SEGA have an enormous adoring fan base due to their vast library of classic console titles. Although SEGA no longer manufactures their own console gaming systems, they do however release brand new titles for various platforms, not forgetting of course the mobile market. Sonic the Hedgehog is SEGAโs well known blue haired spike fest that serves as their famous gaming mascot even today. Featuring blistering speed, lush backdrops and unforgettable music.
Once a Console
I never imagined way back in the early 1990โs that I would have the sheer pleasure of enjoying Sonic on a portable device that matched the same level of presentation. Now no matter where I am, I can whip out my phone and destroy those evil roaming robots, freeing the cute little critters trapped inside.
More than a Console
When Sonic the Hedgehog released in 1991, the idea of a saved game was alas limited and actually non-existent in this particular title. Unless you purchased a gaming magazine revealing the specific gamepad button combination that warped you to a level of your choice, you would still experience a long hard slog through the countless levels. Just as you thought you were finally getting somewhere, an end of level boss would stomp its way towards you, resulting in many lost lives and continues, although a swear jar always benefitted from your grief.
Receiving a phone call during a quick game or hopping off the train will inevitably result in you abandoning your session. In a world of interruptions, such short gaming spells wouldnโt exactly fulfil your Sonic inklings, however a solution is at hand in these modern adaptations as your progress is saved automatically. Upon returning from your important call, you simply start the game and continue from where you left off. Hoorah!
Not Quite a Console
Most mobile phones lack any physical buttons, except for shortcuts to take you to the home screen, stepping back an area, adjusting volume and for turning the phone on and off. For gaming this is a distinct disadvantage when your typical controller enthusiast is used to the rapid button bashing and robustness of a game controller.
In this instance, a virtual D-pad is displayed in the bottom left hand corner of the screen, with a single virtual button to the bottom right. Both are required for moving Sonic, triggering jumps and rolls and will even animate to show they are in use.
Console Catalogue
Unfortunately for the app creator, it is very rare for anyone to have the wonderful advantage of falling back on a huge gaming heritage to draw the crucial inspiration. Instead Sonic the Hedgehog offers a glimpse of the capabilities of todayโs technology. The surprising part though is the fact that mobile phones have fast become gaming machines, rivalling even dedicated solutions. Now that really is exciting for developers!
There are literally hundreds of thousands of applications and games available to download using the digital marketplace. These range from basic clocks to fully fledged 3D gaming experiences rivalling even the leading portable devices that usually only specialise in this field.
Your challenge is competing with this vast library of already impressive offerings which, although a daunting prospect to the fledgling traveller, can be navigated successfully with the right ideas and implementation. Whether you want to create an income generator or simply desire recognition for your efforts, this book will aim to show you the path and inspire your imagination to overflow with possibilities.
Allow James Woodcock to guide you through the wilderness and raise your chances of realising your development dreams by detailing different routes with this light hearted tour of the Apps terrain. Featuring a myriad of exciting and surprising examples, you can glean important suggestions for your own creation.
James is a Freelance Journalist, Copywriter, Author, Blogger & Podcaster specialising in gaming, gadgets and technology, both retro and modern.
Ever since he experienced the first controllable pixel movement on the television screen, he has been entranced by the possibilities and rewarding entertainment value generated from these metal and plastic boxes of delight. Writing hundreds of articles, including commentary and reviews on various gaming platforms, whilst also interviewing well-known industry figures for popular online publications.
Creator of the ScummVM Music Enhancement Project and host of the Game & Gadget Podcast.
View his portfolio here: James Woodcock's Portfolio.
