Review: Sonic Generations

The Steady Climb from Rock Bottom

        Sonic the Hedgehog games have been slowly working their way up in terms of quality ever since falling into the gutter with Shadow the Hedgehog. Recently, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 has shown that these games have risen above mediocrity and proven themselves to be quality games. Sonic Generations continues this trend of well-made Sonic games, but some problems keep it from reaching the same level of the classics.

        Sonic Generations is unique in the Sonic series in that it does its best to cater to both sides of the fandom. It allows people to play as the classic Sonic from the Genesis games and the modern Sonic from the more recent games. Throughout the game, the player plays two different versions of past Sonic levels that have been re-made specifically for this game. Act 1 features two-dimensional side-scrolling and gives Sonic his spin-dash attack. Act 2 is more focused on three-dimensions and going as fast as possible.

        It is a nostalgic blast playing in the new high-definition versions of older levels. This is one of the best looking Sonic games out with greater detail and wonderfully colorful backgrounds. Along with the remixed stages, there is remixed music that comes along and the ability to switch songs as the player feels.

       The modern Sonic's gameplay has improved over the years and incorporates the multiple paths from the classic Sonic's days instead of just letting the player die with every misstep. That being said, it is still possible to careen of the edge without understanding why. These levels offer up a wonderful sense of speed, and is probably the least frustrating iteration of the modern Sonic's gameplay.

The rival battles are a fun way to mix up the boss battle formula.

     

        Playing as classic Sonic is just as fun as ever, and just as modern Sonic's gameplay involves some of the classic elements, the same goes for the reverse. Some of the big set-piece moments make their way into the classic Sonic levels, which offers up a exciting change of pace. The controls are also tweaked a bit to allow for easier use of the spin-dash.

         Unfortunately, there are some missteps that keep this game from achieving classic status. The challenge acts that are offered are more frustrating than fun, but barely any of them are mandatory to play. Also, toward the very tail end of the game, it all seems to fall apart. The third boss battle is frustrating, but the final boss is dangerously close to broken. The entire time, it felt like I had almost no control over what I was doing.

         Overall, Sonic Generations proves that Sonic still has some fight in him. If Sega can keep throwing in fresh ideas that work, Sonic might return to former glory. If we can just keep the more annoying characters out of the games and just give the fans what they want, we could be playing the next Sonic 3 & Kunckles.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10