In anticipation of the release of Sonic Mania next week, I've decided to replay the classic Genesis Sonics beforehand. I just finished replaying the original Sonic the Hedgehog, and... it's a pretty mixed bag tbh. I mean, the strength of the concept is apparent from the first zone, Green Hill(which is also easily the best designed level in the game). Building up speed and using it to gain access to new areas is a wonderful mechanic, and this first level just feels sort of like a physics playground at times. Unfortunately, the good times do not last, as we almost immediately enter an unfun stretch of bad level design.
Marble Zone is a terrible level, which forces Sonic into a stop-and-start style of gameplay which feels fairly unsuited for the gameplay mechanics, and there's no real reward for playing it well since there aren't too many shortcuts. Spring Yard is a lot better(I'm fond of those deep U pits), but it also has some awful segments of climbing endless, slowly moving platforms. And then there's Labyrinth Zone.
There's no getting around it, this level sucks. Sonic moves like molasses, which makes all the enemies and obstacles more annoying. And of course, there's the iconic drowning sequence which traumatized countless youths. Just a really bad level, and it's obvious Sonic Team learned from this since every future water level was much better designed and/or had ways to avoid being in the water all the time.
Star Light Zone is actually pretty good, easily the second-best level in the game after Green Hill. The loops and speedways are fun and there's a variety of paths. Only big negative are those bomb fuckers.
Scrap Brain Zone, I'll give it credit for having some actually challenging platforming, but it's also plagued by the same problem of forcing you to slow down completely. Also, Act 3 is just a palette-swapped Labyrinth Zone, are you kidding me?
The only good thing about this is that you can easily skip most of it. Fuck Labyrinth Zone.
The final boss is, well, really easy and not too exciting. It certainly can't compare to the epic final battles in the later games, in presentation or gameplay. Also, this game has the worst special stages, I have no idea how I tolerated them as a child.
Now, it's certainly not a bad game. It's quite a good platformer, and at times, when you can really take advantage of the Sonic physics, it really shines, and you can see the potential which was realized in the sequels. The graphics are beautiful, of course, and the music never fails to please. But as a Sonic game, the level design holds it back- it feels like they hadn't fully grappled with how to best design levels around Sonic's abilities, which isn't too surprising since it was the first game of its kind. The lack of quality of life features like the spin dash is also a bit annoying.
I actually think Sonic 1 for the Master System/Game Gear might be a better game overall. It lacks the physics of the more advanced Genesis version, but the level design feels sharper and more creative. And it's Labyrinth Zone is far shorter, which obviously makes it better. And it has a better ending, too.
Anyway, feel free to share your own opinions on these games, especially if you're also replaying them now. Next I'm going to replay Sonic 2, maybe as soon as tomorrow.
I'm looking at you, Marble Zone. And fuck you and your stupid hitbox too, Caterkiller
Marble Zone is a terrible level, which forces Sonic into a stop-and-start style of gameplay which feels fairly unsuited for the gameplay mechanics, and there's no real reward for playing it well since there aren't too many shortcuts. Spring Yard is a lot better(I'm fond of those deep U pits), but it also has some awful segments of climbing endless, slowly moving platforms. And then there's Labyrinth Zone.
There's no getting around it, this level sucks. Sonic moves like molasses, which makes all the enemies and obstacles more annoying. And of course, there's the iconic drowning sequence which traumatized countless youths. Just a really bad level, and it's obvious Sonic Team learned from this since every future water level was much better designed and/or had ways to avoid being in the water all the time.
Star Light Zone is actually pretty good, easily the second-best level in the game after Green Hill. The loops and speedways are fun and there's a variety of paths. Only big negative are those bomb fuckers.
Scrap Brain Zone, I'll give it credit for having some actually challenging platforming, but it's also plagued by the same problem of forcing you to slow down completely. Also, Act 3 is just a palette-swapped Labyrinth Zone, are you kidding me?
The only good thing about this is that you can easily skip most of it. Fuck Labyrinth Zone.
The final boss is, well, really easy and not too exciting. It certainly can't compare to the epic final battles in the later games, in presentation or gameplay. Also, this game has the worst special stages, I have no idea how I tolerated them as a child.
Now, it's certainly not a bad game. It's quite a good platformer, and at times, when you can really take advantage of the Sonic physics, it really shines, and you can see the potential which was realized in the sequels. The graphics are beautiful, of course, and the music never fails to please. But as a Sonic game, the level design holds it back- it feels like they hadn't fully grappled with how to best design levels around Sonic's abilities, which isn't too surprising since it was the first game of its kind. The lack of quality of life features like the spin dash is also a bit annoying.
I actually think Sonic 1 for the Master System/Game Gear might be a better game overall. It lacks the physics of the more advanced Genesis version, but the level design feels sharper and more creative. And it's Labyrinth Zone is far shorter, which obviously makes it better. And it has a better ending, too.
Anyway, feel free to share your own opinions on these games, especially if you're also replaying them now. Next I'm going to replay Sonic 2, maybe as soon as tomorrow.
