Sonic 4: Episode 1

The Sonic franchise was once the epitome of gaming, with the first two or three games topping the polls every time with their vibrant, enjoyable and accessible playing. The appearance of next-generation consoles and better expectations resulted in Sega trying out new tricks with the tried and tested method; introducing 3-Dimensional terrains, on-the-rail games and more. In recent times, the Sonic series has deviated even more, with games recreating him as a knight, a werehog, and more. After years of mourning, followers of the classic are to get their wants addressed by the newest game in the franchise; Sonic 4: Episode 1.

Whilst some of the current titles within the series have been great, Sonic 4: Episode 1 is claimed to be what fans have been waiting to be made for years; a return to the original gameplay. In Sonic 4: Episode 1, Sonic returns to his side-scrolling adventures, with terrain widely reminiscent of those seen within the classic titles, like the Green Hill Zone. The surplus characters have been left at home, even ever-loyal sidekick Tails missing from the lineup. Said to be a follow-on to Sonic & Knuckles, this game sees Sonic strike out on his lonesome for new adventures.

Without doubt, our present generation of consoles will deliver Sonic 4: Episode 1 with beautiful graphics. In spite of being a side-scroller, the character models have been created in 3D, giving a vastly polished end product. The colors are more vibrant than before and the myriad terrain elements we fondly remember, including the loops-the-loops, are nicely realised. The game also supports high-def, and thus has the possibility to look even better.

This title will be released on Wiiware, PSN and Xbox live and as the game's title infers, further adventures are set to follow. Will these fun little offerings help take Sonic to the top? Only time can tell. However for many who liked the look and the feel of the classics, Sonic 4: Episode 1 will be a refreshing return to the method.