Sonic Colors
SCORE: 88
I was extremely excited when I found out Sonic Colors had come into Family Friendly Gaming from our super friends over at Sega. I have the honor of playing the Nintendo DS version. This is a side scrolling super fast action adventure video game. Players interact with these aliens called wisps. These wisps grant the player various powers. Go flying through certain barriers, explode, fly around like a rocket, etc. These powers allow players to reach secret areas in the extremely large levels.
There is always a concern that a hand held version will be a really scaled down version of the home console. Sonic Colors on the Nintendo DS is sufficiently different from the Wii version. This hand held game is all about the 2D side scrolling mega speed that Sonic games have been known for. Robots are in this game, and they help power up the different alien powers, as does saving the aliens.
I have played so many Nintendo DS video games with graphical issues that I almost forgot what a good looking game can look like on this system. Sega knows what they are doing keeping Sonic Colors in 2D. The boss levels have a layer of 3D to them, along with using both screens majestically. In certain parts the player must hit the robots by pressing 'B' so they can make it over gaps, spikes, etc. This happens so fast that the violence is difficult to comprehend. Freeing aliens does more to fill the power gauge so I would avoid most enemies whenever possible. Boss battles are a different story though. Taking out the bosses requires finding their patterns, and using the opportunities the game provides.
The Sonic music, and sounds in Sonic Colors are great. The new voices in Sonic Colors felt weird to me. Tails and Robotonik sounded similar if not the same. Sonic was different, and it just did not feel right to me. Maybe I have gotten too used to the current anime voice of Sonic. The special effect sounds are vintage Sonic sounds that made me feel right at home.
I love unlocking things, and Sonic Colors on the DS did not disappoint. There is artwork, music, and more in this game. The secret levels in Sonic Colors are awesome, and I enjoyed collecting the emeralds. There are a few levels in each of the five worlds, and challenge levels. Those challenge levels can be insanely difficult. Hardcore gamers will be bragging about them. Normal gamers can relax because those challenge levels are not required to progress.
The 2D Sonic formula is one of the best ones in the video game industry in my opinion. Sonic Colors does not disappoint. The levels are huge, and finding all the paths will take a master emerald level gamer. Breezing through a level can be done, and at times needs to be done. Sonic Colors saves often so having to shut down because of it being a hand held game was never a problem for me. Just make sure you complete the level you are on. Sonic Colors is a lot of fun to play for one or two people. There is both a single card, and multicard download play in this DS game.
I am so happy to see Sonic return to the Nintendo DS. Sonic Colors teaches us to help those in need, be wary of evil people who claim they have reformed, and to use our skills to get past obstacles. I hope there are sequels to this franchise. The concept of little odd looking aliens giving powers to Sonic is different without being offensive. I will be recommending Sonic Colors to family and friends.
- Luke
Graphics: 90%
Sound: 89%
Replay/Extras: 85%
Gameplay: 94%
Family Friendly Factor: 83%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Sega
Rating:
'E' for Everyone
{Mild Cartoon Violence}
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