Arsenal Pyramid final preview - Sonic Forces Re-imagined

So i noticed that I managed to break the 2,000 subscriber mark recently, and as a bit of a thank you for the support I've decided to give one last look at Arsenal Pyramid before SHC. Compared to the last preview the stage is essentially complete, and there's been some fancy new custom elements added in thanks to The Duck Dealer, including a setpiece with the Interceptor and "SWATbots" (aka those scrapped Forces enemies that got shown off in concept art a while back).

[@dumbsville]

Holy shit. I remember back in 2017 when certain people were defending Sonic Forces by saying that Generations-styled levels "required a higher budget" and Sega "didn't have that much money to work this," hence why the levels were such a step back. Meanwhile, this level was done by one guy and zero dollars. Great job, dude.

[@Deridiya]

Because there's no deadline?

[@justinamakwe6187]

@@Deridiya they can push games back

[@sonicfan2486]

With Assets, Lighting, and Concepts already made. Look. It's perfectly cool that you like this. Just say that. Folks still worked hard on Forces regardless of how much you love or hate it.

[@CastellANM]

Games can always be delayed, and also, if this is what *1 guy* made, now imagine 2 guys, now 5 guys, 10 guys, my point being forces had no excuse

[@spidertails9797]

Hi

[@SuperSaiyanSonicYT]

I’m calling it. This is gonna be one of my favourite Re-Imagined stages. Can’t wait to play this!!!

[@KingPixelOfficial]

I agree! The changes are just sooo good and it feels like a new stage, while keeping the original one’s story

[@MediumSmoke]

I'd say that Sunset Heights makes my favorite over this one but just by a bit, they are both amazing stages and I recommend you play through them once this year's SHC arrives!

[@aggromango534]

Same

[@HyperHunt621]

The fact that I was skipping past the Double Boost section, only to go, "Whoa!" and backstep a few seconds, should be telling enough of how for-the-better different this is. I think what I love most about it isn't just the added length and marvel of having an entire OG Forces stage length of level _before_ the actual original path begins; it's instead the implementation of multiple paths that actually mean something. They don't just branch off only to merge back together three seconds later (I'm referring to the one split path in Lost Valley) but actually go off and do their own thing before you eventually end up back on the main route. Suffice to say, another awe-inspiring preview, Brandon!

[@chanlaman2565]

Exactly; it’s much more in line with Generations’ level design (and Colors to an extent). Although the level’s not nearly as open-ended as something like Modern Seaside Hill or Sky Sanctuary, the different paths you can take here do actually add something of value, whether it be granting you more wisp/boost capsules, light dash trails, or Red Rings that you cannot get through the main/other paths.

[@Temzy]

It's simply mind-blowing how cinematic this mod is. Not to be that guy but SEGA actually need to hire level designers with the same creativity as you for future Sonic games.

[@StanleySophana]

@Gatling Spletzer the Inkhog he’s saying that the designs should’ve been like this in Sonic Forces, having more alternative paths, longer levels, and more exploration. Every level in Sonic Forces was too short, lasting for 1-2 minutes or less than 60 seconds; this mod however made the level last much longer which can make the game more fun and everything said above

[@Ulymaldo]

@Escarola I mean if only this level was like this and the rest the same you mean, of course, Forces is riddled with many more problems than just this level

[@krisjolt]

Can agree with you for this one

[@gabeskai]

@Escarola for the terribly lost potential of story? Absolutely. But gameplay wise? Would have recieved MUCH more appraisal from the community. I will happily take "bad story, AMAZING gameplay" over "everything is just bad or at best mediocre."

[@EternityVoid_]

@Escarola That's sorta true, no matter what, some people will still be dissatisfied.

[@jebkerman7199]

It’s amazing to see how far sonic forces modding has come. 3 years ago level layout changes meant floating platforms everywhere and questionable enemy and hazard placement. Now modders are making this seem like an entirely new game!

[@sonicfan2486]

Heck yeah, I'm glad folks have been developing their skills to make cool levels

[@RyderPlatinumWarpstar]

This actually makes Forces feel like a competent Sonic game, good work!

[@SoniaSpectrum]

It already was, this makes it one of the best!!!

[@OscarSanchez-vo9dx]

I had plenty of issues with forces and ironically one of the things that would've made it decent to me is if there was simply more game

[@SoniaSpectrum]

@@OscarSanchez-vo9dx fair

[@j1826]

@@OscarSanchez-vo9dx that's one of the issues of Sonic Games, adventure for example, if sonic were the only playable character, the game would last like 3 hours, Unleashed would last less than 2 hours i think without the Werehog and the Medals, Forces with the avatar and classic sonic, Adventure 2 with the Mechas and the emerald hunt...it's pretty hard actually to make a Long sonic Game, but i got your point, Forces was simply too short.

[@OscarSanchez-vo9dx]

@@j1826 a sonic game can be good and short similar to the classic games but you had plenty reason to replay it, forces was short easy and there's not much replay value where mania is also short especially if you're good (my first playthrough with just sonic took me a few months ngl) but you have multiple modes characters and things to unlock

[@chanlaman2565]

Now THIS looks more like level design you would find see in Colors and Generations. It's fast, fun, has spectacle and multiple paths, and is a relatively decent length (2-4 minutes depending on skill). I'm happy you finally did something to give purpose to those parts inside the Pyramid where they just spam you with rings of enemy fodder for no interesting reason other than just filling the space with something. At least now you actually have to destroy the enemies to open the cage with the switch. Gives the Avatar usefulness since the Wispon can destroy enemies faster than just Homing Attacking them individually. Great job and can't wait for the release

[@sediew]

Imo even better than Colors

[@mr.kingkayyy7401]

I don't know about Generations but yeah this is definitely a step up.

[@reapeashooter2]

Colors level design' isn't half as good as this one, though. But yeah the level's as good as a Generations level!

[@LuigiFan04]

@@reapeashooter2 In Colors' defense, there's a ton of levels in the same area, so something like this wouldn't work as well.

[@MediumSmoke]

Trust me when I say, the avatar isn't as useful as you think it is, you can kinda skip any of its section with modern sonic and it's the go-to for speedruns and high ranks. Still a super solid boost stage tho.

[@seanimo8579]

So many alternate paths o_o maybe tossing a few more enemies inside the pyramid to make things more difficult? But this is such a big improvement overall! Great work with the new section, it fits in perfectly with the rest of the level.

[@Unleash_YT]

You sir, are amazing... keep this up, man! Cannot wait for SHC!

[@loltheno]

Despite me being a bit critical of the Sunset Heights extensions, I have to say that, despite there being still quite a bit of room for improvement (like shading, density of stage objects and items, enemy placement, etc.), this looks very well designed and easily elevates the original Arsenal Pyramid to something more akin to Colors' Act 1 levels or Gens' lower-tier Modern stages (and I'm not even exaggerating). Can't wait for the next demo!

[@SuperSonicBlake]

Wow. All I can say is wow. Amazing work!

[@alicemoon8126]

this is really amazing!!! my question is like, how do you expend the level so much while even connecting next custom parts to the base level

[@sediew]

Wow it’s much much much better. It’s really enjoyable. Actual multiple paths, way longer but never boring, You no longer rush through the factory and the platforming is fun. Wow

[@ericamaya2467]

This is actually breath taking, I haven't the faintest freaky idea how you are performing this wizardry.

[@corel7966]

stellar. now i can actually listen to the first half of the stage's music.

[@BroeyBroe]

Nice stuff man, those extra SWATbot bandniks along with that custom interceptor look really nice here. Some of the changes to the level design here still look great.

[@xenobestx8423]

Congrats on 2K!

[@yesmen10]

I like the new zone that was added. I want playing it.

[@estebanboudet9523]

The level design is very good but bro... You didn't even switch to 2D... You just showed that it is possible to make a very good and long level without 2D parts. You are a god

[@RamblePrism]

Never even noticed how nice the music in this level is! You don't get to hear much of it in the original version. Keep up the great work!

[@Derrakuzu]

holy shit this is amazing, keep it up man!

[@ColdCodyAnimations]

When I first saw the trailer for this I was pumped and now it’s expanding into a complete project,I love this so much it’s cool to see the sonic community do creatively amazing things like this .keep up the good work 👍

[@joey-jw3rj]

This is night and day compared to the original level, it actually feels fleshed out now. My only thing against this mod is that while the expansion for the entire Exterior Segment is amazing, The Interior segment doesn't feel very different. I know there's most likely a limit to how much you can do inside the pyramid, especially after adding so much to the outside, but I feel there needs to be a little more level for when you go inside the base. Maybe slide the goal post as far back as you can and make a short mach speed segment? Whatever makes you feel like you're actually blowing up the factory instead of just stopping at a random point after bashing a few robots.

[@TheDuckDealer]

I had the same idea but we're unfortunately too close to hitting the object limit

[@amigabang6157]

Yes, It'd be nice to have a section at the end dodging those bombs on conveyor belts.

[@chaosX22]

Wow! Actual level design with alternate pathways! Glad to see the level lasted longer than a minute! Great job!

[@tyrellbrown6262]

I love how the official Demo levels are finally getting completed. And it took a group of fans and 3 years since the games released to do it.

[@KingPixelOfficial]

The changes are just sooo good and it feels like a new stage, while keeping the original one’s story

[@Foxcheese]

I only really had two problems with Sonic Forces, Classic sonics physics (and them pointlessly forcing him into the game) and the far too short stages. This looks like it'll go a long way towards fixing the second issue.

[@yetanotherhankhill1032]

I'm impressed how seamlessly the new area flowed into the original starting position of the stage

[@FixyFlow]

This stage is a master-class of Sonic Forces modding. Well done!

[@philmcilwraith5893]

I’m glad that this mod focuses on adding a whole extra section previous to where the level actually starts to make the level longer, unlike other mods that just add dull obstacles during the level to make it more ‘challenging’. This is really well done and I’d love to see more of this.

[@pickledood1013]

This is the first Sonic Forces level mod that I've come across that isn't just a bunch of added floating platforms lol. That outside section looks phenomenal. Great work!

[@2MD2015]

Dude this is literally incredible, I know it’s difficult at times making these re-imagined stages. Your doing great, keep up the awesome work dawg.

[@kiritosintern]

Not only did you solve the short stage problem, but we finally get to hear this sick ass soundtrack that was only played for like 10 seconds in the original version 🔥🔥

[@ADiretoria100]

Now this feels like an actual stage, and holy shit I dont know how you added those new enemies on the Double Boost section but looks spetacular

[@StutteringSickly]

Re-imagining what I imagined the game would look like in the first place... thank you, you absolute legend.

[@Sonjamsn40]

It’s good that this mod is being made so we can be able to hear the rest of the song now.

[@maximillionare7547]

I was already impressed by the first run through but god DAMN when you went back to show the alternate routes I was blown away. Kudos to you

[@marlonortiz2419]

Its so very cool :D

[@KodyCrimson]

Now THIS shows Eggman industrializing Green Hill. The stage design could be better, but given what you're working with, this is top-notch work. I can't wait to see the rest of this.

[@tasosakoumianakis431]

It is so good for the limitations you have good job! I see the fan base saying that modded levels and fan games are "better than the original" all the time while that isn't necessarily true. But the work you're doing is truly outstanding! The level design is purposeful, fast paced, cinematic and fun at the same time, exactly what a sonic game needs. The fanbase needs to understand that multiple pathways and fully 3d levels by themselves don't make a level. Recent example of this is the new sonic generations modded stage with the snow. First of all props to the fan that made the level because it takes skill and time to make such a level in sg. But my point is that its just fully 3D with multiple pathways for the hell of it and repetitive design.

[@threejames6416]

On the double boost section were those bots actually cut from the game. That dope

[@SH-rs3zw]

it's real nice to actually hear more than 20 seconds of the level theme

[@nomnom2407]

From what I've seen from your work on this game so far, it looks really great. Adding content such as new stage openings and alternate routes really does make the game better. My only nitpick is the audio. I have no issues with it, except when you activate the boost. I know that you might've noticed this and that this will be dealt with soon enough, but I just wanted to point that out. Other than that, good luck with this project.

[@gameman5804]

While there wasn’t much you could’ve done for the inside section, the outside extension more than makes up for it. I think I’ve said this before… the robot chase at the Double Boost section was a nice touch though. It actually has a purpose. Fuck, I should consider redoing my Soft Forces Rewrite and base it around this mod.

[@umcoelhocolorido5260]

i'm so excited for this and i love that you changed the double boost section and the inside of the pyramid but there are a few things strange like the first section with drift where it looks like the grappling hook is going through the pipes, the texture glitchs in some parts and thres something off the spring animation in 7:21 but i like that you keeped the part where the camera points at pyramid in the beginning of original level but it's so quick it looks strange

[@brandonj_300]

Sonic Hacking Contest deadline was a couple days ago so i won't be able to make any updates right away but once the contest is over and this stage gets put in the main mod I'll try seeing if I can fix some of the issues you have with it.

[@rellsolo2765]

Come on Sonic...now THIS is what should’ve been! FANTASTIC job, you can see the effort put into this.

[@hamen8715]

I love how the main part of the stage blends in seamlessly

[@Bulbasquirtle]

on that second run every 2 seconds i thought the design couldn't get any better and i was continuously proven wrong

[@WeegeeSqueegee]

Could definitely use some grass blades on the sections you added, but for what it is this looks great!

[@TheDuckDealer]

We can't actually add grass (yet). Yes I know how absurd that sounds.

[@WeegeeSqueegee]

@@TheDuckDealer Just not easy to mod or did Sega mess up with that part too?

[@TheDuckDealer]

@@WeegeeSqueegee no way to mod it as of rn

[@skycreeper0173]

This looks pretty amazing so far!

[@arivivith4375]

I really love you are working on forces. I had such high Hopes for it but it let me down bad. This project puts the biggest smile on my face.

[@agamer9953]

This is what got me to start trying out Mods. Awesome Re-Imagined level! ^^

[@rightasrain3675]

Awesome, you should definitely add some grass to the first section and fix some of the cameras clipping through stuff but other than that I'd say it's pretty much done and ready for SCH!

[@TheDuckDealer]

We can't actually add grass (yet). Yes I know how absurd that sounds.

[@rightasrain3675]

@@TheDuckDealer Well... That's strange. What about the cameras?

[@brandonj_300]

@RightasRain I actually tried to but ended up not being able to fix them before the deadline, didn’t help that the charging cable for my laptop stopped working literally a couple hours after this video was uploaded which meant I wasn’t able to do any work on the mod in the final hours before the deadline. After SHC though I’m planning on making some more minor updates to the demo stages before I integrate them into the main mod so the clipping camera issues will get fixed then.

[@rightasrain3675]

@@brandonj_300 Ok sounds good. Shame that happened though, hopefully people don't notice it lol

[@technoeggnog]

It looks like something that would've been in Forces, nice attention to detail!

[@triceproduce8074]

Increíble :0

[@eltonsstuff]

Hey this is pretty good!

[@DSmith3279]

How'd you add in all those new enemies and set pieces? That was downright insane!

[@QualityGarbage]

Whoa! You get to hear more than 10 seconds of outdoor music!

[@thealandude9146]

1:57 having that road block breaking makes it really satisifying like you're actually causing destruction or something

[@LostEngineProductions]

A few parts look a little empty to me but apart from that, GOD this is amazing! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@bluestar5812]

Your re-imagined stages for Forces are the best ones so far, they expand the original levels in interesting ways instead of just placing more platforms on the original layout, they play with different camera angles, different/alternative pathways, decent level design under the limitations of Forces gameplay. Once you finish it, please release the mod for the public to play.

[@brandonj_300]

I've actually already finished a demo with this stage and Sunset Heights for SHC; it'll be playable at the start of the contest on October 11th.

[@BLUECHAOSEMERALD_]

This is just...wow

[@rynagon_]

I don’t know how you did it but I’m actually smiling at Sonic Forces gameplay. This is all so much more expensive than the original level and has a lot of cool set pieces. Bravo!!

[@sarverant139]

Well done this is so much better then the original keep doing your best 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💙💙

[@batknight2014]

I think the forces devs had the right idea making a simple platformer game such as this, without the fancy momentum and physics, and can make a simple yet challengingly fun game. But the one thing the game lacked was length. I love the increased length of the stages, and even the added extra features to the vanilla sections like the baddie chase during the double boost. I do have to wonder tho... What was the purpose of that single button on that one cog? At first glance it seems as though it's doing the job that killing the robots would have done. Maybe for extra interactivity? Because if so, I do like a subtle touch.

[@waytoobiased]

Three things: * One pyramid is better than two * Beauty shot of the pyramid at the start needs to be longer. Remove a couple of the big rocks to make the at work. * Seeing dynamos outside was cool - add some more?

[@LimitlessZspeed]

Yess! This looks awesome!💙🌀

[@Nic_2751]

Wow, we actually get time to hear the full first half’s music!

[@DragonicPvM]

This is amazing, good work.

[@peachymeowmeow]

Whoa, you can finally listen to the first song for more than 0.004 nanoseconds

[@MrPokination]

generally, I feel like 3d fan sonic levels just lack a certain... oomph to them. I feel like too often they feel like *attempts* at making generations levels, rather than actual generations style levels but I can seriously, genuinely say that these levels look like they should have been in the final game. something about your level design just seems so... effortless. it's amazing

[@sharzinlalebazri5673]

Yaaaay. Bow the awesome song for the outside Arsenal Pyramid isn't wasted.

[@MCKing441]

I'm so glad it's not a 1:40 long level

[@infinitosemfim9729]

AMAZING

[@MartanisIV]

Omg, this is so COOL!

[@J_TheAntiSosh]

This is amazing!

[@meadowthevirgo4922]

This is amazing...I can't believe...how is this even possible

[@TWIP98]

Holy. Shit.

[@bluekey1470]

Didn't expect you of all people. Nice to see you TWIP.

[@barcaunityhl7961]

OMG, this is so good. This is what a proper level design should be in Sonic Forces.

[@octaviuspepper2887]

I just wish sega cared as much as you dude

[@ToyFreddyGaming1987]

This brings a tear to my eye

[@comicfan1324]

This is AWESOME!!!

[@joshuatokosi]

finally putting the whole song to good use

[@matrixpictures7799]

nice

[@gamekiller47128]

It would be really cool to see the stage "self-destructing" when you go through it, kinda like Chemical Plant Act 2 from Generations.

[@JustJacy_]

Crazy how this game is already 4 years old

[@BDSFormula1]

Can't wait to see this! Just gonna ask for one thing: a modern sonic drift

[@NicolasPruitt]

Impossible. There is absolutely no way you can add an drift for Modern Sonic as far as I'm aware. Sorry.

[@BDSFormula1]

@@NicolasPruitt Ok

[@superdude1416]

Sonic forces but it was delayed so Sega had time to actually finish the project

[@JulioSpiderWeb]

Much better! If the player misses the Double Boost, does that car thing hurt them?

[@sadurn555]

This is fucking amazing bro this made want to get a good gaming pc just to play this mod this is incredible

[@Robowil]

I made the normal and PBR maps for some of the signs (such as the ones at 0:20)

[@TheDuckDealer]

You should be credited on the SHC Page

[@bigfanofsb653]

2:36 If you can add enemies can you add shadow, zavok, chaos, and metal sonic enemies to the Eggman Empire Fortress levels.

[@ChrisBleu]

At this point Sega should just give the level designing position to modders, because this is what Forces should’ve been. Between Shivery Mountainsides for Generations and pretty much all the Re-imagined level of Forces, I think they deserve official positions.

[@AllStarKingD]

I like this but the areas you made could use a little more grass/dust/fences/etc. Other than that though this is definitely how forces should’ve been.

[@jamesh4494]

They can’t edit the grass placement files

[@nothingrhymeswithorange5294]

So, someone fixed the level design, and countless people have rewritten the story, Now all we need is someone to fix the gameplay.

[@midnightshadow1105]

Very NICE

[@jaidcortez5210]

amazing.

[@realroforb7676]

This is just a Sonic Satam game now

[@SliverSceptile]

Hold up Alternative paths and it takes more than a minuete to complete? LET'S FUCKING GO

[@Systemerrorick]

This looks great! Although I'm guessing there no way to add the grass effects right?

[@TheDuckDealer]

Unfortunately not yet