E3 2011: Sonic Generations (PS3) Preview

Posted by Jeffrey Harris on 06.10.2011

Hands On: Sonic The Hedgehog is the fastest thing alive and he's back in a brand new, classic styled platform action adventure game. Jeffrey Harris checks in with our exclusive E3 2011 preview of Sonic Generations.

At the SEGA booth and at the Sonic The Hedgehog 20th Anniversary Party at E3, SEGA was showing off their newest release in the classic Sonic The Hedgehog franchise, Sonic Generations. Sonic goes back to the well of the classic styled, 2D gameplay of the original Sonic The Hedgehog games on the SEGA Genesis. Except this time, Sonic is in HD and he's all CG rendered. In addition to the 2D, classic Sonic platform action, the game also mixes 3D segments and elements. But this is not a full 3D game. Perhaps one can call it 2 1/2D. But there are parts of certain levels where your Sonic character can move around in 3D, but a majority of the levels are your basic Sonic platform style.



In the demo, we were able to try out two stages. One was a revamped version of the classic Green Hill Zone from the original Genesis game. Another one was the new level that shows off the mix of 3D and 2D in the stages. Controls are kid and I like the way the game mixes in 3D with classic Sonic game play. In the new style of levels Sonic has a new boost dash technique and attack he can use and has a gauge/meter element to it.



I love the throwback and back to basics style of this game. The controls haven't been over-complicated and it feels like getting to play with an old friend again. The level designs look fantastic and the colors and graphics look extremely sharp and lush.



Sonic Generations will be dropping in November 2011 on XBox 360, PS3, and also the Nintendo 3DS.