When you get a game collection, there are a few things to expect. Different ways of playing to capture the original spirit and perhaps a more modern look. Historical elements are compiled in several types of galleries. Which yes, Sonic Origin do all that with Classic Mode, Anniversary Mode, and Museum Mode. But there’s also an element of surprise. Its Story mode gives a sense of context that helps see how the entries fit together.
A good way to think about Sonic Origin‘Story Mode is like Godfather Saga. Where does that version put all the scenes from Godfather and Godfather part II in chronological order, this works the same. It runs throughout the game as events happen. Therefore Sonic the Hedgehog lead in CD Sonic. That, in turn, leads to Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Everything ends with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles. Each season begins with a new animated short that sets the stage for the adventure and ends with another that closes everything and helps tie everything together.
First, it feels great because we have this sense of connection. Like we all usually know how things go for Sonic. We know the stories are interconnected. They don’t really have to be meaningful. But this new Story Mode means it has. It helps build these connections. I feel like I’ve got a better understanding of its gameplay developments with this extra context. Plus, the instant transition from game to game can really accentuate the progression in terms of character and level design.
The animations are also really special. These appear frequently throughout Sonic Origin. When you enter a game, you may see a scene, such as Amy Rose reading her fortune with tarot cards. We can see how Dr. Eggman and Knuckles met. Having them make the relationship to the classic game feels very appropriate. The design direction is perfect. Plus, these games benefit from that extra interpretation. They don’t need them, mind you. But it’s an interesting privilege.
Now, there are some parts of Sonic Origin Story mode can feel a bit limited. As it goes through all four games and presents adventure through Sonic’s eyes, you’ll be stuck as Sonic. That makes sense, to the very nature of it. If you want to play as Tails or Knuckles, you can jump in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 or Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles and do so. But the big, overarching story has only one star.
This additional Story mode also works well with the other modes offered in Sonic Origin. Classic Mode is a very pure demo of each game when it originally came out. Memories are more forgiving, thanks to an infinite number of lives, the ability to retry Special Stages, and more leisurely exploration. Mirror mode changes everything by removing any muscle memory from going back in time. And the Boss Rush and Mission modes are designed to provide a bit more of a challenge. So with Story, we have something that relaxes us and takes us through things as they ‘happen’.
That is a novelty. You always have an idea of how a story goes. We know what the timeline is like. The Sonic Origin Story Mode helps to respect that. It offers an optional gameplay that allows you to appreciate how the design has changed and how Sonic’s story has unfolded. It’s the kind of bonus we’ve never seen before in a collection like this, and I didn’t know how much I wanted something like that until I played through it.
Sonic Origin Coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC on June 23, 2022.
