SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 4 Episode I

Sonic rises once more like a phoenix from the ashes, returning to the 2D plane where he belongs. Sadly, a poor pricing strategy and some cheap level design make the fourth instalment a case of too little too late

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Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I is a 2D side-scrolling platformer that continues the classic Sonic series. Dr. Eggman has returned with a new plan to take over the world, and Sonic must stop him by traversing through familiar locations like Splash Hill Zone and Casino Street Zone. This game brings back the classic fast-paced gameplay with new abilities such as the Homing Attack, and maintains the series' original style with its graphics and sound.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

43%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,673 reviews

music126 positive mentions

graphics88 negative mentions

music
512 mentions
25 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
23 % negative mentions
The music in Sonic 4 has received mixed to negative reviews, with many players finding it forgettable or disappointing compared to previous Sonic titles. While some tracks are noted as catchy, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack lacks the memorable quality and charm typically associated with the franchise, often described as repetitive and poorly executed. Critics have pointed out that the attempt to emulate a retro sound falls flat, leading to a collection of compositions that feel uninspired and at times grating.
- “As for the soundtrack... it does the job, I kinda like some of the themes in this game like the ones in Lost Labyrinth and Mad Gear, and each act has an individual track, which is neat!”
- “The music is actually surprisingly catchy from what I've experienced so far, though it is held back occasionally by the sound font used to make it, and the visuals are overall very unappealing in terms of both level aesthetics and character models.”
- “The music is good, although sometimes the instrumentation, trying to sound like the classics, becomes a detriment to the compositions.”
- “You can't even say the music saves it like other Sonic games, it all sounds the same...”
- “The music is some of the most insulting of all Sonic games and is insufferably repetitive, especially during the endgame.”
- “The music tries to go retro-style and just fails utterly, my ears hurt from whatever droning nonsense it was trying to play.”
graphics
410 mentions
21 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received largely negative feedback, with many users describing them as bland, unappealing, and reminiscent of low-budget mobile titles. Critics noted a lack of visual flair and originality, often comparing the graphics unfavorably to earlier Sonic games, while some appreciated the attempt at modernizing the aesthetic. Overall, the visuals are seen as a significant drawback, detracting from the gameplay experience.
- “As someone that grew up playing Sonic Mega Collection Plus on PS2 and had a lot of fun playing through Sonic 1, 2, 3 & Knuckles in that collection, a proper sequel to those games with modern graphics and updated gameplay was a fantastic idea.”
- “The graphics are colorful and minimalistic in palette choices while staying complicated enough to look like an art piece.”
- “Great graphics and level design.”
- “The graphics were very underwhelming.”
- “The graphics are definitely odd and even ugly at times, my biggest complaint that more complicated stages sometimes lack visual clarity between interactable objects and stage geometry.”
- “The graphics are so bland.”
gameplay
347 mentions
10 % positive mentions
73 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Sonic 4 Episode 1 has received mixed to negative feedback, with many players criticizing its sluggish controls, lack of momentum, and clunky mechanics that deviate from the classic Sonic experience. While some appreciate the introduction of the homing attack and unique level mechanics, the overall execution is seen as underwhelming and frustrating, often leading to a feeling of disconnection from the fast-paced platforming that defined earlier titles in the series. Many reviewers suggest that the game fails to live up to its legacy, making it a disappointing entry for fans of the franchise.
- “As someone that grew up playing Sonic Mega Collection Plus on PS2 and had a lot of fun playing through Sonic 1, 2, 3 & Knuckles in that collection, a proper sequel to those games with modern graphics and updated gameplay was a fantastic idea.”
- “Level mechanics like running on a road of cards, staying on top of the boulder to the end of a long roll, and finally having a consistent homing attack in a strictly 2D game aren't enough to make it a great Sonic game, but they're satisfying when you get it down.”
- “The controls and the physics of Sonic's movement are generally fine and the homing attack is quite a nice feature which is quite essential for the gameplay given the layout of some of the levels.”
- “The gameplay was often frustrating and riddled with bugs, the bosses were abominably slow, and a good portion of the music was trying way too hard to sound 'retro.' When I finished it, I was left with the impression that it was a poor excuse for a continuation of classic Sonic.”
- “The gameplay is awful, featuring the worst physics I have ever seen in a 2D platformer, ugly graphics, and annoying music.”
- “The gameplay is bland and not even faithful to the classics; the levels are just Green Hill, Casino Night, Labyrinth, and Metropolis, but just renamed.”
story
126 mentions
8 % positive mentions
76 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The story in this game is largely criticized for being minimal and lacking depth, with many reviewers noting that it revolves around the simplistic premise of stopping Dr. Eggman without any substantial context or development. Players express disappointment over the absence of engaging cutscenes and a coherent narrative, feeling that it fails to build on the legacy of previous Sonic titles. Overall, the consensus is that the game prioritizes gameplay mechanics over storytelling, resulting in a generic and unsatisfying plot experience.
- “This game continues the storyline from the original 3 Sonic games.”
- “The story is great and interesting.”
- “The story is interesting without being overly complicated.”
- “The only story you get here is 'Eggman's the villain, go stop him' without any context or reason.”
- “The story is pretty much non-existent; you just move through levels and there's no cool cutscenes like in Sonic 3 where each act and level told its own story that would eventually pay off in a very satisfying ending.”
- “Even further than plain gameplay, in story, Sonic 4 doesn't deserve the 'Sonic 4' name.”
grinding
36 mentions
8 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
78 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and unenjoyable, with players feeling forced to replay levels excessively to achieve goals like collecting chaos emeralds or completing achievements. Many reviewers express frustration over the repetitive nature of the gameplay, likening it to a Sisyphean task, and note that the slow mechanics detract from the fun typically associated with the Sonic franchise. Overall, grinding is seen as a chore rather than a rewarding experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Getting all the chaos emeralds is some sort of Sisyphus ordeal: play the same stage over and over to enter a special stage that you never feel like you begin to master since they’re much like the dreaded Sonic 1 special stages, except they have a time limit. You spin the level yourself while trying to not get dizzy from the trippy kaleidoscope-like background, meanwhile the bumpers are creatures of chaos that send you flying wherever until you get kicked out of the stage, so then you replay the same tedious and unpleasant regular level to try again, and again, and again, and again... all this after actually beating the game in like 30 minutes.”
- “There's also an extremely stupid and grindy achievement for getting 100 lives, which isn't hard to do. You can just replay 1-1 over and over again and get 2 lives per run, but do you really want to grind a level 50 times for an achievement?”
- “Everything is just bland, tedious, and unrewarding.”
stability
22 mentions
9 % positive mentions
9 % neutral mentions
82 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is highly inconsistent, with some players reporting smooth performance and no glitches, while others experience significant lag, frequent bugs, and issues with controller compatibility. Common problems include freezing on shutdown, persistent music after quitting, and buggy leaderboards, making the game unplayable for many. Overall, the lack of a robust community for troubleshooting further complicates the stability issues players face.
- “Runs very smooth with practically no troubleshooting on Windows 10.”
- “No glitches or bugs at all!”
- “No controller works with it, freezes on shut down.”
- “The game is laggy, buggy, and essentially unplayable.”
- “Also, the leaderboards are buggy and have update-lag scrolling through the menus, and the 1000-enemy achievement is bugged to require 1000 enemy kills in one sitting instead of accounting for the total enemy kill counter across playthroughs.”
humor
18 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Sonic 4 Episode 1" is described as a mix of unintentional comedy and frustration, with players finding amusement in the game's poor design choices and technical issues, such as its lack of controller support and subpar graphics. While some moments, particularly the physics, can elicit genuine laughter, the overall experience tends to shift from funny to tedious, leaving players feeling more exasperated than entertained as the game progresses.
- “I could go on, like the title screen being hilariously lazy, the environments looking bleak, etc. but you get the idea.”
- “I'm not going to be blaming my numerous problems with Sonic 4 on that fact, I just find it incredibly funny.”
- “Sonic 4 Episode 1 is a short game but it can be funny with the physics sometimes.”
monetization
16 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is heavily criticized, with reviewers labeling it a "cash grab" that lacks effort and quality, particularly in its design and gameplay. Many feel it exploits nostalgia without delivering a worthwhile experience, and some even express disappointment that it doesn't include additional monetization features like ads. Overall, the game is seen as a soulless attempt to capitalize on the franchise's legacy rather than a genuine sequel.
- “It feels bad to give a Sonic game a negative review, but this was a low effort cash grab even back then.”
- “0 out of 5 stars from me, for a game that feels like zero effort went into it, just a cash grab for those who enjoyed a game from the far past that was perfect how it was.”
- “Nonetheless, it doesn't take away the fact it's a soulless cash grab, and as a sequel to Sonic 3 & Knuckles, one of the greatest platformers of all time, this ain't it, chief.”
emotional
14 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players expressing deep affection for the franchise, leading to tears over its perceived decline and critique. Others feel disheartened by the game's quality, lamenting the loss of what they once loved about Sonic, and experiencing frustration and disappointment. Overall, the emotional impact is significant, reflecting both nostalgia and heartbreak among fans.
- “I love this game and Sonic so much that I cried at the end because of how much critique this game gets. This is not Sonic Forces, which is also a decent Sonic game for me, not a bad one.”
- “Sonic 2's plot is about the same again, but Tails is there to help you, and in the ending, he picks you up in the air as you're plummeting to your death with a very emotional music track playing in the background.”
- “It's truly heartbreaking to be a Sonic fan these days.”
replayability
8 mentions
25 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
Overall, the replayability of the game is considered decent, particularly in comparison to the first three titles, which are noted for being more engaging. While some players find it infinitely replayable, others suggest that the experience may not be compelling enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
- “🔲 infinitely replayable”
- “Being a Sonic game, it does have a decent replay value.”
- “Being a Sonic game, it does have a decent replay value, but you probably won't want to.”
- “The first three games were much more playable.”
- “The first three games were much more playable.”
optimization
4 mentions
50 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is well-optimized, running smoothly on various setups, including consoles, and providing an enjoyable experience for players. Users have reported good visuals and performance, contributing positively to their gaming experience during the lockdown.
- “The game looks good on my setup, runs smoothly, and overall provided an enjoyable experience during the COVID-19 lockdown. I have also played this on console.”
atmosphere
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is reminiscent of classic 2D Sonic titles, featuring engaging level designs with unique twists that enhance the experience, such as the Indiana Jones-inspired Labyrinth Zone. Players appreciate the return to a more nostalgic aesthetic, contrasting it with the previous gritty and 3D interpretations of the franchise. Overall, the game successfully captures the charm and excitement of its predecessors while introducing fresh elements.
- “The levels play pretty much in the same style you'd expect from a 2D Sonic game with obstacles, enemies, rings, etc. There are a couple of neat twists or elements that add atmosphere to the game. For instance, the Labyrinth Zone has an Indiana Jones in a lost tomb feel as Sonic walks with a lit torch while overcoming activated obstacles, or suddenly the walls start to move like at the beginning of Hydrocity Act 2 in Sonic 3.”
- “Skip ahead to 2012, and I saw Sonic 4, which looked like the old school games I loved and not the weird furry-driven/3D fighting games with 'gritty' atmosphere that had plagued the Sonic games for so long.”
character development
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
While the reviews highlight impressive character design and a cohesive world, they do not specifically address character development in terms of narrative growth or depth. Instead, the focus is on the aesthetic elements that enhance the overall experience.