When we talked about this compilation of classic Sega games after its release a year ago, we said that — despite its flaws — this was the best legal way to enjoy the first hedgehog games on modern platforms. We also feel that Sonic Origins It was far from the “definitive collection of classics” that we wanted it to be, but it’s much closer to it after the release of the DLC Plus with Amy Rose and Game Gear games.
In case you don’t remember, this title includes Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis, 1991); Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Genesis, 1992); Sonic CD (Sega CD, 1992); and Sonic 3 & Knuckles (Sega Genesis, 1994). These are seasoned with new ways to play, the option to play with Tails and Knuckles in almost all games, missions and a museum where we can unlock art, music and videos.
The edition Sonic Origins Plus adds Amy Rose as a playable character and 12 games that originally came out for the Game Gear: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Tails’ Skypatrol, Sonic Chaos, Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, Tails’sAdventure, Sonic Blast, Sonic Labyrinth, Dr Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, Sonic Spinball, Sonic Drift y Sonic Drift 2.
For fans of the blue hedgehog, the sometimes unfairly ignored Amy, and those interested in video game preservation, this sounds like a dream come true. In this analysis we are going to discover if Sonic Origins Plus it’s worth either buying the full pack or the DLC expansion if you already own the base game.
Amy Rose
The new character in this collection is too similar to Sonic in terms of control. Amy brings along her ever-reliable hammer that allows her to spin through the air and throw herself forward, but she doesn’t offer a gameplay experience that really stands apart from the protagonist.
In 2023 we are celebrating 30 years of Amy Rose and seeing her in this collection is a beautiful tribute. Yet we felt that she had to be there from the beginning. She may not have been controllable in the original versions—she came in Sonic CDduring the golden age of video game damsels in distress—but now she’s an important part of the lead group.
Another Amy-related addition is the “Surprise” found in the quest menu. As we meet certain goals related to new Plus Edition content, we unlock parts of a commemorative image.
Knuckles and Sonic CD
Another novelty of this DLC is that we can play with Knuckles in Sonic CD. This was a rare omission from the base game and we’re glad to get a taste of this character in this time travel title.
Of course, now we understand why they had decided not to put it. His gliding and climbing abilities make it easy for us to fly over many of the levels. Still, it’s welcome.
Game Gear games
There are all kinds of genres among the 12 Game Gear games added to Sonic Origins in the edition Plus. Most of them are 2D platform games in the style of the four classics that were already in the collection, there are a couple of racing games, other action games with an isometric perspective, one puzzle game, another pinball game, and the two curious Tails games. that are unlike anything else in the franchise.
We can’t complain about the variety, but we can for other reasons. It pains us to say that most of these games just don’t look appealing today. In fact, many of them weren’t really good when they came out due to the restrictions of the Game Gear handheld itself.
You only have to play any of the traditional platformers to find out where its biggest problem lies: the screen size just isn’t appropriate for the type of action in Sonic games. Trying to pick up speed is submitting to collide with any obstacle or enemy that appears because there is no time to react.
Other games in the collection have other problems: annoying sound effects, loud colors with poor contrast, poor controls, or unresponsive characters. They are not all. It is possible to have a lot of fun with some of them and we had a good time with Sonic Labyrinth, Dr Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine y Tails’ Skypatrol. It is also possible to take them as a challenge, but it is clear that these games are not going to be well received by a large part of the modern public.
So why are we so glad they’re here?
The importance of the past
We don’t just want access to “old” games because we think they’re fun, but because they’re important. We want to play the Sonic games on the Game Gear because they are an essential part of the character’s story. We are interested in knowing which elements were introduced to his franchise, which ones were abandoned, and what place they occupy in the world of the blue hedgehog. They also serve to satisfy the curiosity of fans who want to know the past of the saga they love.
Nowadays it is really difficult to get a console of these in good condition and with games that work, so a new legal way to access them is always welcome. To preserve them so that the curious, historians and academics can know, study and learn from them.
Not a definitive collection
Despite all these novelties, we still cannot consider that Sonic Origins Plus be the absolute collection of classics we want. There are many games of the franchise for Master System —including improved versions of GG titles— that could be here and we don’t understand the reason for their absence. On the other hand, the Game Gear emulated games it does have lack the quality of life options that the main four games do.
Is Amy Rose DLC Plus worth it with Game Gear games for Sonic Origins?
This expansion will especially like the following people.
- Amy Rose fans
- Interested and curious in the past Sonic games
- Sonic Game Completist Collectors
- Academics and those interested in the preservation of video games
If you already own the base game and belong to one of these groups, it’s worth the small investment in the DLC. If they do not have it, it is worth buying the complete package Sonic Plus Origins.
But if you’re a casual fan of the blue hedgehog who only wants to play the major classics, isn’t interested in Amy Rose, and wants to save a few bucks, you can just buy the base game and ignore this DLC.
Other articles on Sonic the Hedgehog en PS5
Analysis based on a copy of Sonic Origins Plus for PS5 provided by Sega.
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