Sega's compilation of all four classic Mega Drive/Genesis titles — Sonic Origins — arrives this Thursday on Switch (and other platforms!), and the reviews have been coming in as fast as the blue blur himself.
This collection sees Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD all grouped together with a plethora of modes to appeal to newcomers, classic Sonic fans, and, well, basically anyone who wants to revisit or check out the hedgehog's history. Players will be able to speed through in Classic Mode, which presents the games in the original 4:3 format, while Anniversary Mode brings widescreen, the drop dash, and removes lives, to the classic quadrilogy. There's also a Sonic-exclusive Story Mode, Boss Rush, a museum, and more.
Producer Takashi Iizuka came up with the idea to rerelease these games together after the first Sonic movie launched in 2020, but is this a Super Sonic compilation or short of a few Chaos Emeralds?
Of course, we'll have our own thoughts for you in due course once we get our hands on Switch code — rest assured that we'll give you lovely readers the NL verdict as soon as we can.
So, let's start off with our sister site Push Square then. The lovely folks over there gave Sonic Origins a respectable 7/10:
Sonic Origins presents four of the hedgehog's best games with style, and it's a joy to revisit these iconic platformers. Presentational flourishes like the animated cutscenes, as well as a host of extra modes like Boss Rush and Missions, give fans and newcomers alike plenty to see and do, and the Museum is full of interesting artwork you might not have seen before.
Game Informer was even more positive about it, scoring this nostalgia-soaked package an 8.5 out of 10:
While the music changes and audio mishaps are disappointing, the Sonic Origins package is terrific overall. Having the best versions of the classic Sonic saga in one bundle is supremely satisfying, and Anniversary Mode’s enhancements make the experience of playing through them more enjoyable than ever before.
GameSpot felt the extras and the DLC harmed an otherwise nice little package, as addressed in a 7/10 review:
Sonic Origins has some puzzling issues and omissions that you wouldn't expect in a retro compilation of this caliber. There's no save-state/reload functionality, nor are there any screen filters that can help smooth the pixels into a nice CRT-like look. There is one "anti-aliasing" screen option that makes the screen look like it's been smeared with petroleum jelly, but that's it.
Destructoid felt similarly to GameSpot on the additions and extras in a 6.5/10 review, feeling that the collection is lacking compared to other compilation titles:
The whole idea behind the new collection was apparently to “modernize” the games; moving them into a new engine (amusingly called the “Retro Engine”) rather than simply emulating them. If that’s the case, why stop with widescreen?
But PlayStation Universe loved Sonic Origins, giving it a pretty darn celebratory 9.5 out of 10:
Sonic Origins is a collection Sonic’s most memorable outings, and personally, the only way SEGA could have celebrated such a major milestone for the spiky fella. Not only do they still play great, but they look brilliant in HD and the amount of extras is a nice nod to longtime fans.
Will you be picking up Sonic Origins later this week? Let us know!
Comments 58
Pretty solid overall.
Thank goodness.
I'm thinking about picking it up myself honestly. Yeah, the pricing structure is wack as hell and there are some downgrades across the games featured (rest in peace Carnival Zone) but as someone who's only played Sonic 2 out of these games, I'd be down to play through them with modern bells and whistles (especially those gorgeous cutscenes) so we'll see how it goes.
About what we'd expect then: the score will depend on your opinion of the original games, naturally. For me, it would have to seriously mess up not to be a 9/10. Its a shame the original music isn't there fully but that's hardly their fault, and won't ruin it for me.
The Retro Engine versions of S1,2 + CD were good enough to make me basically never go back to the originals anymore, so to have a convenient way to play them, plus S3+K in the same quality, is a dream and I'm looking forward to seeing the animations, completeing challenges, and unlocking stuff.
No save nor load?
I could swear I read somewhere that it does have save and loading options, even rewind.
Im waiting on switch performance review. After i got terrible port of Colors on switch im hesitant. If performance differs in the SLIGHTEST then im going ps5 version.
@samuelvictor
Yeah its hard to go back once you've experience the retro engine ones, widescreen alone is a gamechanger for me, so im definitely happy to have those games ported to console plus 3&K
I was curious about Game Informer's "audio mishaps" quote, so I had a look:
"the most egregious audio issue comes in Sonic 2. In that game, if Tails falls behind (which happens frequently), instead of respawning and flying back to you, he constantly jumps, triggering the sound on repeat until you either enter a special stage, complete the level, or one of you dies."
I had that exact issue with the launch version of Sonic Mania on PC. It was patched out right away, hopefully this is only an occasional issue here, and can be fixed asap.
@Mgalens Yeah having the extra field of view makes a HUGE difference in a fast moving game, and one where it pays to fully explore the levels to find secrets, alternate routes etc. Even though I've been playing the old games since the mid 90s, they feel cramped when I go back to them nowadays.
@luxoricious Each game saves, just no emulation style save states or rewinding. The games autosave every time you finish a zone.
Ridiculously overpriced and not featuring every game and mode a collection like this should. That's good ol' SEGA.
@Pharmboy6 The recent post on this site that linked to 45mins of gameplay was captured on Switch (as can be seen when they enter the menus) and is 1080p 60fps, and I didn't notice any frame drops or stuttering.
Removed - unconstructive feedback
As a hardcore MJ fan with a lot of respect for Sonic, but not a lot of history with his games, I’d have genuinely bought this on the strength of the original music alone. It’s a pass for me, I sincerely hope Sonic fans enjoy though!
@samuelvictor
im lucky in regards to the tails issue, havent used both characters together since a couple of incidents involving the chemical plant boss in sonic 2 and one of the end bosses in 3k
its sonic and tails going solo since then.
Why can't Sega just get it together bros
No CRT filter? This ended up being one of my favorite features from Sonic Mania, and it really helps with the presentation. Really hope this can be added in a future update!!
I feel like a seven was the minimum, considering that this collection features some of the most iconic games out there. But the fact sega couldn’t get a consistent 8 is a bit concerning.
@samuelvictor im going to beach next week... So... I want the switch... But... We will see.
Not disappointed, but I think I'd rather wait until there's a physical version, whenever that happens.
I feel like sonic mania already achieved whatever this collection does, and then some. It’s by far the best sonic game, like to the point that revisiting the originals doesn’t feel as good
No save states? That can't be right.
❗️I have the 'Sonic: Classic Collection' on DS so no thanks.
Still waiting for the physical game announcement... 😴
I betcha if they include these games on it too with true widescreen support and 60fps, it would had done well:
I'll get it once a physical copy drops on Switch.
I like the sounds of anniversary mode, perfect for the kids, while I can dive into classic mode.
Another fail for Sonic..
I’ll snag a physical copy once that comes out and is $30 or cheaper. It looks good but I’m not in a rush to play it.
I kind of regretted buying Mania before the physical version came out. So, I think I’m just going to wait and see if a physical of this comes out. I’ll get it eventually, but I’m in no rush.
Not buying this until it gets a physical release. I'm tired of publishers trying to force consumers to get certain games digitally then putting out physical editions a month or two later.
I find it perplexing that a number of the reviews complain that the games AREN'T emulated, because people have become so accustomed to emulation features like save-states or rewind in retro games now.
It's becoming clearer to me that this release really is for the fans who know the minutia of the original games, the sort that explore the wealth of fan made content on places like Sonic Retro or SFGHQ.
@RupeeClock Honestly the only reason I'm interested in this is because it's the only way I can (legally) play Sonic CD portably
Reading the reviews, most complaints are about extras that aren't included. Very little is said about how the actual games hold up today. Sure, the games have been released 30 times before, but the interesting questions are whether the games are still good (spoiler: yes they are) and whether this is a good way to play them.
@Bizzyb
You can play Sonic 1, 2, and CD legally using the decompiled Android versions on things like Anbernic RG351MP.
All you need is some data from a legally sourced Android version of the game.
Sounds like a wait for sale
@Zach You have to buy the Digital Deluxe version if you want to save!
@Serpenterror Idve bought it day one of it included sonic R , flickies island & sonic the fighters I don't think those games have been included in any collections since sonic gems collection on PS2
Pass. Always been a big Sonic fan but aren't these games already playable 50 different ways currently?
Without sonic 3 and sonic and knuckles standalone game, what's the point? I can play sonic, sonic 2, sonic 3d and sonic spinball on Sega Genesis classics, plus the Sega emulator on switch online expansion. Y'all want $40 for sonic CD? Lol
No save states is a deal-breaker for me. I'm not as good at these classic video games as I used to be, and I don't want to sink a bunch of time into replaying the same levels over and over. But that's okay. I already own these games on current platforms in other ways.
@Matty1988 Get what together?
I already have Sonic 1, 2, and CD on modern consoles anyway so going to pass on this one unless it eventually ends up on sale very cheaply.
No save state is a pass for me. I’ll stick to the genesis collection. They play good enough for me on there.
@luxoricious
There’s no “save, load, rewind”, but each game now has a save system similar to Sonic 3.
@Pharmboy6
Sonic Colours Ultimate was developed by Blind Squirrel Entertainment and had issues on every platform, not just switch.
Sonic Origins has been put together by Sega, and each game has been remastered by parts of the Mania development team.
@Zach
Because they’re remasters not emulated rom’s.
@MetalMan
Incorrect.
New Museum information from The Sonic Stadium:
“Not only can you unlock the classic Sonic Screensaver and other artworks found on Sonic Jam, but you can also view manual and box arts for every game – in any region. There are some really nice curios here too, such as a 1994 European Sonic Art Style Guide and graph paper scans of boss concepts from Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and even storyboards and animatics for the animations in not only Sonic Origins, but Sonic Mania Adventures too. You can also unlock the entirety of the Sonic 30th Anniversary Symphony using your coins so you can enjoy it on the big telly whenever you like.”
I have the Digital Deluxe preloaded. Can't wait!
@WaveBoy Sonic CD is so weird. It was originally suppose to be Sonic 2 by the ideas were scraped. The director still liked the idea, so they let him have at it on Sonic CD. I suggest simply ignoring the time travel gimmick your first time playing it. Also, you might notice a few familiar set pieces. Sonic Mania was liberal in borrowing for the old games.
@Lizuka Yeah. I am in the same boat. I have already played the Remasters of Sonic 1, 2 and CD. I have even played the Remasters in 4:3, which I kinda prefer. (Some areas of the game don't fit right in widescreen.) So unless something dramatic was added to Sonic 3...and so far all we knows is that they took away music for worse music.
Awesome, I’ll get it when it either arrives on game pass or epic store give away.
@Pharmboy6 I imagine you’re glad you dropped £500 on a PS5 to play 30 year old games like Sonic The Hedgehog.
@Crockin
I dont agree. I love Sonic Mania but its not a replacement for the originals
@Mikey_205 it’s better imo. Better music, better graphics, way more gameplay options and characters to pick from. When you really boil down the originals, you could trim so much fat from them. Mania did that beautifully, and added some new zones that are just so much better than some of the clunkier old ones
@Bizzyb except on your phone on Android or iOS? Uh.....
Also NL mods are Nazis and continue to ban me. So feel free to do so again. Whatever infinitesimal modicum of power makes you feel important.
@Pharmboy6 Counterpoint: Mania
Pretty solid reviews. I will pick this up just for the fact that I've never played any of the original games before so it will be worth it to me. The only sonic games I've played are sonic advance, adventure 2 battle and sonic dx both on gamecube. So, this will be a great experience for me.
@Effortlessgamer I don't play console based games on my smartphone....
I'm not happy with Sega's business practices. We are getting less with this collection than we did for the mega collection. However I have pre ordered it and it is pre downloaded on my switch, so I am clearly part of the problem.
What makes it worse is I have been looking forward to this collection since it was announced.
After last year's announcement, I was counting down to more info. Then I counted down to being able to pre-order then after it pre downloaded I am counting down to being able to actually play it. Despite playing it in various guises since the original mega drive days.
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