"A blue hedgehog running around really fast? Count me in!"

My first game console was the Sega Genesis. The number-one reason I loved it was one fast blue hedgehog and his absolutely amazing series of games. Yes, Sonic the Hedgehog. Having a lasting impression with his Genesis classic side-scrollers, Sonic became a gaming icon in a instant. Sadly, he starred in less-than stellar games on the Saturn, and didn't get a lasting legacy on the Dreamcast. But after some dealings with their former rival Nintendo, Sega has provided them with a disc featuring Sonic's Genesis gems. Sonic Mega Collection is, in my opinion, the best collection disc you can find on the Gamecube.

Sonic the Hedgehog: 8/10

The one that started it all. Sonic the Hedgehog proved itself in the crowded game market with a new sense of speed in the game. Sonic didn't move slow at all. He blazed through the large levels. The story, as it has and always will be, is that megalomaniacal madman, Dr. Robotnik, plans to turn the peaceful animal-filled world of Mobius into his own robotic utopia by changing the animals into “badniks”, the robotic creatures Robotnik prides himself with. Sonic, our blue buddy, isn't going to stand for it. The levels are designed incredibly well, and provide challenge in the many areas. Each zone is made up of three acts: the first two feature the running and reaching a goal, while the third has the same and a boss fight with Robotnik at the end. Sonic can basically only run, jump, and spin on the ground, but this is all he needs. Throughout the levels, Sonic gathers rings which are used as life. As long as you have one ring, Sonic can't die from a badnik attack. If you have a high enough ring count at the end of a level, Sonic can travel to a Special Stage to earn one of the precious and powerful Chaos Emeralds. These stages take place in a twisted, spinning world which Sonic must navigate through to find the Emerald. The sense of speed in the game is very nice. Sonic will dash through the diverse environments incredibly fast. The only real problem with this game is caused by the later games. Compared to the improved sequels, the game feels a bit dated, graphically and gameplay-wise. But it's a classic, and without it, we wouldn't have the others.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2: 9/10

I love this game. Improving on the gameplay of the first while making it bigger and better-looking, Sonic 2 impressed fans of the series. Robotnik returns with his newest weapon, the Death Egg, and threatens to stop Sonic again. Sonic returned with a sidekick, a two-tailed fox named Miles “Tails” Prower. The gameplay between the two didn't change, but having another character to play as was a treat. Sonic and Tails could now use the Spin Dash, a charging dash which provided instant speed. The levels were about the same length, but this time, there were many more and much more diversity in the appearance. The Special Stages were a 3-D type game, where Sonic runs down the tracks collecting rings and avoiding mines to earn the necessary goal and a Chaos Emerald. When all the Chaos Emeralds were in hand, Sonic can transform into the golden hero, Super Sonic. In my opinion, the Special Stages in Sonic 2 were some of the most frustrating of all the Special Stages of Sonic games. You had to collect 50 rings and activate a lamppost to enter, then you had to complete the stage. It just felt like too much to do for an Emerald. The bosses were much more clever and diverse in Sonic 2 and the overall enemy design was cool. There was also a nice two-player race versus in the game. This was very close to being perfect, but the Special Stage design really brought it down. Sonic 2 improved immensely on an already great game.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3: 10/10

This game got a rather mixed set of reviews, but in my opinion, this was one of the best Sonic games ever. This game fixed all of the problems of Sonic 2, while throwing in clever boss battles, better graphics, and new abilities. The story is that Robotnik's Death Egg has crashed on the Floating Island. Robotnik tricks the native guardian of the Chaos Emeralds, Knuckles the Echidna, into fighting Sonic while he repairs the Death Egg. Sonic arrives on the island only to be attacked by Knuckles and robbed of the Chaos Emeralds. Sonic, along with Tails, travels across the islands to find the Emeralds and stop Robotnik again. The graphics have gotten an upgrade, showing a bigger and more detailed world. Sonic can now use an Insta-Shield in mid-air, and Tails can (finally) fly. The levels got a focus more towards exploration instead of speed, which disappointed some fans, but I thought the game was amazing. Special Stages were divided between a gumball-machine minigame with lampposts, and earning Chaos Emeralds in a 3-D navigation minigame by finding a giant ring. The game also incorporated a save system. This game improved on the few problems of the previous, resulting in one of the best side-scrollers this side of the original.

Sonic and Knuckles: 8/10

This game used the same engine that Sonic 3 used, only this time there were new levels and a new character to play as: Knuckles. Knuckles could glide and climb up walls, giving some variety to Sonic's world. The story picks up right where Sonic 3 left off, finally concluding the Death Egg saga. The levels in this game are quite detailed and have some unique elements. The Special Stages were fine-tuned to perfection, including the reuse of the Blue Spheres Chaos Emerald stage of Sonic 3. This game really didn't revolutionize Sonic games like the others did, but it was a welcome addition and included a new character to play as.

Sonic Spinball 7/10

Sonic must stop Robotnik's pinball fortress! Yes, pinball fortress. This was okay for a pinball game, but could get frustratingly difficult at times. It was fun for a while, but compared to the Sonic side-scrollers, the game wasn't as fast-paced and didn't feel like it belonged with the others.

Sonic 3D Blast 7/10

Sonic journeyed into an isometric 3-D world to save the Flicky birds from Robotnik. The game was one of the slowest Sonic games ever, but encouraged exploration with the well-designed environments. This game did some justice to 3D Sonic, but didn't compare to the side-scrollers at all.

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine 8/10

This was an odd puzzler featuring Robotnik and his many robots, but proved itself as a fun little game. The game is a lot like Puyo Pop, but that's a good thing. The game has falling beans. Match four together and they disappear. Stack them up right to form chains and rain some bean mayhem on your opponent. The game had a challenging single-player mode and an entertaining multiplayer mode, providing lots of fun for a puzzler. It really didn't have Sonic, but the game proved fun.

Unlockable Games 10/10

I won't spoil the games, but I will say that they are worth your unlocking by far. They all are unique and are some excellent reasons to buy this game. Unlock them as quick as possible.

Extras 8/10

There's a lot of comic art and illustrations to view, and some cinema including the Sonic CD opening and closing movie. The only problem with these are the fact that Sonic CD wasn't included on this. Sure, it appears in Gems Collection, but it desperately should've been here with the other side-scrollers. The art is fun to view and is worth a look if you're a Sonic fan.

Final Verdict 10/10

This is pure excellent nostalgia at its prime. Playing these games shows Sonic at his best. The side-scrollers are pure gaming joy and the quirky Spinball, 3D Blast, and Mean Bean Machine are nice breaks from the blazing-fast world of Sonic. The extras are also great. This game is not just for the Sonic fan; it's for anyone. If you've never heard of Sonic, this is the perfect place to start. If you want to witness his epic gaming past, this is the game to get. This is side-scrolling, nostalgic excellence on every level and must be played to be believed. Buy it, you won't be sorry.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/31/05