Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 (Xbox 360)
Posted: January 1st, 2012, 6:36 am
I snatched up this game at the discounted price of 320 Microsoft Points. While I certainly stay far away from the Sonic fandom (*shudder*), I have fond memories of playing Sonic. And, as a huge fan of 2D platformers, how could I resist? Sonic 4 aims to replicate the original 2D Sonic series with 2.5D graphics and the ability to use the homing attack, which makes a great addition to Sonic's 2D repertoire. While one must admire the sincerity put into the game, it's a shame the programmers didn't put more effort into making it actually play like an original Sonic classic. My biggest problem with this game is that it has virtually no sense of speed in many stages. Some stages - like the excruciating Casino Climax - are incredibly slow and methodical (in the most frustrating way possible), filled with endless cheap deaths and obstacles you must narrowly avoid over and over again. These stages simply aren't fun at all, and only serve as a sad reminder of what could have been. At its best, Sonic 4: Episode 1 is a decent tribute to Sonic's past. But, at its worst, it's a slap in the face of everyone who grew up playing Sonic games. It isn't bad - certainly not as bad as the VGC said - but it could have been so much more. Here's to hoping Episode 2 will be better and more faithful to the originals.