I played this game once a couple years ago on someone else's console and thought it was neat, but also wasn't that impressed by it. I think its a combination of not having as much time as I want to spend with it and also not having the same appreciation for good 2D Sonic level design as I do now. Since first playing this game I've learned about stopping to explore these levels, see all the different paths and secrets, understand the things that make different character playthroughs unique, notice the incredible amount of detail put into levels and visual storytelling, and with this new knowledge I've come to realize this is easily the best 2D Sonic game.
This games existence is a miracle, not only because of it being an official game developed by incredibly talented fans, but that it actually managed to outdo the classic trilogy in so many ways. I mentioned that Sonic levels should be explored, but a lot of previous games were very punishing in a way that made this difficult. But more importantly, this game just puts so much into each level without ever having it feel overwhelming or hard to navigate. It encourages trying different routes, seeing if you can make it to that ledge in order to see a completely different part of the level. I don't know, I'm not good at describing why I love this aspect of the level design, its just so much fun going through these levels multiple times to see what else you can find.
This game's special stages are also my favorite in the 2D Sonic games, so good in fact this is the first time I actually got Super Sonic in one of these games. Making Blue Spheres an optional side game also made me enjoy it more, I would probably be a lot better at those stages if I played 3 & Knuckles now.
On top of everything, this game is incredibly gorgeous. One of the best looking 2D platformers in a long time, every new level and animation was a joy to find. The music is also incredible, and does a good job of staying true to a classic 2D Sonic soundtrack while doing its own thing as well. In general, the people making this game know exactly what does and doesn't belong in this kind of game, what can be added to make it new, and what can be avoided in order to make sure it's true to the formula but not as punishing or flawed in places.
Looking forward to doing more playthroughs of this, this game is definitely going to be one of those games I just do a playthrough of every now and then. This is the kind of game that makes me excited to go back to other Sonic games, even if I now they probably won't be as good as this.
This games existence is a miracle, not only because of it being an official game developed by incredibly talented fans, but that it actually managed to outdo the classic trilogy in so many ways. I mentioned that Sonic levels should be explored, but a lot of previous games were very punishing in a way that made this difficult. But more importantly, this game just puts so much into each level without ever having it feel overwhelming or hard to navigate. It encourages trying different routes, seeing if you can make it to that ledge in order to see a completely different part of the level. I don't know, I'm not good at describing why I love this aspect of the level design, its just so much fun going through these levels multiple times to see what else you can find.
This game's special stages are also my favorite in the 2D Sonic games, so good in fact this is the first time I actually got Super Sonic in one of these games. Making Blue Spheres an optional side game also made me enjoy it more, I would probably be a lot better at those stages if I played 3 & Knuckles now.
On top of everything, this game is incredibly gorgeous. One of the best looking 2D platformers in a long time, every new level and animation was a joy to find. The music is also incredible, and does a good job of staying true to a classic 2D Sonic soundtrack while doing its own thing as well. In general, the people making this game know exactly what does and doesn't belong in this kind of game, what can be added to make it new, and what can be avoided in order to make sure it's true to the formula but not as punishing or flawed in places.
Looking forward to doing more playthroughs of this, this game is definitely going to be one of those games I just do a playthrough of every now and then. This is the kind of game that makes me excited to go back to other Sonic games, even if I now they probably won't be as good as this.