• Review: Sonic Colors (DS Version)

    by
    Jason Arriola
    Published on 05-01-2011 03:45 PM
    4 Comments Comments


    Sonic Colors (DS Version)

    Developer: Dimps
    Publisher: Sega
    Platform: DS
    Genre: Action/Adventure, Platformer
    Rating: Everyone
    Release Date: November 16, 2010

    The Nintendo DS features yet another Sonic the Hedgehog game and this one’s quite good and manages to include as much content as the Wii version does. Sonic Colors features great side-scrolling action, and if this is your thing, or if you’re a fan of the original Sonic games on the Sega Genesis, this game is just for you and for just about everyone.

    Presentation

    Sonic has returned to throw a wrench in Eggman’s plans, but it appears that Eggman has undergone a change of heart. How? He’s built a massive outer space theme park that anyone and everyone is free to enter. Sensing that something’s not right, Sonic and Tails make their way to Eggman’s amusement park. They soon realize that not everything is fun and games when they see what Eggman’s true plot is. The amusement park, it turns out, is made up of planetoids. These planetoids have inhabitants called Wisps and Eggman has captured them in order to power his latest weapon. He has forcibly tied these planetoids together to keep his power from decreasing. Sonic must race through each planetoid to rescue the captured Wisps and put an end to Eggman’s diabolical plans.

    Graphics

    Like its predecessors on the Nintendo DS, Sonic Colors looks just as good as Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure. During the actual gameplay the graphics really do take advantage of the game’s subtitle: Colors. Though it’s seen in Sonic games a lot, the wide variety of colors in each of the game’s stages keep the gameplay fresh and avoids repetition.

    One of the neat things I noticed when first starting the game was the opening video for the game. It’s actually the full gameplay trailer that was shown before its release. It’s exactly what you may have seen but you’re seeing it through a hand-held system and the way it runs is surprisingly good for a game contained on a tiny cartridge.

    Sound/Music

    If you own the Wii version of Sonic Colors you’ll notice that the music is the same. The music is already catchy as it is, and the DS version of the game’s soundtrack is not disappointing. As I mentioned in my Wii version review for Sonic Colors, the game features some of the best music since the Sonic Adventure games on the Dreamcast, so it’s a good thing to listen to if you enjoy a game’s soundtrack like I do.

    Of course Sonic Colors will have all your favorite Sonic the Hedgehog sound effects, which pretty much completes the sound/music portion of this review. Also, for the moments that Sonic and Tails speak, you’ll notice that both characters have received some new voice talent.

    Gameplay

    Like all Sonic games before it, pretty much, Sonic Colors requires Sonic to make it through an action stage, racing as fast as possible to get to the goal at the end of the stage. The DS version plays most similar to Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure with pure 2D side-scrolling platforming in the traditional Sonic the Hedgehog fashion.

    Sonic also has a few moves to help him progress through the game such as his homing attack, running slide, and spin dash. New to Sonic Colors is the Wisps that Sonic can find in each of the action stages. Wisps will either be in capsules that can be broken when Sonic makes contact with them, or they’ll hide within Eggman’s badniks, which can be obtained by destroying them. When collected, Wisps will provide Sonic with temporary power ups. There are various Wisps and the powers they provide Sonic include: speed, drill, rocket, and laser. There are also two Wisps that are exclusive to the DS version of the game which is the Red Burst and Violet Void. The Red Burst Wisp allows Sonic to pop around the action stage like a firecracker, and holding down the jump button while using this Wisp will cause Sonic to explode, sending fire to anything in his way. The longer you hold the jump button, the greater your blast radius. The Violet Void allows Sonic to float around the action stage as a plume of violet smoke and vacuum things around him, such as enemies and rings. With everything the vortex consumes, the void grows larger and larger until the ability wears off.

    By the end of each planetoid comes a boss fight, which must be beaten to advance to another planetoid. These boss fights will have Sonic using the power of the Wisps, so think of a strategy to find the boss’s weakness.

    The only issue you might have is falling down holes, or accidentally running into enemies you don’t see coming and end up losing all your rings, but these are things that are to be expected in a Sonic the Hedgehog game. Usually you don’t know until you play through it, but you can clear each action stage with few accidents with enough practice. This is what gives Sonic games replay value. The speed runs are always fun and it’s great to challenge your scores.

    Lasting Appeal

    If you think by the time you reach the main story’s end that it’s finished, you’re wrong. There’s still plenty of gameplay to go.

    You’ll notice that when you select a planetoid to play, the first thing the game does is bring you to a mini map of that planetoid. When you finish the regular action stages, the mini map will branch out and open up new paths to challenges. Each planetoid has their own challenges. Challenges require you to complete a task within a level in a variety of ways, such as making it to the goal line within a specific time, or pick up a certain amount of rings before time runs out. They really do require you to put your skills to the test and since some of these challenges are timed, you’ll need to be as fast as Sonic himself, well your fingers anyway.

    Collecting at least 50 rings in an Action Stage, and by making it to the goal with these rings means you can access the special stage for a chance to obtain one of the seven Chaos Emeralds. The special stages require the use of the stylus, controlling Sonic through a half-pipe styled special stage that was first seen in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. With all the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic can transform into Super Sonic.

    Sprinkled throughout each action stage are hidden red rings. Collecting them unlocks in-game artwork and cinematics. One more feature is Eggman’s Sonic Simulator, which contains some more fun mini games to keep your interests going for the game. Plus you and a friend can go head to head for a high-speed race to the end of the action stage's finish line if you both have your own DS systems.

    Conclusion

    The DS version of Sonic Colors has a lot going for it. There’s plenty to do throughout the game, as well as when you finish it. It features some great high-speed 2D side-scrolling action that made Sonic games popular 20 years ago. Whether you’re an old Sonic the Hedgehog fan or a new fan alike, Sonic Colors is good fun and it makes a colorful addition to your DS.

    Score
    9/10

    Comments 4 Comments
    1. Hecqubus's Avatar
      Hecqubus - 05-01-2011
      makes me want a ds not gonna lie haha gg jsn!
    1. Gusto's Avatar
      Gusto - 05-01-2011
      Scotterz hooked up my son with this gem and he totally the crap out of it. I have sooo many games to play so not sure when I'll get my hands on it, maybe on the way to LA.

      Great job again Jason (X)!
    1. Jason Arriola's Avatar
      Jason Arriola - 05-01-2011
      You don't own a DS, Hec? Yeah I just got myself a DS Lite when that came out. Although the DSi and DS-XL released I never felt a reason to get one. But now I really want a 3DS. If you like classic Sonic, Hec, you'll like this as well as Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure. I review those too in case you're curious.

      Gusto I was thinking the same, you could try it on the way to LA, maybe while we're flying. I want to get a 3DS by then so I can probably play some of my favorites. Thanks for your comments! And that Sonic emoticon is the best!
    1. Gusto's Avatar
      Gusto - 05-01-2011
      Quote Originally Posted by jsn0130 View Post
      Gusto I was thinking the same, you could try it on the way to LA, maybe while we're flying. I want to get a 3DS by then so I can probably play some of my favorites. Thanks for your comments! And that Sonic emoticon is the best!
      If anything, get one for E3, I'm totally excited to street pass it up there LOL. Trust me, street pass is the coolest thing for the 3ds and we should be hitting up loads of peeps at e3.

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.