Sonic Generations – Review
Platform | Release Date
360 | November 1, 2011
PS3 | November 1, 2011
PC | November 3, 2011Developed by Devil’s Details
Published by SEGA
The Pitch:
The ultimate celebration of 20 Years of Sonic gaming, Sonic Generations delivers the definitive experience for Sonic fans new and old.
Sonic’s universe is thrown into chaos when a mysterious new power comes into force, creating ‘time holes’ which take Sonic and his friends back in time. Whilst there, Sonic runs into some very familiar characters from his past including a younger version of himself! Now they must team up to defeat their enemies, save their friends, and find out who is behind this diabolical deed.
“SEGA Does. Nintendon’t.” A phrase immediately recognizable for gamers who were knee deep in the 16-bit era during the 1980 and
90’s. While Nintendo and SEGA have taken vastly different pathways to get to where they are today, their flagship mascots are always at the forefront. Speed was always the main focus of Sonic the Hedgehog’s series and perhaps that is the inherent long term flaw – being for the most part, a one-trick-pony. New game-play mechanics have been injected into the series in the past with mixed results. Sonic Generations continues this trend with perhaps much more to offer than previous iterations.
SEGA’s corporate success, or lack there-of, has mostly been in sync with how well each subsequent Sonic title is received. Through their ups and downs they have continued to provide at the very least a marginally interesting release regularly throughout each new consoles lifespan. Sonic Generations aims to capture much of the endearing qualities of Sonic’s past while also exposing you to some of his most recently starred titles. This is accomplished by giving you a broad taste of the multitude of Sonic games with only a few glaring omissions– most importantly for me, Sonic CD.
This may be hard for many to imagine but Eggman is up to no good again! He has torn a hole in the fabric of time with unknown intentions. This results in Classic Sonic and a Modern Sonic meeting up to join forces, using their unique abilities to foil this nefarious plot. Sonic Generations levels are separated in three generational eras with stages that must be completed as both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic, both of which play very differently. Classic Sonic is still bound to his 2D roots while Modern Sonic played levels consist of lush 3D environments with some 2D elements intertwined. Much of the fun to be had is playing through the levels with both Sonics era-dependent skills. Couple that with a sprinkle of unlockable upgrades that will drastically change your playing style. For fans of the 16-bit Sonic games not including a healthier portion of Sonic CD is perhaps a missed opportunity though Metal Sonic does make a brief appearance early on which is welcomed.
While you can only play as the Classic and Modern versions of Sonic – and Super Sonic if you beat the last boss – you are not alone. Some of your friends from past iterations are along for the ride to occasionally help you along your way to give you some advice or help you
in a challenge level. Countless unlocks provide a nostalgic look at Sonic’s past providing you with some catchy tunes and artwork as well as new skills that can be put to use in your next play through. Most of the unlocked items are standard fare with nothing in particular jumping out as being fantastic except the inclusion of the original 16-bit Sonic game.
Some of the mediocre dialogue from past 3D Sonics has been included but that was never its strong point. Thankfully the differing playing styles, unlocked skills and new game-play elements allow you to fine tune your Sonic which will overshadow any cheesy dialogue that you may come across. There is quite a bit more depth to this game than most Sonic incarnations which will lend much to the longevity though I cannot help but feel that the exclusion of some past Sonic content is a missed opportunity. Despite this, Sonic Generations is a solid entry in the series providing fans of the series with enough “new” to keep them interested while providing a good jumping on point to gamers who have had little or no exposure to the blue blur especially at its budget title price point.
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