Tag: Sonic

Sonic the Hedgehog, everyone's favorite chilli dog loving, gold ring collecting, iconic gaming mascot is celebrating his 20th Anniversary this year. Fittingly, Sega has released Sonic Generations, the first title in the series to feature both modern and classic Sonic in the same game. After our hero's birthday party is unceremoniously crashed by a nefarious being known only as the time eater, Sonic finds himself at a strange, yet somehow familiar junction. What is this place, and where did his friends go? This premise, however basic, gives Sega a quasi-logical excuse to bring back fan favorite stages from previous Sonic games, and serves to explain how two different Sonics can exist in the same game.

First and foremost, note that classic and modern Sonic are not simply different character models. A great deal of effort has been put into making them feel authentic, with gameplay and controls uniquely matched to each respective Sonic. Instead of merely allowing either one to be selected at will, each Sonic has their own specific levels. Classic levels are primarily 2D oriented, and occupy most of Act 1, while their modern counterparts are 3D/2D hybrids, taking up the bulk of Act 2 for each stage. Keeping true to each Sonic's heritage, both hedgehogs have their own specific traits, that do not overlap. Classic Sonic, for instance, can spin dash, but doesn't talk, as he never talked in any of his 2D adventures. Modern Sonic, conversely, has a boost meter and full speech, but lacks a dedicated spin dash button. In addition, there are challenge stages tailored to each character; ranging from doppelganger races, to survival, to skill challenges, which, when completed, unlock new abilities available for purchase in the skill shop.

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