Sonic Lost World Designer Details Parkour Element

Sonic Lost World has introduced the new parkour element to the popular franchise, but just what can we expect from this in the game itself? Game designer Takashi Iizuka explained in an interview with Polygon just how much parkour grants easier usability and control for the player:

“It is far easier for usability but it also gives players the ability to use the special actions better. So for example, when Sonic is leaping over a wall, you could just let him leap normally over a wall, but if you time the jump button press correctly, then he’ll make an extra dash forward. So there is ease of use but it also but there is also depth where you can anticipate what you are going to do and make those moves even faster.

“Part of the thinking of parkour system from the beginning was kind of reduce the frustration of running along with Sonic and running into a wall you come to a complete stop. So it is there to help players out.

“With the past games — Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colours and Sonic Generation — we’ve had side view and forward view and with this gameplay we wanted to take a step forward and do some new things and kind of add new challenges. We’ve always wanted to add that replay path because it has that re-playability and people see things and wonder ‘Ahh! How do I get over there?’ It kind of gives you motivation to go back and explore.”

The parkour element promises a lot of variety when it comes to playing Sonic Lost World, and with three difficulty levels to try as well as a laser colour power-up, and 2D forward-facing perspective, there’s a lot of new additions to the title. Are you happy about the addition of parkour, and will it make you less frustrated? Let us know in the comments below. Sonic Lost World is set for release on Wii U and 3DS.