Sonic Mega Collection

UPC: 010086610239

Platform: Nintendo GameCube

Publisher: Sega of America, Inc.

Developer: Sonic Team

Category: Compilation

Style(s): Multi-Genre Compilation

Synopsis: Sonic Mega Collection is a single-disc compilation featuring all seven Sonic-related games released on the 16-bit Genesis console during the years 1991 to 1996. None of the games have been enhanced specifically for the GameCube and are presented in their original, emulated form. Featured titles include Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 3D Blast, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, and Sonic Spinball. Multiple versions of Sonic the Hedgehog can be found on the disc, including the original American release, the later Japanese release with slight cosmetic enhancements, and an even later Japanese release that corrects a few minor glitches. As a special bonus, players can access a number of extras, including five movies, a complete series of comic book covers, and various character illustrations. The original Genesis manuals are also included on the disc for players who wish to see them in their unadulterated form. By satisfying certain in-game conditions, players can unlock five bonuses from the menu screen. These bonuses include the ability to play as Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, play both Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles as one fully connected world, and experience an extra series of Sonic levels. Two complete games are also part of the mix, including 1991's Flicky and 1995's Ristar. In addition, the controller functions for each game can be customized and saved within the options screen. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Package Contents: Precautions Booklet

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

All of the original manuals are included on the disc in electronic form, but the written documentation explains each of the individual titles as well. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

The graphics are colorful and vibrant, but players have to remember these games are nearly a decade old (some older) at the time of the collection's release. None of the titles have been enhanced for the GameCube. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

What was once considered a taboo subject has now become a momentary eyebrow raiser in the ever-changing world of video games. Former true blue Sega franchises have become increasingly prevalent on competing platforms, now that the company has focused on software publishing instead of hardware manufacturing. The strategy as of 2002 seems to be different for each of the rival platforms, with Xbox getting more niche titles, PlayStation 2 receiving more sports and high-profile action titles, and GameCube benefiting from arcade-style, family-oriented games. It is thus no surprise GameCube is the platform of choice for iconic character Sonic the Hedgehog, with Sonic Adventure 2 clearing the way for the release of this classic compilation. Sonic Mega Collection quenches the thirst of those searching for the franchise's entire history as it pertains to the 16-bit Genesis era. While none of the titles have received a face-lift a la Super Mario All-Stars on Super NES, none of the featured games have suffered any negative changes, either. Everything, from the harmonic "SEGA" chorus that opens most games to the cash register-like "ka-ching" after clearing a zone, is intact. Four of the seven Sonic titles are part of the core series, with the remaining three being offshoots or failed experiments with new play techniques and genres. Each title plays exactly as it did on the Genesis and offers crisp control using either the analog Control Stick or the digital Control Pad. While the default controls are fine, players have the option to assign individual buttons for specific functions and save their configuration to memory card. Graphics still hold up surprisingly well, thanks to the franchise's use of colorful, pulsating visuals that seemed to refute the limitations of the 16-bit system's palette. Music also went beyond the majority of titles on Genesis, but the true hallmark of the platform series was its pure, unadulterated speed. Instead of cautiously hopping and bopping from left to right, Sonic tucks and rolls at speeds normally reserved for racing titles. Levels also feature multiple paths filled with loops, tunnels, and downward hills to promote reckless acceleration. After its arcade-quality debut, the remaining games in the Sonic series would expand level design to almost dizzying heights and lengths, add new characters Tails and Knuckles, and feature more exotic locales. Unfortunately this compilation lacks an ability to save progress within each game. High scores and/or best times should also be tracked for each title and individual stage, but alas, there's no such feature. It is also a pity the rest of the games aren't as strong. Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is the best of the rest, but it's merely a version of the classic Puyo Puyo action puzzle game (also released as Kirby's Avalanche, Panic Bomber, Quirks, or some other variant). Sonic Spinball is a bizarre take on pinball, which worked as a bonus segment within the main games but is rather tedious by itself, with sluggish action and unbelievable physics. Sonic 3D Blast is an unwelcome attempt at updating the series and takes away the most important aspect of the Sonic games: speed. What's left is a rote scavenger hunt best left unfinished. Sadly, Sonic CD wasn't included despite the game's opening and ending movies included as extras. The 32X game of Knuckles' Chaotix would have been another excellent choice, as would have Sonic R on Saturn. Alas, this is a <I>Genesis</I> collection, so the door is hopefully ajar for at least one more collection if sales are strong. Extras on the disc are a bit underwhelming. While it's fun to see Sonic's entire run of comic book covers, it would have been better to actually read a few or at least zoom-in on certain panels to get an idea of how the series progressed. At the very least, story synopses should have been included to flesh out the collection. Commercials, print advertisements, or possibly an episode or two of the animated series would have also been welcome. Sonic is such a popular character that toys, clothing, home furnishings, and so forth could have included as still pictures so players could see how much of an impact the early games had on merchandising and pop culture. The original instruction manuals are a nice touch, but where are the extensive character bios? How about an enemy list? Much more could have been done with the bonus material. Nevertheless, Sonic Mega Collection is an enjoyable trip down memory lane for Genesis owners who have moved onto bigger and better things. It's also a great opportunity for Nintendo fans to finally see "how the other half lived," so to speak, during the years Super Mario World and its sequel captivated audiences on the Super NES. With two additional games in Flicky and Ristar -- the latter being as good if not better than any of the included Sonic games -- this nine-game compilation represents a solid value well worth a spin. Just don't expect much more than the original titles. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

There are no built-in save features for each title, but the majority of games were designed for play in one sitting. The lack of a high-score table or a list of fastest clear times is disappointing. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Catchy, upbeat music also suffers from the limitations of the original platform the games first appeared on. Sound effects are excellent for the time, but not as impressive when held to GameCube standards. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

While the series got bigger and more complex as the sequels came and went, it did not necessarily get better. Some may argue that later games are more tedious than fun, and offshoots from the series are mostly failures. Yet with nine complete titles on one disc, there is enough fun to last weeks if not months. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.