Greetings ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to Sonic Month 2! (Even though this review is actually taking place after June, but whatever) Today we'll be looking at the newest addition to the console main series of Sonic games (In terms of when it takes place), Sonic Generations. Now, originally I had only played the PC version of the game, but I have recently acquired the 360 version, which is more or less the same game with the only differences being in the presentation. When I first heard about this game, I spent months on YouTube and other internet websites to collect as much information as possible. I was extremely pumped for this game and when it finally became available for me to install, (because I had pre ordered it on Steam) I immediately downloaded and played this game and had such a good time. So, does this game still hold up? Can I still go back to this game and say it's just as good now as it was then? Let's find out.

Graphics
     The graphics here are simply amazing, definitely a step up from Unleashed. However, in the Xbox 360 version of the game, I did notice that the opening and closing cutscenes are a little pixelated and blurry. I know the problem doesn't exist in the PC version of the game and I've heard it doesn't happen in the PS3 version either, so I wonder what went wrong there. Aside from that, because all the levels you know and love are back, they have been given a graphical update and they all look better than before. The animations are once again extremely smooth and just make the game a little more complete in terms of looks. Overall, a great looking game.

Sound
     While the vast majority of the music is simply remixed versions of old tunes with the only exception being the Time Eater's theme, the only original piece in the entire soundtrack. However, simply because this is an anniversary title I'll let it slide as the main point of the game was to bring Classic and Modern Sonic together. Each stage theme has a Classic and Modern remix and for the most part, both remixes for each track are simply brilliant...except for possibly Classic Planet Wisp. I missed that epic bass line...oh well, can't win them all I suppose. I also didn't like the Modern City Escape remix as much as everyone else did, maybe it's just the change in main vocalist that irritates me a little. It's a fine track, just not as good as the Classic remix or the original. Other than that, the soundtrack is fantastic and you can even unlock other Sonic tunes that you can play in any stage after unlocking them. I just love fighting a boss while listening to A New Venture (from Sonic Rush Adventure), it's so unfitting it's hilarious. Seriously, try it, and try to complete the boss while keeping a straight face the entire way through...good luck. Anyway, this game's soundtrack is great and definitely worth a listen.

Addictiveness
     The replay value is almost through the roof, especially with the PC version. In addition to the missions, unlockable music, and fun levels, the PC version has the advantage of fan-made mods. Yes, I know that mods are not technically an official part of any game, but to be honest, I felt like the mods can really show off even more of what this game can do. While I haven't found myself using too many of the countless mods available, one I will point out is the Unleashed Project, a mod that ports all the day time levels from Unleashed and allows you to play them in Generations' engine. Like I said though, there are missions in each stage. 5 for Classic Sonic, and 5 for Modern Sonic in each stage. You technically only HAVE to complete one mission per stage in order to move along in the game, but I find myself going to these missions in order to get a little more play time out of the game.

Story
     Sadly, even though the same writing team from Colors was back (and I loved Colors' story), I feel as if this plot was severely rushed and not as good. Let me explain. After Classic Sonic gets done taking his stroll through Green Hill Zone, some sort of monster appears. Cut to Modern Sonic's time and we see that Sonic's friends are throwing a surprise party for his birthday. After celebrating a little while, the monster that appeared in the previous scene appears and kidnaps all of Sonic's friends and sends Sonic into a white world, Sonic then runs to Green Hill to investigate. After clearing Green Hill, Sonic rescues Tails and from here is where I personally think there were missed opportunities. They took advantage of Sonic remembering Green Hill and not Tails, considering only Sonic was present in Sonic 1, then after Chemical Plant, they both vaguely remember being there as well. From this point forward they don't mention any memories about any other stage, which was disappointing in my opinion. For the rest of the story, please play the game yourself. Overall, a decent story, but I think the next two section make up for it.

Depth
     Like I mentioned earlier, there are 10 missions per stage, 5 for Classic and 5 for Modern, making up 90 total missions in 9 stages. The stages in Sonic Generations are as follows; Green Hill (Sonic 1), Chemical Plant (Sonic 2), Sky Sanctuary (Sonic 3 & Knuckles), Speed Highway (Sonic Adventure), City Escape (Sonic Adventure 2), Seaside Hill (Sonic Heroes), Crisis City (Sonic '06), Rooftop Run (Sonic Unleashed), and Planet Wisp (Sonic Colors). Each stage has been remade to fit both Classic and Modern styles of gameplay. There are also a total of 50 unlockable songs from most of Sonic's game library, even the spin-offs. There is also a concept art gallery and a secret trophy room that you unlock by going into the collection room and holding Select (On the 360 controller) for a few seconds. Unfortunately, you need codes that I guess were supposed to be given at certain events or in certain toys and merchandise, but thanks to the internet, I have all the codes. This game definitely has quite a bit to offer, just adding to the replay value even further.

Gameplay/Controls
     As you may have figured out by now, there are two styles of gameplay in this game, Classic and Modern Sonic. Classic Sonic's controls are, for the most part, the same as the Genesis game. Using the analog stick to move, the A button to jump, and the X button to spin dash. You can also spin dash the old-fashioned way, but for this game, I wouldn't recommend it. I also wouldn't recommend trying to roll, it doesn't work too well. That's my gripe with Classic Sonic in this game, for the previews and everything trying to tell me that Classic Sonic would feel just like the Genesis version, that's not how it felt to me. Granted, it IS better than Sonic 4 Episode 1, but still not quite "Genesis". Modern Sonic controls like he did in Unleashed and Colors. Using the analog stick to move, the A button to jump, pressing the A button in the air to perform either an air dash or a homing attack when locked on to something. Pressing the X button will allow Sonic to use his Boost ability, letting him plow through enemies and certain obstacles along the way. For the most part, the game controls great and has some of the best control in a 3D Sonic game so far, definitely worth a playthrough.

Overall, I find this game to be the best out of the Modern bunch thus far, and I really hope Sonic Lost World blows me away even more when it comes out, but for now, this game is the best of Modern Sonic. I would also recommend this game to people either looking to get into the Sonic series or to get back into it, it teaches you about both styles and allows you to experience it in some of Sonic's most iconic stages. With great control, great music, and tons of replay value, I give Sonic Generations a 9 out of 10. Well, that concludes Sonic Month 2. Join me next time as we begin Mega Man Month. Until then, PEACE OUT!

This was a really great review, you went into detail, and it was really lengthy. I always love to see great reviews like these. It was over 1000 words to. You have done a really fantastic job writing this review. I actually never played sonic generations, but my friends from school were always talking about it, and how good of a game it is. I want to give it a shot, but I don't have it, and probably never will own it. Still though this review was really well detailed, and it had lots to offer. Nice work, and I really want to see some more reviews from you. I like to see things like this. Good luck, and PIECE OUT right back at you .