[V] Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis/Wii) - Review

Scores:
Graphics: 83 / 100
Audio: 80 / 100
Gameplay: 70 / 100
Replay: 70 / 100
Overall: 75 / 100

High: Incredibly fun to play, great visuals and a good quick play.
Low: As much as it is fun, it is also frustrating because some levels are just impossible to get past.

The crazy blue hedgehog that everyone has learned to love makes his way onto the Wii Virtual Console in his first installment of the Sonic series for the Sega Genesis. Being a big fan of the series when I was younger this was one of the first games that I wanted to download and try out. Honestly I was happy I did after playing it for a couple minutes. The colors and visuals were bright and unique, and Sonic was born to run fast so it looked even better when speeding through the levels.

Sonic is after the Chaos Emeralds that have been stolen by the evil Doctor Robotnik. Robotnik is the Bowser of the Sega world, always there to mess with the poor little hedgehog savior. Either way, Robotnik is evil, and has stolen the Chaos Emeralds to do just as the name states, wreck chaos on the entire world. Bravely, Sonic steps into action and goes after the evil doctor to try to save the universe. Hey, at least there isn't a princess involved right?

The visuals in this game are still beautiful, very crisp colors that grab the attention of the gamer as soon as you start playing. The bright colors were probably a focal point for the younger audience, so it would keep their attention for a longer amount of time. However, it seems to work when the gamers are older as well, because I played this game with some buddies for a while. The model of Sonic is very detailed as well, even blinks at you and taps his foot if you don't move him around for a bit. Sonic goes really fast, and with the screen moving so fast to keep up with the little speed demon you would think that the graphics might topple over and blur. Actually, the screen seems to be better when you are going as fast as you can, the colors blur together to almost give it a Japanese animation style of gameplay. The audio is great, the sound effects of all the animals and evil robots that you kill are spot on. Of course, the theme music will get stuck in your head all day, but that's alright it's a catchy tune.

The gameplay of this game is where it might be a little lacking. It's basically identical to Super Mario except it's in fast-forward. You jump and run (really fast), and that's about it. It might sound a little boring if it is just another Mario game, but because of the difference of speed in the gameplay, Sonic does stand out a little from Nintendo's icon. Sonic can roll up into a little ball and take out enemies, and is in that same ball when he hits his top speed. So, basically you could take out enemies with ease while running toward the end of the level, pretty cool right? Well, the ball form of Sonic can save you from other objects like gaps in the path, large spike chains or Robotnik himself. Also, the speed of the game makes it incredibly hard at times, which just adds to very difficult play as is. Sonic is definitely a fun game, but it will make you frustrated after you get past the second level, especially if you are just trying to run through the board in the quickest amount of time.

In conclusion, Sonic was a mirror image of Nintendo's Mario but with a little added flare. The decent price on a classic title from Sega makes this a must download from the Virtual Console on the Wii. Just be careful, you will get a little hot-headed because this game is also harder than the little red plumbers' game. Don't expect an easy jump on everything in your path game, because it requires quick reflexes and a quick eye to keep up with that fast little hedgehog.

This review was written by Rayne, on Mon, 15 January 2007 18:23:11 -06:00, and has been read 3619 times.

Tags: Hedgehog NES Sonic the Wii
[V] Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis/Wii)
US Release: Sat, 18 November 2006 18:00:00 -06:00
UK Release: N/A
ESRB: Not Rated by ESRB
Genre: Platformer, Action
Multiplayer:
Developer: N/A
Publisher: SEGA