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Sonic Generations

Probably the best Sonic game ever made, and the perfect celebration of everything Hedgehog for any type of fan. Happy Birthday, Sonic!
88%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
stability, optimization
94% User Score Based on 27,612 reviews
Critic Score 77%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

Playstation 3Xbox 360PCTabletPhoneXboxSteam DeckWindowsPlayStation

About

Sonic Generations is a classic platformer game that features both classic and modern versions of Sonic the Hedgehog. The game celebrates Sonic's 20th anniversary by including iconic levels and enemies from previous games. Players can switch between the two Sonics, using their unique abilities to speed through levels and defeat enemies in this nostalgic adventure.

Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
Sonic Generations screenshot
+8
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94%
Audience ScoreBased on 27,612 reviews
gameplay1.3k positive mentions
stability387 negative mentions

  • The gameplay is widely praised for its blend of classic 2D platforming and modern 3D mechanics, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
  • The graphics are vibrant and colorful, effectively blending modern visuals with nostalgic elements, and they still hold up well today.
  • The music is outstanding, featuring a mix of remixed classic tracks and new compositions that resonate with both nostalgia and modern sensibilities.
  • The story is generally viewed as lackluster and simplistic, serving primarily as a vehicle to connect the game's levels rather than offering a compelling narrative.
  • The optimization on PC has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering and frequent crashes.
  • Character development is notably lacking, with disappointment over the absence of meaningful growth or narrative depth for the characters.
  • gameplay
    3,367 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Sonic Generations" is widely praised for its blend of classic 2D platforming and modern 3D boost mechanics, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for players. Many reviewers highlight the smooth controls, engaging level design, and the ability to switch between two distinct gameplay styles, catering to both longtime fans and newcomers. However, some criticisms arise regarding the classic gameplay's responsiveness and the overall brevity of the game, with a few players noting that the story is lackluster compared to the gameplay experience.

    • “The gameplay is fantastic with many splitting paths and fast-paced movement.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and the levels provide enough variety to make them interesting.”
    • “The gameplay is awesome and you don't need a high-end PC to run it, but you must configure controls before playing.”
    • “In addition to that, the devs felt the need to constantly "break check" the action by placing solid objects and enemies in Sonic's running path, which at fast speeds you'll never see coming, which makes gameplay feel cheap at times.”
    • “The gameplay revolves around modern Sonic (modern 3D gameplay) and classic Sonic (classic 2D platforming), and while 3D Sonic holds up just as well as something like Sonic Unleashed or Sonic Colors, classic Sonic is almost unplayable.”
    • “The classic gameplay, for instance, can't compete with Mania; it just feels a little too loose and it's hard to be very precise like the true classic gameplay.”
  • story
    3,100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Sonic Generations" is generally viewed as lackluster and simplistic, serving primarily as a vehicle to connect the game's nostalgic levels rather than offering a compelling narrative. Many players note that while the plot involves time travel and classic characters, it feels rushed and underdeveloped, with minimal engagement or depth. However, despite its shortcomings, the gameplay and level design are praised, making the overall experience enjoyable even for those who typically prioritize story in games.

    • “Sonic Generations holds a big spot in my heart; the story is amazing and so are the levels.”
    • “The story is creative, and the gameplay is actually fun.”
    • “Despite a lackluster story, the gameplay is the best Sonic's ever played in 3D, the music is top-notch, and the graphics still hold up, over 13 years later.”
    • “The story is awful, no two ways about it.”
    • “The story is basically nothing, which annoys me because they could've done so much great story stuff with the concept but just don't do much.”
    • “The story isn't that great though but it doesn't damper my experience at all.”
  • music
    2,584 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Sonic Generations" is widely praised for its outstanding quality, featuring a mix of remixed classic tracks and new compositions that resonate with both nostalgia and modern sensibilities. Players appreciate the ability to customize the soundtrack for each level, enhancing the overall experience and allowing for a personal touch. While some tracks are remixes of older songs, the execution is generally regarded as excellent, making the soundtrack a highlight of the game.

    • “The collection of past music of the franchise and remixed versions of music is just *chef's kiss*.”
    • “The music is fantastic, the challenge stages have all of the tertiary sonic characters you either don't recognize or wish you could bleach from your memory.”
    • “The soundtrack is a highlight of the game with tunes from previous sonic games and some fantastic remixes.”
    • “The only things that carry this game are the music, level design, and graphics, which are basically unchanged from the PS3 version.”
    • “But unfortunately, the music is disappointing in comparison to the 2D games made for the old Sega Megadrive games console, especially 'Sonic 3' and 'Sonic & Knuckles' which feature incredibly well composed music.”
    • “Every song in the game is just a meh remix of older songs.”
  • graphics
    1,848 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in Sonic Generations have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant and colorful presentation, effectively blending modern 3D visuals with nostalgic 2D elements from classic Sonic games. Many reviewers noted that, despite being released in 2011, the graphics still hold up well today, showcasing impressive detail and artistic design that enhances the overall gameplay experience. However, some users pointed out issues with optimization and limited graphical settings, which can affect performance on lower-end systems.

    • “The graphics are crisp, vibrant, and bursting with life, breathing new energy into classic levels while introducing a fresh twist.”
    • “The graphics are amazing and so is the gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful and the team did a great job with remastering the old levels.”
    • “The graphics look like crap.”
    • “The only things that carry this game are the music, level design, and graphics, which are basically unchanged from the PS3 version.”
    • “Had to turn graphics settings all the way down just for it to run with only minimal lag (I have a 3050 as of writing this).”
  • replayability
    637 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with many players highlighting the engaging level design, multiple pathways, and the ability to speedrun for better times. The inclusion of a robust modding community further enhances replay value, offering endless content and challenges beyond the main story. Despite its relatively short campaign, the game provides ample opportunities for exploration, collectibles, and side missions, making it a favorite among Sonic fans for its replayable nature.

    • “Amazing level design, extremely replayable; you should play this game.”
    • “The replayability is right up there with classic Sonic games, and runs on basically anything without any tweaks.”
    • “It's incredibly replayable, with plenty of amazing mods out there from an outstandingly talented community to keep you playing, and the graphics have aged very well.”
    • “The biggest downside is that outside of the missions, there's almost no replayability.”
    • “It only barely qualifies as replay value, but the game is like 30 minutes long.”
    • “This game is short and the story is cheesy, but has a lot of replayability due to multiple routes each zone has to provide a unique experience for the player.”
  • stability
    410 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of Sonic Generations on PC has been widely criticized, with many users reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various game-breaking glitches. While some players find enjoyment through modding and appreciate the nostalgic gameplay, the overall consensus is that the game suffers from poor optimization and numerous technical issues, making it a frustrating experience for many. Despite its fun elements, the game's instability significantly detracts from its overall quality.

    • “The game both looks and runs great for a game now 11 years old and allows for infinite possibilities with the PC edition supporting mods.”
    • “I haven't experienced any of the issues others are having on PC; it runs great for me.”
    • “Awesome visuals, runs great, and is a ton of fun to play.”
    • “This game is a buggy mess of a game, but at least it can be fun, even if there are a lot of flaws that I think could have been worked out with a little more testing and feedback from long-term fans of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.”
    • “Sonic Generations is a botched port that is riddled with bugs, glitches, frequent crashing (in online mode mainly), inconsistent inputs that are tied to framerate, the controller will randomly stop working mid-game, you'll clip through walls and get soft-locked, and worst of all, it's horribly optimized and unstable.”
    • “The game is enjoyable but in its state it's pretty buggy.”
  • optimization
    222 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of Sonic Generations on PC has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, dropped inputs, and frequent crashes. While some players have found success using mods to improve performance, the vanilla port is widely regarded as poorly optimized, making it difficult to run smoothly on both low and high-end systems. Overall, the game is seen as a frustrating experience without significant tweaks or external fixes.

    • “Classic stages are nice too, the game is also surprisingly well optimized; my computer is a potato and the game runs smooth enough to be playable with slight bits of lag here and there.”
    • “The game runs at a constant 60fps with fast load times; it's pretty safe to say the game's performance is outstanding.”
    • “Awesome game, good music, good gameplay, well optimized.”
    • “This is one of the most unoptimized, buggy pieces of crap I've ever played.”
    • “Genuinely no optimization; the fresh files are somehow less reliable than a pirated version.”
    • “Sonic Generations is a botched port that is riddled with bugs, glitches, frequent crashing (in online mode mainly), inconsistent inputs that are tied to framerate, the controller will randomly stop working mid-game, you'll clip through walls and get soft locked, and worst of all, it's horribly optimized and unstable.”
  • humor
    197 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding joy in the playful banter and charming interactions between characters, while others criticize the attempts at humor as falling flat or relying on outdated jokes. Fans appreciate the nostalgic references and funny moments, particularly in cutscenes and through mod support, which adds an extra layer of hilarity. Overall, the game captures a lighthearted spirit that resonates well with long-time Sonic fans, despite some inconsistencies in comedic execution.

    • “The charming interactions and playful banter between the characters add a touch of humor and warmth, making you feel like you're a part of Sonic's world.”
    • “I was giggling and laughing like a crazy person as pure, undiluted joy ran through my veins.”
    • “The music is of course a banger, the stages were really nice, and the glitches were really funny.”
    • “I was so mad, bro. It's not funny.”
  • grinding
    154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and time-consuming, particularly in certain levels and boss fights. While some enjoy the nostalgia and challenge of grinding for collectibles and achievements, others feel that the repetitive nature of side missions and level design detracts from the overall experience. Overall, players suggest that while grinding can be satisfying for completionists, it often feels like a chore rather than an engaging part of the gameplay.

    • “This game had no grinding halts, no overly complicated story with the shittiest dialogue imaginable, and no clunky controls.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The final boss is tedious as all hell especially for that "can't touch this!" achievement.”
    • “I'm quite familiar with gaming and modding, but this game just isn't worth going through the tedious process of modding and troubleshooting for me.”
    • “The game is just so tedious to play when you are constantly thrown new mechanics in an environment designed to punish you trial-error style.”
  • emotional
    47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game resonates deeply with players, evoking nostalgia and heartwarming memories from their childhood experiences with the Sonic franchise. Many reviewers express that the game’s soundtrack and moments of camaraderie enhance the emotional immersion, often leading to tearful reflections on its beauty and significance. Overall, it is described as a touching tribute that successfully captures the essence of what made Sonic special, despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics.

    • “Ending almost made me cry because I remember how beautiful this game was for me and a bunch of people, and it has a bunch of replayability to do after you finish the main story mode of the game.”
    • “From the upbeat melodies that accompany your high-speed runs to the emotional tunes that tug at your heartstrings, the soundtrack adds an extra layer of immersion, ensuring that every moment is unforgettable.”
    • “Extremely nostalgic and heartwarming for anyone who lived a childhood playing Sonic games in the 90's; Sega crafted a real masterpiece here, and by playing the first 2 minutes of the game, you already know it is.”
    • “heart-wrenching/tear jerkingly good”
    • “touching”
    • “It's really a boring story not worth being judged.”
  • atmosphere
    19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its fun, endearing quality, enhanced by brilliant level design and a catchy soundtrack that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Players appreciate the vibrant environments and the cheerful, celebratory feel that invites replayability, making it a standout aspect despite a simpler storyline. Overall, the combination of engaging visuals, memorable music, and unique challenges creates an immersive experience that resonates with fans of the franchise.

    • “The level design is brilliant and the atmosphere really captures the sonic experience, and certain levels like Rooftop Run or Escape from the City take it a step further.”
    • “I absolutely love the environment and the atmosphere in the game.”
    • “Like, wow, it has a cheerful atmosphere of exotic celebration, awesome memorable music, and even an adventure feel to it.”
  • character development
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is notably lacking, with several reviewers expressing disappointment over the absence of meaningful growth or narrative depth for the characters. While the character designs are praised for their quality, the overall focus seems to be more on visuals and gameplay mechanics rather than on developing the characters themselves.

    • “+ Character designs are well done.”
    • “But if you were hoping for some character development along the way, well that's too bad.”
    • “There are many more things I could've commented on like level variety, level design, character development, humor, etc. but this review is already long enough.”
    • “I have always been big on Sonic, although it was more about his character design than the actual games.”
  • monetization
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game is generally positive, as it avoids loot boxes and forced advertising, focusing instead on delivering a nostalgic experience with classic Sonic. However, some players feel that the marketing emphasizes classic Sonic, who only represents half of the game and is perceived as the weaker portion.

    • “The game’s whole advertising is the fact that classic Sonic returns and he’s brilliant and all, but he’s only 50% of the game and the inferior half at that.”
    • “There are no loot boxes or any type of forced advertising.”
    • “While the game is purposefully advertising as a history of Sonic, it delivers.”
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12h Median play time
33h Average play time
4-30h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 83 analyzed playthroughs
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