Sonic Origins finally brings the best in the series back
Origins, no lemons
Looks like the rumours were true, gang. We’re getting a new Sonic compilation. And no, we didn’t just have one – the last time we had anything close was Sonic Mega Collection Plus back on PS2 and that was fifteen years ago. And rubbish.
Now, we’re getting Sonic Origins, confirmed to contain the widescreen “Taxman” versions of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (and Knuckles) and Sonic CD. That’s basically all the good ones right there, isn’t it? Not much to complain about, I dare say. But still, people are upset that it’s going to cost $60, even though no price point has been announced. It’s not going to cost $60, folks, but even if it did you should pay it unquestioningly because that’s Sonic 3 and Knuckles, that. One of the best games ever made. Oh, and Sonic CD, too, another of the best games ever made (people often dispute this point – they are stupid).
Now, I don’t personally think the widescreen adds anything to the classic Sonic games, but it’s here and I’m not going to say “no” to it. I’ve seen people advocate for it on the basis that increased screen estate “fixes” the games’ major issue of not being able to see where you’re going, but a) that isn’t an issue, period, let alone a major one and b) anyone who loses a life in a Sonic game ever for any reason is basically a human write-off. Okay, that last bit may have been somewhat harshly defensive.
Anyway! No information yet about extras, etc, but that wasn’t the only announcement. We’re also getting Sonic Colours Ultimate in September, a sprucing-up of Sonic’s fan-favourite Wii title. I’m pleased about this, as a do-over of Colours can only improve it. I’m not saying it was a bad game, but I always felt it was held back by its home system. I love the Wii but Sonic Colours clearly burst it at the seams. The game ran poorly and looked muddy, and now we’re going to get it in 60fps with gorgeous HD graphics, the way it always should have been.
Level design in Colours is certainly strong, but the controls could be better. This will sound much more damning than it actually is, but the jumping in the game is absolutely terrible. Thankfully it’s not exactly a precision platformer, but I’m hoping that the improved framerate will result in a generally superior player experience. The game looks gorgeous in the trailer, and even if they don’t make any further tweaks it’s still going to be the best version of Sonic Colours.
So, a nice little duo of Sonic titles to look forward to. A brand new game has also been teased – possibly named Sonic Rangers – but frankly I couldn’t give a two-tailed fox’s dual farts about that. I mean, yes, I’ll play it, but with new Sonic there’s absolutely no guarantee of quality and it’s never worth getting excited about them. I apologise for this unusual bout of negativity. Normal service will soon resume. Thanks.
