Sonic Generations
Encyclopedia
is a 2011 platform video game
in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, produced by Sonic Team
for PlayStation 3
, Xbox 360
, Microsoft Windows
and Nintendo 3DS
. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of the original Sonic the Hedgehog game and was released by Sega
in North America on November 1, 2011, in North America on November 4, 2011 for PC Download, November 4, 2011 in Europe, and in Japan on December 1, 2011.
In Japan, the two versions are given subtitles: the PS3/Xbox 360/PC version of the game is given while the 3DS version is given .
's birthday, when the Time Eater appears, destroying the party and sucking everyone through various "time holes", scattering them across different places in Sonic's history. Sonic tries to stop him, but the monster easily knocks back Sonic. Soon, Sonic finds himself in strange dimension known as White Space, where everything has been drained of color and life. As Sonic searches for his friends, he encounters his younger self, Classic Sonic, along with a younger Classic Tails
. As the two Tails determine that Time Eater's actions are damaging time and space itself, both Modern and Classic race through their history, restoring time to normal and rescuing their friends. After restoring the worlds and collecting all the Chaos Emeralds, they discover that the mastermind behind the now perfected Time Eater is none other than Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik
, who has joined forces with his past self to complete the Time Eater and erase Sonic's victories from history. Although the Time Eater manages to overwhelm the two Sonics, the support of their friends and the power of the Chaos Emeralds allow them to become Super Sonics and defeat the two Eggmen. With the Time Eater's destruction, the group returns to the present and finally finishes celebrating Sonic's birthday while, after attempting to learn one of Modern Sonic's moves, Classic Sonic and Classic Tails travel back to their time as everyone says their farewells. In a post-credits scene, the two Eggmen find themselves stuck in White Space after the Time Eater's defeat, with seemingly no way out.
and Modern, which are played as either Classic Sonic or Modern Sonic. Classic Sonic's levels are strictly two dimensional side scrolling stages, using classic moves like the Spin Attack and Spin Dash, while Modern Sonic's levels follow the 2D/3D style gameplay of Sonic Unleashed
and Sonic Colors
, featuring techniques such as boosting and homing attacks. As well as classic power-ups such as Invincibility and Speed Shoes, certain levels have unique power-ups, such as skateboards in City Escape and Wisp powers in Planet Wisp. Each zone consists of a main act for each Sonic, as well as 10 challenges such as beating an opponent to the goal. A Skill Shop allows players to use points earned from high scores to unlock upgrades such as abilities, shields, and even the original Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis game. Completing challenges, as well as finding Red Star Rings hidden in each of the main Acts, unlocks additional skills, as well as bonus artwork and music. The music can then be played in any stage, challenge, or boss fight. There are also online leaderboards for two modes; Ranking Attack, which challenges players to obtain the best time and score on each level, and 30 Second Trial, which challenges players to see how far they can get through a level in 30 seconds.
The 3DS version follows similar gameplay to the Sonic Rush
series for Modern Sonic, and features a different set of levels to the console and PC versions, some of which recreate the layouts of classic Mega Drive levels. As opposed to the Skill Shop in the console version, abilities are unlocked as the game progresses, with Classic Sonic learning a Homing Attack and Modern Sonic learning a stomp. Exclusive to the 3DS version are Special Stages, similar to those of Sonic Heroes
, in which players must collect balls in order to gain boost to chase after a Chaos Emerald. The game features 100 mission stages which are unlocked either by progressing through the game, meeting other players on Streetpass, or spending Play Coins, as well as both wireless and online multiplayer modes, in which two players can race against each other.
posted a teaser trailer on their Facebook
page. The teaser depicted both modern and classic interpretations of Sonic the Hedgehog running alongside each other. The game was officially unveiled as Sonic Generations on April 18, 2011, along with the first gameplay trailer. The game's plot was penned by Ken Pontac
and Warren Graff, who previously worked on Sonic Colors
. Sega's Community Manager Aaron Webber revealed that Classic Sonic will be mute. Both Classic and Modern Sonic will have their own sets of physics, the former of which Webber claims will be "closer to the classics than anything since, including Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1
." Producer Takashi Iizuka
has confirmed that although other characters will be part of the story, only the two Sonics shall be playable. Iizuka also confirmed that each returning level shall feel familiar but will also feature a new visual element like the caves seen in the Green Hill stages. The game will also feature boss battles against foes from past Sonic titles, including Metal Sonic
, the Death Egg Robot
, Shadow the Hedgehog
, Perfect Chaos, Silver the Hedgehog, and the Egg Dragoon
.
A financial earnings report posted by Sega Sammy Holdings
listed versions of the game for Nintendo 3DS
and PC
, though a revised version of the report no longer listed either version. The game was eventually confirmed in Nintendo Power
to be coming to the Nintendo 3DS, being co-developed by Dimps
. Other than Green Hill Zone, the console and 3DS versions of the game will feature completely different sets of levels. A Steam client update contained details on a Sonic Generations Beta, further hinting at a PC
version of the game. SEGA officially announced a PC
version of the game on October 11, 2011, which will be released digitally on November 4th 2011, with a retail version to be released in Europe shortly afterwards. All versions of the game will support stereoscopic 3D. A downloadable minigame based on Sonic 2
's Casino Night Zone will be available for the console versions as a pre-order bonus from GameStop
in the USA and from Game
in the United Kingdom. A Collector's Edition was announced for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, containing the game and manual with limited lenticular box art in a steelbook case, special booklet containing never before seen pictures, a documentary disc about Sonic's history with never before seen footage, a music album containing many tracks specially picked by Sonic Team, a limited and individually numbered gold ring, a voucher for downloadable content, and a figurine of both classic and modern Sonic striking a pose on a ring. Currently the Collector's Edition will only be available in Europe and Australia. The original Sonic the Hedgehog game can be unlocked in the console versions of the game. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
& Knuckles
and Sonic 3D is also being offered for people who preorder the PC version on Steam
.
A time-limited playable demo of the game containing Classic Sonic's Green Hill Zone was released on Xbox Live
and PlayStation Network between June 23, 2011, and July 12, 2011, when downloaded copies were disabled. A second demo for PSN and Xbox Live, which also contains Modern Sonic's Green Hill Zone, was released on October 18th and the 19th for Xbox Live Gold members and the European PSN respectively. The demo was also released on the North American PSN on the 25th.
, Sonic Generations scored a 77 on the PS3, and a 78 for the Xbox 360. IGN
gave the game a score 8.5 out of 10 and an Editor's Choice award, praising the overall gameplay and the level design, while criticising some occasional control issues and limited boss battles. Computer and Video Games
gave it a 7.5/10, praising the balanced design but criticising the framerate of the graphics. 1UP.com
gave the game a "B" score, praising its variety, fun-to-play levels and interesting set-pieces, while criticising some on-rails sections and occasional frustration.
PlayStation Official Magazine
gave it an 8/10, calling it "a masterpiece of platform game design." GameTrailers
gave the game a score of 8.1, calling it "the best Sonic game in over a decade." GamesRadar
gave the console version 8/10, calling it "the best Sonic game since Sonic 2
," while they gave the 3DS version 7/10, praising its level design and optional missions but criticising its short length as well as the fact that modern Sonic is restricted to a 2D plain of movement. Eurogamer
, however, was less enthusiastic, writing that "Sonic Generations still doesn't do much to dissuade us that the hedgehog's best days are distant memories, but at least it is a worthy tribute to them." The most positive review on Metacritic is a 9.5/10 from PALGN
, which argues that the game is significantly better than Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Game Informer
s Tim Turi was more critical of the game, criticizing Sega for "...shoehorning recent Sonic games, no matter how awful, into the 20-year timeline." He felt that such stages served "...only to remind you of how far the series has fallen from its original form." Famitsu
gave the game a score of 35/40, praising the speed and addictiveness of the gameplay as well as the bonus material, while emphasising that "you do need a certain amount of ability to play it the way it was meant."
Platform game
A platform game is a video game characterized by requiring the player to jump to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles . It must be possible to control these jumps and to fall from platforms or miss jumps...
in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, produced by Sonic Team
Sonic Team
is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based...
for PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
and Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software...
. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of the original Sonic the Hedgehog game and was released by Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
in North America on November 1, 2011, in North America on November 4, 2011 for PC Download, November 4, 2011 in Europe, and in Japan on December 1, 2011.
In Japan, the two versions are given subtitles: the PS3/Xbox 360/PC version of the game is given while the 3DS version is given .
Plot
The story starts as Classic Sonic is exploring Green Hill, when suddenly a mysterious new enemy called the appears and erases Green Hill. Later, in the present day, Sonic's friends celebrate SonicSonic the Hedgehog (character)
, trademarked Sonic The Hedgehog, is a video game character and the main protagonist of the Sonic video game series released by Sega, as well as in numerous spin-off comics, cartoons, and a feature film. The first game was released on June 23, 1991, to provide Sega with a mascot to rival Nintendo's...
's birthday, when the Time Eater appears, destroying the party and sucking everyone through various "time holes", scattering them across different places in Sonic's history. Sonic tries to stop him, but the monster easily knocks back Sonic. Soon, Sonic finds himself in strange dimension known as White Space, where everything has been drained of color and life. As Sonic searches for his friends, he encounters his younger self, Classic Sonic, along with a younger Classic Tails
Miles "Tails" Prower
, better known by his nickname , is a character, as well as the main deuteragonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog series of video games, comics, animated series and film released by Sega....
. As the two Tails determine that Time Eater's actions are damaging time and space itself, both Modern and Classic race through their history, restoring time to normal and rescuing their friends. After restoring the worlds and collecting all the Chaos Emeralds, they discover that the mastermind behind the now perfected Time Eater is none other than Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik
Doctor Eggman
, also known by his alias , is a fictional video game character, the main antagonist of the Sonic the Hedgehog series created by Sega. Dr. Eggman is a rotund, mad scientist with an IQ of 300 who plans to conquer the world in order to build his Eggman Empire and is the archenemy of Sonic the Hedgehog...
, who has joined forces with his past self to complete the Time Eater and erase Sonic's victories from history. Although the Time Eater manages to overwhelm the two Sonics, the support of their friends and the power of the Chaos Emeralds allow them to become Super Sonics and defeat the two Eggmen. With the Time Eater's destruction, the group returns to the present and finally finishes celebrating Sonic's birthday while, after attempting to learn one of Modern Sonic's moves, Classic Sonic and Classic Tails travel back to their time as everyone says their farewells. In a post-credits scene, the two Eggmen find themselves stuck in White Space after the Time Eater's defeat, with seemingly no way out.
Gameplay
The game features levels derived from 20 years of Sonic history, spreading across three eras: Classic, DreamcastSega Dreamcast
The is a 128-bit video game console which was released by Sega in late 1998 in Japan and from September 1999 in other territories. It was the first entry in the sixth generation of video game consoles, preceding Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox and the Nintendo GameCube.Dreamcast sales were...
and Modern, which are played as either Classic Sonic or Modern Sonic. Classic Sonic's levels are strictly two dimensional side scrolling stages, using classic moves like the Spin Attack and Spin Dash, while Modern Sonic's levels follow the 2D/3D style gameplay of Sonic Unleashed
Sonic Unleashed
Sonic Unleashed , is a video game and the 11th installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for multiple platforms...
and Sonic Colors
Sonic Colors
is a 2010 platforming game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was first announced on May 26, 2010, in a press release by Sega for Italy, and it included a teaser trailer...
, featuring techniques such as boosting and homing attacks. As well as classic power-ups such as Invincibility and Speed Shoes, certain levels have unique power-ups, such as skateboards in City Escape and Wisp powers in Planet Wisp. Each zone consists of a main act for each Sonic, as well as 10 challenges such as beating an opponent to the goal. A Skill Shop allows players to use points earned from high scores to unlock upgrades such as abilities, shields, and even the original Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis game. Completing challenges, as well as finding Red Star Rings hidden in each of the main Acts, unlocks additional skills, as well as bonus artwork and music. The music can then be played in any stage, challenge, or boss fight. There are also online leaderboards for two modes; Ranking Attack, which challenges players to obtain the best time and score on each level, and 30 Second Trial, which challenges players to see how far they can get through a level in 30 seconds.
The 3DS version follows similar gameplay to the Sonic Rush
Sonic Rush
is a 2005 platform handheld video game developed by Sonic Team and Dimps exclusively for the Nintendo DS as part of Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was released on November 15, 2005 in North America, November 18 in the PAL region, and November 23 in Japan. It is a 2D platform game, but Sonic's...
series for Modern Sonic, and features a different set of levels to the console and PC versions, some of which recreate the layouts of classic Mega Drive levels. As opposed to the Skill Shop in the console version, abilities are unlocked as the game progresses, with Classic Sonic learning a Homing Attack and Modern Sonic learning a stomp. Exclusive to the 3DS version are Special Stages, similar to those of Sonic Heroes
Sonic Heroes
is a 2004 platforming single-player/multiplayer video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team USA. It is the first multiplatform title in the Sonic series, developed for Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox and released in Japan in December 2003, in North America in...
, in which players must collect balls in order to gain boost to chase after a Chaos Emerald. The game features 100 mission stages which are unlocked either by progressing through the game, meeting other players on Streetpass, or spending Play Coins, as well as both wireless and online multiplayer modes, in which two players can race against each other.
Stages
Other than the original Green Hill Zone, both the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3/Windows version and 3DS versions of the games feature their own list of stages, taken from the games of the main series. The classic versions of the first three 3DS stages are faithful recreations of the original Genesis levels. The game contains the following stages:| Xbox 360/PS3/PC | 3DS version | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage | Original Game | Stage | Original Game |
| Green Hill | Sonic the Hedgehog | Green Hill | Sonic the Hedgehog |
| Chemical Plant | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992... |
Casino Night | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992... |
| Sky Sanctuary | Sonic & Knuckles Sonic & Knuckles Sonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone... |
Mushroom Hill | Sonic & Knuckles Sonic & Knuckles Sonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone... |
| Speed Highway | Sonic Adventure Sonic Adventure is a 1999 platform video game developed by Sonic Team and released on December 23, 1998, in Japan by Sega for the Dreamcast. One of its development titles was Sonic RPG... |
Emerald Coast | Sonic Adventure Sonic Adventure is a 1999 platform video game developed by Sonic Team and released on December 23, 1998, in Japan by Sega for the Dreamcast. One of its development titles was Sonic RPG... |
| City Escape | Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Dreamcast video game console. It was released in North America on June 19, 2001 and in Japan on June 23, 2001 to mark the 10th anniversary of the release of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. It is the sequel... |
Radical Highway | Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Dreamcast video game console. It was released in North America on June 19, 2001 and in Japan on June 23, 2001 to mark the 10th anniversary of the release of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. It is the sequel... |
| Seaside Hill | Sonic Heroes Sonic Heroes is a 2004 platforming single-player/multiplayer video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team USA. It is the first multiplatform title in the Sonic series, developed for Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox and released in Japan in December 2003, in North America in... |
Water Palace | Sonic Rush Sonic Rush is a 2005 platform handheld video game developed by Sonic Team and Dimps exclusively for the Nintendo DS as part of Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was released on November 15, 2005 in North America, November 18 in the PAL region, and November 23 in Japan. It is a 2D platform game, but Sonic's... |
| Crisis City | Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) | Tropical Resort | Sonic Colors Sonic Colors is a 2010 platforming game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was first announced on May 26, 2010, in a press release by Sega for Italy, and it included a teaser trailer... |
| Rooftop Run | Sonic Unleashed Sonic Unleashed Sonic Unleashed , is a video game and the 11th installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for multiple platforms... |
||
| Planet Wisp | Sonic Colors Sonic Colors is a 2010 platforming game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was first announced on May 26, 2010, in a press release by Sega for Italy, and it included a teaser trailer... |
Bosses
| Xbox 360/PS3/PC | 3DS version | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boss | Stage | Original Game | Boss | Stage | Original Game |
| Metal Sonic Metal Sonic is a fictional character and a recurring antagonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. In the series, Metal Sonic is an evil identical robotic duplicate of Sonic the Hedgehog, created by the series antagonist Dr. Robotnik, and is able to match Sonic's every move and even surpass his... |
Stardust Speedway (Bad Future) | Sonic the Hedgehog CD Sonic the Hedgehog CD , or Sonic CD, is a critically acclaimed 1993 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team for the Mega-CD/Sega CD. It marked the first official appearance of the characters Metal Sonic and Amy Rose... |
Metal Sonic Metal Sonic is a fictional character and a recurring antagonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. In the series, Metal Sonic is an evil identical robotic duplicate of Sonic the Hedgehog, created by the series antagonist Dr. Robotnik, and is able to match Sonic's every move and even surpass his... |
Casino Night | Sonic the Hedgehog CD Sonic the Hedgehog CD , or Sonic CD, is a critically acclaimed 1993 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team for the Mega-CD/Sega CD. It marked the first official appearance of the characters Metal Sonic and Amy Rose... |
| Death Egg Robot | Death Egg | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Big Arm | Launch Base | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States by members of Sonic Team working at Sega Technical Institute, and was published by Sega, debuting worldwide in the first half of 1994... |
| Shadow the Hedgehog Shadow the Hedgehog is a character from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Shadow is an artificially-created life form. His trademark hover shoes propel him at extreme speeds that rival those of Sonic, and with a Chaos Emerald he has the ability to distort time and space using "Chaos Control." Often referred to as being... |
Final Rush | Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Dreamcast video game console. It was released in North America on June 19, 2001 and in Japan on June 23, 2001 to mark the 10th anniversary of the release of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. It is the sequel... |
Shadow the Hedgehog Shadow the Hedgehog is a character from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Shadow is an artificially-created life form. His trademark hover shoes propel him at extreme speeds that rival those of Sonic, and with a Chaos Emerald he has the ability to distort time and space using "Chaos Control." Often referred to as being... |
Radical Highway | Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Dreamcast video game console. It was released in North America on June 19, 2001 and in Japan on June 23, 2001 to mark the 10th anniversary of the release of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. It is the sequel... |
| Perfect Chaos | Station Square | Sonic Adventure Sonic Adventure is a 1999 platform video game developed by Sonic Team and released on December 23, 1998, in Japan by Sega for the Dreamcast. One of its development titles was Sonic RPG... |
Biolizard | Cannon's Core | Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 Sonic Adventure 2 is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Dreamcast video game console. It was released in North America on June 19, 2001 and in Japan on June 23, 2001 to mark the 10th anniversary of the release of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. It is the sequel... |
| Silver the Hedgehog | Crisis City | Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) | Silver the Hedgehog | Tropical Resort | Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) |
| Egg Dragoon | Eggmanland | Sonic Unleashed Sonic Unleashed Sonic Unleashed , is a video game and the 11th installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for multiple platforms... |
Egg Emperor | Final Fortress | Sonic Heroes Sonic Heroes is a 2004 platforming single-player/multiplayer video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team USA. It is the first multiplatform title in the Sonic series, developed for Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox and released in Japan in December 2003, in North America in... |
| Time Eater | Center of Time | Sonic Generations | Time Eater | Center of Time | Sonic Generations |
Development
The game was first revealed on April 7, 2011, when SegaSega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
posted a teaser trailer on their Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page. The teaser depicted both modern and classic interpretations of Sonic the Hedgehog running alongside each other. The game was officially unveiled as Sonic Generations on April 18, 2011, along with the first gameplay trailer. The game's plot was penned by Ken Pontac
Ken Pontac
Ken Pontac is an American writer who has written for children's shows like ToddWorld and LazyTown. He also writes for the dark humor cartoon Happy Tree Friends and helped create its spin-off Ka-Pow!.-Life:...
and Warren Graff, who previously worked on Sonic Colors
Sonic Colors
is a 2010 platforming game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was first announced on May 26, 2010, in a press release by Sega for Italy, and it included a teaser trailer...
. Sega's Community Manager Aaron Webber revealed that Classic Sonic will be mute. Both Classic and Modern Sonic will have their own sets of physics, the former of which Webber claims will be "closer to the classics than anything since, including Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1
Sonic the Hedgehog 4
is an episodic platform video game and a sequel in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The game was developed by Dimps alongside members of Sonic Team and is intended to be inspired by and similar to the original Sonic the Hedgehog titles on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.Episode I was released in October...
." Producer Takashi Iizuka
Takashi Iizuka (game designer)
is a Japanese game producer, game director, game designer, level designer, scenario writer and currently the head of Sonic Team.-Early career:His first collaboration with Sega involved working with STI on Sonic 3 and Knuckles as a designer. Later, he helped supervise Traveller's Tales with the...
has confirmed that although other characters will be part of the story, only the two Sonics shall be playable. Iizuka also confirmed that each returning level shall feel familiar but will also feature a new visual element like the caves seen in the Green Hill stages. The game will also feature boss battles against foes from past Sonic titles, including Metal Sonic
Metal Sonic
is a fictional character and a recurring antagonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. In the series, Metal Sonic is an evil identical robotic duplicate of Sonic the Hedgehog, created by the series antagonist Dr. Robotnik, and is able to match Sonic's every move and even surpass his...
, the Death Egg Robot
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
, Shadow the Hedgehog
Shadow the Hedgehog
is a character from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Shadow is an artificially-created life form. His trademark hover shoes propel him at extreme speeds that rival those of Sonic, and with a Chaos Emerald he has the ability to distort time and space using "Chaos Control." Often referred to as being...
, Perfect Chaos, Silver the Hedgehog, and the Egg Dragoon
Sonic Unleashed
Sonic Unleashed , is a video game and the 11th installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for multiple platforms...
.
A financial earnings report posted by Sega Sammy Holdings
Sega Sammy Holdings
is a Japanese holding company formed from a merger of Sega and Sammy. They were both very involved in the arcade business , and Sega's main fame comes from their console systems.-Background:...
listed versions of the game for Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software...
and PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
, though a revised version of the report no longer listed either version. The game was eventually confirmed in Nintendo Power
Nintendo Power
Nintendo Power magazine is a monthly news and strategy magazine formerly published in-house by Nintendo of America, but now run independently. As of issue #222 , Nintendo contracted publishing duties to Future US, the U.S. subsidiary of British publisher Future.The first issue published was...
to be coming to the Nintendo 3DS, being co-developed by Dimps
Dimps
is an Osaka, Japan-based video game development studio with an additional office in Tokyo, Japan. Employing a staff of 218 people, it is known for developing such games as the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai trilogy for the PlayStation 2, and the Sonic the Hedgehog games specific to the Game Boy Advance and...
. Other than Green Hill Zone, the console and 3DS versions of the game will feature completely different sets of levels. A Steam client update contained details on a Sonic Generations Beta, further hinting at a PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
version of the game. SEGA officially announced a PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
version of the game on October 11, 2011, which will be released digitally on November 4th 2011, with a retail version to be released in Europe shortly afterwards. All versions of the game will support stereoscopic 3D. A downloadable minigame based on Sonic 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
's Casino Night Zone will be available for the console versions as a pre-order bonus from GameStop
GameStop
GameStop Corporation is an American video game and entertainment software retailer. The company, whose headquarters is in Grapevine, Texas, United States, operates 6,500 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New...
in the USA and from Game
GAME (retailer)
The Game Group plc is a British video games retail company. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE SmallCap Index....
in the United Kingdom. A Collector's Edition was announced for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, containing the game and manual with limited lenticular box art in a steelbook case, special booklet containing never before seen pictures, a documentary disc about Sonic's history with never before seen footage, a music album containing many tracks specially picked by Sonic Team, a limited and individually numbered gold ring, a voucher for downloadable content, and a figurine of both classic and modern Sonic striking a pose on a ring. Currently the Collector's Edition will only be available in Europe and Australia. The original Sonic the Hedgehog game can be unlocked in the console versions of the game. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States by members of Sonic Team working at Sega Technical Institute, and was published by Sega, debuting worldwide in the first half of 1994...
& Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone...
and Sonic 3D is also being offered for people who preorder the PC version on Steam
Steam (content delivery)
Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute games and related media online, from small independent developers to larger software houses...
.
A time-limited playable demo of the game containing Classic Sonic's Green Hill Zone was released on Xbox Live
Xbox Live
Xbox Live is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Corporation. It is currently the only online gaming service on consoles that charges users a fee to play multiplayer gaming. It was first made available to the Xbox system in 2002...
and PlayStation Network between June 23, 2011, and July 12, 2011, when downloaded copies were disabled. A second demo for PSN and Xbox Live, which also contains Modern Sonic's Green Hill Zone, was released on October 18th and the 19th for Xbox Live Gold members and the European PSN respectively. The demo was also released on the North American PSN on the 25th.
Reception
Sonic Generations has received mostly positive reviews. On MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
, Sonic Generations scored a 77 on the PS3, and a 78 for the Xbox 360. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave the game a score 8.5 out of 10 and an Editor's Choice award, praising the overall gameplay and the level design, while criticising some occasional control issues and limited boss battles. Computer and Video Games
Computer and video games
A video game is an electronic game that involves human interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. The word video in video game traditionally referred to a raster display device, but following popularization of the term "video game", it now implies any type of...
gave it a 7.5/10, praising the balanced design but criticising the framerate of the graphics. 1UP.com
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
gave the game a "B" score, praising its variety, fun-to-play levels and interesting set-pieces, while criticising some on-rails sections and occasional frustration.
PlayStation Official Magazine
PlayStation Official Magazine
The Official UK PlayStation Magazine is a now-defunct magazine, launched in November 1995 to coincide with the launch of the PlayStation console. It ran for 108 issues, with the last hitting news stands in March 2004. The first issue sold 37,000 copies...
gave it an 8/10, calling it "a masterpiece of platform game design." GameTrailers
GameTrailers
GameTrailers is a media website that specializes in video game related content. It provides free access to original programming , game trailers and recorded game play. Along with standard definition , many of the video clips are offered in a higher resolution .Users can upload videos, create...
gave the game a score of 8.1, calling it "the best Sonic game in over a decade." GamesRadar
GamesRadar
GamesRadar is a multi-format video game website featuring regular news, previews, reviews, videos, and guides. It is owned and operated simultaneously in the UK and US by worldwide publisher Future Publishing...
gave the console version 8/10, calling it "the best Sonic game since Sonic 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
," while they gave the 3DS version 7/10, praising its level design and optional missions but criticising its short length as well as the fact that modern Sonic is restricted to a 2D plain of movement. Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
, however, was less enthusiastic, writing that "Sonic Generations still doesn't do much to dissuade us that the hedgehog's best days are distant memories, but at least it is a worthy tribute to them." The most positive review on Metacritic is a 9.5/10 from PALGN
PALGN
The PAL Gaming Network is an Australian based video game news and reviews website that focuses on the videogame industry and culture in PAL territories, particularly Australia and the UK. It was launched in 2003 by a group of PAL forum members on the IGN message boards who were disenfranchised by...
, which argues that the game is significantly better than Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Game Informer
Game Informer
Game Informer is an American-based monthly magazine featuring articles, news, strategy, and reviews of popular video games and associated consoles. It was formed in August 1991, when FuncoLand started publishing a six-page magazine, free in all its retail locations...
s Tim Turi was more critical of the game, criticizing Sega for "...shoehorning recent Sonic games, no matter how awful, into the 20-year timeline." He felt that such stages served "...only to remind you of how far the series has fallen from its original form." Famitsu
Famitsu
is a line of Japanese video game magazines published by Enterbrain, Inc. and Tokuma. Currently, there are five Famitsū magazines: Shūkan Famitsū, Famitsū PS3 + PSP, Famitsū Xbox 360, Famitsū Wii+DS, and Famitsū Wave DVD...
gave the game a score of 35/40, praising the speed and addictiveness of the gameplay as well as the bonus material, while emphasising that "you do need a certain amount of ability to play it the way it was meant."