SAGE 2020: SONIC PINBALL PANIC IMAGINES WHAT A REAL SONIC PINBALL TABLE WOULD LOOK LIKE
SAGE 2020 is here, so it is time to shine the spotlight on some of the games featured this year. There’s a lot of them, so we won’t be able to cover all of them, but we’ll do as many as we possibly can. First up is Sonic Pinball Panic.
For decades, Sonic has never had an actual pinball-themed table. Sure, the brand has had virtual pinball games like Spinball, and the pinball-like features have made a frequent appearance throughout the main games. But Sonic Pinball Panic aims to give the Sonic IP its own real-life pinball table.
The game is very simple. Keep the ball in play and try to foil Dr. Eggman’s evil plan. Sonic Pinball Panic takes heavy inspiration from the main games, such as a progression of levels through acts and zones. To go from level to level, you have to do a series of tasks in order. This can range from hitting badnik targets to dealing with ramps.
If you’re in Act 1, you have to hit the Sign Post spinner to complete the act and move to Act 2. Act 2 must be completed by hitting Eggman 6 times, then hitting the animal capsule once. There are 6 zones, each with 2 acts. You’ll move on to the next zone after Act 2 is completed.
There are also some bonus modes you can do. A scoop hole on the left side of the table will allow you to try your luck at the slot machine for some rings. A Blue Sphere special stage mode is also included, where some blue sphere targets must be hit to collect one of the seven Chaos Emeralds. You can also unlock Tails. He’s not playable, but he’ll carry the ball over the playfield, allowing you to drop it back into play where ever you like.
Even the loss of a ball takes inspiration from Sonic games. As long as you have at least a single ring, you won’t lose a ball. Yet. You’ll lose your rings if you had some when you drained, but a second drain with no rings will result in a lost ball. 3 balls gone, and you’re out.
Overall, Sonic Pinball Panic is a blast to play, but it’s not perfect. There are a few collision issues that can result in lost balls from the ball passing through the flipper, and the ball can get stuck on the left ramp forcing you to take a tilt warning to free it. But, this is also the best attempt to make a real-life Sonic pinball table. If you have time, I’d recommend playing it. In fact, if you want to do that right now, you can go play the game at SAGE’s site right here.
“RAPID RECAP” BRINGS 12 SEASONAL CHARACTERS BACK TO SONIC FORCES: SPEED BATTLE
For those of you who didn’t grab Elf Classic Sonic the first time around!
HARDLight has announce that, starting June 9 and going through June 21, they will be bringing back cards for their seasonal characters in Sonic Forces: Speed Battle. No, this won’t be your chance at snagging movie Sonic, but if you want the sports, Halloween, or New Years themed characters, a different one will be available each day.
To help you collect cards, you’ll be given special missions and gifts. Further, they’re reducing mission timers and refresh prices.
See the characters, dates, and details in the screenshot below, and happy collecting!
IDW’S GOT ANOTHER BIG SONIC ANNOUNCEMENT COMING IN EARLY JUNE
News is great, ain’t it? We‘ve got a lot of that today. As the headline says: IDW has something “big” to reveal early next month. The reveal came via a tweet, in response to Sonic trending in the aftermath of the announcement of Thursday’s Sonic Central event.
Given the company already regularly does Sonic mini series, Sonic annuals, and has already revealed their upcoming Free Comic Book Day and Sonic 30th Anniversary issues…something “big” would probably need to be something beyond all that.
Given how scant the news is, I’ll venture to speculate…that something “big” would likely be a new monthly series, or a new mini series/limited series that goes beyond the scope of the previous mini series. I hesitate to speculate much further than that, lest I get people’s hopes up, but I would personally love to see them revisit previous Sonic comic continuities, though I certainly wouldn’t bet on this.
Early June is less than a week away, so we’ll know soon enough.
SHIRT ALERT! MAD SCIENTIST AT RIPT APPAREL
Today in Shirt Alert, SCIENCE!
Welcome back to Shirt Alert, the series that only exists at the whims of the daily t-shirt marketplace.
If you’re a fan of unethical science, bald heads and eccentric facial hair, go check out Mad Scientist by Sketchdemao. You’ve got all the greats: Dr. Groundskeeper Willy, Dr. Neon Corvette, and Vincent Price’s Egghead from 1960’s Batman. Put them on your torso, and watch them fight anthropomorphic animals, so long as you consider humanoid robots to be animals.
RIPT offers the design as men’s/women’s/youth t-shirt ($13-23), sweatshirt ($22-30), zipper hoodie ($45-47), tanktop ($20-24), poster ($15), or canvas wrap print ($20-55).
As with most designs, it’ll only be around for today (May 23 Midnight EST). On RIPT, the designs may stick around a few hours after, but at an increased price.
