NXDandy
BACKER
2018
This is the only game I've 100% completed on three different platforms (being PC, Switch, and PS4) and continue to replay often. Tight gameplay, a powerful and relatable story, a charming visual presentation, and an outstanding soundtrack. Every element in the game is phenomenal and woven so well together that it truly feels like a work of art. With the "easy to learn, hard to master" mechanics and multitude of accessibility options, the game feels accessible to everyone whether you are great at platformers or not. It makes the player feel like they themselves level up as they play more of the game, leading to multiple moments where I felt a sense of accomplishment unparalleled by almost all other games I have played. These moments even continue on multiple playthroughs as I feel I can constantly take better advantage of the level design and mechanics. While every game has flaws, I feel that the ones in Celeste are minor in the grand scheme of things and can largely be excused by the story and empowering message the game is trying to tell. In my honest opinion, it is about as close to a perfect 2D platformer (or a perfect game for that matter) as you can get.
P.S. The modding community for this game is fantastic as well.
P.S. The modding community for this game is fantastic as well.
I fell asleep twice playing the first half of the game. It felt like a soulless cash grab.
They took a fine game and made a horrible port in every way. Bad control, bad sound, bad performance. One of the worst experiences gaming has to offer.
1981
Where it all began. Short, repetitive, but fun. I wish it had more stages and more dynamic gameplay.
1994
Talk about talking a simple game and improving it tenfold! The control and level design is fantastic for this game. I can go back to it and replay it anytime.
Fine port of a fine game.
2001
I have so much nostalgia for this game. This was one of my introductions to the sonic series and I loved the tone and style the game had to offer. Momentum and physics still played a large part of the gameplay unlike some of the later 2D entries after this. Some of the level design hasn’t aged well but you can still have a good time.
2002
This game is severely underrated in my opinion. The game's setting of Isle Delfino is fantastic, as each individual level manages to feel grounded in the game's world despite covering a large variety of themes. With the carnival area of Pinna Park having upbeat music, to a lighter, surfer-esque music of Gelato Beach, the OST matches well with each of the level themes that contributes to the vacation atmosphere of the game well. The amount of tech and control that F.L.U.D.D. enables is some of the best the series has to offer and arguably has more depth to it than that of future entries. Yes, the blue coins suck, and yes, the watermelon mission sucks. But when playing I couldn't help but have a smile on my face as I explored the games various levels while pulling off tricks with the nozzles and dives. If you are on the fence about playing this game, go ahead and give it a shot. As long as you aren't going for 100%, it'll probably be worth your time.
Doubles mechanic is a lot of fun. I have a lot of nostalgia with the music in the game and the game in general. Not a big fan of the core control and drifting going back though.
A good collection of classic sonic games. I was too inexperienced to beat any of them but I remember still having fun despite some of the unfriendly level design of the classics. Menu music and bonuses were nice too.
Decent collection of games. There are a few Gems in here (pun totally intended) that were hard to find/play back anywhere else back then, but I think the collection could have used one or two more games to feel a little more complete.
Played both the PC and Gamecube versions. Best way to play is on the PC with the BetterSADX mod. Still a fun game with fun (but jank) physics that I can enjoy to this day. I’m beating a dead horse by saying Big the Cat was an unnecessary addition but it’s true and Amy needed retooling to make her more fun. Overall, still a good time and it made for a fun introduction to 3D Sonic for me.
This review is strictly for the PC Version and the changes it enables, view the gamecube version for a more extensive review.
Mods fix the game quite a bit. Better audio mixing in game and in cutscenes, better control in some places, and a better emerald radar. Turns the game from a good to a great one.
Mods fix the game quite a bit. Better audio mixing in game and in cutscenes, better control in some places, and a better emerald radar. Turns the game from a good to a great one.
Overall better than SA1. Gameplay is more tight and refined. The story is more interesting and I really enjoy a lot of the set pieces/level design. There are some issues with the mech control, speed characters level design, and emerald radar, but overall still a lot of fun and a classic 3D sonic game that you should check out if you are at all interested.
2003
I like the artstyle and some setpieces, but overall the game is repetitive, hard to control, and the later levels are poorly designed. It is a slog if you try to play through the game without mixing anything in between. Fun at points but a mess overall.