Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 ( XBLA ) Review

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Review: Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1

Released: 7th October 2010 (UK) (Out Now)
Platforms: XBLA, Also: PSN, WiiWare

For his latest outing sonic has returned to his original 2D routes, paying a lot of homage to classic 2D sonic games of the past. The game was developed by Dimps alongside members of the Sonic Team and is available for download on XBLA, PSN, Wiiware and iOS (Sorry no PSP or DSiWare versions). 

If you didn’t get it from the title of the game then I’ll just tell you now that Sonic 4 Episode 1 is the first planned episodic content for the hedgehog’s latest 2D outing. Sonics latest outing takes place sometime after Sonic & Knuckles, which was pretty much the second part of Sonic 3. With the destruction of Eggman’s Death Egg by the hands of the main protagonist of the series Sonic he departs from Tails and Knuckles and sets out to explore new territories. Of course wherever Sonic is Eggman isn’t far behind and has revisited and REHASHED his very best creations ready to defeat sonic. Yeah when these guys said rehashed they meant it pretty much all of your boss fight encounters with Eggman are ripped straight from classic Sonic games and they each contain a very small twist to them. After you have hit Eggman a number of times these twists basically kick in. The twist is an attack variation that at least for the first two boss fights doesn’t make Eggman any stronger or throw you off your game in any way, but the twists in the later boss fights does add some extra challenge. The end result is very disappointing, furthermore is even more disappointing to find that towards the end of the game you have to go through these battles again. This eventually leads to one more showdown with Eggman in battle ripped straight from Sonic 2. Don’t get me wrong the homage is cool but it is lame and just plain lazy to not have any completely new boss fights added to the game.

Sonic 4 has four themed zones and final showdown with Eggman. Each zone is split up into three acts and one boss fight. Those that have played previous 2D sonic games will feel right at home here as all four zones are pretty much your classic Sonic type levels. First Splash Hill zone is your Green Hill/Emerald Hill type level not difficult and easy to speed through. The second is Casino Street, which you should have guessed from the title is your casino type level similar to Casino Night and Carnival Night from Sonic 2 and 3 respectively. Then there is Lost Labyrinth zone which is a take on Sonic 1’s Labyrinth zone and finally Madgear zone is similar to Sonic 2’s Metropolis zone. The Lost Labyrinth Zone I feel is the real and only stand out level for Sonic’s latest outing. This zone adds some nice little touches for starters it will have Sonic travel through a dark cavern requiring Sonic to carry a torch. The torch is used light other torches providing more light for areas, which will also open door ways, furthermore lighting dynamite to unblock pathways to continue through the level. The zone tries to add little tiny puzzle elements not very much but just enough for this level to stand out from the rest of the package.  

As for controls, well there isn’t much to say if you’ve played other 2-D sonic games before then you’ll be right at home here. You can use the analogue or D-Pad to control Sonic moving him forward, backwards, look up or down. Also Sonic jumps with the press of “A” and the same button is also used to do his spin dash. The only other attack that Sonic can do with “A” button is the homing attack, which is a move that is taken from the 3D Sonic games and it works just as well in Sonic’s 2D outing. The only thing that I didn’t like about Sonic 4’s gameplay mechanic is Sonic’s movement. You see I find it a bit annoying that Sonic’s movement starts off a bit sluggish requiring him to build a little momentum before he really gets going. It’s a minor grip but something that is very noticeable if played past 2D Sonic games.    

      

I have to say the graphics look fantastic from Splash Hill zone to Madgear zone. Each location has its own look and feel to it. Furthermore the level backgrounds also look impressive at times. Even down to the little details like Sonic leaving smoke trails behind him.    

The music in this game is pretty ok but is nothing compared to the music efforts put into Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. This is bit of a surprise to find that a game that is over 16 years old has a better soundtrack than its successor. 

Sonic 4 is great XBLA title and good fanfare service. However I do feel the game is kind of short and left me wanting more. The game gives us a little too much homage to classic 2D Sonic games and you won’t find much new here but it is decent 2D game that’s worth a play.   

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 4: EPISODE 1 BREAKDOWN

GAMEPLAY

Simple and straightforward with the auto targeting attack being the only new addition to the game. Its classic 2D Sonic gameplay and not much else is really needed.

GRAPHICS & PRESENTATION

Simple, clean and clear with lovely backdrops not much else to say.

LONGEVITY

The games shortfall after you’ve played once or twice there’s emeralds to collect which will allow you to become supersonic once they have all been collected. However apart from that and achievements there is not much else.   

AUDIO

Ok but nothing special Sonic 3 has more memorable and simply better tunes that this.

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FINAL OPINION: WORTH A PLAY/FANFARE SERVICE

Read the review now check out SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 4 EPISODE 1 PLAYTHROUGH