I’ve received quite a few letters regarding my original Sonic review divided into two camps; Sonic fans who really like/love the game, and those who are the polar opposite. The reason I say original is due to the adjusted score: I was told that my ROMs horrendously long load times were being addressed, but playing through the retail version that’s sadly not the case. With any luck, the PS3 version will address some of the most puzzling load times I’ve ever encountered. Why load 10-15 seconds into a single line of dialogue and then 10-15 out? It wasn’t mentioned in my review because I was told it was indicative of the build I reviewed. It does effect the game enough to shave a point off the score.
That said I still love the game. Are levels such as Tails and Amy (I had to steer clear of spoilers too) and other cameos after thoughts? Perhaps, but they’re drops in a massive pond; I’d rather have them than not. The bottom line is that if you know Sonic Teams’ quirks going in and are used to adjusting your play accordingly this is the best 3D Sonic to date. It’s also massive, vastly replayable, and jam packed with moments that take your breath away. I’m still going back for S’s in the action stages and loving it more every time I play.
Sonic isn’t for everybody—it’s for fans. Just as a game like SOCOM or Medal of Honor 10 is for fans. I’d give any military FPS a 3-5 tops for the sheer fact that they’re so very tired, not to mention packed with realistic killing…which is why I don’t review military FPS titles. I don’t like them but I respect the opinions of people that do enough not to insult them. Shame the door doesn’t swing both ways.
The game opens amid the kingdom of Soleanna’s annual festival as Princess Elise prepares to ignite the flame of hope and prosperity. As the ceremony commences, she’s interrupted by a disturbing premonition of a brutal attack. Not your typical candy-coated Robotnic attack, but more of the fire and brimstone variety. As she ignites the elaborate flaming altar amidst the glimmering lights of the bay, her vision materializes overhead, as an armada fills the sky, releasing legions of robotic warriors and molten beasts. Who is this new villain I wondered, and since when did Sonic get so calamitous? ‘Chaos’ (Sonic Adventure) was pretty nasty but there was no human element to speak of. This was an all out attack. And then there he was….Dr. Eggman? Or should I say the new Dr. Eggman. Taller, leaner, and loads more diabolical, don’t expect to chase him around spin dashing a hovering tea cup. Without divulging the crux of the object in question, Sonic shows up looking badder than ever, not to mention voiced well, and the stage is set. You’re a few minutes from entering a level—Soleanna beckons, and two things are made eminently clear: you’re embarking on a talk-to-everybody variety of action-RPG and moves aren’t free. Sonic the Hedgehog has a shop!
The levels themselves, marked by holographic portals, are scattered throughout Soleanna and its surrounding areas, opening up as the game progresses. Talking to civilians to satisfy certain conditions gains you access. Nothing taxing or encumbering, but more or less exercises to sharpen your skills for the many roads ahead which leads me to what I absolutely adore about this game. Sonic the Hedgehog is actually a misleading title because this isn’t really Sonic’s game. It should be called Sonic Universe. I love Sonic, and his speed levels and flatland battles are the by far the best they’ve ever been….new moves, tighter control, evolving play mechanics…he’s at his best, doing what he did back in 1991; making every other varmint look dated, but now he’s sharing the spotlight. The real star of this show is Silver. More than anything, what the Sonic franchise needed was to slow down. So many previous 3D Sonics feel like they’re on auto pilot, and then when you do get into some platforming, Sonic isn’t right for the job. In StH once Sonic defeats the first boss–and the bosses in this game aren’t Robotnic but full blown arena battles versus gigantic behemoths—Silver’s plight becomes selectable along with a story twist that will have you at the edge of your seat. Silver’s game isn’t about speed at all. His power is telekinesis; the ability to levitate objects (cars, massive chunks of buildings and so on) to hurl at his enemies from afar or create platforms. He can also manipulate steel, converting massive steel beams into launching pads. Working with Blaze, who also gets into the action with her tornado attacks, Silver is my dream hedgehog. His jungle assault had me calling friends. Silver's equally substantial role in the game brings an entirely fresh perspective to the gameplay, with moves and pacing that are entirely new to the Sonic experience. And once they defeat their prime objective, Iblis—the most impressive boss I’ve fought all year—it’s Shadow and Rouge’s turn to weave their way into the story for even more oven-fresh gameplay.
