The Better Dark Sonic

Sonic has had many "evil" duplicates, from metal copies to a sunglasses-loving criminal. When Sonic himself transforms, though, fans tend to take notice. 

Fleetway Super Sonic, Darkspine Sonic, Sonic the Werehog...none really gained the same attention as "Dark Sonic/Dark Super Sonic" from episode 67 of Sonic X. 

The scene varies between versions, however.

The main difference is that in the original (Japanese) take, Sonic seems sadder. Seeing no other option, he gives himself to hatred and destroys the "test" Meterex with an angered cry. Again alone with Black Narcissus, he simply asks if that's what the dark Meterex wanted before Eggman intervenes. 

The English version paints a very different picture. Overwhelmed by the fake-emerald's power and his anger, his personality transforms just as radically as his appearance. Where his laugh had been sort of crestfallen or nervous in the Japanese version, in the dub it turns insane. Sonic seems to relish the idea of slaughtering the "test" Meterex. He quickly takes them out in a rage and tells Narcissus to "go back to the drawing board" before Eggman intervenes.

VS

I tend to see the "subvsdub" debate as an old argument, but it does kinda' tick me off people are still whinnying that the dub wasn't a complete copy of the original. 4kids had some strict rules that seem irrelevant nowadays, but it can't be changed now. 

Regardless, I view Dark Sonic as the time the Dub whole-heartedly did a better job than the original. 

Mr. Popular

And it may be the one time the world agrees with me. Dark Sonic grew popular because of the English version, I believe. It's a bit hard to judge for a couple reasons ("Dark Sonic" is not an official name--there is no official name and much of his popularity is expressed through fan art, which isn't an obvious indication). 

• However, altering the search tools to 2005 resulted in only 2 relevant results--both of the same origin. More results, including the Sonic Wiki, came up for after 2006, which is when the dub aired. In 2014 someone even made a SFM animated version of it. 
• Though now that I think about it, the Japanese version didn't air at all...hm...google?!
  
• His personality may have inspired Gigi-D's fan creation, Tainted Sonic, or maybe it even influenced whatever the hell Sonic.exe is (Creepypasta). 
• Anyway, Sonic X's popularity in the West is credited with granting the show a 3rd season. Of the Sonic cartoons, it may be the most popular or at least most recognized, as "Gotta Go Fast" has been associated alongside Sonic to the point that it's leaked way beyond Sonic X. 
• As further evidence for Dark Sonic specifically, youtube: 
• a video from 2008 of the 4kids scene has 1,678,589 views, while a 2013 video of the Japanese version only has 5,447. 
• a newer video of the Japanese version (2017) has 15,647, but the official TMS video (with the English version, 2020) managed to gather 5,061,416 views.

Now I don't usually care about what's popular or not, but I am pointing it out because fans of the original seem a bit more vocal and it a nice reminder that not everyone thinks "the dub ruined it."

Compared

What I get from the original: Sonic gives up, becomes a slave to his anger/despair and does what Narcissus wanted. Eggman saves him from falling further into the "Black Trap."

What I get from the 4kids one: Sonic loses control and uses his rage/power to become an unstoppable force...until Eggman interrupts.   

Sonic doesn't give up, not on purpose. As Chip described it in Sonic Unleashed, "You're too strong to lose yourself." In another case, after continuing to fight against a more powerful enemy Sonic simply put it, "I just gotta' do what I've gotta' do. That's all." 

So it seems a bit out of character for Sonic to surrender to desperation. The episode its still impactful--that scream-like attack as he shreds the second Meta'creep is extraordinary. But the personality (and ergo the transformation) is not as potent. 

In the 4kids version, Sonic is overwhelmed by the energy around him/his own his emotions. The transformation seems unintentional. This is more plausible--it's a lot like what happens when Sonic turns into "Darkspine Sonic" in Sonic and the Secret Rings. 

His personality makes the real difference, with his crazed actions reflecting the darker side of Sonic's attitude. It was obvious that Sonic enjoyed that power. The quick turn from just wanting to know his friends were okay to the violence-craving was a shock. Sonic's creepy laugh is especially fitting. 

Adding to the scene are the allusions to Shadow. A hint of Shadow's 4kids theme plays as Sonic transforms. Likewise, Eggman warns Sonic that if he lets fury take control, he'll always be angry, "just like another hedgehog we know." This implies that Sonic may have become more like Shadow (or worse) if he had lost Chris/Cosmo like Shadow lost Maria (adding more depth to the event).  

So

I know how ironic it is, with "the Molly episode" right after it. But the dub did it stronger, darker, and better.  

4kids probably didn't intend to create such an intense version of Dark Sonic. They probably hoped that the shift in dialogue would make it seem like Sonic was still the hero. Instead, for about a minute Sonic was a psychopath. Oops? 

Sonic Advance Review

 

Summary

The most underrated of all Sonic games?

Characters and Gameplay

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy are each playable characters as they fight Dr. Eggman. The style is very close to the classic games--it would be an easy transition from S3&K to Advance. 

In addition to moves from before, each has an attack, which I like. Amy is also able to jump higher. While I like Amy's hammering moves, she a bit more difficult. More for skilled players, which is ironic because typically Amy has the easier levels. 

Each character is very expressive and the sprites' designs are fair. 

Level Design and Music

The music is confident and brings a lot of styles that help set the scene, like how Secret Base sounds straight out of a spy movie or Ice Mountain is so calm. Cosmic Angel is awesome. However, the quality is not quite as good so some portions seem a bit loud or out of place.  

The Badniks are very cleverly made and unique. 

The levels borrow many of the same themes. Beach, snow, factory, etc. But somehow, be it the color choice or the backgrounds or the addition of some minor new elements...it manages to put a new spin on theme. 

Casino Paradise is a complete rip-off of Casino and Carnival Night as well as Twinkle Park, but I don't care! It looks so fun and the fireworks in the background were a nice touch.   

I also like the homage of the boss fights in the X Zone, but otherwise the bosses seem just a bit too difficult to be fun. 

Final Thoughts

• This is very underrated and often forgotten, which is a shame. People were always complaining that Sonic went 3-D, but he never really left 2-D. 
• Getting the Chaos Emeralds is insane and way too difficult. Looks like I won't be Super Sonic anytime soon! 

Final Ranking: B

Though I do think it lacks the attention it deserves, it borrows a great deal from the classic games and Sonic Adventure. Combined with the simple plot and it's just not very memorable.

It's still a nice merging of Modern and Classic Sonic.  

Sonic 8-bit Review

Summary

Oh no. 

General

The game misleads you into thinking it's just a scaled down version of the 16-bit version we all know and love. Then....

WTF IS THE BRIDGE?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While the visual designs of the new levels are fair--honestly haven't seen too many non-golden gate looking bridges--they just lack the detail. The reused levels are even worse because when compared to the Genesis ones, they look HORRIBLE. And WHY Labyrinth Zone?

The set-up is terrible as well. If you're patient, it's manageable. But what Sonic fan is patient?! Mario might have it faster, here! Bottomless pits, spike-filled pits, misplaced badniks, INSANELY slowing water...with the exception of the first level (since it gives invincibility), it's a frustrating disaster.

What makes this even worse is that rings are not retained. WTH?! What's the point in having rings?!

Obviously death comes a whole lot easier and the difficultly combined with the annoying, worse quality sounds/music would drive anyone batty. 

At least the cover art is decent. Can't say the same for the sprites. 

Final Ranking: E

I can't imagine how disappointing this would be to a kid expecting Sonic 1.  

Sonic Labyrinth Review

Summary 

No. I do not plan on wasting much time with this. 

General

Sonic Laybrinth's story is that Robotnik gives Sonic shoes that make him slow. And it makes a nice story, kinda'...the old hero with out his power trope...a few of the cartoons may have even used the idea, I think. And while it makes a fun little story for cocky Sonic learning not just to rely on speed...

For a videogame, where the player is the one in control and therefore the one being "punished" or slowed... 

IT'S A TERRIBLE IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The gameplay is like a crappy version of Sonic 3-D Blast, only WORSE. Slow, Sonic pretty much has to spin 24/7 and then he just bounces around and runs into a robot and loses his rings, ugh. I like finding keys in the future games because it's about exploring. Finding the keys in this game is more like gathering the flickies in 3-D Blast: a torturous battle. There is nothing to explore! It's just a bunch of checkered squares everywhere.

Usually I try and at least finish a game once before reviewing it. Sorry, but I have no plans to finish this game. Occasionally I test it out but there are far better games to play.   

Final Ranking E

Might be the worst. 

Sonic Drift Review

Summary

I like the art for this game so much better than I like the game. 

Gameplay

It plays similar to Sega racing games/other racing games of the time, with the addition of some Sonic elements like the item box (TV) and the spring. 

As with those other games, the main goal is less of trying to get in front and more of trying to stay on the road, as the grass and rows of obstacles will cause a drastic slow-down.

Apparently hitting another car will also cause a slow down. These combined with the AI...and there's not really a good way to win. 

There are different circuits, but they are the same locations. 

 

Levels and Characters

The levels are straight out of Sonic 1, but have different music. Not as good quality, not as likable. Though invincibility is yet another "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" remix. I recognize the visual similarities in the background, but the road and the area itself are very crude. 

I do like the expressions of the characters when they win/lose. Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Eggman are all playable. I like Sonic's flashy red car--it might match his personality better than his later blue one. Amy's car is creepy because apparently it's alive. Tails is kinda' retro--setting a trend? Eggman just rides his mobile.

As I mentioned I like the art, but even though each character has an advantage/weakness, it does not seem to make a difference who is used...none seem that helpful. 

 

Final Thoughts

I got access to this through the Mega Collection. In the 90s it was only in Japan, though Sonic Drift 2 would make to the US.

For a long time I thought the episode "The Mobuis 5000" of AoStH was made to kind of loosely tie-in to this before realizing that this came out in 1994 and Drift 2 in 95, so that's actually not possible (AoStH aired in 1993). AoStH did it first!

For being previously Japan-exclusive there's plenty of English.

I really prefer the riders series and the idea of "extreme gear." Hover boards, skates, bikes, yachts...less cliche and way cooler than any version of Mario Kart. 

Seeing this, it's hard to understand why anyone would complain about Team Sonic Racing. Say what you will about the modern era, it would be hard not to improve over this. 

Final Ranking: E

It's not exactly unplayable. You can try and play it...but why? 

I love the art and while I don't...hate the game, it would probably be in my top ten worst. 

Sonic 1 Review

Rank @ end. 

Summary

Sonic the Hedgehog was a successful move by Sega to finally challenge Nintendo. 

Gameplay and Controls

Sonic 1 is lacking the "super spin" because it wasn't invented. Instead Sonic would only spin when going fast/the down button was pressed. It takes a bit more skill and can actually be faster, but it's always hard to come back to. 

Sonic spins and jump/spins to attack his enemies. Seems simple, but it makes a lot of sense. It's actually a big contrast between the classic and modern games: "Classic" Sonic uses his spin, highlighting being a hedgehog, while Modern Sonic uses his boost, highlighting his speed. Not that blue hedgehogs are realistic, but it was kinda' cool when Sega thought about which animal would fit what ability instead of...I don't know, whatever they did with the likes of Infinite.  

So Jump and Spin, that's all there is to it. Simple. Anyone can pick up a controller and figure out what to do in seconds. No tutorials, no on-screen instructions. I think it's that type of simplicity--in controls (not necessary plot or characters)--that the modern games need to learn from. 

Level Design and Music

Green Hill set the tropical/hill standard, and though it would become kind of exhaustible, this was the first. Something else important was the different pathways--up down, across. It helped keep the levels "new" and provided some nice shortcuts. The music is now a nostalgic and legendary, as is Sonic 1's main theme.  

Marble Zone is, I think, way too hard for a second level. I can handle it with ease nowadays, but as a kid I could never get past it. So the game was kinda worthless because I could only play Green Hill. I think switching it with Spring Yard or even Starlight would be fair. Music matched the creepy setting.  

Spring Yard, Starlight, and Scrap Brain are all favorites. Generally fun with a bit of a challenge. Interesting backgrounds and contrasting foregrounds. Fun music for the first too and something a bit more serious for the final level.   

Labyrinth Zone is, without a doubt, the worst level. It's long, it's boring, and it doesn't even make sense. That's right, hedgehogs can swim. I do like the water slide, and the visuals themselves are not so bad. It's just very tedious and boring. Even the color swap of it for Scrap Brain Act 3 seems a bit more eye-catching. 

Plot and Characters

Sonic may not have been talking yet, or even doing much other than tapping his foot. But the contrast with Mario was loud and clear. Youthful, Sonic was a teen and, like everything 90s, pure attitude. Was he heroic? Yeah, but he wasn't the positive smiley do-good-er that he is now that Mario was. Sonic was edgy, smriky, as cool as Sega could possibly make him as. 

Dr. Ivo Robotnik, or "Eggman" in Japan, bears more resemblance to the stocky plumber (his design was even considered for the main role). He's the opposite of Sonic in many ways, being fat and hovering around instead of moving his feet. Also a human, he represents the both the intelligent and greedy part of humanity and wants to exploit ["Mobuis/Mobians"] for personal gain. 

Both left an obvious impact...

As for the plot, it's fairly simple. Dr. Robotnik's taken over animals and it's gonna' take over, blah, blah. Sonic's super cool and wants to stop him, etc. Since it's the first of it's kind, of course, it gets a pass. 

Final Thoughts

lol in 06 there's a guy called "Sonic Man" who wears a shirt with this.

Defiantly one of my favorites. 

I've played Green Hill/versions of green hill to the point that it's kinda' ruined for me. Luckily the level select cheat is easy enough to remember so I use that a lot and just skip to Scrap Brain for more of a challenge. 

I'd like to see more of the other levels. Green Hill's been replicated a zillion times but I don't think I've seen any other version of Marble Zone. 

The special stage is one of my favorites because it's straight-forward and easy. Unfortunately it's kinda' worthless because the 6 emeralds do nothing and the "good" end really isn't that different. 

Final Ranking: A

It's legendary, but it's just a bit short of an S rank because it lacks some advancements like the super-spindash and Super Sonic. I also would recommend Sonic 2 as an entry title over this one because it's a bit easier/quicker since it only has 2 acts (zones). 

Despite that, Sonic 1 is but no means a bad game; in fact it's one of the best. 

Sonic & Knuckles Reveiw

Rank at end!

Summary

Often remembered for it's revolutionary lock-on tech...it might not be as good without it. 

Gameplay

• There isn't much of a difference since Sonic 3. As with before, the standard moves (spindash, etc) are there and there are also special shields. 
• For Knuckles, he's not quite as good at jumping high, but he is able to glide and climb, two unique moves Sonic can not due. 
• Generally since Knuckles can punch through rocky areas, he takes a shorter path and then faces a harder boss.   

Level Design and Music

• Mushroom Hill may be a hill, but it bears little resemblance to the palm tree lined starting levels of the past. And...I don't like it. 
• I do like that it changes in appearance as Sonic/Knux goes through, but it seems long and less interesting. 
• There is also a place where the player can get stuck in a nasty loop, which is annoying. 
• I think the main boss--while fine in S3&K--is too difficult for a first level (S&K).  
• Flying Battery seems cool at first, but is also plagued by long length and annoyances like false capsule and bottomless pits. 
• Both these levels just get boring, which kinda' stinks since they are the first two levels. 
• Musics not bad--matches the location pretty well I guess.
• Sandopolis is where things start to get interesting. 
• It's still pretty long, but this Egypt-inspired location is at least more interesting. Sonic explores the sandy outside and works his way through the dangerous, haunted inside. What nasty little ghosts! 
• Luckily the music's pretty good. Maybe that's why the stage is not as tiresome. 
• Lava Reef is one of my all time favorites, even if the bosses both SUCK. At least in the second one you can get a fire-shield. That helps. But those fingers are so time consuming, ugh.
• The music is awesome--actually I heard that borrows a bit from an 80s song... 
• [update: fount it ("Point of No Return" by Exposé--I confused it with a song of the same name by Nu Shooz--oh, the 80s] 
• Well regardless it's a favorite by sound and appearance. Lava Reef is colorful. It took a bland idea of lava and rocks and brought it to something more. 
• The music slows and becomes mysterious as Sonic enters the darker, blue cave-like section. 
• It leads to Hidden Palace, the climax which is a short and nice breather. 
• Sky Sanctuary has a more peaceful sound to it and is a beautiful take on the old ancient ruins idea. However I personally have a distaste for it because of Generations. I'm not sure what it is, but I don't really like it. 
• Death Egg is cool yet challenging both in appearance and sound, setting the stage for many similar zones to come. 
• The final boss with out the emeralds is too difficult, I think. In fact all of the bosses are either to hard or long, or both. Even an easy one like in Flying Battery Act 1 will still eat up time. 
• I like idea of the super fight, though--it would inspire many in the future.   

      

Characters and Story

• For Sonic, things pick up from last time with Sonic still going after Robotnik and trying to stop him from getting the emeralds. 
• What keeps things interesting is Knuckles. "While they're going the rounds with each other, who's going to stop Dr. Robotnik?" 
• Sonic and Kncukles fight and, after seeing that he was wrong, Knuckles aids Sonic. This would inspire many rival ideas in the future...
• As for Knuckles, he's just fighting a robot/the usual badniks off his island, I think. 
• Where as Sonic 2 highlighted friendship, S&K highlighted rivalries and showed that the line between enemy and ally isn't as clear as it seemed.  

Final Thoughts

• Man I love the TSR version of Sandopolis. 
• It's always an extreme disappointment...no save file. The put it into Sonic 3 but couldn't put it in &K? A safe file's important! It makes it so the game doesn't have to be all at once and so all that "work" of making it to a zone isn't wasted. I don't care if they needed room for lock-on stuff--it's a step backward, especially if one owns S&K and not S3. 
• Tails isn't really around either (without lock-on), which is a bit of a bummer but the emphasis is on Sonic and Knuckles I guess. 

Final Ranking: B

While a fair game with a few killer levels, alone Sonic and Knuckles doesn't really improve over past titles. In fact the longer length seems more tiresome instead of new.  

Sonic 3 & Knuckles 

These two games are more average alone, but combined and it's an epic. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are all playable through many levels with many chances to get the emeralds. I do think the "super" emeralds are kind of disappointing. "Hyper" is flashy but pretty overrated for what it is. At least it's an excuse for "Super Tails," though.    

Final Ranking S

I think with combined it's worthy of an S. Still suffers from some being too long, I think, but at least it has a save file so it's does not have to be hours worth of playing. 

Sonic 2 & Knuckles

Not too impressed since it mostly just seems like...well, Knuckles in Sonic 2. I might as well play Sonic 2, then. Sure, Knux can climb but he's short and that can be a bit of a pain.  

Final Ranking: C

Average. 

Blue Sphere 

As a bonus, if a different cartridge is in (or Sonic 1--for "full") a new round of Blue Spheres is available. It's good for practice but just as frustrating. 

Final Ranking: D

Blue Sphere's is aggravating. It's a cool Easter Egg, and good for practice for the real Blue Sphere stage, but as a mini game it's generally more irritating than it is fun. 

Sonic Chaos Review

Summary

The 8-bit games often were a lot worse than the 16-bit ones, but Chaos isn't that bad. 

Level Design and Visuals

Being at a 8-bit lost compared to the norm, Sonic doesn't look very pretty, especially that lame side view. Bit more expressive with the falling/etc views. Tails is okay/cute.    

The special stages seem very random and odd. 

The levels don't bring anything too new, borrowing looks and ideas from the past. However, compared to some of the other 8-bit games this is a creative masterpiece. Something intriguing is Mecha Green Hill Zone, which is a mechanical, taken-over version of Green Hill. It looks cool and makes way more sense that "sand hill" ever will. 

Controls, Scoring, and Gameplay

One advantage to the game is that both Sonic and Tails are playable. Though the controls are simple, at least many of their moves such as the spindash (Sonic), and flying (Tails) were not sacrificed and aid the ease of gameplay. 

Kind of a nice thought to make it "easier" for Tails (not collecting emeralds, etc). 

Like in other 8-bit games there's this weird goal plate that will often show a flicky or someone. Always seems disappointing.  

Music

It's okay. Mecha Green Hill is yet another nice little "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" remix (actually it's a remix of Green Hills from 8-bit Sonic 2, which shares the same tune, but--). Otherwise nothing stands out too much. It has a has that typical "8-bit" style...it's not terrible, but not that good either. 

Plot

Story's pretty lame. Robotnik's after the emeralds again, whoo. 

Final Thoughts

Interestingly enough, the title screen of Sonic/Tails giving a thumbs up heavily resembles the opening of AoStH:

AoStH had actually just started airing a few months before Sonic Chaos was released, so it's hard to know if one was referencing the other or if it was pure coincidence.  

Final Ranking: D

Probably the best 8-bit Sonic game, Sonic Chaos didn't feel like a lousy version of some Genesis game. For once, Sega made an 8-bit game that could stand on it's own. However, it's still held back and just isn't as creative or exciting as other titles.

Sonic Spinball Review

Rank @ end!

Summary

In recent times Sonic Spinball's gotten labeled as a non-canon spin-off. A title that's not very becoming or fair to the game. It's not quite the usual genesis title, but it's a heck of a lot better than the likes of Sonic Labyrinth. 

Gameplay and Controls

• Sonic Spinball features moves like the spindash, but they aren't used that often. It resembles more of a traditional pinball style game, with Sonic spinning for most of the game. 
• The advantage this has over other, more simplistic pinball games is: you keep control over Sonic. AKA the ball. 
• This does make it a bit easier to move...since you can. Additionally, the buttons are simple. Left, right, both. Appreciate the "C" (or both") button. 

Level Design and Music

General: the main problem is boredom. The set up requires good aiming and an idea of what to do. After missing the target, flying in the wrong direction, or just dying a few times, the stage quickly becomes tedious. 

Toxic Caves: A bit more original, Toxic Caves lives up to it's name with dangerous liquids. Has an appropriate sewer look. Meanwhile the music is one of the best in the game, having a good tempo and a catchy, unique sound. This is also probably the only likable boss of the game.  

Lava Powerhouse: Lava is nothing new, but using the steam to bounce Sonic around was a clever idea. The music is intriguing, a ominous combination.  

The Machine: The Machine resembles other levels like Metallic Madness or Metropolis. Saws, mechanical appearance. Just doesn't stand out too much. The wheels aren't too difficult and the moving platforms also distinguish it from Spinball's other locations. Wasn't too impressed with the sound of this one. 

Showdown: This one has a bit of a beat to keep the motivation going, but it doesn't seem to live up to those first too levels. Robotnik's launched off plenty of times, but at least the red/orange colors contrast it to the likes of Launch Base Zone. Boss is tedious and annoying. Would help if the hints would be more helpful ("SMELL MY SOCKS"--thanks). 

• I've always loved the Special Stages & the little pinball table. 
• Sonic does have his "mo-hawk" spikes, though, while in the rest of the game his "3-D" or 3-rows of spikes can be seen. 
• Not too visually impressed with the cameos, but it was cool. There was also a Scratch-like robot.
• Main theme kinda' fits with the snazzy-casino type of vibe the usual pinball-themed levels of Sonic have, which fits I guess. Good energy. The Options' music quality is horrendous, though. 

    

Plot

• Sonic needs to climb through Dr. Robotnik's Pinball Defense system and stop his Veg-O Fortress. Why a pinball defense system? No idea, but I like it. That's the exact crazed type of thinking of Ivo Robotnik!  

Final Thoughts

• Sat Am Cameos=overrated.
• All the emeralds are blue and there's too many. The answer is obvious. Duplicates of the real blue emerald. This happens with the yellow one in SA2, and it happens a ton in Sonic X. Plenty of early games have some continuity errors here and there. Even later ones, too! I thought the moon got blown in half! Why people are so quick to dismiss this game is a mystery.  
• Hints/words could be pretty funny. 

Final Ranking: C

Actually can be quite fun, and I personally like it and want to give it a bit higher ranking. But truthfully it's rather time consuming without using the level select cheats or a safe file (on a port etc). I could see it being frustrating or repetitive to a new player. 

I'd rank it above many pinball games but as a Sonic game I guess I'll have to call it average. 

8-Bit Version

The 8-bit version kinda' just seems to be a downgraded version. 

• Toxic Caves becomes the more purple colored "Toxic Pools" but it generally similar, and the other levels are practically the same but less complex. 
• This does have the advantage of being less difficult and theoretically less time consuming, but many features in the 16 bit are absent, replaced, or size oddly. 
• The music is also changed, except the title. It's kinda funky but not nearly as enjoyable or as good quality as the Genesis one. 
• The special stage is kind of confusing and time-consuming. Definitely don't like it as good. 

Final Ranking: D

It's not the worst of the 8-bit series, but it's not very creative. It's not that bad, but--especially nowadays when most would be playing a port--why play this when there is a highly superior version?  

Quote of the Month

"I am THE REAL SONIC."
--Metal Sonic, Sonic Heroes