The Sonic series was once the epitome of videogaming, with the first games dominating the charts each time with their vibrant, enjoyable and accessable gaming. The release of next-generation consoles and higher expectations led to Sega exploring new methods with the tried and tested formula by introducing 3-Dimensional terrains, on-the-rail gaming and more. Recently, Sonic has deviated further, with games recreating him as a knight, a werehog, and more. After years of lamenting, followers of the classic are to get their wishes realised with the newest game in the franchise; Sonic 4: Episode 1.
Whilst some of the current games in the series have been great, Sonic 4: Episode 1 is claimed to be what followers have been waiting to be made for a long time; with a return to to the original gaming. In Sonic 4: Episode 1, Sonic brings back his side-scrolling escapades, with terrain widely reminiscent of those used in the retro games, like the Green Hill Zone. The surplus characters are left at home too, with even loyal sidekick Tails missing from the lineup. Considered to be a follow-on to Sonic & Knuckles, the game sees Sonic strike out on his own for fresh adventures.
Of course, the current generation consoles will provide Sonic 4: Episode 1 with stunning graphics. Despite being a side-scroller, the character models have been rendered in 3D, resulting in a vastly polished finish. The colors are more vibrant than before and the myriad terrain features we fondly remember, including the loops-the-loops, have been well realised. The release also supports high-definition, so has the potential to look even more stunning.
This title will appear on Wiiware, PSN and Xbox live and as the title of the game infers, more adventures are to follow. Will these fun little offerings help bring Sonic back to the pinnacle? Only time will tell. However for many who enjoyed the look and feel of the classics, Sonic 4: Episode 1 is a refreshing return to the award-winning formula.