Sonic the Hedgehog (NOTE: This is on the GameCube Compilation "Sonic Mega Collection.")
So, the Nintendo guy is reviewing Sonic? This might not look too good for the blue blur...
Ah, but what is this? I like this one! I like it, I like it! I have to stress this because, well, I grew up with Mario...
The selling point of the game is its speed. Well, they kinda lied. Its true selling point is the fact that it's, to use Nintendo terms, which I am familiar with, mainly platformer, al a Mario, with a little bit of puzzle thrown in, al a Zelda. And it does well. ...That's a bit of a stretch, though...
What really stands out, though, is the soundtrack. I have never enjoyed a soundtrack this much. Considering how much I abhor those who focus on graphics and sound and sacrifice gameplay, SEGA found the perfect balence, and for this 1991 hit, I applaude them. Now, get back to basics with your current games!
Graphically, it shows that Nintendo had some competition. The graphics were crisp and colorful (Yet not so colorful that it hurts the eyes. and does very well overall.
As far as gameplay... It's different. Sonic runs at a good speed, and braking is an issue. But, what makes him so... Well, near-invincible, is that he cannot be killed so long as he has a ring. THIS was a huge change from the standard fare of "get hit and die" that I'm familiar with. Also, unless the enemy had an immunity to it, Sonic's Spin Attack was devestating. Usually, the immunity stemmed from spikes. Later games expanded on this by electrifying some enemies, but I'm jumping ahead...
The story is also somewhat original. It's a variety of the "Save the princess" plot that Mario followed, but whoever heard of a mad scientist capturing animals and trapping them in robots? ...I hadn't. Of course, the plot rarely comes into play.
The level layout, at times, is frustrating (The Labyrnith in particular...) but overall, it does VERY well. Each level has a good learning curve, and plenty of rings so if you lose some, you can get it back. As far as the final level? Well... That one's a bit of a pain, naturally...
Why do I like this game? They got everything right. Apparently SEGA wanted Sonic I to stand up to Super Mario Brothers and at least put up a fight. I won't say that Sonic won the battle (He lost, actually, when SEGA started making critical errors.) but he started one heck of a war that lasted for a good long time. While lacking Super Mario's multiplayer, they more than made up for it with a wonderfully made universe.
My final verdict? THIS is why SEGA proved to be a competitor. It's a great game with a solid engine, some good eye candy that they DIDN'T make the selling point (Yes, I'm looking at you, EA!) and a wonderful sound track. Green Hills is probably one of the best tunes I've ever heard.
Now, if only they could've made it harder... Ah, they did! Them blasted Chaos Emeralds will take you more than one shot to get. There are six emeralds, each of different color (Aren't Emeralds usually green?) and each is a secondary goal. If you get all six, you get a special ending scene, and gag. If you miss one, the game tells you to try again.
Conclusion: Buy if you can, but make sure it's part of a compilation so you don't have to spend a ton. It's not "better than Mario," but it certainly is one heck of a game.
GRAPHICS: 9.6/10
GAMEPLAY: 9.9/10
SOUND AND MUSIC: 9.8/10
REPLAYABILITY: 8.7/10
ORIGINALITY: 8.8/10
OVERALL: 46.8/50, 93.6%
FINAL VERDICT: A