The Evolution of The Hedgehog By Sean B.

Sonic Colors has arrived, and the reviews are pouring in. The results for the Wii version are rather promising for a three dimensional Sonic title. Though the current Metacritic score (not that it means anything) is weighing in at 78, most contributing review sites still agree that it's a step in the right direction, which is terrific news. As for the more classic feeling DS version, less review scores have combined to form an assumed 80. Among these (volatile) statistics, the most interesting reviews came from Destructoid, who gave the Wii version a pathetic 4.5, while presenting the classic revamp for the DS with an 8.5 -- guess they're retro nostalgia freaks like we are.

Looking back at the big picture, what did happen to sonic? We saw a great amount of success with Sonic Adventure, one of the first launch titles to hit the Dreamcast, but why has it been so hard for them to recreate this in later 3D Sonic games? It's like they're trying too hard with all these additional bells, whistles and werehogs nobody even asked for. And then we have those terrible voices, don't even get me started on those. Perhaps Sonic Team lost its spunk after being dethroned from the console wars?

Then we have Sonic 4, quite possibly the elephant in the room. Most folks will agree it's one of the greatest Sonic titles this generation's seen, with spectacular connections and references to past Sonic games, especially 1 and 2 -- unfortunately this also reflected a serious problem involving Sonic Team's assumed creativity. The game's supposed to be a follow-up to the classic Sonic saga, technically ending after Sonic 3 (even though there were additional 2D titles like Sonic and Knuckles, Sonic CD and Knuckles Chaotix), so why do we see so many reoccurring events and themes? Don't get me wrong, it's extraordinary to be greeted with revamped, familiar Green Hill and rather sexy Casino Night zones presented in diamond sharp High Definition, but to what extent can this go on? Again, the game was great, but as a follow-up to a series that saw obvious points of evolution throughout the years, why not just call this "Sonic Rebirth"?

We know the creativity and skills are present. Let's also not forget about the undying support from legions of fans, submitting thousands (if not millions) of suggestions while dying to see the next great thing Sonic Team has to offer. Please, listen to your fans, and listen well. It's the greatest thing you'll ever do when it comes to satisfying your audience and continuing to be progressive. As for myself, I'll probably head towards the "best of past with future" route and look into Sonic Colors for the Nintendo DS. As far as I'm concerned, 2D remains the best way to play with the hedgehog. If I want a three dimensional werehog, I'll go wander into some mountains. At least nobody will complain when I discover it -- though I may be killed (or possibly raped).