10 Video Game Sequel Baits That Went Nowhere

5. Little Planet’s Fate - Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II

sonic 4 episode 1
Sega

A game with the title Sonic the Hedgehog 4 should never have been something that was entirely forgettable but that’s sadly what happened. A poor, shallow and clunky attempt to reach back to the Blue Blur’s glory days, the main thing that fans do remember is its incomplete story.

Interestingly Sonic 4 - Episode II actually uses elements of Sonic CD such as Metal Sonic and Little Planet, that game’s location. Little Planet is a world that is only visible for one month of the year. In Sonic 4, Eggman decides to - for some reason - build his new base around Little Planet as the “Death Egg Mk II”.

Naturally, players defeat the bad guy and go home happy. However, the credits for the game play over an image of the Death Egg not destroyed, simply powered down, and still holding Little Planet within.

There’s very little storytelling in these games as the gameplay takes precedence but this is a very clear statement of intent from the developers about Sonic 4 - Episode III.

Which, considering the poor sales and reception of the first two entries and how they were ultimately crushed under the mighty boot of the brilliant return to form Sonic Mania, is definitely not happening.

Contributor

Coming from a content creation background that now spans over two decades, Psy cut her teeth on personal video production and community radio. Originally joining the team as a writer and presenter, she added video editing duties to her responsibilities over time and became the longest-standing editor of the irreverent gaming show Tues Your Own Adventure. Psy has worked on many previews and reviews, long-form editorials (either her own, or supporting as an editor), as a frequent quizmaster and more. Praised for the two-pronged attack of her hard work ethic and light-hearted editing style, Psy is otherwise known as a font of retro video game knowledge which has caused her to rack up many quiz wins. Outside of WhatCulture, Psy runs First Aid Spray Podcast - a long-running channel that focuses on Resident Evil in all of it's forms. You can follow her on BlueSky at http://psywhite.bsky.social and Instagram at http://instagram.com/therealpsywhite