AshRendar
2003
The game is good but a few things really drag it down:
- The Team Chaotix story because some of the missions drag on way longer than necessary.
- The special stages to nab the chaos emeralds because it has you repeatedly mashing the B button (on GameCube) as fast as you can which is a killer on the thumb. Not only that, but sometimes the characters will just glitch on the pipe you're running on, whether it being characters slowing down to almost a halt for no reason or temporarily getting flipped around. To add insult to injury, the chaos emeralds are NECESSARY for unlocking the final story to beat the game.
- The Egg Emperor. Don't even think about running past him.
- The controls are pretty slippery, and there will be times where you will accidentally run straight off a platform and into a pit of doom. You will eventually get the hang of it if you stick with it, but just be cautious with the platforming.
There are some good points to mention though. The visuals are really nice, bright colours with interesting level locales really make the Sonic world POP here and I'm all for it, shiny clay looking models and all. The music here is great too but if you've ever played any Sonic game from the early-to-mid 2000s then you'll probably already know.
It's a tough one to call here, the game itself is fun but the negative aspects of this game just REALLY bog it down hard for me. I'd say check it out, but only play Team Sonic, Team Dark, and Team Rose (if you want an easy mode) and just ignore Team Chaotix and don't go for full completion. It's really not worth it. There is fun to be had here, but the more you play and the more apparent and annoying the problems start to become.
- The Team Chaotix story because some of the missions drag on way longer than necessary.
- The special stages to nab the chaos emeralds because it has you repeatedly mashing the B button (on GameCube) as fast as you can which is a killer on the thumb. Not only that, but sometimes the characters will just glitch on the pipe you're running on, whether it being characters slowing down to almost a halt for no reason or temporarily getting flipped around. To add insult to injury, the chaos emeralds are NECESSARY for unlocking the final story to beat the game.
- The Egg Emperor. Don't even think about running past him.
- The controls are pretty slippery, and there will be times where you will accidentally run straight off a platform and into a pit of doom. You will eventually get the hang of it if you stick with it, but just be cautious with the platforming.
There are some good points to mention though. The visuals are really nice, bright colours with interesting level locales really make the Sonic world POP here and I'm all for it, shiny clay looking models and all. The music here is great too but if you've ever played any Sonic game from the early-to-mid 2000s then you'll probably already know.
It's a tough one to call here, the game itself is fun but the negative aspects of this game just REALLY bog it down hard for me. I'd say check it out, but only play Team Sonic, Team Dark, and Team Rose (if you want an easy mode) and just ignore Team Chaotix and don't go for full completion. It's really not worth it. There is fun to be had here, but the more you play and the more apparent and annoying the problems start to become.
1996
(Played via Sonic Mega Collection Plus on PS2)
This game just feels like a lot of missed potential. I enjoyed the twist of using an isometric view instead of it being side-scrolling, but in later stages it becomes really difficult to see where you're jumping to.
Visually, it's fine. The pre-rendered 3D sprites look cute at best and some of the environments are pleasing to look at. If you love the classic checkboard style of the previous Mega Drive games, then you'll probably like how this looks.
The music is definitely a highlight here, even though the majority of it isn't THAT great, but the couple of bangers that hit in here are some of Sonic's best.
Controls are fine in some areas, but running around is just too slippery, jumping on an enemy can be difficult because of the isometric view, and I can't even recall one time I needed to use the spin-dash for anything.
This is definitely one of those games where you play for the first zone or two and then put it away because after that point, there just isn't much more to discover. Maybe the boss fights may keep you intrigued to keep playing but they're all an absolute joke to beat. Possibly some of the easiest bosses in Sonic history.
Overall, I'd say it's worth checking out for curiosity sake but I don't think there's any reason to finish the game or play past the first 2 zones. There's just not enough substance here to keep on going with it.
This game just feels like a lot of missed potential. I enjoyed the twist of using an isometric view instead of it being side-scrolling, but in later stages it becomes really difficult to see where you're jumping to.
Visually, it's fine. The pre-rendered 3D sprites look cute at best and some of the environments are pleasing to look at. If you love the classic checkboard style of the previous Mega Drive games, then you'll probably like how this looks.
The music is definitely a highlight here, even though the majority of it isn't THAT great, but the couple of bangers that hit in here are some of Sonic's best.
Controls are fine in some areas, but running around is just too slippery, jumping on an enemy can be difficult because of the isometric view, and I can't even recall one time I needed to use the spin-dash for anything.
This is definitely one of those games where you play for the first zone or two and then put it away because after that point, there just isn't much more to discover. Maybe the boss fights may keep you intrigued to keep playing but they're all an absolute joke to beat. Possibly some of the easiest bosses in Sonic history.
Overall, I'd say it's worth checking out for curiosity sake but I don't think there's any reason to finish the game or play past the first 2 zones. There's just not enough substance here to keep on going with it.
It's often considered one of the best DBZ games and I can understand why.
The story is broken up into sagas, with each saga representing each saga in the show. It's not groundbreaking by any means, but this game takes it further by also giving you story fights from the original DB series, the GT series and of course the movies. The more you play these sagas, the more characters you unlock and there are a LOT. If there was ever time you wanted to play a character from a particular set of episodes, or from any of the movies, chances are that character is unlockable here.
Combat isn't as nearly as fleshed out as later titles would be, with the majority of the beam moves like the Kamehameha and Galick Gun pretty much being the same thing but with different coats of paint. The damage these special moves do tend to be around the same level as each other anyway, making them all feel the same. Combos really aren't difficult either. I'd say this could be a very good introduction to arena fighters to those who have never played.
This DBZ game is definitely one for the fans who want fanservice, as there's a pretty good amount of it, especially in the character roster alone.
Visual presentation is great, probably the best the series has seen on PS2, and the soundtrack has some bangers in there but don't expect any of the scores from the shows or movies.
If you're a DBZ fan who hasn't played this out yet, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
The story is broken up into sagas, with each saga representing each saga in the show. It's not groundbreaking by any means, but this game takes it further by also giving you story fights from the original DB series, the GT series and of course the movies. The more you play these sagas, the more characters you unlock and there are a LOT. If there was ever time you wanted to play a character from a particular set of episodes, or from any of the movies, chances are that character is unlockable here.
Combat isn't as nearly as fleshed out as later titles would be, with the majority of the beam moves like the Kamehameha and Galick Gun pretty much being the same thing but with different coats of paint. The damage these special moves do tend to be around the same level as each other anyway, making them all feel the same. Combos really aren't difficult either. I'd say this could be a very good introduction to arena fighters to those who have never played.
This DBZ game is definitely one for the fans who want fanservice, as there's a pretty good amount of it, especially in the character roster alone.
Visual presentation is great, probably the best the series has seen on PS2, and the soundtrack has some bangers in there but don't expect any of the scores from the shows or movies.
If you're a DBZ fan who hasn't played this out yet, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
For it being only a Game Boy title, I would have to say that this is one of the best 2D Mario games.
To compare it to the first Mario Land game, this controls so much better. You have way more control over Mario's movement which makes the platforming just so much more enjoyable. The visual presentation is also a massive improvement with more detailed sprites and more interesting themes and locations than not only the first game but more 2D games that followed over the years. The soundtrack is also amazing, definitely worth checking out if you haven't listened to it before.
The level structure has also had a big improvement, with levels taking place in 6 different zones that you can tackle in order you like. Stuck on a specific stage? that's fine, check out another zone and come back to it later. The themes of these zones are also pretty fun, ranging from inside a jack-o-lantern to inside a large toy Mario to even space.
In terms of difficulty, this game could still be considered pretty easy for todays standards, although Wario's castle makes up for it. The Wario boss fight is also pretty cool as you fight him in 3 different waves, where Wario will use your own powerups against you.
Overall, this game is (in my opinion) one of the best 2D titles in the franchise, with a good level of difficulty and length that's perfect for on the move. An incredibly underrated gem for the franchise.
To compare it to the first Mario Land game, this controls so much better. You have way more control over Mario's movement which makes the platforming just so much more enjoyable. The visual presentation is also a massive improvement with more detailed sprites and more interesting themes and locations than not only the first game but more 2D games that followed over the years. The soundtrack is also amazing, definitely worth checking out if you haven't listened to it before.
The level structure has also had a big improvement, with levels taking place in 6 different zones that you can tackle in order you like. Stuck on a specific stage? that's fine, check out another zone and come back to it later. The themes of these zones are also pretty fun, ranging from inside a jack-o-lantern to inside a large toy Mario to even space.
In terms of difficulty, this game could still be considered pretty easy for todays standards, although Wario's castle makes up for it. The Wario boss fight is also pretty cool as you fight him in 3 different waves, where Wario will use your own powerups against you.
Overall, this game is (in my opinion) one of the best 2D titles in the franchise, with a good level of difficulty and length that's perfect for on the move. An incredibly underrated gem for the franchise.
Looks like ass, sounds like ass and certainly plays like ass. This game has pretty much nothing going for it, other than the music maybe but I don't remember a single tune from it. Just an incredibly boring, uninspired mess of a Sonic game.
It's not worth checking out, unless you are a very serious die-hard Sonic fan who somehow hasn't yet and even then you've got to be REALLY curious.
It's not worth checking out, unless you are a very serious die-hard Sonic fan who somehow hasn't yet and even then you've got to be REALLY curious.
1989
Cute but short Mario adventure on the Game Boy. Nice breath of fresh air away from the Mushroom Kingdom although you wouldn't really notice it much given the graphical limitations of the Game Boy at the time and it being a launch title.
Pretty short game, can be beaten in around 20 minutes if you've played before, maybe 40 minutes to an hour if you haven't. Controls can be a little weird as Mario doesn't have any running momentum, but it isn't a deal breaker by any means.
It also only has a small handful of songs but the soundtrack is still probably the best part of this game and is worth checking out.
Pretty short game, can be beaten in around 20 minutes if you've played before, maybe 40 minutes to an hour if you haven't. Controls can be a little weird as Mario doesn't have any running momentum, but it isn't a deal breaker by any means.
It also only has a small handful of songs but the soundtrack is still probably the best part of this game and is worth checking out.
2020
The pinnacle of VR and one of the only games worth buying a VR headset for. Not much more needs to be said. Play it.
2010
Cute little RPG adventure, with tons of charm just oozing out of the environments and characters. However, the gameplay is just far too simple, it would give Pokémon a run for its money. It's an issue that unfortunately gets old and really starts to make the game feel like a drag, having to fight the same fights with the same costumes over and over and over again.
It's fun trying out the different costumes and their abilities in battle but there never comes a point where you'd need to think about what costumes you would need or switch around for a battle, other than the final boss fight.
Overall, it's a nice, spooky little adventure worth playing around the Halloween time if you can find it cheaper enough for you. The presentation is the highlight of this game as the main RPG elements and fights are far too simplified to the point of being tiring and boring after a few hours in.
It's fun trying out the different costumes and their abilities in battle but there never comes a point where you'd need to think about what costumes you would need or switch around for a battle, other than the final boss fight.
Overall, it's a nice, spooky little adventure worth playing around the Halloween time if you can find it cheaper enough for you. The presentation is the highlight of this game as the main RPG elements and fights are far too simplified to the point of being tiring and boring after a few hours in.
2021
This game is only a few pounds (or bucks if you're american) and you certainly get what you pay for but that's not a bad thing in the slightest. The term "short but sweet" springs to mind when I think of this game.
Visually, the game looks good for the style it strives for. Fans of PS1 and N64 platformers will be get a kick out of the visual style here. Soundtrack is very cute and bouncy, which fits the overall aesthetic here.
Controls are very tight and responsive, and the stages provide a fun level of challenge for those who wish to go for better times for the S-ranks.
The game is pretty short with only 9 levels, and the game can be finished in around 20 minutes if you're just wanting to get to the end. I feel like this is a very good example for a newcomers entry into 3D platformers.
Visually, the game looks good for the style it strives for. Fans of PS1 and N64 platformers will be get a kick out of the visual style here. Soundtrack is very cute and bouncy, which fits the overall aesthetic here.
Controls are very tight and responsive, and the stages provide a fun level of challenge for those who wish to go for better times for the S-ranks.
The game is pretty short with only 9 levels, and the game can be finished in around 20 minutes if you're just wanting to get to the end. I feel like this is a very good example for a newcomers entry into 3D platformers.
1995
(Played via Mega Collection Plus on PS2.)
I wanted to check this out after hearing many stories about how awful it is, with some even going as far as to call it the "worst sonic game" or "one of the worst" and yet I came out being pleasantly surprised. This game received a lot of flack over the years about having janky and awkward controls that are difficult to figure out but I was able to nail the controls after the first couple of levels. The presentation is a little lacking, with some of the zones looking and feeling too similar to the last with the only thing that differentiates them sometimes is the colour of the checkboard you walk on. The soundtrack is good, cute and bouncy 8-bit tunes that won't leave any Sonic fan disappointed with. Controls are a little awkward to learn at first which was one of the biggest reasons this game flopped but they don't take long at all to master. There's no running or jumping like you're standard Sonic romp though, as this game forces you to walk and spin-dash only. You hold down the X button (played on PS2) to charge up the spin-dash and use the d-pad to select the direction you want to go. You hit the same button whilst rolling to come to a stop. Easy to learn, but takes a level or two to really figure out and nail. Boss fights in this game were also a little too easy, with the first 2 being able to be beaten by bouncing around from spin-dashing if you're lucky enough.
TL;DR
- Visual presentation is lacking, even for GameGear standards.
- An alright soundtrack worth checking out.
- Slightly awkward controls, but not as bad as people make them out to be.
- Boss fights are a little too easy.
I wanted to check this out after hearing many stories about how awful it is, with some even going as far as to call it the "worst sonic game" or "one of the worst" and yet I came out being pleasantly surprised. This game received a lot of flack over the years about having janky and awkward controls that are difficult to figure out but I was able to nail the controls after the first couple of levels. The presentation is a little lacking, with some of the zones looking and feeling too similar to the last with the only thing that differentiates them sometimes is the colour of the checkboard you walk on. The soundtrack is good, cute and bouncy 8-bit tunes that won't leave any Sonic fan disappointed with. Controls are a little awkward to learn at first which was one of the biggest reasons this game flopped but they don't take long at all to master. There's no running or jumping like you're standard Sonic romp though, as this game forces you to walk and spin-dash only. You hold down the X button (played on PS2) to charge up the spin-dash and use the d-pad to select the direction you want to go. You hit the same button whilst rolling to come to a stop. Easy to learn, but takes a level or two to really figure out and nail. Boss fights in this game were also a little too easy, with the first 2 being able to be beaten by bouncing around from spin-dashing if you're lucky enough.
TL;DR
- Visual presentation is lacking, even for GameGear standards.
- An alright soundtrack worth checking out.
- Slightly awkward controls, but not as bad as people make them out to be.
- Boss fights are a little too easy.
Not much can be said other than it's more of the same. If you liked the main story of Costume Quest then you should check it out. Will take only a few hours to finish but has a more straightforward path to follow and doesn't require much of the "grind" and backtracking of the main story.
1996
(Played via Gems Collection on PS2.)
Controls are a bit jank but easy to get use to. Good soundtrack as with any other Sonic game. Nice presentation, characters are very expressive and cartoony. Easy-ish game (played on normal difficulty) but Metal Sonic can suck my fat nuts. Gave 1 1/2 out of 5 for it having weird (and sometimes delayed) controls which really ruins the experience and the game is just a little bit too short in my opinion. Overall, it's fine but don't go in expecting some complex and deep fighter because that's not what it is at all but I'm pretty sure that it's not trying to be. If you're a Sonic fan, I'd say only check it out if you're VERY curious.
Controls are a bit jank but easy to get use to. Good soundtrack as with any other Sonic game. Nice presentation, characters are very expressive and cartoony. Easy-ish game (played on normal difficulty) but Metal Sonic can suck my fat nuts. Gave 1 1/2 out of 5 for it having weird (and sometimes delayed) controls which really ruins the experience and the game is just a little bit too short in my opinion. Overall, it's fine but don't go in expecting some complex and deep fighter because that's not what it is at all but I'm pretty sure that it's not trying to be. If you're a Sonic fan, I'd say only check it out if you're VERY curious.