Sonic the Hedgehog
Reviewed by: FordSonic the Hedgehog is a video game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 that was made to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. It was developed by Sonic Team, published by Sega and directed by Shun Nakamura.
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Challenge
As with previous Sonic games, the remake of Sonic the Hedgehog for XBOX 360 is less about challenge and more about exploration and completing missions and the like. As with many games, Sonic gets progressively harder as the game goes on, but in terms of overall challenge it is not that difficult a game. Sonic is clearly meant for younger players, so the challenge has been toned down quite a bit in comparison to many of today’s newer games.
Graphics
Compared to earlier Sonic games, the graphics in this particular remake are much more advanced. The town where much of the game takes place is very realistic, as are other elements such as trees and the ocean. However, as with other Sonic games, graphics are not really the focus and so accordingly they are not very emphasized in the game.
Replay Value
This game does have decent replay value in that there are different campaigns as well as a multiplayer feature. The campaign is not that in depth, so for some replaying the game might not be that fun. The multiplayer portion of the game is pretty entertaining, so for those who enjoy playing games with their friends, especially younger kids, this game may be a decent choice.
Narrative
The overall story is pretty weak, and I found myself thoroughly disappointed with the narrative of the game compared to earlier Sonic games which were much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, the game makers thought that it would be a good idea to have the game take place in a “human” world. Compared to earlier Sonic games which featured appropriate characters (other hedgehogs, cartoon characters in general) this game features other human characters, which is simply odd because what person would legitimately interact with a walking and talking hedgehog. In addition, the main campaign is centered on saving a human princess, instead of a normal cartoon character.
Ease of Use
The game’s controls are really easy to master. There is no tutorial or anything, but there are plenty of in game hints, and one’s own intuition should serve just fine in learning the controls.
Social Playability
Sonic the Hedgehog for XBOX has a multiplayer feature that is actually pretty fun. As with other Sonic games, players can participate in a variety of mini-games that are designed to mimic situations that are faced during campaign play.
Overall Grade
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Replay Value
Sonic the Hedgehog has decent replay value in that there are multiple campaigns, but each campaign is so easy that the game can be beaten in a matter of hours. For those with younger kids the game could be potentially difficult, but for those who have children who play video games on a fairly regular basis, they would probably find this game too easy.
Social Playability
As mentioned above this game does have a multiplayer aspect that is actually pretty fun. Again for those with younger kids I think this part of the game could be pretty fun, but it does lose its novelty after awhile.
Objectionable Content
There is really no objectionable content in this game, except for a little bit of cartoon violence.
Addictiveness
This game is not addictive at all. I really can’t envision anyone being addicted to this game.
Final Notes
A decent game for younger children who are either just getting into video games or like the Sonic series. Other than that the game is not that great, and its relatively poor replay value prevents me from suggesting that anyone should buy this game.
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In our dealings with video games, we have also explored the academic research on the topic. We understand the roles that presence, narrative, and even aggression have and we also understand that certain video games might influence learning, gamers’ social interaction, stereotyping and sexual messaging. We have included in our review this section for those interested on the academic perspective of video games and how certain game characteristics can affect video game players.
Academic Perspective
Not a great game from an academic perspective in that the graphics are sub-par by today’s standards, making presence or realism difficult to achieve. The game isn’t really violent at all, and the amount of loading that is required in the game would make it difficult to use in a study, for there seems to be a loading screen every 30 seconds or so (although this is obviously not true, there are definitely one to many loading screens). This game seems to be a poor choice from all perspectives, consumer, parents, and academic.
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Available for:Xbox 360