Sonic 4: Episode 1

So I haven't got the money to pay for the full download, but I thought I'd give the trial of Sonic 4 a go. And if the  demo is anything to go by, paying for the full version will be well worth it! Classic Sonic action returns once again  with a major graphical overhaul. The game maintains everything that made the first 3 classics; from it's opening level with grassy and colourful scenary (reminiscent of Green Hill Zone and Emerald Hill Zone), right through to the ever so successful 2D platforming action that made Sonic so popular.

Sega have included a few elements from the 3D Sonic outings, including his ability to lock on to and attack enemies mid jump. For veteran Sonic gamers this feels natural and yet so different at the same time. The gameplay is virtually unaltered from the previous Sonic games and you could easily believe this game to have followed on directly from Sonic 3, such is the similarity in style.

Considering the mixed success of the 3D Sonic games of late, fans of the speedy blue hedgehog are going to be ecstatic about Sega's decision to go back to Sonic's roots. Sonic 4 is so easy to pick up and play, yet maintains the challenge that was present throughout the series, whilst still managing to incorporate the innovative elements of the more recent 3D series of games.

The graphics are slightly odd to get used to at first as Sonic 4 is a 2D/3D crossover. The levels are purely 2D but all of the active elements in the level are drawn with a 3D view. Once you get passed the fact that this is not exactly the same as Sonic 3 graphics, and is in fact actually an improvement (considering how many jumps in console there have been since the last 2D Sonic game) you will start to enjoy the levels and feel yourself getting lost in the addictive gameplay.

I highly recommend this game for fans and non-fans of the series. Sega and Nintendo have always managed to pull off the best platform games, and this is a return to their best for Sega.

Sonic 4: Episode 1 is available to download from Xbox Live or Playstation Network.