3D Sonic the Hedgehog

Genre: Platformer

Players: 1

.

Review:

(Note: This game is included in the Sega 3D Classics Collection Compilation on Nintendo 3DS, along with 3D Altered Beast, 3D Fantasy Zone II W, 3D Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa, 3D Galaxy Force II, 3D Maze Walker, 3D Power Drift, 3D Puyo Puyo 2, and 3D Thunder Blade)

Sonic the Hedgehog is a Platformer originally released on the Sega Genesis in 1991 and later ported to numerous other platforms over the years (including two ports to Nintendo Switch), with the 2013 Nintendo 3DS release of the game adding stereoscopic 3D. For those unfamiliar with the very first Sonic the Hedgehog game, that is an amazing rock you’ve been hiding under, but I’ll catch you up to speed – this was one of the finest platformers back in the glory days where Sega and Nintendo were the hottest contenders on the market.

I would argue that Sonic never reached the same heights as Mario – Sonic has a focus on speed rather than Mario’s focus on exploration and precision platforming, but a typical Sonic level has all sorts of traps to punish you for taking it too quickly, with even a single run-in with a spike or enemy losing you most of the rings you’ve collected thus far. Sonic games are at their best when you can just run forward and blaze through a level… but that also means you’re not really interacting with the game as much. In addition, the first Sonic game had arguably some of the weaker level design of the series, with Sonic 2 generally seen by most fans as a series highlight.

However, having said all of that, don’t make mistake my criticisms above – this game is still a superb platformer that stands the test of time, with some top-notch game physics, memorable levels and characters, colorful fast-paced visuals, great music, and fun and challenging gameplay. The Nintendo 3DS release of the game adds a few extra features, such as the ability to play the game with different emulation modes or different international versions, screen settings, button reassignments, save states, and a “Special” mode that allows players to use the spin dash move originally introduced in later games in the series. This game isn’t quite as feature-packed as the Sega Ages version of the game on Nintendo Switch is, but it’s still a solid release of a classic game.

I suppose that just brings this down to one question – how much do you want Sonic the Hedgehog specifically on Nintendo 3DS. This game is available on virtually every modern platform, and while this is a solid port of the game, other versions offer even more. However, if you own a Nintendo 3DS and want Sonic on it, or if you really want Sonic in stereoscopic 3D, I do not think you will be disappointed with this game.

tl;dr – Sonic the Hedgehog remains a classic platformer, and this release is a solid port of the game with some good features. It’s nothing you can’t get on pretty much every other game system on the market, but it’s a great game nonetheless.

Grade: A-

^{You can support eShopperReviews on Patreon! Please click HERE to become a Sponsor!}

^{This month’s sponsors are Ben, Andy Miller, Exlene, Homer Simpin, Johannes, Talissa, Eli Goodman, Gabriel Coronado-Medina, Ilya Zverev, Kristoffer Wulff, and Seth Christenfeld. Thank you for helping to keep the reviews coming!}