Sonic Mania OST Review

     

Summary

As I mentioned in my review for the game, I was very disappointed by the acclaimed soundtrack for Sonic Mania. While I did not hate the music, I could not agree with the label "best soundtrack" or even "one of the best." Instead I labeled it "good...but extremely overrated." 

Still, I was trying to have an open mind by giving the OST a second chance, here. 

While a few songs were better than I thought, others are even worse. I didn't care for Studioplolis at all this time around.

Remixes

• Half were fairly bland remakes of the original. (Mostly Act 1s) 
• The rest were over cluttered with mixes of sound effects and instrumentals, resulting in something crazy and over-the-top. (Act 2s) 

I was only truly impressed by Oil Ocean and Lava Reef, which were more focused. 

New Zones and Songs

• Unimpressive as a whole, pretty different compared to the classics. 
• Studiopolis is perhaps the most exaggerated song. 
• The boss music is not very serious, save the final boss. 
• The title music and other bits try too hard to make things overly fun/happy. 
• Was interesting that Egg Reverie seemed to have a bit of "Fist Bump," though. 
• There were lots of other hints like Metallic Madness in Chemical Plant, but that seemed excessive (Metallic Madness...was in the game!). 
• I liked Knuckles' Mirage Saloon song--perhaps because I see hip-hop as more of a Knuckles thing. Otherwise the main appeal was Titanic Monarch.   

I heard that Tee Lopes (the composer) wanted the music to sound like a Sonic CD 2 (presumably JP)...

I don't think that was the right approach. This should have been musically more like "Sonic 4getting about Sonic 4." 

Sonic 1/2 had a pop-ish, by now retro sound that started the whole thing. While 3 had some input from MJ, it wasn't a huge genre change. It was different, but there were still those "classic" elements that would also join &Knuckles. While the music could be fun, it was never this overblown. 

Sonic Spinball and both 3D Blasts seem more apart of the main games than this.  

Ultimately, though, it doesn't out do either CD OST or Sonic 2 or 3. For me, it doesn't out do the nostalgia of any of the classics. 

Best Song: Titanic Monarch Act 1

Runner-Up (s): Comfort Zone/Main Menu, Sunshine Cassette/Save Select, Chemical Plant Act 1, Flying Battery Act 2, Hydrocity Act 2, Wildstyle Pistolero (Mirage Saloon K), Oil Ocean Act 1/2, Lava Reef Act 1/2, Titanic Monarch Act 2 

Now this sounds like a climax. Pretty/exploratory, but stressed and tense as well. Yet while dark and serious in general, there is also a sense of heroism. It keeps within this more dramatic tone, not being cheeky/brash like most of the OST.    

Oh, and a bonus? Combining some bits of the JP/US CD OSTs? As in Easter Egg for sharp ears? Exactly what I wanted (well, sort of). Epic Act 2 and steady Lava Reef Act 2 are close runner-ups. 

Worst Song: Stardust Speedway Zone Act 1

Runner Up (s): Discovery/Title, Greenhill 1/2, Studiopolis 1/2, Tabloid Jargon (Press Garden Act 1), VS Metal Sonic (Stardust Speedway Boss), Rogues Gallery (Mirage Saloon Act 3), Invincibility 

Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. Did I mention that when it comes to SDSW I'm a big US fan? Well the past was the same either way, right? So this should be just fine regardless. 

It's not. I can fully say the original was not only better, but a masterpiece in comparison. I even like Act 2 better, because at least it was respectful to the original JP song. 

The highlight of the 93' piece was a downright beautiful piano, and, if memory serves me correct, some fairly nice synth below the famous "hues." As much as I poke fun at the "hues" (really "Heys"), I would take them any day over...

HUH-UGH! HUH UGH! UGH! BREAK IT BREAK IT DOWN! Yeah break the original into a nightmare.   

Bottom line: miss the piano and hate "HUH-UGH" more than I ever have "hue." 

 

Final Ranking: C

For nostalgia, I think Sonic Generations was more respectful. 

• Mania has its own theme and forcing those familiar levels in--while keeping them fresh and a part of the "happy-go-lucky" style...it resulted in something odd. 
• Still a fair soundtrack, Mania is a better attempt at "classic Sonic" than Sonic 4 Ep 1/2, and Forces' classic stages...but not better than the genuine games.  
• As for the new content, it will be hit or miss. For me, it's mostly miss but it is popular, so it must hit with a lot of people. 

Mania doesn't try to be more than it is. It takes pride in simply being a video game, and for those hungry for the 90s, that'll do. 

Sonic Triple Trouble OST Review

 

Summary

After the successful introduction of Knuckles, they had to try and replicate their success on the Game Gear. The game would become known for another factor: Nack the Weasel, or Fang the Sniper. The obscure character first debuted in this game, becoming a side villain of the classic era. Sort of. 

Best Song:  Fang the Sniper

Runner-Up (s): Boss, 2D Special Stage, Final Boss, Meta Junglira Zone

Surprisingly this little bit is intense and I guess it makes a pretty 2-dimensional character (lol) a bit more interesting. 

Worst Song: Sunset Park Zone

Runner Up (s): 3D Special Stage, Great Turquoise Zone, Tidal plant Zone, Robotnik Winter Zone, Ending, Metal Sonic

So, um, is this out of tune or just bad?

Final Ranking: E

Compared with the Genesis alternatives, this is pretty disappointing. Overall it's like going to a carnival where they play odd music through old, broken speakers. Static-y trash, save one or two parts. 

Sonic Rush Adventure Review

Rank @ end.

Summary

A Rush title is bound for greatness...but did it improve from the first game or drift in some other direction?

Gameplay and Controls

Like it's predecessor it has relatively simple controls. This time there's even a tutorial to help out, making it an ideal transition for classic or modern fans alike. I would appreciate it if certain moves could use the R or L button rather than just the R, though. 

The boost makes it easy to zip through, though those reliable classic moves are still present as well. 

Level Design and in-level Gimmicks

As far as looks go, it's a bit disappointing at first. It's nice and sunny, but this is another dimension. Sky Babylon was the only level that really seemed to capitalize on that. A lot of the early levels, like Plant Kingdom, are honestly kinda' bland. However the later zones like Haunted Ship are far more interesting. 

The placement allows things to run smoothly without too many bottomless pits, but they're still a bit of a nuisance (insert Blaze picture here). 

This game has some interesting parts to keep things new. Some, like the snow boarding in Blizzard Peaks, are outstanding. Others, like the minecart or the balloon (in other stages) seem fine for the first act and then are too challenging/slow in the second. Pirate Island seems too overwhelmed with it's features, though the dolphin idea was cute. 

Characters and Plot

I like Marine, which I'll cover in a moment. But I regret that Marine's character growth comes at the expense of Sonic Rush's Blaze the Cat. She doesn't show up until sometime later, and does not have her own story. Plus this is her dimension, but we don't get to see much of what makes it special or if she has any family or anything. 

Things do get better when she shows up, and there are some nice Sonic/Blaze moments as well as with Marine. Still, I think she should have been the main focus or at least been introduced quicker.  

Sonic and Tails are sucked into Blaze's dimension, a nice twist that would be great to see again. Tails kinda' goes the smart route and acts twice his age, which seems like a jerk-y thing to do since he's only a year older than Marine. Sonic also sorta' seems annoyed with taking the babysitter role, but handles it better than the others. 

Marine is annoying (but not nearly as bad as her Archie version, GAH). She's childish but has a drive for adventure and exploration, the theme of the game it seems. She takes risks but learns to listen as well, and even has a hand in the final ending. Like Blaze she's relatable, but more like someone's little sister or younger-self. 

I was really disappointed Whisker was not Nega in disguise. Johnny seems to be a SXXXXy rip off of Jet the Hawk. After the Eggmans inevitably reveal themselves, the robot-pirates don't have much dignity left. 

 

Music and Sound Effects

The music was a mix of mediocre/strange and awesome/amazing. Deep Core is quite addicting. The normal boss theme has voices that are catchy but weird. Plant Kingdom seems a bit odd for a first level, too. Pirates' Island is nice but not as fitting for the dangerous place it can be. Others like Coral Cave and Sky Bablyon were impressive, even some of the cutscenes' tunes, too. It's good as a whole, but some are far more suited than others. Though Act 2 is different, I miss the "Blazy Mix" idea.   

It was a bit disappointing that they reused voice clips. It would have been nice to give them some new catchphrases. Plus recording a new/separate laugh for Nega would have connected it to the Rivals series. There is new material for Whisker and Johnny, who have some amusing lines, but in contrast to her dialogue, Marine gets to be silent.   

Extras/Other Modes

The game introduced various boats and other vehicles that have to be used in different ways. The races with Johnny can be a NUISANCE (insert Blaze picture AGAIN). For things to work best, they've gotta' be upgraded with materials. If these were extra/bonus missions, it wouldn't be so bad, but a lot of this is required and ergo a pain. 

The "Southern Island" can be explored and cutscenes can be viewed. Music can be listened to, though some of it has to be unlocked through extra tasks. It's a clever way to make the game worth playing after the story has run it's course, but some of the missions are just insane. 

Final Thoughts 

• Is it just me, or does the treasure chest make a Pacman noise at the end of every level?
• The ending was cute. 
• I liked that one of the Hidden Islands' layout is very similar to Leaf Storm. 
• Even though I'd rather see Blaze, I would like to see Marine again or have her mentioned more. 
• On the flip side, I'd like to see Blaze socialize with Cream more. 
•  While we're at it, more Sonic-Blaze team-ups, please!
• This is the final Rush game. Colors DS is NOT. 

Final Ranking (S-E): B

It slipped into an average ranking. While it includes many improvements, it was not as impressive. It added some unnecessary ideas that weigh it down. I like the story, but it could have been more.

It's a good sequel and DS game. Fans of the original will easily adjust to the style. However, it does not surpass the original.     

So is this like a water-power, or what?

Sonic Advance 2 Review

Summary

Hello Cream and Cheese. 

Characters and Gameplay

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Cream are each playable characters. There's a bit more of a story to this one, as Eggman has kidnapped Sonic's friends (and Cream's mother, Vanilla). Sonic frees the characters as he goes (Amy is unlocking after beating the game with the characters and emeralds). While there's a bit more to it than Sonic Advance, it's still fairly simplistic. 

Like with the previous title the game makes use of the differences between characters. Notably polite little Cream uses Cheese to attack, showing the newcomer's docile stance. The sprites' designs are cute and expressive. 

Simple controls reflect the spirit of the classic games. 

Level Design and Music

Music Plant is a personal favorite in both design and sound. Ice Paradise seems just like winter. As with the previous title, in general the music is nice but not of the same quality/not as memorable. 

The levels are a bit more unique. Music Plant obviously incorporates instruments. Hot Crater incorporates some different industrial themes, and the Techno Base is colorful. However there are still familiar themes with the hill-like Leaf Forest and the lit-up Ice Paradise. Generally the levels are better or equal to those in Sonic Advance. 

Sky Canyon--while attempting to create a unique location, is terrible--especially as Sonic. I consider bottomless pits a big no-no in 2-D gameplay, and Sky Canyon has far too many for only being the 5th zone.

Final Thoughts

• Cream and Cheese are adorable, and this her best gameplay style. 
• The bosses are too difficult, especially as Sonic. Sonic's the starter character--it should be easiest for him (it's easiest for Cream, but that's of little help when Sonic is the one to save everyone). 
• This is most frustrating since they are a part of the level, rather then separate. Dying after one of these bosses means the entire stage--both sections--must be completed again. 
• And the game only gives 2 lives, rather than the standard 3. 
• Getting the Chaos Emeralds, again, way too difficult. If this were an easy game, collecting special rings to access the Special Stage may be possible. But it's not. And collecting all those rings is only a chance at getting the emerald, not a guarantee. 
• And this has to be done over and over for all 7 and (to unlock things) for all characters?! That's crazy. 
• Looks like I won't be seeing the real ending anytime soon...
• Despite the challenges it's still ideal for a classic fans (and/or those with a Gameboy/DS, of course). 

Final Ranking: B

I think it's an improvement over Sonic Advance and a worthy sequel. Unfortunately it's not much more.  

Adding Cream was a clever way to spice up the simple story and give the character a bit of a backstory for up-coming games. Still, there are irritating portions in design that disrupt its appeal. As cute as the game is, some may lose interest.

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 & 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. 

Alright, fine. Let's talk Mania. (About it's awesome opening and it's imapct)

Sonic Mania is a 2D, classic Sonic game (released, that's right, here in 2017). If you don't know that much you either haven't looked up 'Sonic' in the last (year?) or you're not a Sonic fan. In which case, I guess you should find a different blog.



Mania's opening. Note the flickies.


For those who haven't watched it ten million times, here it is, along with it's preorder trailer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex3QDARGtLg

 
The Opening. It's sick! (I mean awesome)
I recently watched the Sonic Mania opening...



The Opening

 

It's pretty epic. I love animation. Hate CGI. I understand it, in a video game. It's not a TV show, after all. But when they add it, I'm reeling with excitement: obsessed.

Sonic CD was the first to do so (that technically making it the first official cutscenes--something more than the in game sprites moving around...). It had an awesome opening that leaves "Sonic Boom" (by that I mean the song) echoing in your head for the rest of the day. In the American version, of course. It also had two endings and some clips during the credits, all pure amazing...ness.

Sonic CD-an ending credit scene

We wouldn't see anything like this again until Sonic Riders, with it's speedy, way past cool opening (called the "Demo Loop" in the theater section). It showed us, with it's edgy style and it's fast pace, "what true speed is...."

Sonic Rider's Opening

The only other games to compete with these striking scenes where Sonic and the Secret Rings, and Sonic and the Black Knight, AKA the "storybook series." The majority of the cutscenes in these games where not CGI but "purposely made 2D." I thought this was genius. This way, there were no "bad" (lesser quality) cutscenes, and the styles fit in with the themes of each tale. It was revolutionary. Too bad there are and likely will only ever be two.



Sonic and the Secret Rings and it's "picture like" cutscenes

But now we have a new revolution. And it's name is Mania. Sonic Mania.



Mania's pre-order trailer

Although the gloss and quality clear defines it as a work of the modern world, the opening fits early Sonic art (JP art...in the US he looked edgier. Or 90sier. Take your pick) and Sonic CD's style. It defines the game as every thing a Sonic game should be: Cool, cute, and fun.



The Opening

Personally I thought the music was "meh," but everyone was raving about it in the comments. It must be more of the world likes what I hate and blah blah blah. I mean, it was alright, sure. But it's not Crush 40, am I right?
Did somebody say Sonic Heroes? Because...



The Opening


At his side are his best buds Tails and Knuckles (as they are playable in the game). We get some peeks at the levels the game has in store with out it feeling slow. Sonic's attitude is the same as it has been: tapping his foot, giving a thumbs up, and expressing himself through smirks and stares.



Pre-order Trailer

I'd like to point out that Modern Sonic does the same (there where points where I was either like "that's just like modern," or "That's classic right there!") with his expressions, but since Classic Sonic lives in a (er...almost) voiceless world, it has more of an impact. Also, again, it's very similar to CD. 
 
Battle of the Ages...well not really. Gotta think fast?
 
I have to admit, I haven't been obsessing over this like...well? Everyone else. I love classic, I do, but instead of simply enjoying this moment, most have been trashing Sonic's modern era. Here's what I commented on one the youtube videos of it (not that you'd know considering it got buried among a ton of hater's comments--why they didn't reply to me remains a mystery. Scaredy-cats.)

This is what I put, mad at comments putting down modern games, voice acting, and storylines:
 
"First of all: WHOO! That was awesome (jumps up and down like a four year old)! WHOO! (looks at comments-sighs) Second of all: Stop trashing the modern era...When I was young, I played the classic games and watched the cartoons and I always disliked all the modern games and characters, save for Sonic (I loved those green eyes) and the main cast (Tails, Amy, Knux). But when I got older (and my family finally decided to move up from a Sega Genesis), I started to play the modern games, and now I love them (and modern characters--Shadow, Blaze, Jet...). I think most classic fans would like them, too, if they could adjust to the gameplay. Remember the ever so hated Sonic 06? I love that game; I think it's really fun. I like the stories, and the voice acting (at least with the 4kids voice actors). There had always has been a story to Sonic, whether it's the instruction book saying that Dr. Robotnik's up to his old tricks, Knuckles punching Sonic in the beginning of Sonic 3, or Sonic rescuing Amy ("Sally") after beating Metal Sonic. The story is just told differently, now. Now it's Sonic calling Shadow "faker" and it's Amy chasing Sonic with a huge hammer. Sonic may have gotten taller and his eyes maybe green but he's never lost his "I'm WAITING" attitude. Modern Sonic is Classic Sonic. End of story. On a side note, for those of you who have never touched a game beyond the 90s, I'd recommend Sonic Rush. It's 2D(.5) on the DS, close enough to classic gameplay that you could pick it up after playing a round of Sonic 2, and modern enough to include a different character with her own (pretty awesome) storyline and moves. If you not interested, THAT'S WHY THEY MADE THIS GAME, but stop taking your anger (probably from Sonic 4, right? I can't defend that. It made Sonic a slow-mo!) out on those who like the modern games. A person (or rather, "I") can easily love a round of Spring Yard Zone as they can a round of Mystic Mansion. And a person can be excited just as excited to play Mania as Forces (not me, though. I hear they're trying to make Shadow into a henchmen-type. Don't think I like that. Meanwhile, here's Mania, showing off some serious style). Now. I'm going to watch Sonic CD's opening and then Sonic Riders and then I'll watch this one again. Back to the awesome-ness. Back to the awesome-ness. 'I'm outta here.'"

If you don't feel like reading that, here's a summary: I love classic, but I love modern too. So XXXX off. It was a bit kinder but that's what it is.


Sonic CD: Sonic and a rescued Amy

So?
I probably won't get Mania for a long time. I mean, it's not like won't be available five years from now, when it's (hopefully) cheaper. That's my logic with most of the games now. It looks exciting; it looks like fun. But so does Sonic 2, which is currently shoved in my Sega Genesis.
"Respect the classics, man."



Sonic Mania Opening. Ignore Knuckles.



After Thoughts
First of all, I hope there's more of this animation, in Mania (I'm sure I could look it up, but do I dare?), but also in the Sonic series as a whole. I liked the cartoons as a kid, and was pretty disappointed that Sonic Boom was CGI (one of MANY disappointments with that show). But I think we all were impressed/satisfied with this style. I want more! Not just for classic, but for modern, too. I remember wishing that Zero Gravity ("Sonic Riders 2") had an intro like the first one...
It shows that the creators care about quality and expression, and it shows something important: that Sonic is cool.  

I hope that this [game] continues to be a new series, of sorts. Classic and modern. 2D games with simple expression, and 3D with complex stories.
...but I hope they ditch the cliché fan favs. No more Green Hill. Please. If I see or play it again, I swear...Seriously. I avoid Sonic 1 now. And classic should stick to his games and the generation series (if that becomes a thing). There's no need to give us more confusing 2D that's 3D. We want classic to be classic, not modern classic. If that makes any sense.

When they made Sonic 4, this is what we wanted. Old school style with new school polish. I'm sure that we'll all love it, but is it truly a new spin on the old tale, or is it just a rehash of the same old same old?

(Dun dun dun! To be continued...But, you know, not really.)

Have you gotten to play Mania? Tell what you think of it in the comments. Think it's exciting? Lame? Come on. Do it. I'm waiting...



Pre-order trailer

Well I'm outta here.