System: PS3, X360
Dev: Sega
Pub: Sega
Released: Nov 2006
Players: 1
Review by Vaughn

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

Combat has always been hit and miss throughout the history of Sonic and this game is sadly no different. The fighting control has improved, so that you’ll feel confident when you lock-on to an enemy, Sonic will actually execute the attack. Silver’s telekinesis is also well done, but almost every other cameo character gets the shaft, including Shadow. Playing these stages will remind you how much you can’t wait to get back to Sonic and his terrible camera and slippery controls. The shame of it, is that some of the levels are technically amazing and a real treat to run around. Exploration is the key to wringing the most out of these particular stages, but only those with the patience of a saint will bother to seek out a shortcut that looks like it actually might be more difficult than the regular path. Other level design shortcomings involve having to hit ramps or plungers to continue at the same pace, however if you miss just one after a long sequence, you’ll have to start over again. Sometimes you’ll actually hit a ramp but it won’t have the desired effect and you’ll fall short and die. There is simply no excuse for these kinds of problem at this stage in Sonic’s career.

Visually Sonic impresses, while simultaneously disappoints. The game has an overall eclectic look that appears to be part next gen/part current gen. Some of the levels are visually stunning in size and scope, while others are lackluster and drab. Perhaps this is due to numerous teams working on several areas of the game separately, but the artistic director should have a more discerning eye when it comes to overall cohesion of the final product. The CG is brilliant, but you wouldn’t expect any less.

The music is just about the best thing Sonic Team served up for Sonic’s 15th celebration. It definitely harkens back to the soundtrack of Sonic Adventure which I found to be bursting with unforgettable tunes that still bring a smile to my face when I hear them. But I’m not ruling out that it could be gas….

Fans will gleem some enjoyment from playing as their favorite blue hog, but even the most diehard Sonic-sympathizers will realize this game just isn’t up to the standards of other 3D games like Mario and Jak & Daxter. It doesn’t even reach the heights of Sonic Adventure 1 & 2 or Sonic Heroes as this game is a perfect example of “jack of all trades, master of none”. There are just too many distractions and obstacles that get in the way of the enjoyment, and turn what should be a fun experience into one of frustration and resentment. This is no way to treat a video game icon, especially on his 15th birthday. Move over Bubsy and Gex and make room for one more in the Hall of Shame...

Features:

Sonic wreaks havoc on the next gen consoles. by Vaughn Smith

Officially unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) in fall 2005, Sonic will race to the next consoles just in time for his 15th anniversary. Entitled Sonic The Hedgehog in homage of the 15th anniversary, creator Yuji Naka and Sonic Team are looking to reinvent the hog without losing sight of what him a fan favorite since the early 90's. Unlike direct competitior Mario, who made the transition to 3D look effortless, Sonic's foray into the third dimension has been a bumpy ride. Sonic The Hedgehog for the PS3 and Xbox 360 is (hopefully) going to change that.

Utilitizing the Havoc physics engine, Sonic Team is looking to make this the most realistic Sonic game ever created. With the Havoc engine at work, you'll see objects, enemies, surroundings and even Sonic himself react to the surroundings with far greater attention paid to gravity. Items which are heavier will require more effort to move, enemies can be knocked into each other, areas that Sonic lands on will react to his weight etc. And the speed....lest we forget the speed. We're told that this Sonic will be the fastest Sonic the gaming world has seen since the Genesis days.

And it doesn't end there. The original philosophy of the project was "What if Sonic had to interact with humans?" and thus this concept became the foundation to which the direction of the new game was based upon. Sonic and co. will therefore find themselves in areas inhabited by humans and gamers can expect to experience the size differences between a blue hedgehog compared to a person, car and skyscraper for example. While walking around the world Sonic will be able to interact with humans in RPG-lite fashion and talk with them, finding out important info along the way.

The new game will take place in the world of Soleanna where a Princess Elise holds a powerful secret. You'll never guess who wants to take advantage of that mysterious secret.... Eggman! Yeah, okay so that was a given. If you guessed "Eggman" before reading "Eggman" consider yourself the King of the Obvious. What you may not be expecting is a grey-colored hedgehog with supernatural powers that also plays into the overall picture... Okay, so maybe you were ALSO expecting that. I mean, how many doppleganger hedgehogs has this series seen in the last few years? Metal Sonic, Shadow... it wasn't that big of a stretch to see that maybe there just be another one. Why keep a good plot device down?

The level structure will attempt to capture the essence of the old 2D games which often yielded numerous pathways. Sonic Team has suggested the fastest path to the goal won't become obvious until you've played the level a few times through. In keeping with the sense of realism, levels will also feature a day and night cycle, and gamers can expect to find some surprises when playing through the same level at varying time periods.

Stay tuned for more as we're expecting a lot more delicious hedgehog sized morsels to be revealed at E3 06.

By Vaughn Smith
CCC Site Director