Moving At The Speed Of Sound

Gameplay - 7/10

Storyline - 7/10

Graphics - 6/10

Game Score : 20/30

This seems to be the year of reviving franchises for video games; from Mortal Kombat to Duke Nukem we are seeing and hearing of game rebirths all over the industry, but no one really saw this one coming. Today we take a trip back in time to the days of Mario's number one rival; Sonic the Hedgehog. Newly released game Sonic Generations is a 2011 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, produced by Sonic Team for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and Nintendo 3DS. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of the original Sonic the Hedgehog game and was released by Sega. 

The game features levels derived from 20 years of Sonic history, spreading across three eras: Classic, Dreamcast and Modern, which are played as either Classic Sonic or Modern Sonic. Classic Sonic's levels are strictly two dimensional side scrolling stages, using classic moves like the Spin Attack and Spin Dash, while Modern Sonic's levels follow a gameplay style similar to more recent entries in the series. The console versions utilize the 2D/3D style gameplay of Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colors, whilst the 3DS version will use the 2D gameplay of the Sonic Rush series, both featuring techniques such as boosting and homing attacks. Classic power-ups such as Invincibility and Speed Shoes are also present,  even though certain levels have unique power-ups, such as skateboards in City Escape and Wisp powers in Planet Wisp. Each zone consists of a main act for each Sonic, as well as several side-missions with various challenges such as beating an opponent to the goal. A Skill Shop allows players to use points earned from high scores to unlock upgrades such as abilities, shields, and even the original Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis game. Completing challenges, as well as finding Red Star Rings hidden in each of the main Acts, unlocks additional skills, as well as bonus artwork and music.

So as I said before you get to play through this game as either old or new sonic as I like to call them. Personally I preferred playing as new sonic because he has more maneuverability than old Sonic; however old Sonic is way easier to play because of his lack of move options. I found myself doing way better on the levels using old Sonic even though I had more fun running around as New Sonic. This game is something I both love and hate because I am a sucker for a good platforming game; as they aren't very common these days in the age of RPG's (Role-playing Game) and FPS (First-person Shooter) games, etc. No matter if you are a fan or not, you will most definitely find the ease of play and fun factor of this game engaging. The story is more or less your typical experience of rescuing your friends and defeating the bad guy; but it is still an engaging experience making your way through out the game. Seeing both versions of Sonic interacting and existing side by side is a real treat, and a testament to the staying power of a good franchise, as well as the changes it can go through. I recommend this game to any and all gamers; definitely giving this game to my girlfriend to play...