"A nice Super Sonic run down memory lane"

When I heard that a Sonic Compilation was in the works for GameCube, I was really happy. Finally I can capture the Sonic games I loved but never owned for myself, and on a NINTENDO system no less. So how does the pack rate? Read on:

Graphics: (9/10) So what if they're older 16/32 bit-ish sprites? Back in the day, these were some of the best graphics available, and to true hardcore Sonic fans, they shouldn't matter. The only way they could've improved on them, in my opinion, is if perhaps they went back and gave all of the Sonic games (outside of Sonic 3, S&K, and Sonic 3D) a Sonic 3 graphical make over. But hey, I'm not picky about that.

Gameplay/Control (8/10) It's a slight departure from playing on a classic Genesis pad, but hey, it's still smooth to me. Plus, except for SpinBall, all the games require only one button to jump and do each characters special moves.

The Games: (8/10) Most everyone has had their opinions about which games should have made it into the collection, and which could've been tossed, and I'm no different. Sonic CD REALLY should've been in to make this collection a complete work of art, and I don't care what others may report on the explanation of why it didn't make it in, the mini DVD should've been able to hold it in! Plus, all of the GameGear/Master System games didn't make it either, which is a shame, considering games like Sonic Chaos, Triple Trouble, and the Tails games would've been nice games to play. Oh well, here's hoping that the more obscure titles will make it into another collection (except for Sonic Labyrinth, that stinker can stay in the trash where it belongs). Otherwise, the games included are among Sonic's best, and once I unlock Flicky and Ristar, I'll gladly play them as well.

Story: (9/10) Sonic games back in their original timeframe weren't played for encompassing plots, but they got the job down for what they were worth. You want story? Play the Adventure games is my bottom line.

Extras/Easter Eggs: (8/10) To be honest, I expected a little bit more. I've already explained my case on the games above, so I won't repeat here. As far as multimedia stuff, we've got the vids, some illustrations, and even a full comic courtesy of Archie, but there could've been much more. Why didn't they give us Sonic comics from around the globe? I would've loved to see the cult fave Sonic Fleetway comic, and translated mangas would've been cool as well. The vids were nice, but I would've like to see an interview with some of the creators, like Yuji Naka-san, or even old-school commercials in both Japan and USA for the Sonic games (Seeing the heralding of ''Hedgehog Day'' would've been a hoot and half.) And as far as illustrations go, they're cool, but i've only seen like about 1/6th that I've never seen before. So, again, Sonic Team could've done SO much more, but what they did was good.

Overall (8/10) I compare SMC to a student in school who KNOWS they can do outstanding things, worthy of like an A++, but has enough of a slacker in him who's willing to get by with a B. Thus I can't give an 9 or above for something I believe could've been made even better, if they spent more time on it. But for what it's worth, that doesn't stop SMC for being a good game. At least it and the ports of the Adventure games will keep us tied over until a new Sonic Console game comes out.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/19/02, Updated 11/19/02