Introduction
The world's coolest speed demon is taking his attitude
into the 32-bit world and pushing the speed limit into
extreme overdrive in a 3-D,georgous, world to the finish
line. Complete with 10 characters and 6 of them are
hidden. Two years ago, Next Generation Magazine stated
that Sonic the Hedgehog was the most popular videogame
character in the universe. Even bigger than Nintendo's
Mario. What made Sonic the Hedgehog so popular two years
ago was because of his attitude. Any needless to say,
other video game companies tried to copy and created an
mascot with an attitude. Look at how many there are now;
Crash Bandicoot, Gex, Jersey Devil....the list can go on.
Sonic the Hedgehog was what made the Genesis popular. So
much Genesis was sold that all the money that Sega earned
went to finance Sega's remarkable Arcade division. But after
we saw Mario go 3D, we knew Sonic was ready to spin dash into
the 3D world. But something bothered me, after all the time the
Saturn was out, we only so Sonic in 3-D last year in Sonic
Jam. I was pleased and also disappointed at it. First of
all, that was too short and you can cover the area in less
than a minute. But the good thing was it was nearly as smooth
as Mario 64. Sonic World may be like a demo of what we will expect
when the Kitana comes out. But as they say " All good thing
must come to an end". Sonic was yesterday's news. Don't get
me wrong but I like Sonic, his world and cast. I still
love them but characters like Crash Bandicoot, PaRappa,
Fox McCloud has stolen his spotlight. Sonic was getting
old. There was a chance that everyone would forget Sonic
and remember what made him famous in the first place.
His TOUGH ASS ATTITUDE. So what kind of game would Sonic
return in. Well if his the fastest thing alive, then why don't
he prove it i a racing game. ENTER SONIC R!! The big
holiday title for 1997. Sega answer to Super Mario Kart.
Travellers Tale and Sega has done a good job with this.
Graphics 9.6/10
The graphics are fantastic for this game,
they run smooth, and even in one level there
is an actual transparencies where you can
see through the track. It is hard to imagine
that this machine ran Daytona USA once
with its legendary pop-up polygons. The polygon models
for each character are superbly designed. Sonic and
crew have never looked so good. The tracks are beautifully detailed and show some
amazing scenery. Pop-up in Grand
Prix and Time Attack modes is hardly noticeable. This
is due to Traveller's Tales fading techniques. This
fading technique lets objects come into view transparent
at first and then it fills in quickly. The only
noticeable pop-in area is in VS Mode, where the
pop-in makes it nearly unplayable. And guess what, Sonic
R has more 3D than Mario Kart 64.
Sound : 10/10
The music deserves full marks because of its catchy music
and don't underestimate them. They can haunt you everywhere.
Once in Science class, the teacher asked me a question and
I suddenly sang "Living in the City, you know you gotta survive".
Man, that was embarrassing. Enough about it already. Also are
classic sound effects in the previous Sonic games.
Control :9/10
The control is OK on the standard controller and a wee bit
easier on the analogue controller. Everything is basic
and in no time flat you will be running like a speed
demon.
Replay Value: 7/10
Replay value is quiet good because there are
hidden tracks, hidden characters and lots of shortcuts
and places to explore.
Overall: 9/10
This is the game that may Sega fans have waited for.
It may not be exactly what you wanted
(being a Racing game as opposed to a full
platform Sonic game), but it is a brilliant
execution of the Sonic characters in 3D with
a innovative gameplay, and a lot of style. The game
is a real treasure that belongs in every Saturn
owners collection. Let me end this review then by offering a
few thoughts on Sonic and Sega.
As much as I hate to say this, this will be the last
Sonic game for the Saturn. Sonic will go on to the Kitana
where we Sega supporters hope he will kick some S**y ass.
I believe Sega has mismanaged the Sonic
franchise. It is their most valuable
asset and yet we have not seen a 32 bit
version of the mascot until just now. How
many years have gone by with nothing?
Well we all know that it is too late for the Saturn now.
The Saturn will die and the Kitana will adopt Sonic.
Hopefully what this game will do is remind the
world that the world's best platformer awaits a
system which can show off its true glory. Sega.
Are you listening? Make sure that you launch Kitana
with a break through Sonic title. Get the hedgehog
back on top! It's long past time that Sonic kick a
little Bandicoot butt and plumber butt.
