Sonic the Hedgehog games are bad, but Sonic is perfect

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As a long-time fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, I can’t help but feel deeply conflicted about the iconic blue hedgehog. While my heart is filled with fond memories of Sonic’s colorful worlds and charming characters, my gaming experience with the series has been a rollercoaster ride of disappointment.

We’re truly fortunate to have Sonic the Hedgehog in our lives. It’s not because of his inconsistent games, which have ranged from poor to fairly good over the last thirty years. Instead, it’s about the influence he’s had on video game culture. I could live without Sonic as a video game series – but never at the expense of its lasting impact.

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I have a deep affection for Sonic the Hedgehog in its entirety. From a design perspective, I admire the work of Naoto Ohshima. The vivid, expansive levels filled with bright primary colors, checkerboard patterns, and pinball elements are visually appealing to me. I also appreciate Sonic’s quirks, such as his reluctance to reveal his feet. Moreover, I find joy in the heartfelt fan art created by Sonic enthusiasts using MS Paint, even if it includes unconventional representations of Sonic, Tails, and Amy that can be found on DeviantArt.

In my opinion, most Sonic the Hedgehog video games are not worth playing.

As an avid Sonic fan since my childhood, I can’t help but reminisce about my past actions. I didn’t used to hold this perspective. In fact, I once went to great lengths to obtain the original Sonic the Hedgehog game for Sega Genesis. My desperation and youthful impulsiveness led me to make an unconventional decision – I “borrowed” my mother’s credit card to purchase a new copy for $49.99, which equates to approximately $115 in today’s value. At the time, I was oblivious to the repercussions and didn’t consider how I would repay the debt. All that mattered was immersing myself in the wonders of Blast Processing and embracing the coolness of a blue hedgehog character.

I was greatly impressed by the stunning visuals and appealing tunes of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” However, Sonic’s demeanor made it clear that his game-mascot counterparts lacked character. As soon as I inserted that cartridge into my Genesis console, I came to an unfortunate realization: I disliked the way “Sonic the Hedgehog” felt to play. For me, a gamer accustomed to the precise platforming of “Super Mario Bros,” Sonic’s bouncy jumps, excessive focus on speed, and ring-based health system were a source of frustration.

For several decades, one disappointment followed another in the Sonic series for me and many other fans. With each new installment, such as “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” “Sonic Adventure,” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2006,” among others, I held onto hope for an improvement, only to be let down once more. The same gameplay problems that marred the original Sonic persisted, while attempts to transform Sonic into a knight, werewolf, or resistance fighter during time travel failed to captivate us. This cycle of disappointment is a common theme among Sonic fans.

If I express disapproval for Sonic’s games, it means I’m in the minority opinion. Otherwise, Sega wouldn’t keep producing new Sonic the Hedgehog titles or spin-offs every few years. I’m content with Sonic’s continued financial prosperity, and for those who enjoy racing through various Green Hill Zones once more. Wishing you joy on your Sonic gaming journey.

I was thrilled to discover that Sonic’s community never disappointed me. As a devoted fan of his companions like Big the Cat and Mighty the Armadillo, I’ve been entertained by their smart and amusing animated shows, tolerable live-action movies, and even the humorous jabs at Sonic from those films. Sega’s blue hedgehog has evolved from being overshadowed by Mario to a goldmine of humor and uniqueness. Today, we enjoy various versions of Sonic the Hedgehog in comics, TV series, and unexpectedly successful blockbuster movies. It’s remarkable that a sassy, spiky mammal capable of saving the world through running could have such a rich presence in our culture. Perhaps, Sonic the Hedgehog is the epitome of excellent corporate social media, demonstrating his edgy ’90s charm.

As a gamer, I may not resonate with the furry community’s take on Sonic the Hedgehog or their explicit fan art. However, I respect their creative expressions and freedom. Without Sonic fans, we wouldn’t have SonicFox, an exceptional fighting-game player, or the popular internet meme game that lets you search for your name + “the Hedgehog” to discover your Sonic-sona. These are victories not just for Sonic the Hedgehog but also for lowbrow culture. Currently, I’m engrossed in Ken Penders’ unusual Sonic storyline, The Lara-Su Chronicles. In this alternate universe, K’Nox, a cyber-cowboy echidna, is an intriguing character, unlike the Knuckles we all know from Sega.

I’ll go on cherishing Sonic from a distance, occasionally picking up his games as reminders, This isn’t ideal for me. And I’ll keep supporting the Sonic the Hedgehog community who enjoy them, ensuring that Sonic and his woodland pals remain a part of our world.

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2024-07-15 18:20