This game is proof that Team Sonic has no idea what they're doing, and likely never did.



The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is an anomaly of gaming. It has a rabidly devoted fanbase with fanfiction, fan characters, and rule 34 out the wazoo. This makes it all the more baffling that the creators and developers have no idea how to design a good game in the first place.



The levels in STH4E1 play like something created by a computer algorithm. The set pieces are stitched together at complete random with no sense of flow or theme to the levels. One minute you're playing a pinball game, the next you're being crushed by barrels. Some pits kill you instantly, others lead to rewards. Missing some jumps will just cause you to have to take a lower path, others mean certain death, and still others mean having to backtrack and figure out the puzzle yet again. There is no consistency and no way to predict what will happen when you interact with a particular gadget. Bumpers and springs will launch Sonic different heights with no visual indication of what they're capable of. This is a game that not only punishes the player for being not psychic, but also blames the player for their lack of precognitive powers.



Despite how easy it is to die from complete cheapness, the whole game is designed around set pieces that look entertaining, and provide a small burst of enjoyment, but lack any kind of nuance or challenge. Casino Street zone is probably the biggest offender in this regard, doling out extra points, flashy lights, and sparkly bumpers in a pathetic attempt to trick the player into thinking they're playing a good game. This zone contains so many extra lives and free rings, you can practically see the developers going "Love us, please! We'll give you candy!" But they decided to mix a few razor blades in there, because otherwise it would be too easy to enjoy. It's the equivalent of opening your presents on Christmas morning, but your parents decided to randomly put a few boxes filled with millions of spiders under the tree, just so you don't get too cocky and think it's all supposed to be about having fun.



But the real kicker here: This is actually a perfect representation of a Sonic game. Every Sonic the Hedgehog game, with the possible exception of the first two, has been like this. Levels with seemingly random design, enemies that come out of nowhere and punish the player for not being psychic, puzzles that are never explained but nonetheless are required to get through the level. (The Barrel from Sonic 3, anybody?) Intermixed with short bursts of eye candy that's supposed to fool the player into enjoying themselves. It's basically tickle torture.



If you like the previous Sonic games, you'll probably love this, because it's exactly what Sonic is, apparently. It's not good, no. But at least it's accurate.

This game is proof that Team Sonic has no idea what they're doing, and likely never did. The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is an anomaly of gaming. It has a rabidly devoted fanbase with fanfiction, fan characters, and rule 34 out the wazoo. This makes it all the more baffling that the creators and developers have no idea how to design a good game in the first place. The levels in STH4E1 play like something created by a computer algorithm. The set pieces are stitched together at complete random with no sense of flow or theme to the levels. One minute you're playing a pinball game, the next you're being crushed by barrels. Some pits kill you instantly, others lead to rewards. Missing some jumps will just cause you to have to take a lower path, others mean certain death, and still others mean having to backtrack and figure out the puzzle yet again. There is no consistency and no way to predict what will happen when you interact with a particular gadget. Bumpers and springs will launch Sonic different heights with no visual indication of what they're capable of. This is a game that not only punishes the player for being not psychic, but also blames the player for their lack of precognitive powers. Despite how easy it is to die from complete cheapness, the whole game is designed around set pieces that look entertaining, and provide a small burst of enjoyment, but lack any kind of nuance or challenge. Casino Street zone is probably the biggest offender in this regard, doling out extra points, flashy lights, and sparkly bumpers in a pathetic attempt to trick the player into thinking they're playing a good game. This zone contains so many extra lives and free rings, you can practically see the developers going "Love us, please! We'll give you candy!" But they decided to mix a few razor blades in there, because otherwise it would be too easy to enjoy. It's the equivalent of opening your presents on Christmas morning, but your parents decided to randomly put a few boxes filled with millions of spiders under the tree, just so you don't get too cocky and think it's all supposed to be about having fun. But the real kicker here: This is actually a perfect representation of a Sonic game. Every Sonic the Hedgehog game, with the possible exception of the first two, has been like this. Levels with seemingly random design, enemies that come out of nowhere and punish the player for not being psychic, puzzles that are never explained but nonetheless are required to get through the level. (The Barrel from Sonic 3, anybody?) Intermixed with short bursts of eye candy that's supposed to fool the player into enjoying themselves. It's basically tickle torture. If you like the previous Sonic games, you'll probably love this, because it's exactly what Sonic is, apparently. It's not good, no. But at least it's accurate. Check this box if you received this product for free (?) Do you recommend this game? Yes No Cancel Save Changes