Cautious optimism seems to be the best way to approach modern day Sonic games. It’s hard to be open minded after so many failed attempts at bringing Sonic into the third dimension, but seeing Sonic slammed back into 2D was, if nothing else, cause for a smile or two.
Playing it gave way to a similar response. Sonic 4 does its best to emulate Sonic’s days on Genesis, and I’m pleased to report it hits a few important marks. Level design in Spring Hill was consistent with other “first level” Sonic games. Branching pathways, maliciously placed badniks, and bastard spikes were well represented, and thankfully without that slapped-together feel I had feared. The bumpers in particular were very well orchestrated and did well to pick up the pace when Sonic started to slow down. I will concede that I was unable to distinguish one act from another, but I suppose Sega needed to keep each act pretty tight.
Sonic’s speed was slight cause for concern. There is a fine line between a satisfying sensation of speed and completely losing control of your character, but the four acts I completed seemed to be playing it safe. Sonic slowed down quite a bit, and while the newly added (to 2D) homing attack did well to pick up the pace, the game engine didn’t seem up to the task of maintaining Sonic’s blazing speed. The Sega rep at the kiosk emphasized that Sonic 4 was still well under development, and the newly announced delay was employed primarily to combat the momentum issue. It wasn’t game breaking by any means, but it was worth noting in a game that’s usually all about speed and character control.
Sonic 4, if nothing else, looked gorgeous. Spring Hill unquestionably (especially in the backgrounds) harkens back to Sonic 2 with its carefree loops, spirals, and vegetation. Speaking of Sonic 2, the Eggman boss I faced looked to be pulled straight out of Sega’s classic. I was later told that, in later levels, entire fourth acts would be dedicated to sprawling boss fights, Sonic CD-style. One can hope, anyway.
The first episode of Sonic 4 is still set to drop in the later part of 2010, check back with us then for a full review!
