Common Sense Note
Parents need to know this game is extremely confusing and difficult to play. Bad camera angles, quirky controls, difficult saving options, and meaningless side missions combine to make this a frustrating game to play. There is some fantasy violence in the form of throwing bombs, boulders, and other items.
Families can talk about the disappointment of playing a bad game. Is it more frustrating than seeing a really awful movie? How could the game have been much better? What are the worst parts? Which games get it right? If you like the Sonic character already, are you a little more forgiving about this game's quality or even more disappointed?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Bobbi Dempsey
Even stalwart Sonic fans will be disappointed with the release of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG for Xbox 360.
On paper the game sounds great. Take the classic Sonic "need for speed" formula, add in next-gen graphics, multiple characters, and a compelling story. Unfortunately, something went horribly wrong in the execution.
For starters, the camera angles stink. Most of the time, the camera sticks to the player, but when you are faced with the task of defeating a robot more than four times your size, you won't even begin to know how to contain him on your screen, much less attack him. On other occasions, Sonic will be going too fast for the camera to handle, which will, inevitably, lead to death. Even worse, at times, the camera will refuse to cooperate leaving you wondering where you are.
The quirky controls can be every bit as frustrating as the camera. You can be mashing the "X" button to hop off one rail and onto another, but the game will still ultimately decide that you didn't press anything, and send you hurling into the abyss below.
While speed is Sonic's trademark, in this game you only really achieve that by using booster ramps. However, it's almost mandatory to make frequent stops to avoid obstacles -- if you run into anything, your score and health suffer. So rather than breaking sound barriers, sometimes you're out for a stroll instead.
Another problem: the checkpoints are few and far between and extra lives are unheard of. Nothing will make you put the game down quicker than spending 10 minutes trying to go through a level, only to take one hit and be placed right back at the starting line.
The game does try to implement some story. However, most of the side quests feel like menial chores.
Sonic does do some things right. You can control a cast of vastly different characters. The graphics, at times, look like they belong on an Xbox 360, and the cut-scenes look really great. And for a few moments, you will get the pleasure of old-school "go fast" gameplay. But take everything into account, and even diehard fans of the series will have trouble making it through the entire game. This one's not even a renter.
For an alternative fast-paced adventure, turn to Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters for the PSP or LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, which is available on most platforms.
Reviewed: 04/30/2007
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Sexual ContentThere's an implied romance between Sonic and a female character. |
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ViolenceFantasy violence involving kicks, dashes, throwing boulders, bombs, and other explosives. |
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