Sonic Origins Plus
- June 23, 2023
- Sonic Team
The addition of 12 underplayed Game Gear Sonic titles and a playable Amy Rose are more than welcome in this beefed up version of Sonic Origins.
"Sonic Origins Plus" is an expansion pack for Sonic Origins, offering 12 Sonic Game Gear titles and playable Knuckles in Sonic CD. It also introduces Amy Rose as a playable character in Sonic 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD, plus additional music, character animations, and game modes like Extreme Missions and Mirror Mode.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Sonic Origins Plus is a vast improvement over the original, featuring fixed glitches and new playable characters like Amy Rose and Knuckles.
- The collection includes a nostalgic selection of classic Sonic games, enhanced with HD graphics and widescreen support, making it visually appealing.
- The packaging is impressive, with a slipcover and an artbook, adding value for collectors and fans of the franchise.
- A significant portion of the content, including 12 Game Gear titles and additional characters, is only available as downloadable content, which is misleading for a physical release.
- The music in Sonic 3 is altered due to licensing issues, and the remade tracks do not match the quality of the originals, detracting from the experience.
- The Game Gear games included in the collection have not aged well and suffer from poor sound emulation, making them less enjoyable to play.
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the collection has faced criticism due to licensing issues, particularly the absence of Michael Jackson's original tracks for Sonic 3, resulting in altered themes for several stages. Additionally, the Game Gear titles feature mono-toned soundtracks that feel somewhat garbled. Despite these drawbacks, the overall music experience is still considered solid and nostalgic, making the collection worthwhile for fans.
“Overall, with the music changes and the Game Gear games being DLC, it's still a very solid collection and well worth the $40.”
“[Amy is a great addition to the classic lineup of characters, Game Gear games are a nice nostalgia trip, with some particularly great soundtracks].”
“The soundtracks to the Game Gear games feel a little garbled, because they're in the original mono-toned sound from the Game Gear origins that they came from.”
“For one, you don't have the original soundtrack because of licensing issues with the estate of Michael Jackson, whom Jackson had worked on the game, and you have altered level themes for Ice Cap Zone, Carnival Night Zone, and Launch Base Zone.”
“Also, the soundtracks to the Game Gear games feel a little garbled because they're in the original mono-toned sound from the Game Gear origins that they came from.”
“The only downfalls are that the 12 Game Gear titles are DLC content and not on the cartridge/disc, and Sonic 3 still had to resort to using the prototype/PC music for 3 of its stages due to it having samples/work from deceased artists like Michael Jackson, Heavy D, James Brown, and Run DMC (Jam Master Jay).”
- graphics6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the games are praised for their quality and smooth performance, reminiscent of classic titles from the Sega Genesis era. However, there is criticism regarding publishers prioritizing profit over quality, leading to a subpar experience for collectors and physical media buyers. Despite these concerns, many users appreciate the nostalgic art style and the absence of lag.
“Great graphics, no lag, works great!”
“Graphically, the games all look great and control just as strongly as you'd expect them to if you originally played the Sega Genesis for the first time from that era.”
“I like the old art style.”
- story6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a robust story mode that allows players to collect star coins and replay levels with infinite lives, providing a more accessible experience. Additionally, players can choose from various modes, including classic and battle modes, ensuring a good balance of challenge and enjoyment. Overall, the story aspect is well-received for its engaging mechanics and variety.
“You get story mode, battle mode, anniversary mode, and a challenge game mode.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the stability of the game has significantly improved, with glitches being fixed and additional playable characters introduced, including Amy Rose in all four games and Knuckles in Sonic CD. Additionally, the inclusion of 12 Game Gear titles enhances the overall experience.
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy is perceived as a shallow cash grab, indicating that players feel the game prioritizes profit over quality or player experience.
“Shallow cash grab”
“The monetization system feels exploitative and prioritizes profit over player experience.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls.”
Critic Reviews
Sonic Origins Plus Review
While some games can be hit or miss, Sonic Origins Plus does offer a time machine for you to go back and play classic Game Gear games. Whether you are revisiting them or discovering them for the first time, there is a ton of fun Sonic games on offer in this collection.
75%Sonic Origins Plus Review – Bells & Whistles (& Knuckles)
If you hadn't previously been enticed by the quartet of Genesis classics, you are unlikely to be swayed now. In a vacuum, this is fun and gratifying DLC for a certain breed of loyal hedgehog fan, whereas the remainder of consumers may be decidedly non-plussed.
60%Sonic Origins Plus Review
As a complete package Sonic Origins Plus is a decent collection for series fans and newcomers alike. But as a DLC its merely a collection of curios you can probably do without.
72%
