This is the first of what I hope to be a weekly or bi-weekly feature called Backward Compatible, in which I look back on the games of yesteryear. Hopefully it'll get upgraded to video soon.
June 23, 1991- Sonic the Hedgehog is released for Sega Genesis.
December 25, 1992- I get a Genesis, as well as Sonic 2 for Christmas.
Why are these dates significant? Because of the next one.
June 23, 2011- Sega celebrates Sonic's 20th birthday.
That's right, everyone's favorite Blue Blur is 20 years old this month. If you're anything like me, that made you feel very old, very fast. I can't quite remember when my love affair with Sonic began, but I do know it was when I was playing my sister's Genesis. I wasn't very old, and couldn't get very far, but I loved playing Sonic 1 over and over and over.
Then, on my fourth Christmas, my life changed forever. I got a Sega Genesis. It even came with the brand-new (at the time) Sonic 2!
But we're not going to be talking about that today.
I've been a lifelong Sonic fan since then, and have played just about every one of his adventures. But the one I'm going to discuss today is somewhat... controversial. Let's delve deep into.. Sonic R.
Sonic R was released for the Sega Saturn in 1997, well after the “golden age” of Sonic, when everyone was clamoring for a true 3D Sonic game after the steaming pile of mediocrity that was Sonic 3D Blast. Many were disappointed by the seemingly lackluster racing game, that wasn't really a platformer like Super Mario 64, and not as great a racer as Mario Kart 64. Whereas MK64 had 20 tracks, great multiplayer modes, and memorable characters, Sonic R has 5 tracks, very few options, and characters such as Egg Robo and Tails Doll.
I, however, disagree with the general consensus. Sonic R is one of my favorite games of all time. I loved everything about it. I loved the fun, colorful graphics, the admittedly few tracks, and yes, even the despised “powerpop” soundtrack, composed by the talented Richard Jacques, who has composed songs for many other Sega games. Notable examples include Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future, Sonic 3D, Samba de Amigo, and many more too numerous to name. Many people felt that the songs were WAY too happy and cheery, but honestly, most gamers could use a cheerful game btween Quakes and God of Wars.
To be completely honest, I've never had the chance to play the original Saturn version. Both it and Sonic Jam have evaded my clutches for years. But I've logged many, many hours on the PC version (one of very few games I've liked enough to clear 100%), which is technically an upgraded port, allowing for network play, improved graphics, and by far the largest change, weather. In the Saturn version, it was always sunny and clear, but in the PC port, random weather effects would take effect each race. Rain would make the track slippery, and snow would freeze the water so you could run on it. This added a great replay value to the game, and remains a great feature more games should take advantage of (coughcoughMarioKartcoughSmashBros).
Honestly, I probably like this game way more than I should, but we all have our guilty pleasures. So for my sake, give it a shot if you know someone with Sonic Gems Collection.
For Sonic's birthday, I suggest you play one of your favorite Sonic games, or better yet, give one you've never played a shot. You might be surprised.
-JP Swartzlander
