A Classically Modern Musical Celebration for a Long-Running Series
“Sonic Boom” indeed.
Sonic Generations
Players: 1
Publisher: Sega
Genres: Adventure, Platformer
Publisher: Sega
Genres: Adventure, Platformer
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Developer: Sonic Team
MSRP: $49.99
Developer: Sonic Team
MSRP: $49.99
Set across three defining eras from 20 years of Sonic the Hedgehog video game history, the instantly recognizable environments of Sonic Generations have been re-built in stunning HD and are now playable in both classic side scrolling 2D from 1991, as well as modern 3D style found in Sonic's most recent adventures. Each incarnation of Sonic in Sonic Generations comes complete with his trademark special move, Spin Dash and Spin Attack for Classic Sonic, and the Homing Attack and Sonic Boost for Modern Sonic. An innovative new interactive menu system allows for complete immersion in Sonic's universe with favorite characters and hidden treasures gradually being revealed throughout the game.
A Classically Modern Musical Celebration for a Long-Running Series
Posted By Robert H. about 6 months, 1 week ago
A Classically Modern Musical Celebration for a Long-Running Series, 
There are more than a few series in the gaming world that are recognized as having consistently good soundtracks. Of those series, the Sonic games are probably the most noticeable example, despite the uneven quality of the rest of the franchise over the years. Regardless of how good or bad the games have been, I’ve always found the music to be extremely well done and it’s quite clear that I’m not the only one who thinks that way. As such, when Sonic Generations came down the pipeline as a celebration of all things Sonic, I was particularly excited to hear some of the best themes in the series given new life. Luckily, Generations gave me exactly what I wanted.
Nearly every song in Sonic Generations, if not all of them, is a remix of a song from a previous game in the series. While some themes have changed more than others, they are still recognizable and all of them have a nostalgic edge to them. There’s something almost magical about hearing the likes of Green Hill Zone given a tune-up with the new music-making tools unavailable so many years ago.
However, it’s not just as simple as sprucing up the older themes to fit with current times. Every level has two separate themes: one for Classic Sonic’s run-through and another for the alternate path Modern Sonic forges through the level. While both themes are created around the same base track, they have significant variations to better fit the differences of the level and the particular Sonic being controlled. For example, the classic version of the theme for Chemical Plant Zone is extremely similar to the original, with some minor accentuations given to the more impactful sections. The modern version, on the other hand, includes a strong guitar to form the backbone of the song and uses different instrumentation to convey the greater amount of technology present compared to the classic version. Every level has this feature, and the variations basically give two great songs for the price of one.
The tendency to have two similar songs isn’t limited to the level themes either. Similarly to the abundance of remixes, almost every main song has two variations, even instances such as the invincibility power-up and the bosses. The dichotomy granted through this design choice helps to make the classic and modern versions keep a very strong relation to one another while remaining distinct. Duality is at the core of Generations, and the music only further serves to make that fact clear.
Naturally, there are some exceptions to that general rule found throughout the game. Most specifically, the mission themes don’t have alternative versions, instead being used to reference some games and levels that otherwise have no representation in Generations. There are some well-known choices such as Balloon Park from Sonic 3 and some lesser-known gems like the main theme to Sonic 3D Blast. Regardless, these themes serve the main purpose of the soundtrack by helping to celebrate as much of Sonic’s history as possible. That constant line of thought throughout the song progression grants the soundtrack a real sense of cohesion despite the very different themes that form the individual parts.
As always, there are some particular tracks I find myself liking above the others as simply good music. The modern version of Planet Wisp, taken from Sonic Colors and shown above, is beautiful in its grandeur. The sweeping orchestral arrangement and updates to the basic tune give it a real sense of wonder. I also have strong feelings for the classic version of City Escape due to the incredibly strong beat that forms the backbone of the song. The computer-modified lyrics, something I usually don’t like to hear, also manages to break the mold for me and sound completely natural for the differing instrumentals. Finally, I love the modern version of Sky Sanctuary Zone for how it builds on an already heavenly track and grants the tune an even stronger sense of glory. It’s simply angelic.
Even when the massive amounts of nostalgia are taken out of the equation, the soundtrack of Sonic Generations stands strong as a collection of truly well put-together tunes. Factoring in the callbacks to such a beloved series, it becomes that much better. Honestly, I could go on for a very long time about how each and every track is yet another great showcase of the series’ great music, but that would take away from the experience. As such, I would highly recommend giving the soundtrack a good listen if you haven’t heard the various entries already. There are few things that can be such a great reminder of how good video game music can be.
Music Mondays is a weekly column by Austin Yorski and Robert Heck dedicated to discussing the most interesting audio experiences in electronic interactive media. Tune in every week for more original game soundtracks that you need to hear. Feel free to disagree with, add to, or question everything. I welcome your feedback.
Sonic Generations Review
Sonic Team are back once again to show you what their made of with Sonic Generations. Does this blend of classic and modern Sonic show that the team has lived and learnt? Open your heart and read this review to find out! I promise to stop making references to Crush 40 Songs if you do.
Sonic Generations in 5 seconds
Who dared to say it was time for Sonic to retire ?
Sonic Generations Video Review
Being the lover of Sonic Sean is, he finally takes on the newest title, Sonic Generations!
Sonic Generations Video Review
Being the lover of Sonic Sean is, he finally takes on the newest title, Sonic Generations!
Sonic Generations Review
Sonic Team are back once again to show you what their made of with Sonic Generations. Does this blend of classic and modern Sonic show that the team has lived and learnt? Open your heart and read this review to find out! I promise to stop making references to Crush 40 Songs if you do.
Sonic Generations Collectors Edition Feature
Guru Larry takes a look at the PAL exclusive Sonic Generations Collectors Edition box set (also the limited edition 20th anniversary art book), then proceeds to bitch about how much he paid for the thing.
Latest Sonic Generations Trailer Highlights the Bosses
The newest Sonic Generations trailer is all about the epic dustups that players will have to survive over the course of the game.
Sonic Generations Confirmed for PC
I hope you have a 360 controller or equivalent, as I doubt playing Sonic the Hedgehog on a Keyboard is going to be much fun.
New Sonic Generations Trailer Reveals Dreamcast Era Levels
As the new Sonic game speeds its way ever closer to release, a new trailer for the first time gives players a good look at the game’s recreation of the Dreamcast era of the Blue Blur’s history.
PS3 and 360 Editions of Sonic Generations Coming November 1
It should be noted that this release date only applies to the 360 and PS3 editions of the game; the 3DS edition is still slated for a “late 2011” release.
Sonic Generations to Have Quite the Collector's Edition in Australia and Europe
If you live in North America and love feeling incredibly jealous, then I highly recommend reading this post.
Sonic Generations Video Review
Being the lover of Sonic Sean is, he finally takes on the newest title, Sonic Generations!
Sonic Generations Collectors Edition Feature
Guru Larry takes a look at the PAL exclusive Sonic Generations Collectors Edition box set (also the limited edition 20th anniversary art book), then proceeds to bitch about how much he paid for the thing.
Latest Sonic Generations Trailer Highlights the Bosses
The newest Sonic Generations trailer is all about the epic dustups that players will have to survive over the course of the game.
Sonic Generations Confirmed for PC
I hope you have a 360 controller or equivalent, as I doubt playing Sonic the Hedgehog on a Keyboard is going to be much fun.
New Sonic Generations Trailer Reveals Dreamcast Era Levels
As the new Sonic game speeds its way ever closer to release, a new trailer for the first time gives players a good look at the game’s recreation of the Dreamcast era of the Blue Blur’s history.
PS3 and 360 Editions of Sonic Generations Coming November 1
It should be noted that this release date only applies to the 360 and PS3 editions of the game; the 3DS edition is still slated for a “late 2011” release.
Sonic Generations to Have Quite the Collector's Edition in Australia and Europe
If you live in North America and love feeling incredibly jealous, then I highly recommend reading this post.
Sonic Generations First Impressions
Sonic Generations finally got a demo release! Is it a blast from the past, or a sign of the terrible future ahead?
Rumor: Sonic Generations to get PC Port
Is Sonic Generations coming to Steam for PC? This Beta Registry says yes.
Sonic Generations Review
Posted By Yousif A. about 1 year, 6 months ago
Sonic Generations Review
A Classically Modern Musical Celebration for a Long-Running Series, 
Since his transfer to 3D, Sonic has not been the greatest. Sonic in 3D sucking is as well known in gaming as Hideo Kojima’s love of lengthy cutscenes. However, after Sonic Colors came out last year, there seemed to be a glimmer of light at the end of the three dimensional tunnel. Somehow Sonic team had found a way to make Sonic entertaining again. Then Sonic 4 happened. It seemed like Sonic Team may have just got lucky and my once beloved childhood hero was back on the road to a slow and painful death.
Upon Sonic’s 20th anniversary (which makes me feel really old), we who keep the faith, are treated to Sonic Generations, a blend of classic 2D and modern 3D sonic, travelling through re-imagined levels from the blue blurs history. Really, it’s make or break time for Sonic. Does this game speed its way up the scoring system or does it fail to get off the starting blocks?
| PROS | Sonic in 2D is a dream, Sonic in 3D is actually good, the music has some real high moments, very focused |
| CONS | Boss fights fall a bit flat, some remixes aren’t the best, a bit on the short side |
| WTF?! | The remake of Sonic 2006′s level is so authentic I glitched through the floor 4 times |
The story, thankfully, is quite simple. A strange creature has captured Sonic’s friends, sending them to points through time and Sonic must complete each time zone in order to free his friends and eventually catch up to the villainous being behind it all. It turns out Sonic’s past self has been brought to this nexus of time too (the HUB for level selection). In gameplay terms, all this means is Act 1 is a 2D Sonic level and Act 2 is 3D Sonic.
Due to the design and music, this is the best level in the game
The game is split into 3 sections, each containing 3 levels and 1 boss. These sections could be seen as eras from Sonic’s past. Roughly these era’s translate to Mega Drive (Genesis), Dreamcast/PS2 and finally current generation. With the exception of ‘Sonic 3′, ‘The Secret Rings’ and ‘The Black Knight’, every console release has at least an appearance in this game. Sonic CD even sneaks in as a boss fight.
Each level (or zone for you old school fans) has been masterfully re-envisaged. Elements of the original version remain, but ultimately they are completely new levels. Astoundingly, Sonic Team have managed to keep the feel of each level, faithfully redesigning the level while keeping the aesthetic of the original in mind, even when modern Sonic visits a level that was originally 2D and vice versa. Modern or Classic, nearly every level is beautifully crafted in design, with only a few of the final Acts sticking out of an otherwise extremely enjoyable ride. Despite these few hiccups, every zone visually, shines out and makes this the best looking Sonic game ever released.
Each act has the additional challenge of collecting 5 red rings too. These can be in some really devious places and only by playing the level, seeing them as you shoot past and then replaying the level with the express goal of getting that ring are you likely to get them all. These red rings unlock bonus material in the HUB, ranging from concept art to music from the entire series, which can be played in any level you like from then on.
Sometimes Sonic Generations can be beautiful
The question you should ask yourself before changing the music is, why? Sonic Generations has a brilliant soundtrack, comprising of remixes based on the original audio for the level. While classic Sonic gets music reminiscent of a high quality Genesis track on every level, Modern Sonic really gets the best treatment here, with the modern takes on Greenhill Zone and Chemical Plant standing out as some of the best zone music in any Sonic game. There are some duds in the soundtrack if I’m honest. Sky Sanctuary was one of my favorite tracks in Sonic & Knuckles, but here it just didn’t reach the same level of quality for me. The boss music is hit and miss too, which doesn’t help their cause.
As I previously mentioned, boss fights in the game are a real let down. Much like the levels, these are re-imagined version of previous bosses from the series, however every one of them has received a major overhaul and actually plays completely differently from the original versions. Despite these being either incredibly difficult originally (Death Egg robot) or a major dramatic piece (Perfect Chaos), all of them fail to inspire desperation or excitement. In fact, while the game remains relatively glitch free, the bosses tend to have a couple of frustrating control issues. Even the final showdown fails to deliver. I finished the final showdown in the game by holding X on the controller and doing nothing else the entire time.
Ironically, the game has 3 Sonic villains hidden throughout the main HUB, who you can challenge in order to win a Chaos Emerald. Now these, while not considered boss fights, are absolutely brilliant, delivering exactly what you wanted from the main boss fights. Metal Sonic, Shadow and Silver all appear to take on the fastest thing on earth. Once again, these are redesigns of original fights, but this time ramped up to 11. Nothing quite says awesome like smashing into Metal Sonic and watching him drag along the floor, shooting sparks everywhere as you run past him.
Somehow Sonic Team made a section with Silver good.
Of course all of this could only be enjoyable if Sonic handled correctly. You’ll be glad to know classic Sonic has not been touched and unlike Sonic 4 handles exactly like the Genesis era. The real make or break is modern Sonic. Weep a tear of joy Sonic fans, he handles like a dream. The problem with the original 3D games was the slightest movement would send you in that direction at full speed, but in generations this has been tackled. Now when wanting to head left (for example), Sonic will now lean in that direction, meaning smoother directional control. For faster movements, a tap of the shoulder button will have Sonic make a quick step in that direction, while holding a trigger will have him skid round corners (think Mario Kart drifting). Honestly, I think Sonic Team have finally got it. Not only do both Sonic’s handle exactly how they should, but the sense of speed in the game is terrific. Never has Sega’s mascot felt so good and it only took them 12 years.
If you feel the need, you can buy more skills for Sonic from a section in the HUB, modifying both Modern and Classic Sonic. These can range from putting the flash jump from Sonic 3 on classic Sonic to giving modern Sonic infinite boost, but removing his ability to collect rings. To unlock these you’ll have to complete challenges.
Don’t panic people, these are nearly completely avoidable events if you just want to complete the game. To unlock the boss for an era, you must complete one challenge from each level in the era. Those who just want to breeze through though can find challenges that can be completed in 1-2 minutes each and get on with the main event.
Do you remember chainsaws in this bit? No, me neither, but there are now
I’m going to be honest, half of these challenges are terrible and reflect the level of quality that most people think Sonic games have achieved in the last 10 years. Several of them contain glitches or events that simply don’t work with the control scheme. At the same time, there are some genuinely great challenges. The challenge to unlock the aforementioned infinite boost had you completing a short level using the ability with traps everywhere. It was as a challenge that not only was achievable, but was difficult due to reasonable factors and not the limitations of the control method.
These challenges, bulk out the game quite a bit if you play all of them, which is probably a good things as the main campaign (as it were) can be completed within a few hours. While incredibly enjoyable, the fact that many players will now be quite adept at controlling Sonic, the game poses little challenge with the now implemented reasonable controls. For that reason, unless you’re a Sonic fan or have more money than someone like myself, I would hold off a couple of month for a price drop or simply rent the game.
Sonic Generations is a great effort from Sonic Team, showing that when they focus on Sonic himself and leave gimmicks and other concerns behind, they can really create something wonderful. There is the occasional hitch along the way, which is unfortunate considering the game is so short, but it doesn’t ruin the experience. Combining a straight out Sonic game with refined controls, a great soundtrack and a blast from the past really worked out well. I’m expecting a plethora of DLC for the title to be released over the next year, as the design of the game really lends itself to this idea, and perhaps adding Tails and Knuckles as optional characters through DLC could really allow them to focus on getting these characters right in 3D as well.
This game was purchased on Xbox 360 by the reviewer from his local GAME store. The title was played for roughly 8 hours and was completed. Not all of the challenge courses were attempted, but the majority were.
If you fancy it, follow Yousif on Twitter
8/10
Sonic Generations Review
Sonic Team are back once again to show you what their made of with Sonic Generations. Does this blend of classic and modern Sonic show that the team has lived and learnt? Open your heart and read this review to find out! I promise to stop making references to Crush 40 Songs if you do. Sonic Generations in 5 seconds
Who dared to say it was time for Sonic to retire ? Sonic Generations Video Review
Being the lover of Sonic Sean is, he finally takes on the newest title, Sonic Generations!-
December 11, 2011 at 09:57pm
i agree with the review for the most part but to be honest i liked the soundtrack and thought sky sanctuary sounded great, i also disagree with waiting for the game to drop in price. i think this game stands out enough to encourage you to buy it for 49.99 they didnt even ask for full retail when they very well could have. the developers know its just a short fun game with lots of CRITICAL NOSTALGIA cramed inside. another thing i would like to mention is that upon completion you can play any level of the game as super sonic so long as you collect a minimum of 50 rings a feature that hasnt been present in a sonic game since Sonic 3 and Knuckles!!!
for a sonic game i would give this 11/10 but its just not long enough. 8/10 is a more realistic rating when compairing it with other games outside of the sonic franchise.
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November 27, 2011 at 10:48am
It’d be kinda neat if there was DLC to play as Knuckles, as an extra throwback to Sonic & Knuckles which let you play as him in Sonic 2 and Sonic 3. Plus I don’t think anyone hates Knuckles.. back in the day, I knew quite a lot of people who thought he was cooler than Sonic.
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November 14, 2011 at 02:49pm
Having played this myself, I can do nothing but agree with this review. This is a solid game that is, in my experience at least, bug-free and easy and smooth to control. It’s fun, fast and mercifully light on time-paradox inducing story. Sonic fans, buy. Those who are not Sonic fans but want good games, also buy! EVERYONE BUY FOR GREAT FUN.
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November 14, 2011 at 02:23pm
I’m glad this new Sonic isn’t torn apart as badly as it’s predecessors as with the Mortal Kombat game released this year.
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November 13, 2011 at 05:27pm
ah sega’s apology for the majority of the last 10 years of sonic games (though i manages to find the high spots in all of them ) I played through it and only got one bug too during the shadow part where he got stuck on the wall and i had to restart. i wholeheartedly aggree with you’re score and i think that sonic may finally be back on the track to being good (and even if he isnt i will still buy all his games as he is the entire reason i play them now
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November 13, 2011 at 05:16pm
Can’t say that I entirely agree on the boss battles – the first and third (the names escape me, sorry) were pretty good, even if Perfect Chaos wasn’t and the last sucked (seriously, the last boss is the single biggest black mark on this game – how’d they mess that up so badly when the rest of the game is so good?).
Still, yeah, on the whole this is easily the best Sonic game since Adventure 2 (save maybe Sonic Chronicles and Colors – I’ve never played the latter, so I can’t say, and I’m conflicted on the former). I do wish there were more Knuckles, either as a boss fight or a few playable stages. Kinda wish they had kept the original City Escape music too – the remixes aren’t bad, but they’re not as good in my opinion. But that’s getting nitpicky.
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November 13, 2011 at 04:01pm
Yep, I agree with this review…it really is a great game…i hope that the 3DS version, is as good as this version…and this game isn’t really that short if you try and complete all the bonus missions for each zone…there are 90 missions in total, 45 for each sonic, and its taken me a week to complete 70 of them…then there is trying to S rank everything…although i have to say that i enjoyed the Perfect Chaos Boss. In fact i found it slightly harder than the original one.
If there is a level with music i’m bored of, i just change it….which was really weird when i fought perfect chaos with the Green Hill zone music in the background. I also found the warp gate to the Time Eater Boss pretty cool, putting chaos emeralds into cogs in order to open the gate.
Sonic Generations Video Review
Being the lover of Sonic Sean is, he finally takes on the newest title, Sonic Generations!
Sonic Generations Collectors Edition Feature
Guru Larry takes a look at the PAL exclusive Sonic Generations Collectors Edition box set (also the limited edition 20th anniversary art book), then proceeds to bitch about how much he paid for the thing.
Sonic Generations First Impressions
Sonic Generations finally got a demo release! Is it a blast from the past, or a sign of the terrible future ahead?
Rumor: Sonic Generations to get PC Port
Is Sonic Generations coming to Steam for PC? This Beta Registry says yes.
We’re gonna REEEACH for the stars toniiiiiiiiiight!
Although I haven’t played this game, I’m all to familiar with Sonic and his game music tracks. Listening to these, I really need to play this game once holidays start. Awesome job Robert! I love these tracks, but my favorite OST for a Sonic game would have to be Sonic 2 Battle. That rock tune at the opening cutscene, City escape theme, rad highway, and some others, just freakin awesome
All this and only a passing reference to the city escape theme? for shame robert for shame
Sonic Generations may just have the best overall Soundtrack I’ve heard in a game. Mind you, the Music barely has to be athmospheric aside from the level “feel”, but the sheer awesomeness of the tracks is enough.
My favorites – if I even have those considering the overall quality – are probably both Chemical Plant songs, as the added Drums make the original tracks just that much more awesome and the Modern track takes the song in quite a different, yet not worse direction.
I don’t even like most of the classic interpretations of the modern songs that much, but I still think they are great.
Man, not even a casual mention of the brilliant Shadow Rival battle? Admittedly the song there is largely unaltered from the original, but the way its used is just amazing.
That said, there is one thing conspicuously absent from the Generations soundtrack, and it is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNh-jNmKWfY
(Okay that came out around the same time and isn’t directly relevant but hush, it’s still awesome and perfectly in line with the Generations spirit.)
Oh, the Vs. Shadow music is definitely great. As usual with these articles though, there’s too many good ones to talk about. It’s inevitable that some will be passed over.
Although, I hadn’t heard that Sonic Boom remix before. That’s a really awesome one, and I wouldn’t have minded seeing it in there.
Thanks for the comment.