Consistent. It is what Sonic the Hedgehog has struggled to be since his 3D debut. While I haven't played every game in the series, this is certainly the one that comes the closest to that description. As a celebration of the Blue Blur's legacy, Sonic Generations mostly delivers. I really enjoyed the Classic and Modern versions of all nine levels, but I do have issues with several design elements that few people seem to talk about. I’m going to explain them starting with my biggest issue so I can end on a positive note because despite everything I am about to say, this is one of Sonic’s best games.
I was really disappointed with Classic Sonic’s controls. While functional, they are not as responsive as the Genesis games, nor are they built around momentum. Since you don't build speed naturally, you are pushed to use the overclocked spin dash, which sometimes clashes with the level's flow. The spin dash is now a glorified boost button with a delay. Comparing this game's physics to those of the classics is fair in my book because Sonic Team obviously wanted to replicate the latter experience. They don’t even let you use the homing attack with Classic Sonic and it was jarring switching to the character that can.
Modern Sonic functions almost identically to how he did in Colors. I say almost because his handling on the ground is much more slippery. My advice is to not boost unless you are traveling in a straight line with little danger because you have limited control over Sonic. There’s also a lot of 2D sections, which doesn’t bother me in and of itself. I like Colors after all. But now that we have Classic Sonic, shouldn’t Modern Sonic be in full 3D? That feels like a missed opportunity.
Speaking of missed opportunities, the ranking system is laughable. It should demonstrate how much better you could be at the game, yet it wasn’t uncommon for me to get hit or even die multiple times in a level or mission and STILL get an S-rank on my FIRST TRY. Either these weren’t playtested enough or Sonic Team went soft for this game. I’m not saying the ranking system should be as harsh as Bayonetta, but getting an S on your first try shouldn’t be possible.
I’m a little split on the side missions. For one, the time trials are insulting. The ghost is dumb enough that replaying through the level feels no different from the first time. However, the missions where another character helps you out are very good. You’re always doing something different each time and even the weakest ideas are inoffensive at worst. Honestly, I would have liked to see more of these.
The boss quality was the exact inverse of Colors. Instead of only the final boss being memorable, Generations has a great lineup of bosses that are unfortunately capped off with a terrible final boss. Still, this is the best boss lineup in the series by a country mile.
Despite all my nitpicks with the game, the levels were a blast. The way Sonic Team translated the Genesis-inspired levels into 3D and the rest into 2D was nothing short of impressive. Special shoutouts to City Escape and Crisis City. The former's truck chases were INSANE and the latter's music was infectious. I actually listened to both versions while writing this review. The levels are what make Sonic Generations a relatively consistent experience. Normally I would criticize the reliance on past ideas, but it was meant to be an anniversary title. In that regard, Sonic Team succeeded. Play the game if you haven’t already!
I was really disappointed with Classic Sonic’s controls. While functional, they are not as responsive as the Genesis games, nor are they built around momentum. Since you don't build speed naturally, you are pushed to use the overclocked spin dash, which sometimes clashes with the level's flow. The spin dash is now a glorified boost button with a delay. Comparing this game's physics to those of the classics is fair in my book because Sonic Team obviously wanted to replicate the latter experience. They don’t even let you use the homing attack with Classic Sonic and it was jarring switching to the character that can.
Modern Sonic functions almost identically to how he did in Colors. I say almost because his handling on the ground is much more slippery. My advice is to not boost unless you are traveling in a straight line with little danger because you have limited control over Sonic. There’s also a lot of 2D sections, which doesn’t bother me in and of itself. I like Colors after all. But now that we have Classic Sonic, shouldn’t Modern Sonic be in full 3D? That feels like a missed opportunity.
Speaking of missed opportunities, the ranking system is laughable. It should demonstrate how much better you could be at the game, yet it wasn’t uncommon for me to get hit or even die multiple times in a level or mission and STILL get an S-rank on my FIRST TRY. Either these weren’t playtested enough or Sonic Team went soft for this game. I’m not saying the ranking system should be as harsh as Bayonetta, but getting an S on your first try shouldn’t be possible.
I’m a little split on the side missions. For one, the time trials are insulting. The ghost is dumb enough that replaying through the level feels no different from the first time. However, the missions where another character helps you out are very good. You’re always doing something different each time and even the weakest ideas are inoffensive at worst. Honestly, I would have liked to see more of these.
The boss quality was the exact inverse of Colors. Instead of only the final boss being memorable, Generations has a great lineup of bosses that are unfortunately capped off with a terrible final boss. Still, this is the best boss lineup in the series by a country mile.
Despite all my nitpicks with the game, the levels were a blast. The way Sonic Team translated the Genesis-inspired levels into 3D and the rest into 2D was nothing short of impressive. Special shoutouts to City Escape and Crisis City. The former's truck chases were INSANE and the latter's music was infectious. I actually listened to both versions while writing this review. The levels are what make Sonic Generations a relatively consistent experience. Normally I would criticize the reliance on past ideas, but it was meant to be an anniversary title. In that regard, Sonic Team succeeded. Play the game if you haven’t already!