The classic flattened Sonic is back
Though it’s harsh that every Sonic game released nowadays it’s constantly regarded as a new nail on the critters’ coffin, it’s not so much scepticism as realism. The flairs of nostalgia we all have for him is consistently being coated with terrible production qualities that can put low budget titles to shame. Though the bitter may be negative, however, there’s always a small spark of hope that the seemingly unloved Sega mascot will be restored to his former glory, and it’s this hope which keeps the chap out of his grave that’s gone 5 rounds with nail grenades. Trepidation, concern and a lot of awe have been the reception for Sonic The Hedgehog 4:Episode 1, the fear for the franchise has turned into prayers for Sonic Team to get something right for once.
Despite following a legion of tripe narrative, Sonic The Hedgehog 4 takes it back to a classic cat ‘n’ mouse chase, Sonic Vs. Robotnik (the day I call him Eggman is the day I brutally tear apart my inner child). No complex narrative trying to worm its way through to basically come down to a basic ‘Rule the world’ base. No Amy Rose hiding in cut-scenes waiting to eagerly thrust herself upon Sonic for no reason apart from dire virgin fuelled lust. Just a dog eared pursuit from exotic jungle to outer space. Simple.
The biggest injection of ‘Back to Basics’ formula is clear from the new/old 2D gameplay that follows Sonic about the land. The typical trademark ramps, springs and loops can be found from days of yore, and all contribute to a well built, fast paced platforming ride. The only ability creeping into view from the more recent dire attempts is the homing attack. Targets regularly flash up on the screen, forming dots on the screen waiting to be connected by Sonic’s homing dash. Sections of levels compensate Sonic’s speed and parts put his homing attack to good use, making the early levels easily enjoyable and a blast to play.
Unfortunately, as the journey into nostalgia avenue continues, the level design turns undoubtedly rotten. Brick walls begin to appear, halting any attempts at dashing down each side of the screen. Homing attacks on enemies in the air can lead to nothing below, causing some unfair deaths. Though it’s a doddle to earn lives (especially in one level where it’s easy to simply obtain 10 a minute), occasionally resting your gameplay experience on trail and error is frustrating. There’s some terrible instances where environmental puzzles interrupt everything the game has built it’s foundations upon. Nothing about the game mechanics are broken, but the logic in its development is questionable, especially when you greeted with an unsatisfying ‘ Press the buttons in order’ puzzle.
It’s pretty impressive how many large steps backwards Sega have taken simply by laziness
The nostalgic pangs soon turn homage and almost so plain to see it would embarrass a fan based Flash game. The reason why Robotnik used to bugger off off-screen whenever defeated previously, it was to return his mechanical abomination of choosing with its receipt to the ACME corporation and fetch a new one in time for Sonic 4. Boss battles are all together too familiar through end of level fights encountered years prior to this title, and are so memorable they’re incredibly disappointing to play through thanks to shameful recycling.
As hedgehog evolution dictates, now is the time in Sonic’s life cycle to be presented in lovely HD. Locations and Sonic himself are suitably crisp, even lush on occasion, and is a testament to any downloadable games which wish to follow suit in future side-scrollers. Thought the soundtrack may not be reminiscent of any particular game and features no bitty instruments, its composition sounds relevantly retro and finalise that nostalgic feel, whilst altogether bringing something fresh.
Though it could be blamed on Sonic’s speed, there’s no mistaking that the shortness of the game comes down to its 4 levels and patronising easiness and the hefty �10 value makes it a hard pill to swallow, even for dedicated Sonic fans. Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 features a lot of the aspects that have made previous 2D Sonic titles a staple of most couch potato careers, yet undeniable flaws make it nowhere near as satisfying as side-scrolling successes like the DS’s Sonic Rush. Revelling in so much nostalgia, Sonic 4 seems to have forgotten that it’s meant to be an official sequel to a 2D series that ended almost 15 years ago, and it’s pretty impressive how many large steps backwards Sega have taken simply by laziness. Segments still present enjoyable blasts, and major Sonic fans may experience some joy from familiarity, yet it’s hard to look forward to episode 2 when it looks like everything has been seen before.
The Bad: Frustrating ‘Puzzle’ hinder platforming, Boss fight borrow way too heavily from previous games, Incredibly easy and short
