to GameFly to get the next in my GameQ.

Bionic Commando is on its way, and Sean loved it so I’m excited.

Sean wanted me to get this game so bad that he bought it for me. I went into this game really not interested. A platformer with a puzzle gimmick. Not really my thing. Braid bored me to tears so I wasn’t really looking froward to it. I’ll go a head and say that it is fun. I probably wouldn’t have bought it myself though. It’s really just the same thing over and over and I can only handle it in short bursts. The level design, as in ‘look’, is boring. The music is also snooze worthy. Many people may dislike this opinion, but I’m only being honest. I’ll continue to play it, but not sure if I’ll have the drive to finish it.

GameFly has finally sent me out a game. Ninja Blade. I originally intended to purchase this based on the demo, but luckily GameFly is here, even if they are a little late. I’m still waiting for them to send me the other game. Which reminds me – they use to send games out randomly. It didn’t matter what place it was in your GameQ. But now they are going in order. Could that be why it’s taking so long? If that’s the case, I might start bumping up my most wanted…

• Bluegamer.net updated: Ghostbusters review now up! ( http://bit.ly/52rj0
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• Bluecast Episode 19 now available for download! ( http://bit.ly/pMXiL
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• FYI, the built-in player isn't working correctly, but the download link and iTunes feeds are fine. Enjoy! http://bit.ly/vJNiw #
• Quick run-down of Adam's Comic-Con pics for 7/23 ( http://bit.ly/46zrhf
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This week I Screenshock the new images released for the new Sith Edition of The Force Unleashed. The following shot includes the last of a lineage of Jedi that performed a head-butt during battle. I say last because the technique didn’t really work.

What I gather is the game is being re-released with new content, including previous DLC. What I also gather but still cannot compute properly, is that the rerelease will also feature some kick-ass content that will not be available as DLC. That sucks. I, for one, enjoyed the game. I recognized its faults but still found it to be a ton of fun. I want to play through the DLC (waiting for price-cut), and would love to play these new missions, but to buy the game again…I just don’t know. On top of that, there will apparently be some more DLC. For the fastest-selling Star Wars game of all time, why don’t you milk it?

So GameFly received my last two games on the 22nd. It is now the 24th and they have yet to send me anything. This means I’ll go without any games for the weekend. My GameQ is full of games, with one in particular’s availability set at ‘Available Now’, another at ‘High’, and three at ‘Medium.

Am I asking too much of GameFly? In the beginning, it was pretty fast. And with Netflix I’m watching a new movie every other day.

So what will I do this weekend? Probably some more BF1943. Sean is telling me to play ‘Splosion Man, but I’m trying to budget my game purchases.

Yeah, I’m pissed.

I normally wouldn’t use promotional materials for a VotW, but I’m so excited about C&C 4 that I could shave my head and grow a goatee. Even though I initially did not like what EA was ding with the C&C franchise, once Ricitiello came aboard, the franchise was reworked with the release of Kane’s Wrath. So I do have high-hopes for this sequel. It’s supposed to be the final game, which is fine; I’m ready to have my questions answered.