Tag: Sonic Rush

Top 10 Favorite Sonic The Hedgehog Games (updated w/Sonic Racing CrossWorlds)

AdamLeave a comment

Sonic the Hedgehog is now 34 years old! 34 years and counting of some of the very best and very worst that gaming has head to offer! In case you haven’t figured that out with the multiple Sonic pieces that I’ve written on this blog, I’ve always been a big fan of Sonic the Hedgehog since I was a kid. Sonic as a character is someone that always has appeal to me with his cockiness, incredible sense of speed, but also having a big heart for himself and those he cares about. He’s always been so appealing to me that I’ve been following this roller coaster of a franchise for over two full decades now.

To celebrate the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, I’ve decided to do a ranking of my top 10 personal favorite Sonic games to date! Not necessarily what I think its the best from an objective standpoint but the Sonic games that I’ve had the most fond memories of and still do to this very day.

First, here’s a couple of games that BARELY made it off this list:

  • The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog

Never in a million years would I think that a visual novel game where you just point and click at things made by the social media group from SEGA would end up being quite good but here you go! This is a game that came out on April 1st, 2023 on the PC, strictly as a April Fools Day prank. To put it simply, it’s Sonic and his friends in a murder mystery party. I would tell you more but that would spoil all the fun to be had with this game. Just know that this is a very well done visual novel and point-and-click adventure made with a lot of love from the SEGA Social team, who clearly loves Sonic as much as the fans do. If that sounds like your jam, then please go download this game right now on your PC if you haven’t already. It’s 100% free!

  • Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

This is an example of a kart racing sequel that is better than the original in just about every way. With even smoother controls, more creative racetracks, a more expanded roster of characters, and offering a better sense of challenge than before, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is one of the few out there that would give Mario Kart a run for it’s money. It’s only off of the list because of some difficulty spikes with specific challenges, a couple of aggravating glitches I tend to run into, and there is one Sonic kart racer that was able to do what this game did just a little bit better. If you love Sonic and racing games, then this is definitely a must-play!

And also in case you are wondering, SONIC IS DRIVING A CAR TO MAKE IT FAIR TO THE OTHER RACERS!

THAT IS ALL!

  • Sonic The Hedgehog 2

A sequel that takes everything that works about the original and expands upon it in every single way. As a result, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 manages to be not just as good as the original but even better. Better controls, level designs, graphics, backgrounds, environments, and especially music! With an even greater sense of speed, more memorable level designs, and the introduction of the cutesy fox known as Tails, this is no doubt a great sequel. The only thing that keeps this one from being on this list is the very final boss. To this day, I still find it incredibly cheap, hard as ball and makes the ending of the game incredibly frustrating every time I replay it. Still a classic without a doubt but the fact the game always ends on a rather sour note prevents it from finding a spot on the list!

Now, here we go to the main top 10! Once again, these are ranked based on being my personal favorites, NOT of objective quality!

10.) Sonic Frontiers

That’s right! I actually found a spot for this one! This might be guilty of many of the same flaws that have plagued prior 3D Sonic games but unlike with most recent entries in the series, there is actually plenty of charm hidden within that makes the experience super enjoyable! The overall core formula and open zones work well here and does help set a promising template for future Sonic games. It’s also nice to see more care put into the story and characterization than it has been for quite some time. And Super Sonic has been more badass than he is here! This is a game that has grown on me since it came out and I’ve come to find more things to love and appreciate about it as time goes by. Yes, the pinball level sucks, some of the grinding sucks, and the “true” final boss sucks (The ONE thing that The Final Horizon DLC improved on!), but none of those were enough to ruin the many hours I’ve spend on this game! Sonic Frontiers is about as imperfect as you can expect a Sonic game to be but for the first time in a long while, it did leave me with an actual feeling of optimism for Sonic moving forward. If you ask me, that is more than enough to justify this being at #10!

9.) Sonic Advance/Sonic Advance 3

These two are basically neck-and-neck for my favorite of the Advance games. While the console games have been inconsistent in terms of quality, the handheld entries have had quite a few gems that don’t get the recognition they deserve when they came out in the 2000s. These two games are good examples of the perfect formula for Sonic in 2D form. Expanding upon the classic games in respectful ways, adding characters/elements to the gameplay along with a sense of speed and platforming that help make the experience more enjoyable rather than hinder it, and just working as their own unique Sonic games, the Sonic Advance series (minus the middling as hell second one) works wonder as one of the better Sonic experiences. They both have issues (Advance 1 has ridiculous bosses and Advance 3 has ridiculous Chao padding) but as a whole, Sonic Advance & Sonic Advance 3 are two 2D Sonic games that still stand out quite well for the Blue Blur.

8.) Sonic Colors

Sonic Team followed up Sonic Unleashed by making a game that added more to the well-received aspects of it (the daytime stages) along with removing the not so well-received aspects of it (the nighttime stages). Sonic Colors understands the core appeal of Sonic by featuring top-notch speed, solid platforming, incredibly fun and unique level designs, and some of the best power-ups in the series with the Wisps. And this was also the game that introduced Roger Craig Smith as the blue blur we all know and love, who is still going strong in the role to this very day! There may be a bit too much 2D levels for some and the story/humor is admittedly hit (any scene with Eggman and his robots) or miss (Baldy McNosehair) but this is easily among the best 3D Sonic games to date. And even though the comparisons to Super Mario Galaxy are undeniable, Sonic Colors is still able to provide a fresh and exhilarating experience that certainly feels like Sonic the Hedgehog.

7.) Sonic Rush

Being the game that introduces the boost mechanics that would eventually become a stable for Modern Sonic, Sonic Rush makes for one of the most thoroughly enjoyable and unique Sonic games throughout his history. The main highlight here is seeing the introduction to fan-favorite Blaze the Cat, arguably the best female character in the entire franchise, and getting the perfect sense of speed with Sonic that you never really got with the series up to this point. There’s some repetition of playing the same levels twice and newly introduced villain, Eggman Nega sucks on literally every single level, but this is one I can recommend to those who are not even fans of Sonic. With top notch speed, fast platforming, and a SUPER awesome soundtrack, Sonic Rush is an absolute gem that should not be missed! Just a damn shame this had to come out the same day as Shadow the Hedgehog!

6.) Sonic Adventure

While this has certainly shown it’s age in many areas, there is still more than enough about Sonic Adventure, A.K.A. the first official 3D Sonic game, that works very well to this day. The gameplay that still works (namely Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Gamma) remain some of the very best in all of 3D Sonic, the hub world of Station Square is fun to explore and gives you that perfect sense of adventure that makes the title accurate, and it’s neat to have every main character in the story get their own arcs and development throughout, something which didn’t happen in the Sonic series until this game. Even the dated elements like the cheesy animation, dialogue, and voice acting are at least good for a laugh, both intentionally and unintentionally, that you can have a blast with them.. This might’ve been even higher on the list if it wasn’t for those Big the Cat fishing missions but I still rate the original Sonic Adventure very highly to this day. If it wasn’t for this game, who knows where Sonic the Hedgehog would be in the year 2025!

5.) Sonic Unleashed

One of the most divisive installments in the franchise is among my favorites. While opinions certainly vary on the SD port of this game, the HD version of Sonic Unleashed has the thrills and action that I could ever want from a Sonic game. The daytime stages delivers an incredibly sense of speed and fast platforming that I always love replaying through, the story is simplistic but still has that nice mix of light and dark nature that most Sonic stories lack, the graphics still look stunning even over 17 years later, the soundtrack is outstanding and among the very best in the franchise, the variety this game contains in terms of gameplay and unlockables is off the charts, exploring the hub worlds of all the different countries acts greatly to that “world adventure” spirit, and even I’m not shame to admit I even kinda like that silly Werehog (If you don’t at least get some goosebumps during the night boss fights, you are a total loser! Just saying!)! I totally understand the reasons to hate this game but I remain a fan to this very day just like how I was back in 2008. This game has been gaining a cult following over the years and I’m glad to admit that I was a part of that crowd from the very beginning.

4.) Sonic 3 & Knuckles

To many people, Sonic 3 & Knuckles is the absolute definite Sonic game and it’s easy to see why! Taking the best aspects of all the previous games that has come before it while introducing one of the best characters in the franchise known as Knuckles. The levels are more expanded upon than ever before giving you multiple paths and ways to the goal, every character controls perfectly with not a single one being a chore to play, the story itself takes a few unexpected turns, and even the bosses and special stages (which I weren’t a fan of in the past) are actually quite great here. I just wish I didn’t need to collect all the emeralds TWICE in order to get the full final Super Sonic boss fight! However, masterfully combining speed, platforming, and exploration, this remains a top-tier Sonic experience. While there are many people that considers Sonic 3&K to be the very best Sonic game ever made (and I would definitely not argue that opinion one bit), it’s not quite the full Sonic package for me the way these next three Sonic games are.

3.) Sonic Racing CrossWorlds

The newest addition to the Sonic kart racing canon is not only the best Sonic racing game to date but might perhaps be the best kart racing game to date that is NOT Mario Kart! This has more of an expanded roster of characters, more creative and unique race tracks, more vehicles you can choose to race with, whether it’s with cars or hover boards, and more amounts of fan service than any of the Sonic racing games! You also got great online modes, fun character interactions during Rival mode, multiples pathways with each crossworld you enter, tons of unlockables to collect, and plenty of DLC on the horizon to keep you entertained with the game for quite some time (Unfortunately, not free though!). This is just the perfect example of a kart racing game that is the absolute complete package from top to bottom! If Mario Kart 8 didn’t exist, this might legit be my new favorite kart racing game and the one that I see myself playing the most for the foreseeable future! Sonic Racing CrossWorlds checks all the boxes and then some and continues Sonic’s great track record of the 2020s! Eat it, Mario Kart World!

2.) Sonic Mania

By being a beautiful and well done remix of the original classic games, along with introducing a handful of wonderful original levels of its own, Christian Whitehead’s Sonic Mania helps craft an entry that feels more of a worthy follow-up to Sonic 3 & Knuckles than both episodes of Sonic 4 combined. There’s more extras, unlockable and playable characters than ever before, the gameplay from the Classic games that everyone knows and love is giving the right upgrade and in some ways, surpasses the original games, and I don’t think Super Sonic has looked, sound, and been more fun to control than he’s done here. And even though many of the levels themselves have been taking from other Sonic games, they’ve been changed and expanded upon well enough to where they feel like completely new levels in their own right, giving that sense you are playing through these levels for the very first time. Even to those that aren’t the biggest fans of Classic Sonic, I would highly recommend this one as I consider Sonic Mania to be the definite Classic Sonic experience.

1.) Sonic X Shadow Generations

My favorite Sonic game to date is the one that features the most Sonic out of all the games thus far……along with a bit of Shadow. When it comes to Sonic Generations, it acts a wonderful celebration of the first two decades of Sonic the Hedgehog, perfecting both the classic 2D style gameplay along with the modern 3D style gameplay by recreating the best levels from previous Sonic games and making them feel new and unique on their own. When it comes to Shadow Generations, this might just be the very best version of 3D Sonic as a whole. With incredibly unique level designs, crazy and out-of-this-world set pieces, a gameplay style that manages to combine the best elements of both Sonic Generations and Sonic Frontiers respectively while leaving off any fat, and even quite a touching story about Shadow and the two people he cares about the most in Maria and Gerald Robotnik. Call it cheating if you may but there is not other Sonic (or Shadow) experience that always satisfies more than Sonic X Shadow Generations. . Because of all that and more, Sonic X Shadow Generations is my favorite Sonic game to date!

Happy birthday, Sonic!

Ranking The 2D/Handheld Sonic Games

AdamLeave a comment

Sonic the Hedgehog is now 34 years old! 34 years and counting of some of the very best and very worst that gaming has head to offer! To celebrate this beloved/hated blue hedgehog, let’s rank the 2D/Handheld Sonic Games!

When talking about the 2D side of Sonic, most would refer to that as the superior Sonic and is the one area that not even SEGA or Sonic Team can get wrong! That line of thinking is quite flawed. Don’t get me wrong, plenty of Sonic’s best work has come from these 2D style and handheld games but they are definitely far from flawless. However, there are definitely some that didn’t get as much credit as they deserved when they came out, especially the ones that came out in the early and mid 2000s when everyone couldn’t stop hating on the likes of Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic 06! Time to rank these specific kind of games from worst to best!

17.) Sonic Genesis (2006)

One of the worst ports to a video game ever made! Taking everything that was great about the original and bastardizing it beyond repair! It’s one of the few games that gave me a physical headache while playing it. Zoomed-in camera angels, constant frame rate drops and slows downs, and sound mixing that will make your ears bleed. Between this dreadful port and another certain game that just happened to have the exact same title as this one, November 14, 2006 was certainly a day to forget for Sonic the Hedgehog.

16.) Sonic Lost World 3DS (2013)

This is when Dimps reached an all time low with making Sonic games! While the first world or two are fine, it all goes downhill after that! Ridiculously overlong levels that get longer as the game goes on, constant gimmicks that are shoved down your throat, and game designs that feel much more Mario-like than Sonic. And that’s not even bringing up those special stages with the godawful gyroscope controls! UGH! Dimps had been a savior of Sonic in the past but after this game, I think they’ve worn out their welcome.

15.) Sonic Generations 3DS (2011)

Believe it or not, they actually made a 3DS port of Sonic Generations. Too bad it’s so incredibly meh that even I at times forget that it exists. There’s practically no difference between Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic gameplay and not enough levels from other 2D or handheld games are used here. If you thought the console version have plenty of missed opportunity, you should see the choices they made for this version. While there are certainly worse timewasters out there, this is definitely a version that screams “Quick cash grab!” without much effort to prove otherwise.

14.) Sonic 4 Episode 1 (2010)

As a game of itself, it’s merely passable. As a follow-up to the original classic games, I don’t think you could have made a more underwhelming one. The physics are off and practically non-existent, the levels are bland rehashes of other classic zones, and it barely makes any sort of attempt to be on the same level of quality as the first few games. Even the soundtrack this time feels off. It’s without a doubt playable but that’s the best compliment you can really give it compare to say the bottom of the list.

13.) Sonic Advance 2 (2002)

To be honest, I’m not very high on this one. Though much faster paced than the original Sonic Advance, the stages of Sonic Advance 2 can’t match up to that level of speed, resulting in frustrating difficulty spikes and an abrupt pace to each level. A Sonic game should always consists of being fast but this is one of the rare cases where I feel it’s too fast. As a result, playing through this game can result with countless cheap deaths and having to endure incredibly mean level designs. And the boss fights are just UGH! Still functional but this is easily the weakest of the Advance series for me.

12.) Sonic 4 Episode 2 (2012)

Sonic 4: Episode II is without a doubt an improvement over Episode 1, hence why I didn’t just combine both Sonic 4 episodes as one in this list. The physics are much improved, the level designs feels fresher and are more enjoyable, and the addition of Tails is certainly one that helps the gameplay this time out. However in the wakes of much better 2D Sonic games that feel more in-line with Sonic tradition such as Sonic Mania, there is really no reason to go back to do this or Part 1. Better is better but forgettable is still forgettable.

11.) Sonic Superstars

Sonic Superstars is a much more complicated game than I was expecting. Despite promising itself to be another classic 2D Sonic adventure that evokes the earlier days of Sonic, there are new gameplay styles and features that are included here to try to make the game stand out more as it’s own thing without feeling like a remake or remix. Some of the levels are fun and creative, getting to play as multiple characters in any way you want is awesome, and Trip is a neat new addition to a cast with a super dragon mode that is so broken that I can’t help but love it. However, the boss fights are needlessly cruel, tedious, and overlong, most of the new features are rather half-baked, and it doesn’t do enough to justify it’s 60 dollar price tag. If the trailers for Sonic Superstars looked good to you and you like it when Sonic games are at their most challenging, then I would say give this a shot once it comes out at a reasonable price. For those that are not on board the Classic Sonic train or just want to get off of it, I’m not sure this will win you over. I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing this style returning for future games because if done well, this could be the start of the next series of great standalone 2D Sonic games.

10.) Sonic CD (1993)

I don’t quite love this one the way many people do but I definitely respect Sonic CD for everything that it tries to do. While there’s a lot of good features to it, the time travel mechanic often takes me out of the experience and makes good chunks of the levels awkward and frustration. It can make for a rather confusing and convoluted experience at times regardless of which path you decide to take. Still, Metal Sonic rocks as does the f*cking awesome intro. It’s still a fine game, just not my absolute favorite. And, Amy is cool too I guess.

9.) Sonic Colors DS (2010)

What acts as the finale of what can be considered as the Rush handheld trilogy along with acting as a worthy handheld counterpart to it’s main console Wii version, Sonic Colors DS is still able to keep the boost style gameplay fresh and fun! While not quite as good as the console version, this is still pretty solid and is a version that holds up well on it’s own. The boost gameplay is still as fast and fun as before and it even include some new characters who weren’t in the main version of the game such as Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, Silver, and Blaze. This is not one I’ve gone back to a lot but if you can find a good deal on it, I say it’s worth your time.

8.) Sonic Rush Adventure (2007)

Sonic Rush Adventure isn’t so much Sonic Rush 2 but more Sonic Rush 1.5. This is basically the same game as the first one but with pirates, a (somewhat) annoying new raccoon character, and a few new mechanics that feel unneeded. Even so, the core gameplay that worked in the original still mostly works here that even the tacked-on gimmicks can’t ruin it. It’s also an interesting spin to see Sonic be transported to Blaze’s world while the first game has Blaze in Sonic’s world. And who also can’t forget the RIDICULOUSLY catchy main theme song! If you like the first Sonic Rush, then you’ll likely find plenty to enjoy in Sonic Rush Adventure, even if it’s basically more of the same.

7.) Sonic The Hedgehog (1991)

The one that started it all and introduced one of the finest gaming icons. I mean who doesn’t remember Green Hill Zone Act 1 beat-for-best. Everything from the level itself to the colorful backgrounds to the cartoon animals and of course, the music. It almost makes you forget this level has been remix and remade to death! Though it pales in comparison to its successors (at least for the classic games) and Labyrinth Zone is still absolute pants, the original Sonic the Hedgehog still makes for a strong first impression to this beloved/controversial gaming icon.

6.)/5.) Sonic Advance (2001) & Sonic Advance 3 (2004)

These two are basically neck-and-neck for my favorite of the Advance games. While the console games have been inconsistent in terms of quality, the handheld entries have had quite a few gems that don’t get the recognition they deserve. These two games are good examples of the perfect formula for Sonic. By adding characters/elements to the gameplay along with a sense of speed and platforming that help make the experience more enjoyable rather than hinder it. They both have issues (1 has ridiculous bosses and 3 has ridiculous padding) but as a whole, these two games are ones that still quite stand out for Sonic.

4.) Sonic Rush (2005)

The game that introduces the boost mechanics that would eventually become a stable for Modern Sonic, Sonic Rush makes for one of the most fun and unique Sonic games throughout his history. The main highlight here is seeing the introduction to fan-favorite Blaze the Cat, arguably the best female character in the entire franchise. There’s some repetition of playing the same levels twice and Eggman Nega sucks on literally every single level, but this is one I can recommend to those who are not even Sonic fans. With top notch speed, fast platforming, and a SUPER awesome soundtrack, Sonic Rush is an absolute gem that should not be missed! Just a damn shame this had to come out the same day as Shadow the Hedgehog!

3.) Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (1992)

A sequel that takes everything that works about the original and expands upon it in every single way. As a result, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 manages to be not just as good as the original but even better. Better controls, tighter level designs, more impressive graphics, colorful backgrounds and environments, and of course, the glorious music! And we also can’t forget this game introducing the beloved cutesy fox known as Miles Prower, A.K.A. Tails! With an even greater sense of speed, more memorable level designs, and the introduction of Sonic’s adorable sidekick, this is an excellent sequel. The final boss and level can still go F itself hard though!

2.) Sonic Mania (2017)

A remix of the original classic games, along with a handful of wonderful original levels of its own, Christian Whitehead is able to craft a masterfully done and respectful 2D Classic Sonic game in Sonic Mania, a game feels more of a worthy and faithful follow-up to 3 & Knuckles than both episodes of Sonic 4 combined. While not quite the best Sonic game ever made, it’s arguably the most fun Sonic game with more extras, unlockable and playable characters than before. Even if most of these levels are ones that you have seen before, the level design for each one of them is expanded upon and remade so well that it feels like you are playing them for the very first time! Had the game been filled with 100% original levels, this might have just taken the #1 spot. Nevertheless, Sonic Mania is awesome and should certainly go into the collection of any kind of Sonic fan.

1.) Sonic 3 & Knuckles (1994)

The absolute definite Sonic game! Taking the best aspects of all the previous games that has come before it while introducing one of the best characters in the franchise known as Knuckles, Sonic 3 & Knuckles is basically Sonic’s own magnum opus! The levels are more expanded upon than ever before giving you multiple paths and ways to the goal, every character controls perfectly with not a single one being a chore to play, and even the bosses and special stages (which I weren’t a fan of in the past) are great here. It’s able to perfect the 2D gameplay that the first few classic Sonic games ahead while giving a direction as to how this character can appear in a 3D environment, particularly with the likes of the sphere special stages. Masterfully combining speed, platforming, and exploration, Sonic 3 & Knuckles remains the top-tier Sonic experience and one to beat for many Sonic fans and gamers out there. It’s just about as good as Sonic can get!

And yes, this is one game! Don’t @ me!