****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I see a lot of mixed options on this game, but I think it does more good then bad, and is overall a good Sonic game. The physics are very good, the overall style feels true to the old games, but doesn't feel pandering to retro Sonic fans only, and it has some nice new things in it.Also, has a nice variety of characters and costumes to use. (A shame you have to pay for the best ones, but granted I assume it's to help pay the Lego license, and it almost makes it feel like a Lego Sonic game, which is nice for Lego fans.)The music isn't as bad as some say, and while not as memorable as the old games, the retro style synth music does help give this a retro immersion, but with modern 3D graphics.I even enjoyed playing multiplayer even if it can get hectic, and easy to leave players behind. (But it's easier and quicker to respawn then the Mario games.)My only complaints are shield items are extremely rare compared to most Sonic games, and the magnet item disapears if you enter a bonus area or go off-screen in multiplayer. (The magnet also doesn't offer an extra hit point to protect your rings, which is a serious downgrade.)Some of the later bosses (including unlockable ones) are a bit too tedious (take a long time to play, and have too much HP) and may be too challenging, especially for younger gamers. (Even the unlockable Super Sonic boss is surprisingly hard compared to old games and farming for rings during it is a chore.) Some bosses should of been their own separate stage honestly.Some later stages also have some one hit kill cheap traps,but granted it's nice the game is offering challenge. (In comparison, the Mario Wonder game while great too, is almost too easy.)Also, collecting all the custom VS mode robot parts is hard, because tokens are pretty rare, (you'll likely just get 5 or 10 average beating one level) and some robot pieces cost lots of tokens, especially accessories, and unlockable pieces. Also feels they could of offered more parts, and every time you use a color, it's gone so you have spend more tokens to get another one. Which almost makes getting the color options feel like a waste.You don't really get any tokens or rewards for time trial mode (that I know of) making them feel like a waste of time unless you want to get in the online rankings.I also feel some of the DLC costumes shouldn't be exclusive to only preorders, like the Lego Eggman one, and modern Amy one. (But luckily I managed to get both.)Regardless, most stages are well designed, some have creative gimmicks, (including one stage that is a love letter to a certain old Sega game, I won't spoil) unlockable stories, great character costumes, and the chaos emerald powers offer new unique abilities. (And thankfully the chaos emerald bonus stages are a bit easier this time.) I even enjoy the token maze bonus stages, (my nephew loves those) but wish they gave you more tokens as a prize.I also love the return of the villain Fang the bounty hunter, (AKA Nack) and having him team up with Robotnik/Eggman which reminds me of the old Sonic comics. They did a good job on his character (even without voices his smug and angry personality shows up well) keeping his comical aspects in tact, and making him more threatening at times. The animated scenes are great too, though at times don't look as well drawn as Sonic Mania's.Trip the new villain (though she's not good at being one) is great too.There's an unexpected unlockable harder game mode too.I also like the reversible cover on the physical release allowing you an option of a more classic style cover. I normally don't like paying for Day 1 DLC, (especially for a full priced game) but I caved and bought the DLC when it was on sale cheaper, (besides I managed to get the physical game cheaper too) and surprisingly the new costumes almost feel like you're adding new characters to the game. I especially love the Rabbit costume based on a prototype Sonic design.So all in all, despite it's faults, it's a great game for old and young fans alike, and I hope we get more Sonic games like this.
