We’ve seen levels in Sonic Generations transition from 2D to 3D, but what about the other way around? City Escape, the opening stage from Sonic Adventure 2, is confirmed to be in the game. Perhaps, you saw this E3 trailer earlier?
It’s a glance at City Escape with Modern and Classic Sonic. Behind closed doors, Takashi Iizuka, Producer, gave Siliconera a better look at the Dreamcast stage with both Sonics. Starting with Classic Sonic, City Escape was presented in 2.5D. There are still rails to ride, but Sonic doesn’t grind, he rolls down them in a blue ball. Iizuka explained he wanted to keep the essence of the level when recreating it in 2D. The two elements that stood out the most were the truck chase and skateboard.
The truck begins chasing Classic Sonic from behind, just like in Sonic Adventure. Dynamic camera angles add a bit of visual flair to the escape. Later in the level, the truck turns moving into the background. It emerges from the foreground and charges into platforms Sonic needs to jump on if he wants to take the high route. Similar to classic Sonic the Hedgehog games, lower paths are easier, but higher routes in Sonic Generations tend to have more rewards. Iizuka pointed out it’s possible to "race" against the truck and reach the platforms before the truck does.
In Sonic Generations, the skateboard is inside a monitor. Crack the monitor and Sonic can ride the skateboard, which doesn’t disappear even if Sonic gets hit.
City Escape Act 2 puts players in control of Modern Sonic. Iizuka was quick to point out the stage is more than the Dreamcast level with HD graphics. Sonic Team redesigned the level with new shortcuts that take advantage of Modern Sonic’s new abilities. Using boost, Modern Sonic can soar across the city after jumping off one of the ramps with his skateboard.
