Afrojr
1995
One of the standout platformers on the Genesis. Great art design on the characters and the backgrounds, and the music was super catchy and memorable. Gameplay stayed varied throughout all the levels, thanks to some fun gimmicks and the bonus levels to discover and figure out. Bosses were a bit on the easy side though, wish they ramped up the difficulty beyond just the final level.
Combining my two favorite Sonic games into one full campaign, this is the pinnacle 2D Sonic game for me.
1996
Guess this is unpopular, but I really like this game. I thought Sonic controlled well enough, especially since he didn't move that fast and the camera was zoomed out enough to see enemies before you ran into them. I enjoyed the puzzle aspect that this game took, having to actually seek enemies out and guide the Flickies back to the goal ring. Liked the special stage minigame as well, and there were plenty of bangers in the ost.
Best memory of this game was slapping my hand on the game cartridge as the game was running and somehow unlocking Stage Select.
Best memory of this game was slapping my hand on the game cartridge as the game was running and somehow unlocking Stage Select.
Not crazy about Tetris or Puyo Puyo, but I ended up enjoying this. Game provides a good level of challenge all throughout.
This game is some bullshit. So hard to control Sonic once he starts hitting enemies and bumpers, and there's not much you can do if you hit a wrong angle and start plummeting towards your death. Had this game for years as a kid, but it took me playing this a decade and years later to even see the final level. F this game
1994
Feel the same way about S&K as I do about Sonic 3; its the shit. Maybe even better than Sonic 3 since there's only one wack zone in Sandopolis, and even then I only think Act 2 is the unfun one. Knuckles actually offers a slightly varied playstyle when compared to Sonic, though I wished they had pushed his wall-climbing and gliding moves further. They did a great job again with the final zone, both in its difficulty and in actually creating a true final zone to enjoy for those who took the time to collect all the emeralds.
The music slaps just as hard as in Sonic 3.
The music slaps just as hard as in Sonic 3.
1994
Rented this game so many times as a kid and I still had fun replaying this years later. Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles is the shit as far as 2D Sonic goes, for so many reasons. Best zones (Angel Island, Hyrdocity, Ice Cap, Launch Base), 10/10 music, best Special Zone minigame and Bonus games, and the inclusion of the element shields. Only shortcoming is the weird length of these games when they're separated and combined. Separated, both games are kinda short. Combined, its a bit long for a Sonic game though you are able to save your progress, so its not that big of a deal.
There's even the little details like the zone music getting remixed in Act 2 and the stage scene transitions, but at the end of the day like I said, Sonic 3 and S&K are classics.
There's even the little details like the zone music getting remixed in Act 2 and the stage scene transitions, but at the end of the day like I said, Sonic 3 and S&K are classics.
1992
Complete step up from Sonic 1 and a solid platformer overall. Much better zones this time around, though I feel the fun zones are more stacked towards the 1st half of the game. The Special Zone minigame is better than Sonic 1's, but its no Blue Spheres. Playing as Tails actually adds nothing to the game, as he's identical to Sonic gameplay-wise. Sonic 2's length is ideal for any given Sonic game, and Sky Chase was a cool breakaway from the gameplay loop. The final zone was sick and the final boss kicked my ass as a kid.
Not my favorite 2D Sonic but its easy to see why its other's favorite.
Not my favorite 2D Sonic but its easy to see why its other's favorite.
1991
Least favorite of the original 2D Sonic games, but it was the first and pretty much the prototype that SEGA improved on. You really learn to appreciate Spin Dash once you play this game, since its completely absent and you've got no method to hit max speed manually. Only levels I'd say were 'fun' were Green Hill and Star Light Zones. This game's special zone minigame is easily the roughest and cumbersome to navigate.
This was OK, but it ultimately killed my interest in Phoenix Wright. More so because I've had enough of the formula after six games, but also because DD didn't really produce any highs of the series. The Monstrous Turnabout was pretty forgettable, other than the culprit being too similar to Redd White. Blackquill was a decent prosecutor/foil, better than Franziska and Klavier but I wouldn't take him over Edgeworth or Godot. Final case was good, had some sad moments and I liked that Apollo got a strong character defining moment. Turnabout Academy's culprit was pretty hilarious, that I'll admit.
Ultimately, it was just 'fine'. Nothing awful about it but nothing compelling either.
Ultimately, it was just 'fine'. Nothing awful about it but nothing compelling either.
2005
I remember this game getting some flak when it first came out, but I enjoyed it as much as the other 3 previous R&C games. There's not as much platforming, but I never felt like R&C's platforming was anything that special to begin with. I didn't mind the focus on pure combat, and I actually appreciated the overall increase in difficulty and the numerous challenge missions available.
Bout as good as the other two R&C games before it. The Qwark side-scroller levels were fun and an appreciated change of pace. There was a good amount of variety in the weapons on stock in this game, bout as varied as GC. Those zero gravity levels were some of my favorites. I do vividly remember hating Dr. Nefarious though, dude was MAD annoying.
Simple but pleasant JRPG that stands out from the pack even today. The game is gorgeous with its colorful artstyle and the world and characters were equally as charming. The plot had me interested from start to finish and I was genuinely sad at some of the events that transpire.
DQVIII is the poster boy 'good'/'classic' JRPG.
DQVIII is the poster boy 'good'/'classic' JRPG.
2003
Its because of this game that we have Def Jam: Fight for NY. That's the most I can say about this game, as besides that, its just a poor man's WWE game. Weak soundtrack full of no name rappers, no character creation, and that one segment where you get jumped and have to fight multiple fighters at once was a slog.
Fight for NY is sick; go play that.
Fight for NY is sick; go play that.
2011
In terms of 3D Boost-era Sonic, I prefer a double-jump option like Sonic Colors offers over the dash ability that Generations has. But besides that, this is right along Colors as the best 3D Sonic in a damn good while. They went all out in paying homage to the Sonic franchise's best moments. My face was beaming listening to both City Escape remixes and seeing that truck again. Reaching the top of Rooftop Run and grinding down into the city with that top-down view had my mouth wide open the first time. There were numerous other moments like that in my playthrough. It ends all too soon though and it doesn't end on a high note, which is a damn shame.
SEGA really needs to just abandon all pride and just make Sonic Generations 2. Screw the plot and/or justification, just make it happen.
SEGA really needs to just abandon all pride and just make Sonic Generations 2. Screw the plot and/or justification, just make it happen.