Sonic the Hedgehog

[1upmushroom]

I may be a Mario addict but I can't say I'm not a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog because I am...well at least a fan of the older games. I honestly can see why someone would be a fan of these games. The graphics are nice, the controls are great, the gameplay is unique and great, and the music is great too.

I'll only talk about the games I've played so far-

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)- Truly a classic in gaming and one of the reasons Sega got noticed in the gaming business. The original game is an iconic masterpiece, with such speed that I heard puts some racing games to shame. I haven't beaten the game but that's mostly because I wasn't intending on winning, I just liked playing the game so much. It's very replayable and pretty fun.

Sonic the Hedehog 2- This one isn't that much different from the first game I think, though I don't remember playing it much. The one new thing is the inclusion of Tails who will occasionally help Sonic between gaps in the levels.

Shadow the Hedgehog- Am I the only person who sort of likes this game? I liked the music, I thought the gameplay was pretty good and fun too. I don't get what's so bad about this game? Is it because of the voice acting? Is it because of the fact that Shadow doesn't remember his past which I admitt is a bit cliche? Or is it the consatnt use of guns in the game?

Sonic Unleashed- Now THIS game is pretty underrated, I mean yeah the inclusion of that little guy is a bit corny but everything else I like. I like the cutscenes, I like the gameplay as Sonic who is extrodinarly fast in this game. I even like the gameplay as the Were-Hog (who by the way has a pretty awesome cutscene). What's wrong with this game? It could be the voice-acting, or maybe the corniness of the plot? Maybe people didn't like the Were-Hog moments as much? I don't know, maybe I never will.

I'm starting to see voice acting and story as a main critique for games now, which I don't think is right. I mean yeah, great story and great voice-acting is great, but they shouldn't overshadow the real importance of any game, which is the gameplay. I mean that's why it's called a damn GAME!

I also must now mention the film and Television aspects.

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog- This show is so batshit insane that I love it. It may not be heavily related to the games but hey at least it's entertaining and as I always say about video-game based shows or anything really "If all else fails, at least make the show entertaining".

Sonic SATAM- I actually liked this show a LOT more when I was 11 or so, but now I can sort of see the flaws of the piece. Like the infernal dragon that was in the later seasons. Or the fact that it had a cliff hanger ending.....AT THE END OF THE SERIES!!!!

Sonic The Hedgehog: The Movie- This movie while a little corny is very funny, with lots of classic moments like Sonic yelling SHUT IT TAILS when Tails keeps annoying him. Plus the movie actually has a lot of raunchy moments that were kept in it's U.S release! I wouldn't be surprised if the Japanese version had more adult stuff.

Sonic X- Well, you ALL knew this would get a mention, especially since this is one of the more famous Sonic shows (sadly) I actually remember seeing a couple of episodes but I don't remember them leaving an impact on me. Not a negative one at least.

And those are my personal reviews of the all the Sonic stuff I've played. My overall opinion on Sonic is that he's good, I justv perfer Mario as that's the character I grew up with.

[Prime Evil]

I think of Shadow the Hedgehog as a parody of the GTA/third person-shooter genre. It's got guns, swearing, a badass hero...and a plot straight out of a '50s (or '80s) sci-fi B-movie...or a Syfy original. In fact, I think it is a parody of Syfy originals.

Sonic Heroes is rather good (in fact I beat it a few short weeks ago--wa-hey!), and I don't understand the bashing it gets. The controls take a bit of getting used to, but once you do it's rather rewarding. The SUPER HARD levels aren't honestly all that hard, either...they're frustrating, yes, but you need to go through them slowly.

For some reason, I also love Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut. It's so cheesy and tacky looking, and yet it reminds me of Waikiki and the Choir trip of 2003 (to this day I refer to Waikiki as "Station Square").

Sonic X I can now live without, if only because I've watched it on the CW4KIDS Toonzai block from cover-to-cover-to-cover-to-cover-to-cover-to-cover.

[ultimateemail5000]

I used to like Sonic in in 91 or 92, it it was super hyperactive, and Genesis was new to me at the time seeing I only knew about Nintendo being young. I'm sure my parents tried to hide it from me so I wouldn't ask for one, but eventually found out.

Looking back now, I can't stand Sonic. He's to damn fast that my eyes can't keep up with anything, the controls are not slick they are awful. Sonic was just made for hyperactive boys and to take over Mario(although we know who won that battle:)

I'll admit I was curious and downloaded episode 1 of part 4, its not terrible, but I could have lived life without it, and the demo to Generations, which I really do like the idea of the original Sonic meeting new Sonic. I'd like to see them do that with Mario byut sadly Nintendo just likes to do the same thing with Mario over and over again.

[ultimateemail5000]

Nah I'm suprised myself. I found out last year that Archie comics is still making Sonic monthly, I have the first issue of it that came out I think iin92 93. I was very suprised about its still going.

I just don't see how Sonic has an anime show and Mario doesn't.

[Redstar]

I like the idea of Sonic, but I never did enjoy the games past the level design and music. I just found the series far too fast-paced, even though I know that's really the whole point. I'm more comfortable with platformers like Mario where I can take the time to explore every nook and cranny and not lose all my coins in a single slip-up.

[ultimateemail5000]

I like the idea of Sonic, but I never did enjoy the games past the level design and music. I just found the series far too fast-paced, even though I know that's really the whole point. I'm more comfortable with platformers like Mario where I can take the time to explore every nook and cranny and not lose all my coins in a single slip-up.

That's how I feel. The speed in Sonic is out control, that's why it was so awesome as a kid. Because if your a young boy, you want hyperactive fast pase action. Even though gameplay is tough, you don't care cause your 8. That's why I look back now and just can't stand Sonic at all because of his speed.

[Prime Evil]

The one thing Sonic (the game) has over Mario (the game), IMO, is the rings mechanic. I was always a bit surprised with Mario in that it didn't matter how many coins you had, you died with only one hit.

[LBD_Nytetrayn]

Nah I'm suprised myself. I found out last year that Archie comics is still making Sonic monthly, I have the first issue of it that came out I think iin92 93. I was very suprised about its still going.

I just don't see how Sonic has an anime show and Mario doesn't.

He doesn't, unless you mean across his history. In which case, Mario's had two anime, though they were OVAs.

In any case, though, it's most likely because Sonic, if memory serves, was created to be as much a brand as anything. Meanwhile, Nintendo has kind of put Mario on lockdown since the movie...

[ultimateemail5000]

I think there is a Sonic anime still going. I remember reading on the daizex forum(DBZ), when Kai ended at cel, people were saying Funimation should make their own Buu saga. Which somebody said Sonic ended in Japan but fans wanted more in the states, so the company had whoever made the anime, I think it was Toei, make new episodes strictly for America. I could have missread this info.

The first Mario anime was actually in theaters for a short time then released on video.

[ultimateemail5000]

Was anyone else P.Oed about "Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games"?

I was like, "We waited all these years for this?"

Yes, though its a fun game, and the new one for 3DS is really great. But I would prefer a platforming Mario and Sonic game. Maybe it will happen since the co-creator of Sonic just joined forces with Nintendo.

[Roareye]

I may be a Mario addict but I can't say I'm not a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog because I am...well at least a fan of the older games. I honestly can see why someone would be a fan of these games. The graphics are nice, the controls are great, the gameplay is unique and great, and the music is great too.

Yes, yes this is all true. XD Being a mental head-case Sonic fan (Running Summer of Sonic this year, go figure) I am very much a happy mens for your good judgement.

Sonic has had many more ups and downs than Mario, certainly in the downs department, but considering the vastly more complex history behind both himself and his parent company (SEGA) during his lifespan will help explain at least a certain amount of this variation in quality. The games are easily accessible, easy to play, and challenging to master. I still wouldn't call myself a master of any of them and I've been playing for nearly 20 years now!

However where Sonic does seem to show off a little is his more easily translatable character and story to the medium of films and TV.

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog - Basically a theatrical pantomime in animated format. This show was packed full of innuendo at times, and downright insanity at others. This was at it's best when you focussed on the talents of Robotnik and his lackies (Robotnik voiced by Long John Baldry - the legendary blues singer and guy who helped kick-start Elton John's musical career), and how much loathing and verbal violence they could descend upon one another. Never took itself seriously and while it was nothing like the games, Dr Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (A westernised version of SEGA's popular Japanese puzzle game, Puyo Pop) connected the two universes for a brief time.

See here a video of myself reviewing the overall boxset (Am going to follow with individual episode reviews soon)

Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM) - Sadly ended before it's time (Due to an executive change deciding to cancel in favour of Power Rangers!), but this was a very intriguing show with a darker undertone. Again some of it's best was the horrific domestic-violence towards Snively by Robotnik. The heroes at least provided some good entertainment in themselves and the cliffhanger was part-explained by writer Ben Hurst before he died. While I liked the dark element with mixes of light brevity, the lightness was brought naturally by characters such as Antoine, however the addition of unnecessary characters such as Dulcy the Dragon and the FKING Dinosaur pals Tails meets in one episode (Worst episode of anything ever! Sonic meets The Land Before Fecking Time!) degraded the series' otherwise epic veneer.

Sonic The Hedgehog: The Movie (OVA) - Two pilot episodes for a Japanese Anime series that never came into being, merged in America three years after it's original release to try and pump up excitement for the SEGA Dreamcast. The OVA is surprisingly off-canon for a series that was co-produced by SEGA themselves however when you consider this was before Sonic Adventure, it is possible that this was originally an attempt to make a story canon that was dropped after the series' failure. I actually think it is good fun, and a laugh. Some of the more crass humour was edited out in the translation, but some of the more visual ones couldn't be edited out completely.

Sonic Underground - The series that took the excellent reception to SatAM's phenomenal opening theme, down to having a great one of it's own - then ruining each episode with a cheesy unpopular pop-like song in the middle of every episode. The series itself was alright, but lacked any major hook in terms of character personalities. It was never dark or humorous enough to win out against the others, and the pop songs irritated anyone else who stuck around. Even Robotnik was forgettable in this series. The best we got was Sleet, one of Robotnik's two lackies, who came up with a few witty remarks now and then - unfortunately too few and far between to hold up the rest of the flat episodes.

Sonic X - Burn it. Just burn it. Sonic X ruined many many things - not only did it do a grand job in setting up Sonic in a rather bland, adventureless world (Earth, living with a rich annoying young boy called Chris) but it also introduced characters and scenarios that I felt no connection to. Sorry, couldn't feel the 'poor blight' of the spoilt richboy who had everything. Go die in a hole you miserable and worthless prick, Chris. Sonic did nothing but sit on a roof and eat, the other characters got almost zero development and the animation got crappier as the series continued. Mix this with the worst theme of any of the series (The only other contender being the movie with "Look Alike", but that only plays once rather than repeating each episode) and you find yourself with a horrid and bland, forgettable experience. Another reason to hate Sonic X - Jetix took all rights to Sonic the Hedgehog merchandising (Sega basically had to sell their soul for a TV series) for almost a decade, which is a core part of the reason why Sonic has disappeared out of stores and other avenues bar the games themselves until recently.

Yes, though its a fun game, and the new one for 3DS is really great. But I would prefer a platforming Mario and Sonic game. Maybe it will happen since the co-creator of Sonic just joined forces with Nintendo.

Hirokazu Yasuhara has indeed joined Nintendo Software Technology, however bear in mind he lost control of the Sonic franchise after failed attempts at working on Sonic games on the Saturn (Sonic Xtreme was a major blow to everyone involved, obviously himself included). What happens with Sonic is also controlled by SEGA of Japan and the Sonic Council (A sub-section of SEGA heads who decide how to regulate the use of the mascot - due to harsh controls he was at first rejected for Sega Superstars Tennis but Shadow and Amy were given the okay. Controls are very tight).

Mario no doubt has similar restrictions - as such putting the two in a full-on platforming game presents more problems legally than practically. While difficult, if given half a chance a game that combines to two could be made solidly. However getting through the legal red tape - with communications taking on average of 1-2 months to process each way - and both company mascots' holy ground being trodden on will lead such a project into the biggest legal migraine ever seen in gaming history.

Yuji Naka works on a semi-third party from SEGA he built called Prope (made Let's Tap for the Wii), Naoto Ohshima has newly formed a company called Arzest which is entirely third party, however being young as a company the only games they've contributed to is a few mini games in Wii Play: Motion. Neither work for Sonic the Hedgehog anymore, control has been given to Takashi Iizuka who is in charge of Sonic Team. However both Yuji Naka and Takashi Iizuka have made appearances at both Sonic Boom in America, and Summer of Sonic in the UK last year.

[ultimateemail5000]

Waaah the Mario franchise just reached its peak NSMBW, SMG series, and SM3DL. Nintendo is doing a very good job keeping the franchise alive. Now if we were in the era of the early 90's after SMW where all there was was Hotel Mario, Mario is Missing, Mario's Time Machine and so on and so on. I would understand this statement.

[ultimateemail5000]

I understand that, but have you tried playing any of the new games? Especially 3D Land, which brings back all the classic elements.

[1upmushroom]

You know what's sad about Sonic 06? It's actually not all of Sonic Team's fault. It was mostly because of the chirstmas curse! You know what I'm talking about! It's when a game is forced to be released in a date or time (usually christmas) even though the game in question is simply not ready to be released around that time!


If you look at the early trailers and such, Sonic 06 might've been held as the best of the series! (Eithder that or pretty damn close!) But since SEGA thought it was a BRILLIANT idea to release it on christmas in 2006 even though there were still millions of bugs to be fixed.

So what did we get in the end? A beta disguised as a completed game with horrible controls, lots of bugs, thousands ofr loading times, and just bad acting (though not from Eggman, normally I don't mind this but if you're going to make as very dark game the voices here aren't going to work this time).

[Prime Evil]

I heard a few days ago that the CW4KIDS block is going to be replaced with the Saban Vortexx block. Why do I get the feeling that CW4KIDS has been playing Sonic X ad nauseam as a way of making people so sick of it that they'll be glad it's not on anymore?

And FWIW, I liked Sonic X. Chris Thorndyke may have been annoying, but...weren't we all kind of annoying at age 8?

[LBD_Nytetrayn]

...I thought I read that Saban acquired the rights to Sonic X...?

[Prime Evil]

...I thought I read that Saban acquired the rights to Sonic X...?

It's news to me. Still no word about the programming.

[ultimateemail5000]

So what's everyone's thoughts on the new Sony Live action/CGI Hybrid Sonic the Hedehog movie?

[Serum]

I've never really seen the appeal in Sonic the Hedgehog. Also, they made a movie out of it?

[ultimateemail5000]

It was announced yesterday that Sony has the rights and will be making a live action/CGI Sonic movie. In the article states how Sony is great with these type of movies...yeah the same company who broughts us Smurfs 1 and 2, and are even going to reboot the Smurfs already for the 3rd one...Maybe they'll get it right this time and make it more in the vein the creator of Smurfs would want it...But yeah Sonic is getting a movie. I will go see it just for the hell of it. I think it's a little late, maybe if they made it around the time the Mario movie came out or something.

[Serum]

Maybe it's personal bias, but Mario seems to have a timeless quality to it, whereas Sonic has this... outdated feeling. Like, I look at it and it makes me think like I'm looking at an old picture of me and saying: "Did I really have that haircut in 2001?" As for the Smurfs thing, I don't know, I didn't see either of them, in fact I wasn't even aware there was a second one, I know there was one out some time ago with the guy from the one Harold and Kumar movie.

I digress, the Sonic thing, yeah, like you said, maybe if it was the early 90s they could get away with it, but now, I'd be hard pressed to think that most kids even know who Sonic is, and frankly, I think that's fine, considering the character kind of belongs in the museum of 'radical' 90s artifacts.

[Redstar]

I don't see the point. They could have continued to make low-budget, direct-to-video animated films throughout the '90s and '00s, but an actual theatrical film is way past its prime. A live-action/CG-hybrid also isn't the smartest direction, although I'll withhold any judgment for the trailer.