As a Sonic fan, it felt like fate guided me to the Sonic Generations booth as I walked into the expo. It was time to see what Sega felt was important enough to forget about Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2.

If you’re a Sonic fan, you’ll love Sonic Generations.

The “classic” mode is the 16-bit style gameplay we grew up with back in the Genesis era. Sonic runs, jumps, rolls, and spin dashes. That’s it. No homing attack. The demo ran Green Hill zone and while it stays faithful to the original, it also adds multiple paths and is much longer. The platforming is solid and it was definitely pleasant to play as a Sonic that understands the law of momentum, a common complaint with Sonic 4.

I know the developers are still working on the game, but if certain changes aren’t made, then I can already see the hardcore complaining. Firstly, Sonic currently feels like he has the physics from Sonic 1. The physics from 2, 3, and Knuckles are not well represented. This could be what the developers are shooting for, but let’s not forget Sonic the Hedgehog 1 isn’t the most acclaimed in the series. The second complaint I can imagine coming in is that Sonic can’t simply speed dash with a quick button tap. You must hold it for about a second. If you’ve played Sonic CD then this is pretty much the same thing.

I also had a chance to play the “New Generation” Sonic. If you’ve played Sonic Colors, then well it’s a similar experience. Keep in mind this is “New Generation” Sonic, it’s not just 3D. It also incorporates 2D gameplay, but with the current rendition of Sonic and his arsenal of moves. Those moves include the homing attack, 2D burst from Sonic Rush, ground stomp, slide, and the Sonic Boost. The best addition is the return of the ring gauge from Sonic Unleashed to power up the Sonic Boost. Away with the aliens from Sonic Colors!  I’m sure Sega is working on this, but I have to mention that the game severely punishes those players who aren’t quick enough to hit the slide button when coming across an obstacle. Sonic comes to a hault and then slowly slides for roughly 5 seconds in an awkward unsatisfying manner. Hopefully this is just for the demo and will be removed, but it was frustrating to come to such a halt during the first playthroughs.

Levels are being announced that I have to check out, but it’s safe to say that if you weren’t a fan of the Sonic franchise, this isn’t going to change your mind. Green Hill Zone is still Green Hill Zone. The main reason being that Sega is trying to recapture Sonic from his glory days with this title. Some gamers simply never liked neither new or classic Sonic series. If you’re still willing to give Sonic a try, this title is another step above Sonic 4 and Colors.

I’m hyped for Sonic’s 20th birthday and I feel that this game is perfect for the event! It’s very promising and only time will tell what the true package will hold this holiday season.

PS. Please don’t add any characters who premiered after Sonic Adventure.