Sonic Spinball

"A pinball game with a Sonic twist."

Back in the day of the Genesis, introduced to the gaming world is Sonic, who has become one of the most popular characters in the gaming industry. The games were mostly platformers, and proved to be very good ones. There was a spinoff of the series, and here it is. Sonic Spinball. While it proves to be a lot of fun, it's difficulty may turn you off. Onto the review.

Graphics: 8
I'm not comparing these graphics to what's capable today, what's the standard on the Genesis. These were pretty good, but not the Genesis's best. Some of the backgrounds seem uninspired, and the characters are a bit on the small side. However, the colors make up for the short comings, and some other effects are great too.

Sound: 7
Some of the music can get monotonous, and the sound effects as well. It is, though, pretty well composed, and the sound effects are well done at points. Some things, though, such as the first level boss's screams, get old after about two seconds. Not too bad though overall.

Control: 8
The control is rather easy. You use the D-pad to move Sonic around on flat surfaces, and can determine his direction in other situations, and the A button is the left flipper, the B button is the right flipper, and the C button uses both flippers. All three make Sonic jump when he's on a flat surface, but I should mention that the jump is a bit slow in performing, so if something's coming at you, hope you jump quick enough. Sometimes, it's a bit slippery. At times, this is good, but other times, such as in the Toxic Caves, and you slip and die. Altogether, it's rather easy.

Gameplay: 8
The game is a lot of fun, but can be too short. Getting all the emeralds is HARD. The game's difficulty can be a turnoff, especially if you're not used to the game. The bosses are pretty hard, and there's hazards all over the four levels, so you're in for a rough ride. It is, though, a lot of fun while you're at it.

Overall: 8
The game proves to be fun, but a bit too difficult and short. The graphics are good, but not the Genesis's best, the sound is good, and the control is excellent, and it's pretty fun, despite its difficulty. In the end, it's a good game, and a good buy as well, but good luck finding it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/20/02, Updated 01/20/02