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The Sonic Mega Collection
The Sonic
Mega Collection (available on PlayStation 2 and XBox) returns the gamer
to a simpler time when heroes were heroes (no anti-heroes here) and
villains just wanted a little respect and maybe become the ruler of the
Earth. Sonic the Hedgehog is probably one of the most recognized game
characters in existence and his heroics contained colourful graphics,
amazing gaming environments, super speeds and of course defeating a
plethora of villains using any means possible. SEGA, have thankfully
bundled together a plethora of "older" Sonic games, 13 to be exact in
what promises to be a walk (more likely run), down memory lane.
Sonic the hedgehog was the brainchild of Japanese game developed Yjui
Naka who really injected a healthy dose of arcade gaming to the already
stagnant game market of the 1980's with his blue coloured hedgehog. As
with all good heroes, Sonic's popularity grew and he was soon joined by
a variety of other characters that included Amy, Knuckles and Tails to
name a few of the creatures that would help Sonic save the world of man.
So why were most of these 2D games so popular? The original Sonic the
Hedgehog not only pushed the graphical and sound limits of the old
16-bit Genesis, but it also was easy enough to pick up and play for just
about anybody. The game play was simple, as long as Sonic or his friends
have at least one Ring left before they can be defeated by their
enemies. Another thing that made the Sonic games so unique and much more
intense than the average plat-former is that each character could run
incredibly fast. Just imagine ripping across the screen at blazing
speeds while you discover new areas or finish a level in no time flat.
The concept was fresh and it was just what the game industry needed at
the time.
Sonic Mega Collection (Genesis)
* Sonic the Hedgehog
* Sonic the Hedgehog 2
* Sonic the Hedgehog 3
* Sonic and Knuckles (lock on cart)
* Sonic Spinball
* Sonic 3D Blast
* Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
Sonic Mega Collection (Game Gear)
* Sonic the Hedgehog
* Sonic Labyrinth
* Sonic Drift
* Sonic Chaos
* Sonic Blast
* Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
Both the Genesis and Game Gear games are virtually identical to the
original games that look, sound and play exactly like they did on these
older consoles. With that said, the Sonic Mega Collection is basically a
Genesis and Game Gear emulator that allows the XBox or the PlayStation 2
to play the original arcade ROMS in their entirety.
Graphically the games (although a little dated) appear exactly like they
did on the original consoles. Everything looks colourful, cartoonish and
is extremely smooth which was what arcade gaming was about in the 1980’s
and 1990’s. So don’t expect the latest 3D bump-mapping special effects
that your Xbox or PlayStation 2 is capable of. When the SNES first came
out, it boasted Mode 7 scaling and rotation that was a graphical feat in
its day and Sega wanted to prove they could compete in 3D games, so they
brought Sonic to it. With that said, some of these games are extremely
fast, especially when they mix 2D with 3D graphics.
Like the graphics, the sounds are exactly the same as you remember. Both
the Genesis and Game Gear weren’t known for their stellar music and
games like the Ooze and Sonic Drift are unbearably bad, but the other
Sonic games like Sonic 3 helped to change that fact with some memorable
tracks and sound effects.
As you play these games, you'll also unlock some secret bonus games too
that helps with the longevity of the title. When you're done playing the
Sonic Mega Collection, head on over to the extras section because you’ll
find movies (evolution of Sonic), illustrations and comic book covers to
name a few of the extras that grace this collection..
In conclusion, the Sonic Mega Collection is truly a nostalgic experience
that really brings back memories of my youth. Although the graphics of
the titles are a little archaic at the best of times, it's actually the
gameplay, music and sounds that really saves this collection. Strictly
recommended to the older gamer who wants a walk down memory lane or the
younger gamer who just wants fun. Check it out!
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