"Pure disrespect to the Sonic Franchise"

(5/10) This is what Sonic would be if he was on SNES.

Note: Overall score is determined by cumulative scores now, added up by importance. Overall score is 1,000, the final 1 - 10 score is rounded to proportion.

Sega CD was a system that was held off for two years, half a year ago I bought my own Sega CD for 30 bucks specifically to play this game, if you read the subject line, you can tell I was disappointed.

Sega CD needed a flagship game, so it is obvious this game was made rather quickly. The game wasn't designed by Sonic team, and it is evident, I'll explain.

In this game, the plot is more in-depth, but not original. The plot is that Robotnik chained ''Little Planet'' to Mobius and hog-napped Amy Rose.The kidnapping scheme was done in the Game Gear version of Sonic 2. (No, it wasn't a small version of the genesis Sonic 2. One thing innovative about this plot is that instead of turning animal into robots, Eggman used sun-flower seeds this time. I don't give a hedgehog's ''egestion complex'' about cute animals, your saving the all mighty sun-flowers! I have a thing for plants I guess.

When you turn on this game, you'll see that you have your standard game, and a time trial option using levels from the standard game. Unlike the earlier Sonic games, Sonic CD introduces the save game system! Now you don't have to beat the entire thing in a continuous 45 minutes anymore, YAY!

As a Sonic maniac (Who got every chaos emerald ever! Well not in Sonic 2) I would expect lots of obstacles at break-neck speed, immersed in the mastery of Sonic styled level design. Unlike most other Sonic games, the level designs are either as straight forward as Mario's levels, or sloppy and confusing. Sadly, even the first level doesn't give you that classic Sonic feel that most Sonic first levels give ya. Anyone who isn't a Sonic Fan thinks that Sonic CD is the best in the series, but those who appreciate the almighty hog will put this on the bottom of their list.

The levels (ACTS), as I said before, are two straight forward and are extremely disorganized. The game is very easy, and there is not one boss in this game that is ... fun! That is almost impossible in any Sonic game, Sonic's strongpoint are always the innovative bosses. This game's bosses are a piece of cake, and at times die in two hits. The last boss is even a complete joke. The bosses in this game make Bowser of Super Mario Brothers 1 look like a flaming master-piece. The game should of had harder, tougher (taking more hits), and less 'gadgety' bosses.

One more weak point in this game is the Audio. Sure it is from a CD, all the songs are, well, uh, below Sonic Par. The Sound-effects, like jumping specifically, are baby-fied, they sound more kiddish and cartoony. With the CD quality, they could of gave us retro Sonic 1 music or real Rock and dance music. Even the Songs in the Japanese version are bad, I guess no time was spent into one of Sonic's other strong holds, the music.

How did Sonic fare in graphics? OK. The graphics are sharper, and more frames of animation are used. This game actually has over 20 badniks! (a Sonic first! The only cool one is the one with a dropsaw, reminds me of battlebots) The colors were used incorrectly though. They blended brown with purple, and stuff like that. The game looks a bit tacky.

What is good about the game? Two things. The Chaos Emerald stages (ahem, Time Stones), are fun. It has the 360 degree Mario Kart feel, and is actually fun. Busting UFOs never felt so good! The other good thing, Metallic Madness Zone. (The last level) This upgraded Scrap Brain zone is fun, has practicaly gadgets, and has some catchy beats. My first completion of act 2 of this level took 6:30, they actually put effort into it. Those are the only two good things about this game. :P

Gameplay: (285 / 600) Very weak in this category, the game doesn't have the Sonic feel, and lacks the well orchestrated Worlds that the hog is known for. And Time Travel? Go ahead and do it, it will show you a gloomy future. Makes me depressed thinking about it.

Graphics: (110 / 200) Though the graphics are sharp, they are executed horribly. Just imagined eating vanilla ice-cram with mustard and ketchup. That's how much the graphics don't slice. ''Pig and Elephant DNA, just don't slice.'' Ever hear that song from loverboy?

Audio: (25 / 100) Very weak in this category, if Metallic Madness carries the game, something is wrong.

Originality: (10 / 50) Sonic was never Known for his originality (cough, Mario), but this game introduces a new rolling attack, time travel, and running attack that can be used in ''Sonic Chaos''. Thus, your ten originality points. :)

Etc.: (45 / 50) Cinema mode, easy to use menu, extra time trial option. This game loses five points for being total letdown!

Total (475 / 1000) (5/10) This is what Sonic would be if he was on SNES.

Scoring Format is self explanatory, and if my extreme G review is published, you can see it more specifically.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 03/03/02, Updated 03/03/02