When Sega releases Sonic games, they can either go one of two ways. Either they’re a reminder of everything that was good back in the good ol’ Sega Genesis days, with 2-D side-scrolling that moves at the speed of blast processing; or they’re 3-D games that had good intentions, but somehow blew them to rubbish due to poorly executed gameplay ideas. A few of Sonic’s newer adventures run into the latter, particularly Sonic the Hedgehog (the next-gen version) and Sonic Unleashed. But there is hope at the end of the tunnel, as Sega is producing a Sonic game that, believe it or not, is going back to basics. Granted, it’s not going full stream-lined 2-D like Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode One did, but it’s got a few better ideas going for it than the last few efforts. Sonic Generations will have you believing in the good ol’ days of the series again – even if you’ve already got all the classic games on Xbox Live.
This new release, slated for release later this year, combines 2-D and 3-D stages, all based around classic Sonic worlds, revitalized in a refreshing new format. So there’s sure to be some familiarity as you run through them, while also discovering new zones and dangers that will make you happy to explore these worlds. Here’s the gist: Dr. Robotnik has returned, and is once again up to no good. Sonic’s in hot pursuit, but a time warp inadvertently sends him back to the past, where he has to work alongside his younger self to set things right. And that’s where the game divides its gameplay – into “classic” 2-D segments and all-new 3-D stages. The “classic” stages are exactly as they sound, set in traditional 2-D, but using 3-D visuals to bring each world to life. The one stage we tried out in this format, the rebuilt Green Hill Zone, looks splendid as you run through it, with fluid backgrounds in the place of static, multi-scrolling backdrops. It’s as if you’re really running through this world, rather than by it. What’s more, there are plenty of loops and springs to keep you moving throughout the stage, which runs at about the same pace as the old blast processing-powered pace.
It really is a throwback, though the gameplay could use a little tightening up. Sometimes it’s hard to reach particular ledges as you jump up to them, if you’re in the wrong spot. It’s by no means broken, though. As for the other type of stage that Sonic Generations has, it’s in full-blown 3-D, occasionally slipping into 2-D depending on the build of the level. Sonic runs at full speed, as the classic version does, but he possesses the ability to run left and right on the platform, occasionally switching to higher ground (or sliding poles) and dodging enemies. He can also activate turbo bursts to run through multiple groups of enemies, or get enough running speed to clear an area and get to the next one. The way that the “turbo” effect comes off is rather cool, as if time is shifting around him while he builds up his velocity. It’s momentary, but you can definitely see it. While we prefer the classic 2-D stages to these new-fangled 3-D ones, they’re better than previous games. Sure, there are times we run smack dab into an enemy we only saw coming a nano-second before (and he can be dodged by hitting the left or right bumper at the exact time), but being able to twist around these 3-D levels feels pretty good.
This feature preview concludes on the next page, please click Page 2 below to read more of our thoughts on Sonic Generations.
