Sonic Was Always Good, Actually

If you’re a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, the idea that “Sonic struggled during his shift to 3D” is probably familiar to you. This phrase is often used as a joke about the intense backlash the franchise faced in the 2010s.

To be honest, delving into any critique of a new Sonic game released between 2006 and 2016, or revisiting past titles, often left fans with a less than pleasant feeling. It seemed as though they were constantly criticizing minor flaws in the games, blowing them out of proportion and labeling them as major issues with subpar productions.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an avid fan of Sonic. Though I acknowledge no game in the series is flawless, there have been exceptional games that critics seem to overlook or exaggerate their criticisms of, leaving me disappointed for many years.

Currently, we’re experiencing a revival of sorts for Sonic games, where both officially developed and fan-created titles are boasting higher quality than before, albeit with the occasional drawbacks. Some elements from the early 2000s continue to linger in today’s creations.

A Speedy History

Sonic’s foundation was laid down by the initial three games and the introduction of Knuckles. These platform games focused on testing players’ skills in managing speed and agility, as they navigated through enemy encounters and obstacles to achieve swift completion times.

Due to this, Sonic the Hedgehog series gained a reputation for its emphasis on sheer speed, often requiring constant fast-paced play, although it’s clear from the second zone in the original game that this wasn’t always the case.

Initially, this approach sparked disagreement among fans, as some prioritized speed, while others appreciated the game’s emphasis on momentum-driven platforming mechanics – a distinction that makes sense considering its distinctiveness in gaming.

1998 saw SEGA opt for a natural progression with their mascot, as Sonic Adventure was born – a 3D Sonic game that preserved its speed-focused gameplay and translated it into a fresh three-dimensional experience.

Although certain individuals voiced legitimate concerns about the game’s diverse playstyles and powerful spindash, it generally received favorable reviews and positive reactions all around. Just like its subsequent installments and Sonic Heroes, it garnered similar praise in the future.

The initial indication of significant resistance towards the Sonic franchise came with the launch of Shadow the Hedgehog. This game presented a much gloomier and tougher depiction compared to previous installments, along with the highly debated inclusion of gunplay.

Subsequently, the series spiraled into decline, largely due to the prevalent factor – corporate avarice. The game Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 is infamously recognized as one of the biggest video game flops, and it irrevocably tarnished the series’ image for all time.

The development of this particular game was hastened to fulfill a festive release date, with the team size reduced by half to focus on a Wii title. This hasty production is evident in its performance, as it was plagued with frequent bugs and movement that felt awkward, earning it a notorious reputation within the series.

This final installment (Shadow) essentially confirmed the doubts of any remaining doubters, as well as the less-than-stellar reviews on several newer games and the ongoing ridicule of the Sonic Boom series, led many to believe that the entire series has consistently been subpar in quality.

The Bright Side

Actually, those classic games held a special place for a good reason. For instance, Sonic 3 and Knuckles was one of the standout games from that period. Similarly, The Adventure series was widely cherished during its prime time too.

Regrettably, playing the Adventure games today often leaves a disappointing impression due to subpar remakes that feature poor lighting and numerous glitches. These issues tend to tarnish the memory of these games for many players.

The negative feelings about Sonic’s move to 3D originated from that period. While Sonic Adventure was an excellent game, poor porting tarnished its reputation among contemporary gamers, even though it successfully adapted the gameplay from the original games.

After 2006, the primary game released was Sonic Unleashed, often considered one of the most unfairly criticized games ever, receiving unfavorable reviews from gaming publications and considerable backlash due to its God of War-style Werehog gameplay.

Currently, any Sonic fan would agree that the game Unleashed stands out for its exceptional music, captivating level designs, thrilling day stages, and the Werehog character offering a fun experience if you’re not just pressing buttons indiscriminately. Additionally, it is known as the most delightfully challenging game in the Sonic series.

Due to its immense cult popularity among Sonic enthusiasts, dedicated fans went to great lengths to create tools for transferring Xbox 360 games onto PC platforms. Their goal was to make “Sonic Unleashed” more accessible. However, if you were to peruse major gaming publications from that era, they would generally express negative opinions about it, labeling it as subpar or poor.

Games That Were “Never Good”

Since the release of version 06, both old and newly introduced games within the series have frequently been met with criticism, resistance, and even hostile comments from fans who felt upset by the reboot. However, I intend to examine each of these supposedly disliked titles and provide a quick overview of why they still possess some admirable qualities.

Sonic Heroes

In terms of sales within the series, Sonic Heroes remains one of the top-sellers due to being the initial cross-platform Sonic game. However, some critics and fans found fault with its gameplay mechanics and perceived its narrative as clunky or too cheesy.

Although the topics are remarkably dynamic and innovative, reminiscent even of classic literature, the transitions are enjoyable and rewarding to learn, and it boasts some of the finest tunes ever heard in video gaming – a claim that can be made for many Sonic games.

Shadow the Hedgehog

This game might come off as unconventional or quirky, but if you let loose and embrace the cheesy moments, it’s truly enjoyable. The task goals can be a tad frustrating at times, but zipping through and obliterating things as fast as lightning is an exhilarating experience.

Instead of scouring for fresh weaponry to ruthlessly demolish impressive game levels, which might seem out of character for one of the least beloved games within the franchise, consider giving it a chance as it could turn into an enjoyable experience.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice the unfair criticism heaped upon Sonic ’06. Despite its rocky development process, this game has some truly intriguing aspects that often get overshadowed. For instance, the bizarre hedgehog kissing scenes and endless bugs are reminders of the chaos behind the scenes, but they shouldn’t detract from the gameplay elements that shine through.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to admit this game didn’t quite live up to its full potential, but boy, did it show promise! The soundtrack was phenomenal, the characters were beautifully written, and the levels were so expansive they made me feel like Project 06 was born from them. Give it a spin, you just might find something that appeals to you.

Sonic and the Black Knight

I must admit, there’s no denying that Black Knight’s sword skills could use some polishing, but what really shines in this game are its engaging levels, an outstanding soundtrack from Crush 40, and a captivating narrative that overshadows any minor flaws.

This period in Sonic’s storytelling might be considered its zenith, as it delved deeply into the theme of accepting the inevitability of endings for all things, yet choosing to live life joyfully regardless. This depth is remarkable for a Sonic title.

Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric

To be honest, this concept presents a tough case to argue in its current state, but there are elements that are commendable. For instance, as a spin-off from the primary Sonic universe, I must admit that I appreciate the revamped character designs in Sonic Boom. They’re significantly more expressive than before.

Despite the game being rather dull for most of the playtime, its captivating and well-crafted cutscenes make watching them a pleasure. Moreover, incorporating grappling hooks into a Sonic game is an ingenious idea that I’d love to see explored again in future iterations.

Sonic Forces

As a gamer, I must admit that Sonic Forces didn’t quite live up to the hype generated by its contemporary, Sonic Mania. However, it’s far from being the catastrophe some might lead you to believe. It’s more like an average game, not mind-blowing, but still entertaining in its own right.

This game offers a variety of levels that are enjoyable to navigate, regardless of their difficulty level. While the narrative may not stand out, it shines in its avatar creation feature, which is particularly appealing for fans who love crafting Original Characters (OCs). Overall, it’s an engaging and satisfying “junk food game” experience.

A New Age

Currently, Sonic the Hedgehog is enjoying unprecedented success. The films have garnered excellent reviews, raking in substantial revenues at the box office, thereby boosting the franchise’s popularity and financial resources significantly, which is particularly crucial.

At last, SEGA is granting their games some leeway, enabling developers to spend more time perfecting their creations. With Sonic Frontiers generating significant anticipation, fans are genuinely reinvigorated about the franchise.

Currently, there’s an outstanding game that’s won nearly universal acclaim. It doesn’t require any conditions or additional context – it’s simply an amazing game that most people appreciate once they try it out.

I find it surprisingly consistent that a game which was frequently criticized by online personalities, game critics, and casual gamers alike, is now universally praised as excellent.

Despite some games receiving mixed reviews, devoted Sonic fans have continued to show their faith in our beloved blue rodent. We’ve kept the spirit alive by creating fantastic fan-made games, artwork, and celebrating the series even during challenging periods.

In today’s world, you’ll find some skeptics, such as YouTube personalities and influencers, who persistently cling to an old perspective, unwilling to accept that prominent figures in the gaming community led others astray by convincing them that a particular series was always poor, despite the reality that this is indeed what transpired.

To be honest, my feelings towards CONEY don’t really matter to me. However, what I’ve found incredibly heartening is the vast number of individuals similar to myself, who exhibit a profound affection and enthusiasm for this character, regardless of his highs and lows.

Although it’s unhealthy to embrace blind optimism, I envision a promising future for Sonic the Hedgehog and its community, where we can openly evaluate both the positive aspects and constructive criticisms of these games, treating them like any other work of art deserving thoughtful critique, rather than setting them on a pedestal or casting them as failures.

It’s an exceptional period to identify oneself as a Sonic fan, and what sets them apart is their unwavering passion and dedication – a trait that makes them one of the most captivating fandoms. Truly, it’s a sight to behold.

In a nutshell, Sonic’s overall performance has been commendable, despite some hiccups like Sonic 06 and Sonic Boom that didn’t quite hit the mark. However, for every stumble, we’ve received outstanding games such as Sonic 3, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Generations, Sonic Mania, and Shadow Generations, with many more promising titles yet to come.

2025-03-11 16:11