Instead of producing an original creation with a new universe and new mechanics, Team Sonic has chosen to pay tribute to the blue hedgehog for its 20th anniversary. As mentioned in the introduction, nostalgics may have tears in their eyes since Sonic Generations includes nine levels directly from the games of the saga, and which range from Sonic The Hedgehog to the recent Sonic Colours. Very colorful and obviously taking up the original musical theme, these moments are a real little pleasure, even if we regret some questionable choices and the low number of courses. Skipping Sonic 3 and including Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 clearly has something to cringe about... If crossing these areas has its small effect, the way to do it is just as much. Thus, as you certainly know, the game offers the possibility of doing all the courses in 2D at the controls of the Sonic of the 90s, still so cute and chubby; and in 3D with the current Sonic, more aggressive, acrobatic and slender than his sidekick. In two dimensions, we find the elements that have made the mark of the series, namely a rather crazy scrolling speed, springs in all corners and the sound effects that go with it. The levels already known are fun to browse and the interpretations of the levels of the post-Megadrive period are just as good. Team Sonic has generally been able to capture the very essence of Sonic at the time and that is a real pleasure. We can only criticize a grip that is a little abrupt at times, a camera that is sometimes too close which prevents us from anticipating the action well, an occasional lack of fluidity and some sound effects – like when you earn a living – which would have benefited from being more authentic. Ok, let's quibble... As for the 3D versions, we stay on familiar ground with what the successful Sonic Colors offered last year. Suddenly, it scrolls at full speed, it dazzles with a camera that knows how to highlight the action (transition from 2D to 3D gameplay, dizzying tracking shots ...), and we will just regret a Sonic a not very rigid, especially when crossing platforms. Finally, last detail which is important for some, we fortunately avoid the nasty phases of hedgehog-were of Sonic Unleashed. Phew! If we have fun like crazy in Sonic Generations, despite some flaws inherent in the series, it's time to talk about the story that binds all these adventures.
Damn, 20 years!
SEGA had announced that the fact of playing two Sonics would find a solid explanation at the level of the scenario, and the least we can say is that we are not doing great innovation. As Sonic celebrates his birthday, his friends are abducted by a mysterious force that has also just changed the course of time. Suddenly, via a spatio-temporal rift, the Sonic and Tails of the past and present must cooperate to restore color to their universes until the ultimate outcome which will make many smile. If everything remains very childish, we will appreciate certain touches of humor that are sometimes well placed. On the game structure side, the level selection menu is presented in profile view, in an all-white environment that will gradually come to life. To progress, you must complete the two acts of the level in the order you want, act 1 being with old school Sonic. Once the action is done, you have to overcome at least three challenges to unlock the lair of the boss who, again, takes up great classics, like Death Egg. It is simple and efficient. Speaking of challenges, moreover, there are 90 of them and they allow you to extend a lifespan, alas, not very high. In addition to giving the opportunity to play the first Sonic the Hedgehog, to offer races against characters or to play on the nostalgic fiber of the fans (Tails which carries Sonic, the bouncing end panel...), these challenges allow you to rub shoulders with celebrities such as Metal Sonic or Shadow, in order to find the 7 Chaos Emeralds essential to defeat the last boss. So there is variety. Finally, the points and medals gleaned in the courses allow you to unlock new elements for the museum (music, images, etc.) and to define capacities that are ultimately quite anecdotal and dispensable. Last addition, if we deplore the presence of a multiplayer, online is used to compare your best times but also in the "30 seconds" mode which requires you to go the furthest in the stage, in 30 seconds therefore, just to definitely see who is most worthy of embodying the mascot of SEGA. Rather nice and original.
SONIC GENERATIONS VIDEO TEST
