The Weekly Release

[bapenguin]

It's Watchmen week - a movie that everyone in the geek world is going ga ga over. Will it live up to the hype?

The big titles this week are Halo Wars on the Xbox 360 and HAWX on the PS3 and 360.

Tuesday
Empire; Total War (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DEmpire;%20Total%20War%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (PC) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Empire;%20Total%20War&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
HAWX (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DHAWX%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (360, PS3) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=HAWX&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Halo Wars (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DHalo%20Wars%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (360) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Halo%20Wars&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Imagine: Ice Champions (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DImagine:%20Ice%20Champions%26x%3D0%26y% 3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (DS) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Imagine:%20Ice%20Champions&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Littlest Pet Shop: Spring (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DLittlest%20Pet%20Shop:%20Spring%26x%3D0 %26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (DS) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Littlest%20Pet%20Shop:%20Spring&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
MLB 09 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DMLB%2009%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (PS3, PS2, PSP) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=MLB%2009&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
MLB 2k9 Fantasy All Stars (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DMLB%202k9%20Fantasy%20All%20Stars%26x%3 D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (DS) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=MLB%202k9%20Fantasy%20All%20Stars&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Major League Baseball 2k9 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DMajor%20League%20Baseball%202k9%26x%3D0 %26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PC) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Major%20League%20Baseball%202k9&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Peggle Dual Shot (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DPeggle%20Dual%20Shot%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (DS) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Peggle%20Dual%20Shot&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Phantasy Star Portable (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DPhantasy%20Star%20Portable%26x%3D0%26y% 3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (PSP) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Phantasy%20Star%20Portable&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
SBK Superbike World Championship (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DSBK%20Superbike%20World%20Championship% 26x%3D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (PSP) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=SBK%20Superbike%20World%20Championship&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Six Flags Fun Park (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DSix%20Flags%20Fun%20Park%26x%3D0%26y%3D 0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (Wii) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Six%20Flags%20Fun%20Park&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
SkiDoo Snowmobile Challenge (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DSkiDoo%20Snowmobile%20Challenge%26x%3D0 %26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (PS3) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=SkiDoo%20Snowmobile%20Challenge&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Sonic and the Black Knight (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DSonic%20and%20the%20Black%20Knight%26x% 3D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (Wii) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Sonic%20and%20the%20Black%20Knight&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Tom Raider Underworld (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DTom%20Raider%20Underworld%26x%3D0%26y%3 D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (PS2) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Tom%20Raider%20Underworld&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
We Ski and Snowboard (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DWe%20Ski%20and%20Snowboard%26x%3D0%26y% 3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (Wii) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=We%20Ski%20and%20Snowboard&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]
Yamaha Supercross (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DYamaha%20Supercross%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (Wii) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Yamaha%20Supercross&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]

Friday
Shellshock 2: Blood Trails (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dvideogames%26field-keywords%3DShellshock%202:%20Blood%20Trails%26x%3D 0%26y%3D0&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) (PC) [Google It (http://www.google.com/search?q=Shellshock%202:%20Blood%20Trails&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)]

DVD and Hi-Def
Australia (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PPGAIA?ie=UTF8&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001PPGAIA) (also on Blu-Ray (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PPGAIK?ie=UTF8&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001PPGAIK))
Beverly Hills Chihuahua (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CTDH4Y?ie=UTF8&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001CTDH4Y) (also on Blu-Ray (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CTDH58?ie=UTF8&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001CTDH58))
Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QFYLJY?ie=UTF8&tag=theweeklyrel-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001QFYLJY) (also on Blu-Ray (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QFYLKS?ie=UTF8&tag=cooptimus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001QFYLKS))

Theater
Watchmen (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0409459/)

As always you can find the most up to date releases at TheWeeklyRelease.com (www.theweeklyrelease.com)

[Gorvi]

Nothing for me this week at all, the wallet breathes easy once more.

[Psykoboy2]

What???!!!

Empire Total War is out this week. Jeez, I thought that was coming a lot later. Damn. Part of the reason I am building a new rig.

I'll be getting Halo Wars & HAWX this week, both as rentals. Probably buy Halo Wars once it comes in.

Also...what's Watchmen?

[Wilkz07]

Will be going to see Watchmen this weekend.

Looking forward to being able to play Halo Wars mp now.

[Savok]

Again I'd like to apologize on behalf of all Australia for inflicting its namsake in film on the world.

[Camel]

Empire: Total War looks pretty cool, but I always wait until PC games drop a little in price before I buy them.

The Halo Wars demo was fun enough that I put the game on my Gamefly queue. Here's hoping it ships today!

Will Watchmen live up to the hype? No way, no how. I think it will be about as good as a Watchmen movie could be, but a lot of people are such huge fans of the graphic novel, and will jump all over any little thing that disappoints them. I personally think it's going to be a pretty awesome movie.

[Antipode]

Another Sonic game? Didn't we just have one? Or is this one meant to cleanse the palate of the bitter aftertaste of Unleashed.

[Spigot]

I want to see Watchmen, but it somehow snuck up on me. I thought it wasn't out until the summer for some unknown reason...

I'll probably wait and see it the weekend after this...

Otherwise, the only thing on the list that I could see myself possibly buying would be Phantasy Star Portable but I have to a) try the demo and b) see how much it costs and c) decide if I really want to use my store credit on it instead of something else.

That said, I've got so many JRPGs of various stripes to work on already that I think I'll hold off for a bit. I'd rather invest that credit towards something like MadWorld...

[Widgetcraft]

Nothing for me this week, but I'll be going to a midnight showing of the The Watchmen.

[total]

Most likely going to pick up Halo Wars when it drops in price a bit. Pretty fun game.

[Kelegacy]

Nothing for me, but I might buy a 1600 pt XBLA card at Best Buy to score 2 free Watchmen movie tickets. I haven't read the graphic novel, which is terrible of me, but I do want to see this flick.

[menage]

Halo Wars wasn't out yet? It was in Europe last week.

[Camel]

Nothing for me, but I might buy a 1600 pt XBLA card at Best Buy to score 2 free Watchmen movie tickets. I haven't read the graphic novel, which is terrible of me, but I do want to see this flick.
Oh man, I'll definitely take advantage of this deal. Any idea if it's online only or not?

[Cyndair]

My sister just handed me a copy of the Watchmen graphic novel so I'm going to do my best to try to get through it before the weekend. If I do, then I'll be going to see the movie.

I'm curious to see how Phantasy Star Portable turns out. I was a PSO fan back in the day and I even tried out Universe for awhile despite the horrible reviews. The formula is a bit stale these days but it could work well on a handheld.

The videos of Sonic and the Black Knight look fun but I've resigned myself to the fact that it will probably suffer from all the same pitfalls that 3d Sonic has since the Dreamcast.

[Commissar Rob]

Most likely going to pick up Halo Wars when it drops in price a bit. Pretty fun game.

Me too. I enjoyed the demo, but I've got so much sitting on my backlog right now that I just can't justify the purchase. I'll pick it up when it becomes a greatest hit title.

[Camel]

Oh man, I'll definitely take advantage of this deal. Any idea if it's online only or not?
To answer my own question, I just ordered the card and the tickets and got in-store pickup, so I guess it's both online and in-store.

[agentgray]

It's Watchmen week - a movie that everyone in the geek world is going ga ga over. Will it live up to the hype?


For the geeks, probably. For everyone else, somehow I don't think they'll have a clue as to what is going on.

"This is known as one of the greatest comics of all time?" will probably be a popular question.

Oh, and geeks, especially comic geeks are a minority when compared to the rest of the public.

[Young Al Capone]

I am interested in H.A.W.X., but not at $60. I can wait.

If I have my way, I will be checking out Watchmen this weekend.

[Scull]

I'm taking a half day on Friday to so Watchmen, but other than that, nothing for this week.

[Purple Santa]

I want to know what this Tom Raider Underworld is? :) Is this a new buddy character for Lara?

[johnperkins21]

If Halo Wars had a longer single-player campaign, I'd certainly be interested. As it stands the demo was fun and totally worth a rental, but 14 single-player missions isn't nearly enough for me to spend $60 on.

[Loki]

I am going to be devoured by Empire: Total War

[Deadend]

Empire looks hot, as does HAWX. Halo Wars is a maybe for me, I was not impressed with it. But HAWX was quite fun in the demo.

[Sandman]

I'm kind of interested in Watchmen but I'll probably wait on the dvd. I still need to read the graphic novel first anyway.

[Spigot]

I'm kind of interested in Watchmen but I'll probably wait on the dvd. I still need to read the graphic novel first anyway.Of course, the question is which version of the DVD you'll get. The Theatrical length version (~3 hours), the special edition (~3 3/4 hours) or the Super Deluxe Edition with the Black Freighter stuff (~4 1/2 hours or so).

[Sandman]

Of course, the question is which version of the DVD you'll get. The Theatrical length version (~3 hours), the special edition (~3 3/4 hours) or the Super Deluxe Edition with the Black Freighter stuff (~4 1/2 hours or so).

I didn't know the movie was that long....I'll be getting whatever version Netflix sends me.

[Psykoboy2]

I didn't know the movie was that long....I'll be getting whatever version Netflix sends me.

You wait until you've read the actual graphic novel and then see which version you'll want. For me, I want the longest cut they release...especially if they mix in the BF stuff.

[total]

Me too. I enjoyed the demo, but I've got so much sitting on my backlog right now that I just can't justify the purchase. I'll pick it up when it becomes a greatest hit title.

Yeah I will most likely do the same thing as I am in the same situation. I can't be bothered to put down SF4 and I haven't even touched a good amount of the games I bought recently. I own Dead Space, but haven't even started it up.

[Evil Avnovice]

7th Dragon this week.

Or that's what I'd like anyway....

[Adam Blue]

Another Sonic game? Didn't we just have one? Or is this one meant to cleanse the palate of the bitter aftertaste of Unleashed.

Sonic, like Mario, is a franchise. They can, and do, make games with the characters based around new gameplay elements. This new game looks pretty cool, and I'll definitely try it before I say anything.

And Unleashed is a great game too. I rented it from Gamefly, and after getting through the first 'continent' I understood what the game had to offer (and the amount of hours it would take to complete) and decided to 'keep it'. The Sonic levels are the best Sonic levels I have ever played. I don't know how they could top this in the future.

[Spigot]

I don't know how they could top this in the future.Here's an idea: MAKE THE ENTIRE GAME THE PURE SONIC SPEED LEVELS!

Why they can't get it through their thick heads that a Sonic game should be about the speed and the running and not about whatever gimmick they assume needs to be shoehorned in for the sake of shoehorning in a gimmick is beyond me.

[Widgetcraft]

Here's an idea: MAKE THE ENTIRE GAME THE PURE SONIC SPEED LEVELS!

Why they can't get it through their thick heads that a Sonic game should be about the speed and the running and not about whatever gimmick they assume needs to be shoehorned in for the sake of shoehorning in a gimmick is beyond me.

Meh, I thought the Werehog levels were just fine. They would have worked better as Knuckles levels though.

[Panthera]

I am going to be devoured by Empire: Total War

As am I, though I wish they'd let you preload such a massive game.

[crazyD]

Empire Total War isn't a big title? It's the only game out this week I'm interested in.

Here's an idea: MAKE THE ENTIRE GAME THE PURE SONIC SPEED LEVELS!

Why they can't get it through their thick heads that a Sonic game should be about the speed and the running and not about whatever gimmick they assume needs to be shoehorned in for the sake of shoehorning in a gimmick is beyond me.

To be fair, Sonic was never really all about speed. Sonic was about inventive platforming with multiple diverse paths. Sure, there were speed sections, but it was mostly about platforming. I'm not a huge fan of the newer games press-forward-to-win design, and wish that they would actually slow things down, and actually focus on platforming.

And lose the other characters / gimmicks.

[Poewan]

Empire : Total War is going to own my ass for a few weeks. Between that and DoW2, I have my plate full for a while.

[Zanzibar]

If anyone wants to know why TR:Underworld's sales were so low, this is it. PS2 version is, what, four months late? Legend's and Anniversary's PS2 editions came out simultaneously with the other platforms.

[Spigot]

To be fair, Sonic was never really all about speed. Sonic was about inventive platforming with multiple diverse paths. Sure, there were speed sections, but it was mostly about platforming. I'm not a huge fan of the newer games press-forward-to-win design, and wish that they would actually slow things down, and actually focus on platforming.

And lose the other characters / gimmicks.Well, I'd beg to differ that Sonic was never all about speed. Maybe the 3D versions haven't been, but that's probably why I haven't enjoyed them nearly as much. The old 2D games were full of good platforming but maybe I should have clarified but I meant that they need the pure platforming w/ speed, not all of the other crap they seem bound and determined to cram into the games.

At the end of the day, I'd basically be happy if they just did a Klonoa-esque 2.5D version of the games with HD backgrounds and maybe some cool behind the back shots when he really gets on a tear. Just don't make me turn into a werehog or shoot guns or make out with a teen human or whatever other stupid idea seems to jump into their heads to screw up what could otherwise be a very fun game.

Of course, bear in mind that I am the same guy who thinks that Mega Man peaked at number 2 and pretty much hates any of the other games that have come since. I'm stubborn about things sometimes.

It would be one thing if the last batch of Sonic games actually proved that their forays into odd territory worked, a la the Mario games... Sadly, they haven't, so maybe the devs should keep that in mind when they make a new one.

[Spigot]

If anyone wants to know why TR:Underworld's sales were so low, this is it. PS2 version is, what, four months late? Legend's and Anniversary's PS2 editions came out simultaneously with the other platforms.I still refuse to entertain any complaints that a game that sold 1.5 MILLION copies is a game that had low sales.

Man, I'm on a roll tonight. Grumble grumble...

[Zanzibar]

I still refuse to entertain any complaints that a game that sold 1.5 MILLION copies is a game that had low sales.

Man, I'm on a roll tonight. Grumble grumble...

Didja hear the punch line - that it's actually sold 2.6 million units (http://thatgamingsite.com/news/462/tomb-raider-underworld-sells-26-million/) instead of the 1.5m they touted before firing those guys? That's more than Legend OR Anniversary sold, and this is BEFORE the PS2 version is released.

[Spigot]

Didja hear the punch line - that it's actually sold 2.6 million units (http://thatgamingsite.com/news/462/tomb-raider-underworld-sells-26-million/) instead of the 1.5m they touted before firing those guys? That's more than Legend OR Anniversary sold, and this is BEFORE the PS2 version is released.Total flop...

[crazyD]

Well, I'd beg to differ that Sonic was never all about speed. Maybe the 3D versions haven't been, but that's probably why I haven't enjoyed them nearly as much. The old 2D games were full of good platforming but maybe I should have clarified but I meant that they need the pure platforming w/ speed, not all of the other crap they seem bound and determined to cram into the games.

At the end of the day, I'd basically be happy if they just did a Klonoa-esque 2.5D version of the games with HD backgrounds and maybe some cool behind the back shots when he really gets on a tear. Just don't make me turn into a werehog or shoot guns or make out with a teen human or whatever other stupid idea seems to jump into their heads to screw up what could otherwise be a very fun game.

Of course, bear in mind that I am the same guy who thinks that Mega Man peaked at number 2 and pretty much hates any of the other games that have come since. I'm stubborn about things sometimes.

It would be one thing if the last batch of Sonic games actually proved that their forays into odd territory worked, a la the Mario games... Sadly, they haven't, so maybe the devs should keep that in mind when they make a new one.

When was the last time you played one of the old 2d Sonics? I agree they should keep it 2d, and make it way more old school, but the old ones were about platforming, not speed. There were fast parts of the games, but there was also a lot of jumping and exploring. These days, Sonic is faster, but just runs through linear levels where you pretty much just press forward, with an occasional lock on jump to win.

[Savok]

Playing Sonic recently I can tell you you're both right. The levels were designed to reward exploring but also allowed multiple paths where you could simply blast through the whole thing in 20 seconds. This is called good level design, something Sega forgot about when they started making a failed console a year (ok the Sonic GBA games were pretty good too).

[Maskatron]

Also the new UT3 Titan patch comes out Thursday on the PC and PS3.

I'm excited at least. :)

[Spigot]

Playing Sonic recently I can tell you you're both right. The levels were designed to reward exploring but also allowed multiple paths where you could simply blast through the whole thing in 20 seconds. This is called good level design, something Sega forgot about when they started making a failed console a year (ok the Sonic GBA games were pretty good too).Leave it to Savok to explain what I meant :)

I am mainly talking about a good 2D version of Sonic (with gussied up graphics for the current gen of hardware). Leave the hub worlds, the quasi-adventure elements and the like out of it. I know that there are tonnes of platformy bits in the 2D games (Sonic 2, I'm looking at you) that balanced the speed vs. exploration perfectly. It's all of the extraneous crap they keep piling onto the games that has left me completely and utterly uninterested in the recent incarnations of the franchise. Then again, I'm also one of those crotchety people who never really liked Sonic Adventure on the DC either...