Going fast sounds fun and all but it was 1991. Holding forward anywhere except where the game wants you to is basically guaranteed damage. Levels where running is encouraged aren't very engaging, but on the other end of things you get clunky platforming. Very stop and go on level to level and zone to zone basis. This was always my understanding of old Sonic games and it's certainly not that appealing.

The music is very good but everyone knows that about sonic games. At the same time the Genesis is capable of creating the most ungodly noises that they use for sound effects. Granted, I'm not sure that's a valid criticism of this specific game.

Although I'm a certified Sonic hater, this game is honestly fine. Only fine though.