Mark

If you love or prefer the Sonic Mania/Genesis style of play this isn't that. The game is very derivative and reminiscent of previous concepts in an unflattering way. Much like the STH4 staff did phoning in the level themes if you've played the original iconic Sonic 1-3 levels you've already seen the themes for this game and unlike in Sonic Mania there are no remarkable innovations here. The level design is usually a centerpiece of the Sonic experience. This game plays more vertically in every stage and is less interested in encouraging the use of rollercoaster-like momentum as the adrenaline-inducing levels of games past have been. It seems like a better-polished Sonic 4 or Sonic Generations Act 1-style sequel than an homage to the 2D Genesis Sonic style that was marketed in the promotional materials, which I'd hoped the gameplay to emulate. The music and the new gameplay mechanics are also uninspired and forgettable.

This is a great platforming experience on its own but you can't truly appreciate the quality of this game unless you play it in concert with Sonic the hedgehog 3.

This is a great platforming experience on its own but you can't truly appreciate the quality of this game unless you play it in concert with Sonic & Knuckles.

This game was preceded by my favorite (SMB 3) but, is still the greatest Super Mario platforming experience ever.

This is the best Genesis-era Sonic the Hedgehog compilation ever. The only thing holding it back from perfection is the replacement of the Brad Buxer/Michael Jackson-produced music from the originals. That's a small but significant complaint for people who remember Sonic 3 & Knuckles in their original form.

The characters aren't as diverse as the original but the gameplay and world is much larger.