Neo Geo Sonic

On December 20, 1999, Sega decided to do something that was almost unheard of back then. They released a Sonic game for a non-Sega system, the Neo Geo Pocket Color. That game is known as Sonic the Hedgehog: Pocket Adventure. The game received lots of praise from gaming websites, including IGN, who gave the game a perfect score. Is this game really worthy of a 10, or did IGN go too far with their score? I'll tell you right now by making this review.

Graphics: 10/10 As far as visuals go, Sonic Pocket Adventure is the most visually appealing Neo Geo Pocket Color game I've ever played. The character and level designs are the two main reasons why I feel this way. Sonic and friends look absolutely fantastic, even though they decided to use the modern Sonic look instead of classic Sonic. Even so, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Dr. Eggman look way better than they did on the Game Gear. As for the level designs, they to look fantastic. If you've played Sonic 2, you'll recognize a lot of the levels in this game, though here the levels have different names, such as Casino Night Zone being called Cosmic Casino. While it would've been nice to see some new ideas for level design, the attention to detail that was put into Sonic Pocket Adventure's visuals are absolutely stunning. For these reasons, I give the graphics a 10 out of 10!

Sound: 10/10 Like the graphics, Sonic Pocket Adventure has the best soundtrack I've ever heard in a Neo Geo Pocket Color game. The soundtrack is full of amazing 8 bit remixes of Sonic 3 music, such as the boss theme. Another example is the Aquatic Relix act 1 theme, which is a remix of Mushroom Hill Zone act one. There are many other examples of Sonic 3 remixes in this game but those 2 I mentioned are almost as good as, if not better than the versions from the Genesis classic. The soundtrack is one of the most amazing parts about this game, and for that, I'm giving the sound a 10!

Addictiveness: 8/10 Sonic Pocket Adventure is easily one of the most entertaining handheld Sonic games of all time. The gameplay is just as smooth and fast paced as the Genesis Sonic games. While the levels are mostly the same as those in Sonic 2, this game is still entertaining enough for me to say that all Sonic fans need to try out. While the levels are similar to Sonic 2, the bosses offer a fresh experience for those who've already played that game. The only boss that isn't different is the Silver Sonic boss battle. Other than that, you'll find that Sonic Pocket Adventure has some interesting boss fights. Overall, Sonic Pocket Adventure is entertaining enough for me to give the addictiveness an 8.

Story: N/A Sonic Pocket Adventure doesn't have a story, therefore I'm leaving this category blank.

Depth: 8/10 As far as this game is concerned, Sonic Pocket Adventure provides 6 different zones with 2 acts in each zone for you to complete, which is a good amount for a portable Sonic game. Also this game has collectable items known as photo pieces. In each level, there are photo pieces hidden in different areas, which are used to complete puzzles found in the puzzle room. The puzzle room is a unique feature I haven't seen in any other Sonic game. Overall, I feel like Sonic Pocket Adventure has a good amount of content, so I'm giving the depth an 8.

Difficulty: 3/10 This is the one category where Sonic Pocket Adventure truly falters. Even though a lot of the levels are based on levels from Sonic 2, this game is very easy compared to the Genesis classic. I found myself making it through many of the levels here without dying. I had a much tougher time making it through Sonic 2 than I did making it through this game. The only area that I had a ton of trouble making it through was the Aquatic Relix Zone, mainly because the bubbles don't appear as quickly as they do in other Sonic games. Other than the bubbles not appearing very often, I can't think of anything else that's super challenging in Sonic Pocket Adventure. Overall, I say the difficulty deserves a 3.

Overall Score: 9.2/10 While I don't think that the 10 IGN gave this game is justified, Sonic Pocket Adventure is still one of the best handheld Sonic games I've ever played. With beautiful graphics, an incredible soundtrack, and very addicting gameplay, Sonic Pocket Adventure is a must play game for any Sonic fan. If it hadn't been for the lack of difficulty, I would've been willing to give this game a higher score, but Sonic Pocket Adventure is still good enough for me to give the game a 9.2 out of 10.

Nice review. One thing that I have been wondering was, where was the first zone act 1 remixed from? After that act, then it started getting into familiar sounding territory. I would consider Sonic on Game.com the first non-sega system to have a Sonic game. I could be wrong.

Azul Fria : You are correct. Sonic Jam for the game com was indeed the very first sonic game not made on a sega system. Speaking of which, Neo South Island Act 1's theme is a remix of the overworld theme in Sonic Jam for the Sega Saturn.

gamerforlifeforever2 : Nice review dude. I've never played this Sonic game before. After reading your review for it, I think I'll try it out very soon. I'll tell you what I think of it soon in a PM. Also I thought you were going to summon me to your next review lol!

NintendoTails : Oh yeah, I did say that didn't I? Well, sorry about that, I completely forgot about that... I'll have to remember to summon you next time.

Nice work here, gamer. I do have to ask: is this better than the Genesis Sonic games, or even on par with them? I was never a fan of Sonic, but I'm actually tempted to try this one just because it's an NGPC game.

Also I'm shocked that it scored a three in difficulty, as I find most Sonic games to be quite challenging. This one sounds like an exception to that rule.

Again, solid work here. You gave us good insight and kept it brief, all while stringing together an altogether nice review. Keep it up.

Eirinn : Thanks! I'm glad you liked my review. I would have to say that the Genesis Sonic games are better than this one, but it's one of the best portable Sonic games. As far as the difficulty goes, I personally didn't think it was super tough. It's definitely not as difficult as the Genesis Sonic games, that's for sure.

Well in that case I may give it a shot. I've only beaten 3D Blast and Spinball (and 3D Blast is my favorite Sonic game by the way). I always felt that the Genesis versions were too long anyway (especially without save abilities), so the shorter version here might be good.

I'm looking forward to your next review, man.