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GameSpot editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 11/02/2004
- Released on: 11/02/2004
- Originally published on GameSpot: Sonic Mega Collection Plus (Xbox) Review
Why a nocturnal, insectivorous mammal was chosen as Sega's mascot and challenger to Mario's platforming preeminence, we may never know. What we do know is that the aptly named Sonic is blue, fast, and remarkably tolerant of the titian-tinted, two-tailed toddler Tails, who has tagged along on the spiny hedgehog's missions since Sonic 2. Sonic Mega Collection Plus (like the GameCube's Sonic Mega Collection) features the exploits of Sonic and pals across seven classic Sonic games for the Genesis. You'll also be treated to several unlockable titles, both for that platform and for the Game Gear. Harnessing the power of hardware emulation, Sega is offering all this content, for your Xbox or PS2, at the bargain price of $19.99. Needless to say, this is a great value, especially considering Sega's inclusion of some non-Sonic games, like The Ooze (only available in the Japanese version of the 2002's Mega Collection) and Comix Zone, as well as some bundled extras, like comic book scans. While Sonic aficionados will be disappointed by the omission of a few notable titles, such as the superlative Sonic CD, there's a ton of solid Robotnik-thwarting to be had with the Mega Collection Plus.
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is nothing but a Puyo Pop clone...so it goes without saying that it's addictive and awesome.
Sonic Mega Collection Plus starts you off with Sonics 1 through 3, Sonic and Knuckles (along with a simulation of that game's cartridge-piggybacking feature), Sonic Spinball, the abysmal Sonic 3D Blast, and the Puyo Puyo-inspired Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. With the exception of 3D Blast, whose quasi-3D, parallax-driven graphics and gameplay still render it unmitigated garbage, each of these games is a valuable and, indeed, vital addition to the collection.
Playing these games consecutively, one gets a holistic view of the Sonic franchise and the development trends that drove it. The first Sonic defined the core gameplay--specifically its emphasis on speed and relative linearity. Sonic 2 refined the formula, and added more interesting multitiered level layouts, multiple character support, and the all-important spin dash. Sonic Spinball was a deviation from the series, offering some nontraditional pinball with minor combat and platforming components. Sonic 3 was a graphical overhaul, allowing views of Sonic from multiple perspectives. Sonic and Knuckles retained these visual improvements, developing an almost cinematic flair, but also shifted the game's focus a bit toward platforming rather than sheer speed. And so on. Playing these games--replete with the funky MIDI instrumentation and colorful sprites that once taxed the Genesis to its fullest--is a real trip down gaming's memory lane.
The Sonic Mega Collection Plus sports a snappy interface, but is otherwise simply a collection of ROM game images paired with the emulators to run them. Consequently, Sonic veterans will find the included games to bear all the strengths and flaws of the originals. Where those timeless games showed audiovisual polish, these versions do too. Where frame rates once faltered and glitches reared their ugly heads, they do again, regardless of the overpowered hardware on which these ancient games are now being run. In Sonic and Knuckles, you'll still be able to push the occasional set of spikes, despite the fact that they should be stationary. Sonic Spinball is still characterized by the same slowdown that hindered it when it was packaged with the first Genesis redesign, the Genesis 2.
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