Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine GG OST Review

 Summary

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine also had a Game Gear version. 

Best Song: Scenario 

Runner-Up (s): Robotnik, Ending

This one is actually very impressive because it sounds so much like the Genesis one. It doesn't seem like a down-graded version at all really. 

Worst Song: Menu

Runner Up (s): Exercise, Puzzle, Intro 

It starts out okay, nice beat. But it gets rather annoying with it's higher pitched noises. 

Final Ranking: D

For a Game Gear title, it's pretty good. It did not seem as much like a crappier (Genesis) copy. However there are some songs that just sound like a possessed printer spitting up paper.  

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine OST Review

 Summary

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine is half the reason to play the game. The catchy themes are addicting, but from my understanding they (like the game) are mostly rearranged versions of Puyo Puyo. 

Best Song: Stage 1

Runner-Up (s): Danger, Continue, 2-player, Stages 3-4, Password, Exercise 

This is a determined little thing made of synthesizers, "genesis" drums, little beeps, and a pretty xylophone.  

Worst Song: Ending Theme

Runner Up (s): Puyo Puyo, Title

It's a peaceful and happy tune yet annoying. 

Final Ranking: C

Overall this is actually quite impressive. It has industrial robotic sounds but also catchy melodies. Really, it is up to Genesis-Sonic standards. 

Sonic Mania Review

Summary

THE BEST-ahem. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. 

Gameplay and Controls

The gameplay is a lot like the classic games, even with different options for spinning styles. that being said, it's easy for anyone to pick up and play (though it will make you miss the simplicity of the ABC type of controller). 

Plot and Characters

I'm not really into the whole hard-boiled heavies thing. Pretty lame, honestly. 

While it would have been nice to add Amy maybe as an Easter Egg like Sonic Advance 2, the original games basically were Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, so I'm content. 

I thought the Phantom Ruby thing was actually kind of annoying, here. Does this have an instruction manual? Where's my backstory?!

Level Design

What is impressive: layout and gimmicks. Especially in Act 2, they try to jazz things up. I LOVED the Mean Bean part in Chemical Plant. Best surprise in the whole game, and the easiest boss by far. 

What's not: the actual locations. First, let's choose the most obvious levels possible. GREEN HILL! CHEMICAL PLANT! FLYING BATTERY UM, WHERE IS ICE CAP?! At least there's Lava Reef. 

I don't like the reusing locations thing Sega's been pulling since Generations. I don't care who made this version, that's no excuse. Maybe 1 or 2, NOT HALF THE GAME. And NO, NO, NO, not the same levels from Generations, ugh. Then stupid Forces made this even worse. 

I don't like the bosses at all. This is the classic days, so they should not take more than 3 minutes max. These are much too difficult and slow (Sonic 4 had this problem, too). Ugh, Stuidopolis is annoying. 

The original levels must be creative, then, right? Ugh. I like half of them, maybe, visually, Mirage Saloon the best (and that...was inspired from the scrapped CD level...which was inspired from the scrapped Sonic 2 level). Stuidopolis is very cool...but nothing says classic Sonic quite like a HUGE CITY. No, wait, that's Mod Sonic, ugh. Press Garden annoyed me almost as much as Marble Garden from Sonic 3. 

Just...it wasn't as fun to go through as anything from, say, Sonic 2. Including all 3 acts of Metropolis Zone. I think there's an identity issue and they tried to pile too many ideas up. It got cluttered.  

Music 

Mania's OST was disappointing. I would not call it bad--some of the songs are epic. But as a whole it's not deserving of it's high, HIGH praise. 

Many of the tracks, especially in the beginning, are so happy it feels forced. It can get annoying.

The biggest disappointment while playing the game was Stardust Speedway: my literal reaction was "What the FXXX?" At the time I was so excited to get to the level that I completely forgot about the original Japanese soundtrack. Foolishly I thought maybe there was some Easter Egg that would change it, or I at least expected some of the instrumentation to be similar to the US OST as a compromise, but I couldn't be more wrong. 

I told myself to get over it and enjoy the remix in Forces. Unfortunately, even now that I have a deeper respect for the JP version, I can't enjoy the Stardust Speedway mixes. 

The beautiful piano in the past--the main attraction--has been altered into something passive and the "Hues" have become cringe-worthy "Huh-UGH"s. Act 2 was an improvement, but still not as good as the original (or the US version!). 

The Metallic Madness remixes weren't as disturbing. They were fine, but not as impactful as "You Can't Do Anything, So Don't Even Try."   

Green Hill's been remixed so many times that not even resurrecting Michael Jackson and asking him to compose it would make it seem any different. 

Still, a lot of the remixes are good; they just don't jump out at me as special. The exception is Lava Reef Act 2, which took a more radical change--worth the risk. I also liked Titanic Monarch Zone, but the other originals are mostly hit or miss. 

As a whole it's not bad, I'd still call it good! But it's not even close to being the best in the series. Considering Sonic titles of the 2010s, it was probably the best in a while, but Team Sonic Racing has already surpassed it as the best of that era. 

  

Final Thoughts

• While I like all the little details and Easter eggs, I kinda' expected more. It almost seems like they reference the obscure stuff over the things you'd expect. 
• Even though this is "by the fans," the game seems more biased to "Japan Sonic." They kinda' tried some things like some 90s air brushing on the art, but it does not look nearly as authentic to "American-ized Sonic" box art as the animation does to Sonic CD's cutscenes. 
• Light Blue Sonic. Even with the original Sega CD he was not really light blue like that (the colors are washed out/not pixel-y in the rerelease). 
• Sonic's shoes did not have gold buckles really. Just in the CD cutscenes and Mod games. 
• There's hints of the JP CD OST all over and stuff inspired from it. The US? Some drum samples in like one level.
• Not to mention the SegaSonic stuff in Plus
• References to JP-exclusive stuff like Sega Popcorn Shop yet no references to the DiC cartoons? Mirage was callin' for a AoStH one?
• Sorry, Sega. THERE IS NO CLASSIC EGGMAN. ONLY ROBOTNIK. 
• I don't know, it just kinda' bothered me they couldn't make some sacrifices like calling him Robotnik. 
• I mean, other than that nasty attempt at 90s airbrushing, only Ray's shoes (a reference to the Archie Comics) is an American thing.  
• This is what Sonic 4 should have been. Still, Sonic never left 2-D. The Sonic Rush and Sonic Advance games are crying. 

Final Ranking: A

That's a low A, actually, I was tempted to give it a B, if not for one simple fact: this is the Sonic sequel we always wanted. I never understood it. If they had the tech in the 90s to make a Genesis game, why not just MAKE ANOTHER ONE? I've grown to love the 2000s games, but I had this thought with Sonic 4, Generations, and even Sonic Adventure. Yet now here it is, and it's not enough? 

I don't know, maybe it's all the praise the game gets. I usually end up liking the "bad" games because my expectations are so low. But I guess Mania doesn't meet the expectations because everyone says it's perfect. 

It's still the best game in a long time, though. 

Sonic Mania Plus

Ray is kinda' annoying, and I was expecting more levels, but I like the character aspect. Can I get a US Stardust Speedway DLC? Please? There's a nice version by Jun Senoue and Cash Cash!

Final Ranking: S

They changed it up with the gameplay, and somehow I ended up liking the idea. IDK, whatever. 

Sonic Unleashed Review

Rank @ End

Summary

This was bashed for its Werehog idea and stages, yet most Sonic fans enjoyed the game. Hint: I'm one of those fans.  

Gameplay and Level Design

Remember: upgrade the Werehog's attacks. Then it's no sweat.

The gameplay is split into two sections, day and night. The day stages at the time were a new idea, taking the Boost idea from rush and creating a style that switches between 2D and 3D. When I first played the game I really had a problem with pressing the buttons it asked for certain moves, and sometimes I still have trouble. Dark Gaia--60?--insane. Yet I like it in retrospect because it adds a bit of a challenge even now that the boost has become and over-used gimmick.

I also like that even though boosting through is possible, the game encourages exploration through the sun/moon medals, video tapes, records, and other items. Another likeable thing is the rings gained more of a purpose by helping fuel the boost. The trick system, while complex (^), looked cool. Overall the day stages were pretty fun, and the 2D areas weren't as bottomless-pit filled as in future games (cough, cough, SONICCOLORS). 

The Werehog stages are more complicated, but they serve the exploration idea even better. It is a forced slow down, but there are shortcuts and not every enemy needs beaten. In the beginning the game is a bit tougher in these stages, and longer. But as long as the player upgrades the moves/attacks, the gameplay will become a lot easier and smoother as a reward. Upgrade the attacks and then you can smash the buttons of your choice and defeat the enemies with ease. 

It's the Titans that really cause all the darn trouble. They knock Sonic off his feet and sometimes off buildings. Then the wizard ones power it back up sometimes, too. Using the "doorbell" move helps a lot but it can be difficult. 

The stage desings and hub worlds are awesome. Like with Soleanna in 06, they took real life ideas and it works even better with these choices. Altering the sky and lighting was also great. It was also cool that the Tornado returned. 

 

Story and Characters

The story, as wacky as it may be, is really nice. Sonic befriends Chip and there's a lot of focus on that friendship that can kinda' be expanded on (through...food). The script is pretty nice, not epically cheesy like later games or over-the-top like some games past. It seems just right. Serious moments, funny ones. I kinda' like how Amy was in this, where she was still on the hunt for Sonic but got a little more concerned later in the game. Tails was also in a good spot because he seemed smart and useful (though his introduction is not as good because he needs help...but he was even that way in the Secret Rings, so--)

As much as I love Chip, the mythology kinda' bugs me. There were fantasy-type "god" creatures in games before like Adventure and 06, but I don't know why, this one kinda' bothers me. Maybe it is because Eggman also shattered the earth in Sonic Advance 3, heh. 

This is the first game in a long time not to feature Knuckles or Shadow. In some ways, I would have rather seen them in it and have it be Sonic Adventure 3, but I'm glad they did not through the characters in just for the sake of having them there (cough, cough, Forces, Generations). And I also felt the more Sonic-focused story was worth it (unlike SONICCOLORS). 

Music and Voice Acting

The music is great. There's a lot of variety. The hub worlds are more atmospheric and the stages are faster, wilder beats. Both incorporate instruments based on the locations the worlds were inspired upon. There is also a nice contrast between day and night, and a lot of interesting jazz elements. "Endless Possibilities" has a lot of energy and confidence that really match the game's theme of exploration yet Sonic as a character as well. 

The voice acting is the best. I already like Jason Griffith's Sonic voice, but he does particularly well with this game. The hedgehog sounds a bit more mature but has not lost his attitude. The rougher Werehog voice is also awesome. Only complaint with it is that with one or 2 lines it sounds a bit like Jet the Hawk. Amy Palant has really worked on her voice for Tails, who sounds a lot more boyish. Lisa Ortiz also matured Amy's voice a bit. Chip is cute and adorable sounding. 

Overall the only one who did not quite live up to expectations was Dan Green (Professor Pickle) not because the voice was that bad, just because it sounded a lot like Knuckles to me (more so then Mephiles).     

Visuals and Graphics

UNLEASHED DID IT FIRST

The cutscenses, even the ones of lower quality, have aged GREAT. The entire game looks better than Forces, and the animation is expressive. That first cutscene! Wow. 

When playing through, the graphics are not as good as future games but still pretty good. The combination of cartoonish designs and realistic textures helped it age better, I think.  

Dark Gaia is creepy in design. I'm kinda' confused on Chip's looks, but he's cute. Yet the temple-transformation thing (kinda' anime-ish, maybe?) makes him pretty beast. Speaking of beast--

The Werehog design is not so bad. Not as sleek Sonic's usual looks, but powerful and tough. Way better than Boom Knuckles, anyway.  

Final Thoughts

• I (...and a lot of people, surprisingly?) would have liked it if Sonic continued to wear the Chip bracelet. As a sign of character development.  
• I guess in Black Knight it would have just gotten hidden under his armor, but WHAT'S COLORS EXCUSE?  
• Unfortunately by 2010 Sega found the antonym of character development and used that instead. 
• I love this game, but Sega would kinda' pluck some bad ideas out if it: 
• Boost to win
• Tails being a coward
• No Crush 40
• No Kncukles/Shadow/Rouge/Cream/etc

• Another idea reused in the future is having the results affect the characters' stance. Here it affects what the character says (as in games past) and the music as well. 
• This is probably the best version of hub worlds in a Sonic game to date. They were fun to explore and all looked very unique. The day/night idea was also nice visually. 
• The idea with the humans was interesting, becuase while most were cartoony and Pixar-like, there were a few that were more anime/almost more realistic, as if to bridge the gap between this game and games past. 
• I like all the different designs and backgrounds for them. 
• Wentos: AKA how to score as may rings as you want. 
• It's cool that there are optional acts and missions, I always prefer options to requirements.  
• Would have loved to see more "extra"/easter egg scenes in future games. Oh well.  
• WHOO! GO! FEELIN' GOOD! WHOO! WHOO! GO!
• HERE WE...GO!
• AWOOOOO!
• Egro>Orbot 

Final Ranking: S

It would be better without the Titan enemies, but I'm willing to overlook that. This game is really fun to play, has great audio and visuals, and a cool script/story that is not too dark but not too silly. This very well may be the best modern Sonic game. 

:)

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine Reveiw

Rank @ End

Summary

Addictive music, but kinda' a weird Sonic game. 

General

It's a puzzle type of game like Tetris or Columns. It was originally a Japanese game with separate characters but it was morphed into the Sonic franchise for a wider release. 

It includes characters from Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and Robotnik's design from that show. Sonic himself is not really in it. This might actually be the first Sonic spin-off starring another character. Huh. 

It can be an addicting game, really with the cheerful little music, but the AI is murderous. You can put in a password to try to skip to the end, but really only practice and 2-player mode are fun. 

Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts appear as enemies to bean-fight against. 

Final Ranking: D 

It's just not really a Sonic game, so it just doesn't really fit in. I had fun with it, but there's not too much of a reason to play it/keep playing. Makes a nice bonus when given with other games I guess.  

8-Bit Version

It's pretty similar but with worse graphics and music. 

Final Ranking: E

Better to just play the 16-bit version.  

Sonic Colors Review

Um, WTF?

Rank @ End

Summary

OH NO

Gameplay and Level Design

Sonic Colors is creative with its levels. Neat ideas and colors really bring it all to life. Yet with the exception of the Asteroid Coaster, I don't think it lives up to Amusement Theme, falling short in comparison to Eggmanland. The numerous amount of acts makes the novelty wear off incredibly quick. The menu design and Mario-like layout is disgusting. I would like a hub world a lot better, but this is the Wii I guess! 

The gameplay, on the surface, is a rip-off from the day stages of Sonic Unleashed, where Sonic utilizes the "boost to win" formula and the camera toggles between 2-D and 3-D. HOWEVER. The CONTROLS make what should be a similar experience a horrible one. For example, the quick step (which quickly dodges Sonic to the left/right) can now only be done by tilting the Wii remote. That's supposed to move him anyway, right?! The slide is by far the worst, being the B button (which is easy to accidently hit). Furthermore, the game seems over zealous with the 2-D portions, which end up being just as difficult/bothersome (if not moreso) than the 3-D parts and an annoying (rather than natural) switch. The boss fights are repeative and a nuisance.

That's only the first half. The second is the Wisps. They are supposed to break-up the formula. Instead they BREAK THE GAME. The Wispons in Sonic Forces were a gift! At least they were controllable: these are impossible. The drill and rocket are the worst. Often they are are a hindrance, and never a help. Yet they aren't optional: they're required, or at least some point in the game.     

It's just not fun. Unleashed, Rush--they were fun. 06 was glitch-ridden and it even it was fun! Colors was annoying and felt like a waste. 

Story and Characters

Horrible! The story is worthless. First, why should I care about the Wisps? There's no real bond, like with Chip or the people in hub-worlds. It's just expected. The Black Arms, Cosmo and the Meterex, the species from Sonic Chronicles...All had more to offer. Next, if the character focus is Sonic and Tails, how does it change them? It doesn't! They're exactly the same from start to finish, static! Eggman's a comedic hoot, and his new robots are the worst incarnation of his henchmen. I miss Scratch and Grounder! And how are the stakes raised, where's the Chaos Emeralds? They're not here, they're just for if you want to play as Super Sonic in the levels (which is NOT fun in these "modern" games). 

As bad as the story is, the script is even worse. Every thing is a cringe-worthy joke. It's lucky this game did not kill the series for good (though with the way it tainted the games to come, in a way it did).  

Music and Voice Acting

Horrible. Let's get voice acting out of the way first. Roger Craig Smith is not a good Sonic voice. As I've mentioned, he's not the right vocal type and he didn't have the same energy. He does sound like a late teen, but it's just not Sonic. He improved by Forces and by TSR I was actually impressed. But I have to wonder why they hired him originally. Here, he's at his worst. The silly script doesn't help, but that doesn't excuse the flat-ness from lines like "Tails, buddy, are you alright?" The sound effects (such as the dying one) are the worst in the entire series' run. 

I also can't stand the "wisp annoncer." Was that really necessary?! When I think of annoying voices, I usually expect someone high-pitched, but the low-pitched "Rocket!" "Laser!" "GAAME OFFER." are some of the worst, again, in the series run. At least Sonic Riders gave the option of shutting omachao up!  

Kate Higgin's Tails voice isn't bad, but it's not the best, either. Sure, he sounds boyish. No more complaints about Tails sounding like a girl. Now the problem? He sounds like he's 16! 14, at least, not 8! Not nearly as innocent or clever sounding as in previous games. Orbot and Cubot were not very robot-like, and Cubot's actual voice was the worst version. Eggman generally sounds the same as in other games, but doesn't have the same edge. His tone is more annoyed with Sonic than threatened.

The music, like the game in general, is clearly trying to rip-off of Unleashed. The "exploratory" vibe of the title screen, for example, is a generic attempt at surpassing Unleashed's world map theme. The levels are a diverse, good quality mesh, but it just falls flat compared to the games before it. It's not bad, but not very memorable. The vocal themes have aged terribly bad. They scream early 2010s more than Owl City's "Fireflies." Plus the lyrics just weren't very good to begin with.   

Visuals and Graphics

The visuals are not bad. The designs are fairly expressive and everything is colorful. Still, it's animation is shabby compared to Unleashed. Even it's best cutscenes are lacking compared to the opening of Sonic 06 (made 4 years prior).  

Final Thoughts

Tails: That mind control won't work! I can't turn against you, Sonic! 

Me: YOU ALREADY HAVE DUMBXXX.

:0

Game animations: let's reference Sonic X 

Sega: BTW we finally replaced those stupid Sonic X voice actors

:0

Sonic fans: boy this game is crap. 

Critics: Finally! A good Sonic game! 

Sega: Welp I guess we'll make every game like this from now on. 

:0

Final Ranking: E 

HORRIBLE. I like that they tired to focus on the "brother" relation ship of Sonic and Tails, but it did not pay off. Maybe I'm being harsh, maybe it's more of  a D-, but it's hard to ignore it's "legacy." It's easily one of the worst Sonic games of all time, and that makes it in the E category. 

Sonic Colors DS

The wisps are still a pain to control, but staying in 2-D...as a whole it's a lot better game to play. It includes some higher-quality cutscenes than the DS standard but much of the plot is the same. Limited, the voice acting is not as irritating, save for a few repetitive lines (I should never have made fun of Jason Griffith's "yo"). The music is not of the same quality, but I like it because it does not seem as over-the-top. There are improvements like the added characters and the addition of Mother Wisp that help, and the gimmicks (such as the balloon) seem more creative.

Final Ranking C

While the console version is in many ways a rip-off of Sonic Unleashed, this game is a total rip of the Sonic Rush series. If it were a Rush game, with an original story and Blaze as an alternate character, I'd be more forgiving. Still, it's a lot better than the console version.  

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity Review

Rank @ End

Summary

Jet!

Gameplay and Level Design

The settings are mostly futuristic with other themes. It's creative, but not overly so. I'd call it a tie with the last Riders.

The gameplay has changed based on the new gravity features, which was a cool way to shake things up. I'm still not a fan of turning, but being able to take shortcuts across walls is cool. I miss the boost in some ways, but in others the Gravity Dive is superior. And not running out of air every 5 seconds is a plus. I also miss being in control of the tricks, although this way is simpler and much easier to get the hang of. 

Story and Characters

The story gets off to a fast start, though I rather miss the animated-type of opening. Unfortunately it slows. The story the Hero side of things is simple and just sorta' one thing leading to another. It's always nice to see them getting along, but there's not much going on. 

Luckily things are better with Team Babylon. More unique and less familiar, the Rogues distinct personalities help make the game worth playing. 

The nature of Sonic's and Jet's rivalry has changed--now Jet is an even match, making his cocky attitude a bit more justified.  

As a whole this game incorporates more sci-fi than fantasy, in contrast to the previous Riders game, and I kinda' like it better. Since the game is already in a futuristic, hover-board setting, the switch make more sense. 

Music and Voice Acting

The music is a spectacular combination of the first game's high energy and it's own dramatic tone. The slower "Catch Me if You Can" is a great example. It's not as fast and maybe not as taunting, but its more serious, mysterious mood makes it superior. "Ungravityfy" is also a gem. The electronic and natural mixes, like with Gigan Rocks/Device work well, with the game bringing together futuristic and cinematic.   

I liked the 4kids cast in the first game, but they've improved with this one, especially with the Rogues. It's harder to tell Dan Green's take on Storm from Knuckles. Jason Griffith's bossy version of Jet is still hilarious but also more serious than previous. Bella Hudson does her usual sassy job with Wave. 

Visuals and Graphics

While an improvement, they still aren't so good. Even the CG cutscnes. I've always been disappointed there wasn't an animated opening like in the first game. 

Final Thoughts

GOTTA TRY HARDER

Final Ranking: B

For the Babylon side, I think Zero Grav out-did the original. However, for Team Hero, there's not much to make it stand out among any other Sonic game. 

It gets extra points for changing up "the formula" by creating the "Gravity" gimmicks and even revolving the plot around the change. 

Sonic Riders Review

Rank @ End

Summary

NOWAYI'MGONNALOSE! YOU THINK YOU CAN WIN WITH THAT BOARD?! ...wait, what does Storm say?

Gameplay and Level Design

Riders introduced a new and exciting style of racing: Extreme Gear. Hover boards, skates, bikes--it was a futuristic and epic spin that made Mario Kart look like shXX! Unfortunately the item capsules and other things still make it similar enough to be called a rip.

Quickly two elements become a constant bother. Turning and running out of air. The boost is a nice idea, but what's the point if it results in an annoying beeping sound and having to go to a "pit-stop?" Turning takes some skill, but its hard to turn properly when falling in and out of turbulence (most annoying near the end of the game).  With practice, a player will be able to win races with ease...but it's not so simple at first (needs an "adjustment" or "learning" period). 

The locations are futuristic and cleverly add in elements like a pic of Sonic (from Sonic Heroes). Even the more "primitive" spots include something advanced to keep with the theme. In play, there are some spots where falling/dying is easy, as well as spots to become "stuck" in (/fall behind). There are different routes that will be more advantageous, but sometimes it's riskier to get to them/pointless.  

Story and Characters

This game introduced some of my favorite characters, the Babylon Rogues. Jet is hilariously immature but is skilled and demonstrates some leadership qualities. At some points he acts like an extreme (no pun intended) version of Sonic and in others simply greedy. Wave is intelligent and planning, but has some ruthlessness to her (--she did plant a bomb on Sonic's board, after all). Storm is the weaker of the bunch because he's mostly just an idiot, but like the others he serves as a contrast (in his case to Knuckles). 

They make good rivals because they have their own motivations. They aren't evil, but they are out for their own interests first. Unlike Team Dark, though, they are less serious. More lighthearted, for them its mostly about winning. It's also good that they set themselves apart from past rivals: it's not about who's faster on the ground, but in the air. It's about skill rather than natural ability.  

Sonic is tested because he has to learn something new. He's always been the fastest, but Jet's challenging that. Team Hero has to adapt to the races while the Rogues have to face the fact that they aren't as good as they think. 

This game is likeable for having a comedic, character driven plot but also having something more serious to face towards the end. 

Music and Voice Acting

The music is energetic and uses electronic themes to focus on the future-set and speedy aspects of the game. Sand Ruins and Digital Dimension both stand out, and "Sonic Speed Riders" is perfect for the game. "Catch Me If You Can" is in the right place but a little random (like it says "Hawk Wild"...I think..,and "hawk" sounds like the F-word).  

The voice acting is fair. It know back in the day people did not like Jet's voice because (I assume) they excepted Jet to sound cool. Here's the thing: Sonic did not need another "cooler" rival. They wrote Jet in a way that wasn't meant to be taken very seriously--quite the opposite of Shadow or Metal Sonic (writing Silver to be another rival of this type was part of the character's initial problem). 

Either way, Jet's voice was just what the character needed. Higher, "bird-like" with energy and confidence, it was clear this was not a new Shadow or Metal Sonic, but an entirely new and hilarious addition to the cast. The only criticism I have for it is that at some points, he sounds too much like Darkspine Sonic or Werehog Sonic (as a result of sharing Sonic's voice actor, Jason Griffith). As a whole it helped make the game and a lot of the quotes memorable, though.

The actors did a fair job with the other characters like Eggman and Amy. Bella Hudson's voice for Wave is sassy and girlish, but more mature than Jet's--just as it should be (Wave is 4 years older). Dan Green does a lower take for Storm but also throws some power into the role. Maybe it's because of the sound effects rather than dialogue, but Tails is a bit more annoying (than in Sonic X).     

Visuals and Graphics

The epic opening cutscene is a legend rivalling that of Sonic CD. It's easily one of the most memorable parts of the game, if not one of it's best qualities. It makes me wish all the cutscenes were animated. 

Unfortunately the actual 3-D cutscenes haven't aged that well, or the graphics in general. Say what you will about 06, it did have better visuals for being released within the same year. 

Final Thoughts

• Jet is a unique and underappreciated rival. In many ways, I can't help but feel TSR should have been another Riders game.  
• Then I remind myself of his new voice...
• Of course, how could the guy improve after only having like one chance to voice the character? 
• On the other hand Griffith only had 1-2 chances to voice Jet and his version is still superior... 
• The opening is 100% AWESOME.
• Omachao narration=annoying
• Focusing on the two teams rather than clutting the game up with many others (*cough*cough*FREE RIDERS*ahek*Heroes*grum*Rivals 2) helped balance the game's different characters without reducing Sonic's role in the process.  

Final Ranking: B

The opening alone is worth an S rank. The music and characters are great. But the plot (while not bad) is more average, and then the gameplay is too complex/annoying in some parts. And the graphics are crap. So it levels out into an average B.  

AH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HA!

Shadow the Hedgehog Review

Rank @ End

Summary

Edgy!

Gameplay and Level Design

The gameplay is pretty good. It's got the speed of a Sonic game mixed with other elements. The guns are easy to adjust to, and there are many types. Sometimes choosing the right weapon means the difference between a A and C Rank (Hint: choose an Alien Weapon over a GUN one, even if it doesn't have as much ammo--it packs a better punch). The vehicles are more disappointing. The cars/cycle are fair, and the hovercraft would be okay if it were a bit faster. But the odd "jumping" and shooting ones are a invitation for disaster. Chaos Control and Blast are awesome for giving invincibility and unlimited ammo alone, but are even better considering their abilities. 

The missions could be a hard/easy, and it really depends on each specific one. As a whole I think it was a good idea because they are technically optional and fit into the plot so that they are not as random/forced as missions in, say, the Secret Rings. 

I like the visible designs. There are a lot of distressed scenes and spins on familiar locations. The maze that is the level layout, however...for most it's manageable, but Mad Matrix, The Doom, and some others are hard to navigate. Having 80% of the path covered in toxic waste in levels like Prison Island wasn't the best plan, either.    

Story and Characters

The main idea of an alien invasion makes for an action-driven plot. Unfortunately Black Doom lacked "Mephiles" level creepiness. I think having a "lacky" or even treating Doom's Eye as a different character would have helped keep the leader more of a mystery (instead of a demanding son of a bXXXX). Except for being tied to a "promise" that he knows nothing about, Shadow does not have a good reason to side with the Black Arms. 

Adding some "behind the scenes" with GUN and the President may have been an attempt to mature things. It would be fine, if not for the constant 2 cutscenes that ALWAYS play after Westopolis. I like the GUN Commander because it explains GUN's overzealous behavior in SA2. Sir, the hedgehog we caught just escaped from one of our helicopters because we wouldn't give him pizza. A HEDEGHOG?! MOBLIZE THE TRUCK, NOOOOW! But sir, that Truck will crush the cars parked-- I GAVE YOU AN ORDER SOLIDER! Yes sir!    

The flashbacks proved interesting, but considering all of the talk about the past and it's importance, I kinda' wish there was more of it. It feels like more time is spent with Shadow thinking he is an android than with Maria's death or promise. 

Overall, I think the different paths was a smart move, but it makes it hard to tell what's "canon." I wish one of the endings would have been the "true" events (the neutral-hero one, maybe?). The last story is a bit long to watch, and I'm not sure if it's worth it. The Black Doom reveal is cliche, and I almost wish the villain had explained so at the beginning to confuse Shadow then. The video with Gerald and Maria was the best part of Last Story, plot-wise. After Shadow's huge quest to "find the truth," he decides to throw it all away? I like it in retrospect, but at first I really didn't like how he tossed Maria's photo.    

I liked that the supporting cast was either able to help, or could be ignored. There is a large cast and it's cool to see Shadow bond with characters he wasn't really seen with before like Knuckles and Espio. Still, story-wise Rouge's character is underused. At least Omega got a role in the android plots. She's there for the fight with Doom in the dark end, but not in the cutscene? What's with that? And I think she would have fit in the neutral-hero end better than Vector. 

Music and Voice Acting

The tracks really fit the situation. Central City and Westopolis are intense. Lost Impact is slower and more mysterious. More of a electronic vibe is used for the levels that take place in the digital dimension. The entire game does not have the same diversity in genres as a traditional Sonic game, but while being mostly edgy-rock and guitar-heavy, it's awesome. The vocal tracks, including the likes of "I am All of Me" and "Never Turn Back," are possibly some of the best in the series ("Chosen One" is particularly fitting), though it's a shame some of them had to be "lost." Sadly that resulted in the neutral-dark path not really having its own theme.

This game (along with Rush) was the first to feature the 4kids cast. I'd say it was a move for the better...but I can see why people were upset. Jason Griffith's Shadow voice is perfect, but his Sonic voice here is a bit odd. Instead of saying "Yo!," for example, it's a drawn out "Y-ho!" Rebecca Honig (usually Cream) voiced Maria in this game differently than she did in Sonic X. It's not bad, but I'm not sure if it was better than her voice in SA2. Some characters like Tails are louder/annoying while others like Cream are hard to hear. It wasn't their best, but generally the cast did alright.   

   

Visuals and Graphics

I liked the grungy menu, but by the time I got to the fire in Shadow's eyes I felt like it was too far. CG cutcenes look good, but why did they waste time on the Eclipse Cannon scene? I don't care if it's an Independence Day reference, "real" Maria's deserved that quality. 

The graphics aren't good. The designs are cool but the execution is clunky and looks like garbage.  

Final Thoughts

• This game is misportrayed as overly violent and edgy to the point of cheese. They overdramatized things especially in the intro and with the box art, I'll give them that. But the guns aren't realistic in the slightest, and are quite an improvement from Gamma/Tails/Eggman's weapons. 
• Oh, and the "assassinate the President" mission was shooting a plane that will survive if the mission is completed or not.
• I did not mind Shadow swearing. I found "damn, not here," relatable. But it was a bad idea for the other characters (Sonic, Knuckles, Espio) because it seems unnatural (especially Sonic). 
• I kinda's wish the game HAD been rated Teen, just so people would not XXXXX about it. 
• It's pretty hypocritical, too, because fans will say the guns and swearing were mistakes and than rant about the dub of Sonic X censoring swearing, alcohol, and death.   
• Though it wasn't seen as a good move at the time, I like the 4kids cast a lot. They'd get better more in the 2007 range. 
• I get why fans were upset with what happened, in particular with Ryan Drummond (who wasn't even informed of the change!). But even though Griffith's Sonic was different, it was still that "Sonic-type" of voice that Drummond, Jaleel White, and even the OVA guy seemed to have. The change to Roger Craig Smith's deeper, 2010-esque take on Sonic was so much more radical. 
• It was cool to have two sorta' warring factions fighting, but it'd be BETTER if they acknowledged the player. If you're helping GUN, do they have to shoot at you?! The Heal Canon can help, but really?!
• It was cool to see the different sides of Shadow. 
• Expert Mode is pretty cool and the instructions could be funny.
• Forget Heroes and Generations. This is Charmy's best game.  

 

Final Ranking: B

I gotta' say, I was on the fence between giving this a B and a C. I guess the replay value gives it the edge (no pun intended). 

An experimental game, Shadow the Hedgehog is not without its faults. It is fun, though. The plot was not perfect, but having aliens invade remains a better point, and the mission/plot structure isn't bad. I'd have to say the gameplay is pretty good for a modern game, and easier than many other shooter-games. Shadow had its own, "darker" theme and stuck to it, which I think is fair since it's a spin-off. Still, it's not gonna' work for people who look for more variety.    

This Year (2020)

Games

Ah, Sega's been quiet on that subject, and the fans are seeing magical 3s everywhere...(never-ending SA3 speculation). 

New "runners" have been added to the various apps, such as a spy-inspired "Elite Rouge" and a elfish "Jingle Belle Amy." Sega also created a meme of their own in March when they made "Irish the Hedgehog" a "reality." 

Movie

The Sonic Movie came out back in Feb (IN THEATERS), making it one of the more successful family movies of the year. 

It introduced new characters such as humans Tom and Maddie as well as other surprises. It established new origins for Sonic and Robotnik, and also hinted at Tails. A new song for the movie, "Speed Me Up," was also released. 

Comics

The Metal Virus Saga stretched well into the world's own pandemic, with some issues being pushed back in the summer. However, now that's come to a close and a new arc has started.

A spin-off starring the series villainous characters is currently running as well. Artist and "fan favorite," Evan Stanley has taken over as lead writer for the main series. 

That's about it.    

Underground is Better than Sat Am (Conclusion)

He looks like a train, lol. BTW, Kath Soucie (Sally's voice) also voiced the Little Train that Could, lol

Sat Am was good for what it was, but when it comes to which Sonic cartoon is better, Sat Am falls pretty low. Sonic X had the "closer to canon" advantage of being made past games like Sonic Adventure. AoStH had a strong Sonic/Tails bond and memorable ytp moments with Robotnik, Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts.

A lot of people did not like Underground, though. It was close to Sat Am, but that wasn't good enough. They wanted Sat Am back, and didn't get it I guess (THE COMICS WEREN'T GOOD ENOUGH?!) 

Sonic Underground was different and complex, but it had advantages over Sat Am. Slight animations and visual improvements. The cast of characters were smaller but better and more focused. The origins were more in-depth. Bringing the show ever-so-slightly closer to the games. Having an epic intro, an improved plot, still fairing at it's worst.  It's "dark" moments out did Sat Am's "dark" tone, it had longer and superior episode arcs, and the episodes were more impactful.  

Sonic Underground the power to challenge the other cartoons, but Sat Am can't compete. It had less episodes, it was the second oldest, it had odd comedy and foolish characters. While it's large cast, relationships, and more dangerous Robotnik were admirable, the execution left much to be desired. It's disadvantages are simply not easy to ignore, especially with the praise the show receives from fans. 

I like Sat Am and would likely rate it above Boom and the OVA. However it's extremely overrated for what it is. Sonic X is probably overrated, too, but it deserves the attention. Sat Am created some memorable characters that had better lives in the comics. It is not nearly as spectacular as long-time fans say. 

Underground is similar to Sat Am, and I think there are hints it was supposed to be in the same universe (such as the absence of Tails). But Underground improved upon the former while giving itself new life. The singing may not have been the highlight, but Manic and Sonia fit the world of Sonic even better than Sally and the Freedom Fighters. It's a real shame it's never gotten the same affection.  

BEHOLD THE TRUE POWER I POSSESS!

Underground is better than Sat Am (Part 10)

Best/Memorable Moments

The Sat Am cartoon had some good moments, but Underground fared better overall. 

Sat Am

When I think about what was good with Sat Am, Sonic and Sally immediately come to mind. Though they didn't have an entire episode focused on their relationship, it would show up from episode to episode. In one case Sonic is talking in his sleep about the love of his life, gathering Sally's attention...until she realizes he's talking about Chilidogs. In the end they take down the Doomsday machine together. Even though Sally could get annoyed with Sonic's immature attitude, they were close and hinted at their affection for each other.  

The episodes with Uncle Chuck were surprisingly emotional and memorable as well. The Void, while an odd ball, is fascinating for revealing the fate of Sally's father as well as changing Nicole's personality. The time travelling two-parter, "Blast to the Past," is always memorable, too. 

  

Underground

It make have had some lame episodes, but the good ones easily come to mind. 

Easily one of my favorites is an episode with Manic. After finding their birth place, he finally feels the sense of "home" he never had before and wants to stay. In the sweet end, he realizes this siblings are his home. Manic also proves his worth in episodes like "Three Hedeghogs and A Baby."

Sonia has a few memorable centric episodes herself, like when she was torn between her brothers and her old lifestyle in "The Price of Freedom" and "The Last Resort." Even Bartley became less of a dXXX after Robotnik accused him of a crime he did not commit.    

In another case the group turns a (practically E-series) robot called ARRT to their side, and ARRT saves them at personal risk. Cyrus' debut is also notable. And how about the 3-parter co-staring Knuckles?   

Who can't resist when they met their egypt-ish ancestor and find he looks like Sonic? Or when they travel dimensions and find they are their own worst enemy...

Sonic's re-occurring fear of water is something that set the show apart, as well as Manic's impulse thievery and Dingo's weird crush on Sonia. 

So...

Sat Am's best moments revolved around it's characters and it's balance between serious and comedic. A lot of the episodes seemed too similar, though, and blur together. Parts of Underground were better than others, but it seemed like they tried to keep the plots more unique. In total, the risk was worth the reward because the moments in Underground pile up in comparison to Sat Am.  

Underground is Better the Sat Am (Part 9)

 Pilots and Multi-episodes

The pilots of these shows are not as strange as AoStH's or Sonic X's 2 pilots. They were just normal episodes (...as far as we know?). They both establish the basics of the shows, but Sat Am gets a few points off because...

Sally's different appearance, which...actually may have been cuter. No explanation, though, just confusion that affected the comics and Sally's color scheme in her random AoStH Christmas Blast appearance.

Let's not forget that Rotor's look randomly changes in season 2 as well. 

Also, Nicole is a bulky as heck!    

"Blast From the Past" was an awesome 2-parter. It had time travel! Sonic and Sally facing their younger-selves! Chuck, Sal's father, the surprising origins of the robotisizer! Snively with hair?!

Still, the time stones were not accurate, or the "floating island" (where's little planet?). Plus Sonic being an adult in the opening when...well...

Small problems aside, it was still a lovable 2 episodes. 

Though there wasn't one like it again, the second season did have a bit of a story-arc as they gathered what they could to fight the Doomsday Machine.

 

Underground has 3-part episodes, though, that out-do all those.

The origins saga is a bit stronger in the beginning (literally) as it shows how they met each other and set out on their quest to find there mother. The first episode is strong, but the others are flat in comparison. Still, it takes the time to explain some things, like how Manic lacks his siblings quick attacks but has the more powerful instrument.   

The next is a trio of episodes featuring Knuckles, who has returned after his initial appearance. It has some bizarre twists, like Chaos-Dingo or whatever, but the addition of Knuckles makes it a better set, even if his voice isn't the best. 

It's always hilarious interesting to see Knuckles get tricked (gotta' feeling this at least partly--along with Sonic 3 obviously--influenced Sonic X). It's also nice to see them pair Sonia up with someone who isn't a rich jXXXXXX more her speed. Adding a character from the comics was a bit odd, but he's sort of like Knuckles' version of the Oracle and fits right in. 

Conclusion

Alone I think "Blast to the Past" might be better than one of these "sagas," but together it's defiantly a win for Underground. Combined with the funny-looking pilot, and Sat Am's at a disadvantage. 

This might have been from Underground's pilot (not that different than normal).