As I've said a number of annoying times, I've never cared much for ol' Sonic the Hedgehog, even in his beloved classic form. It's a design thing — I can tell you about any number of specific places in Mario, Zelda, Metroid and Mega Man levels, but Sonic levels seem to blur into a procession of the same compositional elements over and over. If you've seen one loop-the-loop, you've seen 'em all, especially when all it takes to get through them is holding right on the d-pad.
One column in which Sonic cannot be faulted, however, is presentation. Graphics and music have always been the little blue shinbiter's strong suit. That's why this fan project — an HD remake of Sonic 2 — is cool. Probably the most "classic" game in the series, 2 here gets a loving makeover, and you can check out the results in this second tech demo of the project.
One cool feature of the engine, though, almost makes me interested in actually playing Sonic again, and that's the zoomed-out view present in this build. Have you ever noticed how in Sonic games, you're constantly, y'know, running into things that you couldn't possibly have seen coming? That's partly because the sprites are so big — the view so zoomed in. Compared to Mario and co, you're pretty much trying to play a close-up; combine that with the speed and general looseness of Sonic gameplay and you've got a recipe for frustration. But if this remake allows you to play with a zoomed-out view, you'll, A), be able to actually appreciate the architecture of the levels, instead of merely watching it rush by you; and B) you know, play a fun game. Instead of a fun-looking game. Sorry, everyone!
Related posts:
Sonic Bound: After Three Botched Reboots, Sonic the Hedgehog May Finally Get His 3D Due
Do You Hold Any Hope For Sonic Unleashed?
Trailer Review: Sonic Unleashed
Sonic Unleashed Wii: Should Dimps be trying harder?
Sonic the Hedgehog: I'm Just Not that Into You
A Long-Scorned Sonic Fanfic Writer Seeks Redemption
Previous For Love of the Games:
Quest for Glory II
Rockman 7 FC
Outcast 2
Street Fighter One
Metroid II