TITLE: Sonic Generations
PLATFORM: 3DS
DEVELOPER: Dimps
PUBLISHER: Sega
ESRB: E
RELEASED: November 22, 2011

By Justin Polak
Co-founder, Ambassador to the Mushroom Kingdom

Sonic seems to be getting his groove back these days. Even though I wasn’t impressed with the first episode of Sonic 4, I did like what I played of other Sonic games, like Sonic Rush, Sonic Colors and the console version of Sonic Generations. If you felt the same as I did and didn’t have enough of your blue blur fix on the main version of the game, the 3DS’ Sonic Generations has you covered. As usual with a handheld version of a major title, one has to question if it is worth playing.

Besides the Green Hill Zone, Sonic Generations for the 3DS contains different sets of levels. Just like the console version, each world has an act where you play as classic Sonic, and one where you play as modern Sonic. Modern Sonic in the handheld version, however, plays more like Sonic Rush. Also, abilities are learned as the game goes on. There is no skill shop within the 3DS cart. Classic Sonic, of course, plays like an updated Genesis title. Boss fights and Special Stages are still separate from everything else.

While the 3DS version is designed well and fun to play, I noticed a dilemma within the first few minutes of playing. My mind kept wandering to the console version and how much better it was. The only way one would really enjoy owning the 3DS version is if for some reason they don’t have access to the console version. If you are huge Sonic fan, you’ll get enjoyment out of both versions, but even the biggest fanboy will be hard pressed to say that handheld Sonic Generations is worth purchasing.

I get that ultimately, some handheld games are supposed to be bite-sized, on the go experiences. I mean, look how successful mobile games are these days! However, the experience with this version feels a bit bare-boned. Sure, there are plenty of missions to unlock by using play coins, street pass or naturally progressing through the game, but it’s a shame that so many of them are so damn boring and feel like filler. The main game can be breezed through with very little challenge and time, even for a handheld game.

You can also race an opponent online, but as usual, good luck finding someone that won’t drop out if you get a decent lead on them. I suppose the Time Attack mode can keep players busy for awhile, as well. You can also unlock various collectible bonuses like audio, art and models if you perform well enough in the main game. Again, I feel like most of these options merely pad out the game and disguises the fact that this version was quickly thrown together.

This experience with the 3DS version of Sonic Generations actually got me thinking about handheld games in general. Back in the days of the Game Boy or Tiger Electronic store bought games, if a title tried to emulate a console version of a popular game, everyone expected the quality to suffer. I remember that fighting games often didn’t have the whole roster available, like the Game Boy versions of Mortal Kombat. The sheer quality and effort of making a more accurate handheld experience is far better in modern gaming, but I find it kind of funny that I am left with the same feeling of wanting more. Despite the good graphics, excellent sound and other successful components, I still feel as if I were playing a cash grabbing Game Boy title.

Even if you can find the 3DS version of Sonic Generations at half price, you still might as well buy the console version if you are going to invest yourself in a game like this. I think Sega should have had the developer make an entirely new game. Yes, this version does sport different levels, but I’m talking about a different concept all together. If you factor in the ability to download games with a deeper experience through the 3DS’ e-shop for a much, much cheaper price, I find myself questioning why this version exists at all. Not only does it fail to live up to the console version, but it fails to compare to downloadable titles available on the very same system.

If Sega had to keep the overall theme and feel to Sonic Generations alive on the 3DS, they should have put more effort into it, like including a lot more levels for starters. I do appreciate the fact that game is put together professionally, and even does a great job with the perks of the series like absurdly catchy music. However, no matter how fast Sonic can run, he’ll never escape the shadow of his console version with this.

RATING: 5/10

Front page image and screenshots from sega.com/games/sonic-generations.