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Sonic Generations

Hands-on: Sonic Generations

Sonic turns 20 and longtime fan Viktor Eriksson went to Barcelona to meet with Takashi Iizuka and try the upcoming anniversary title - Sonic Generations.

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20 years have passed since Sonic first saw the light of day on Mega Drive. And there has been one constant father figure throughout his career, Takashi Iizuka. For any Sonic fan it's hard to decide whether to hug him or punch him in the stomach as Sonic has been milked and forced to star in games that just didn't hold up.

Sonic Generations

In Iizuka's defence it should be said that none of the recent Sonic titles has performed poorly at retail. But the blue hedgehog has been the target of constant criticism from fans and gaming press. The phenomenon of a "Sonic cycle", where fans first got hopeful just to be disappointed as came out. The cycle was repeated over and over again through the last decade and it got to a point where Sonic fans just stopped caring.

But there has been a change as of late. All eyes may have been on Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I to deliver what the fans wanted, but it was a child friendly Wii title that really signalled a change in fortunes - Sonic Colours. A good Sonic game. The first truly good game starring Sonic since his Dreamcast days. Was it a fluke or the start of a trend?

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When Iizuka-san enters the stage with Sonic's European brand director David Corless to announce Sonic Generations they aren't holding anything back. "This is a brilliant Sonic game and to prove you will get to play it today."

Sonic Generations

Sonic Generations is a summary of the first 20 years of Sonic's career. A game that mixes new and old, and isn't afraid of getting nostalgic. A new nemesis rips apart the space time continuum in Sonic's universe, and the zones and worlds are thrown into the air as the "time bandit" attempts to erase Sonic's entire world. Who can possibly stop him? Not one, but two hedgehogs is the answer. Classic Sonic from the Mega Drive era and Modern Sonic who first appeared with Dreamcast. The join forces to save their world and in the process they will make their way through 20 years of gaming history.

Sonic Generations
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Ken Pontac and Warren Graff, who wrote the script from Sonic Colours, and also have games like Mad World under their belt as well as the popular Happy Tree Friends, are once again on writing duties and given the surprisingly high quality of Sonic Colours' script, we have every reason to expect a decent story. It's only natural to think that story will play second fiddle in a game such as this, but there is potential in this and it reminds us of Epic Mickey. Let's hope Sonic Team puts enough effort and thought into the storytelling.

The gameplay is split between classic and modern Sonic, and they share the levels. Classic Sonic plays them his way in 2D using the d-pad and one button, while modern Sonic plays something of an updated version of Sonic Colours where 2D and 3D are intermixed.

Sonic Generations

We got to go hands-on with the classic Green Hill Zone. Classic Sonic comes across as solid, but has a lot to prove if he is to be compared to his glory days on Mega Drive. From what I tried it felt like Sonic Team got more things right than wrong. Especially when it comes to the essential pinball physics that defines Sonic's 2D gameplay. It grants a certain flow to the experience that we did not see in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I.

There is a more solid definition of how much Sonic weighs and the force he speeds ahead, which results in more responsive controls. There are still some problems with the physics, and it would appear it's turned off during certain more cinematic segments of the stage. When this happens the game is in auto play mode. Don't get me wrong, it's great to look at, but its still a shame that all we have to do to play this parts is the push right on the d-pad.

It may sound odd, but modern Sonic comes across as the stronger of the two. There is more variation, a more direct control even when the game essentially plays itself, and you can quickly tell that it has the same well crafted levels as Sonic Colours. There is a fluidity to the game and the usual Sonic related problem are not to be found, while tons of elegant design solutions entertains throughout the level.

Sonic Generations

Among the best additions is the introduction of a drift button that can be used to drift through corners in 3D. Sonic rolls up and spins and the game is transformed into an arcade racer, something that works really well. Despite the chaos that comes from high speeds and the sensitive controls we are in full control. The drifting mechanic feels as the best thing to happen to Sonic since he went 3D.

Sonic GenerationsSonic Generations

Even if most of the levels are based on levels we have visited in the past it's not something that affects how the game looks. Sonic Generations stands up well and pushes the capabilities of both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, and not just when it comes to the 3D levels. There is a deep focus that will stun you and the level of details is magnificent, and throughout the level we are treated to nice camera moves and effects. The sense of speed is constant no matter which Sonic you're playing. As you gather momentum the classic Green Hill Zone tune is blurred as so are the visuals.

Sonic Generations

Sonic Team fills me with conflicting emotions. There is a lot of old hatred brewing, but I'm still happy with what I've played of Sonic Generations and I'm happy that there is a new Sonic game coming that I can get my hopes up for.

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Sonic Generations

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