Sonic in Windows Zone: Uncovering the Secrets of Sunset Heights

Stored within the vr_stage.pac file is a forgotten splash screen from a highly confidential VR demo that has left gamers curious and eager to uncover its secrets. A closer look at this early concept reveals several interesting details that shed light on the development process of Sunset Heights, one of the most iconic zones in Sonic games.

One of the most notable differences between this prototype and the final version is the angle of the Burst Wisp icon. In the early stages, it appears to be rendered at a different angle, giving us a glimpse into the iterative design process that went into perfecting the game's graphics. Additionally, the HUD in this prototype is semi-transparent, whereas the final version is entirely opaque. This subtle change speaks volumes about the attention to detail and polish that the developers brought to the table.

Another intriguing aspect of this early concept is the presence of all HUD elements at once, with numbers displaying 0. This suggests that it was likely a mockup or a proof-of-concept rather than an advanced prototype. Furthermore, the camera and object placement are identical to some of the early Sunset Heights layouts, which may indicate that this demo predates the eventual split between Park Avenue and Sunset Heights.

The bridge in this prototype appears to be using a placeholder texture, and several smaller background and foreground details that are present in the final version are either positioned differently or entirely absent. The buildings surrounding the road have also undergone significant changes, giving us a glimpse into the evolution of the zone's design.

One of the most striking differences between this early concept and the final version is the lighting. In this prototype, the atmosphere is much brighter than what we see in the final game, which adds to the sense of discovery and wonder as we explore this abandoned demo.

In addition to these visual differences, several UI-related archives contain a screenshot depicting an early version of Sunset Heights with numerous changes. This image shows an early version of the 'new item' notification graphic, along with other seemingly UI-related elements. A faded-paper graphic similar in style to the VR demo splash screen is also present, as well as a placeholder picture for theater previews featuring Sonic about to get smashed in the face by rubble from the game's reveal trailer.

Overall, this forgotten splash screen offers a fascinating glimpse into the development process of Sunset Heights and the Sonic franchise as a whole. By examining these early concepts and prototypes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into creating one of gaming's most beloved characters.

Sonic in windows zone