Sonic Colors: Ultimate (2021)

Currently playing through this game. I totally missed the original release, so this rerelease seems to have much more value for me. I think I'm near the end of my first playthrough. It hasn't taken long, but I'm really enjoying it.

Thoughts so far:

Pros: -Fantastic Soundtrack(the main reason I wanted to play the game in the first place) -In game graphics are good, with fun animations -Neat level design, there's always something to go "oooooh" at -Really cool use of transitioning between 2d and 3d styles -I foresee lots of replayability to get better and collect red rings -Fun sonic customization system

Cons: -Cutscenes don't seem to be touched at all; they still look like Wii cutscenes(not that big of a deal) -Typical Sonic jankiness -Bosses aren't super unique or challenging(if they're challenging it's honestly just because of jank) -Before applying the update, the game couldn't even play the opening cutscene. It just stuttered. Not a big deal, and obviously I updated it, but it just seems crazy that without a patch a cutscene couldn't even play right.

Overall I really think this is worth checking out if you haven't played the original release and want to experience it. At the very least, go listen to the game soundtrack. It's got some of Sonic's best tracks in my opinion.

I like this game. It’s fun and colourful and I’m having a good time. But I’m also aware that I’m decidedly not good at Sonic games, lol. I may be very competent at platforming in other games but this series is my Achilles heel.

Also, maybe 3D sonic is better than 2D? I’m a big pixel art fan, and think 2D Mario is far superior to 3D Mario, but I might now feel the opposite about 2D and 3D Sonic. After recently bouncing off Sonic Mania I have to admit I’m having more fun with the Sonic Colors formula, even if I suck at it.

Finished the story mode playthrough of Sonic Colors. I think my main takeaway at the moment is... It really feels a lot like Sonic Forces? And I mean a lot. I find it odd tbh, just how much Colors has been praised over the years, and just how much Forces has in turn been derided. They both play so similarly to me. Very breezy but mostly enjoyable campaigns, kind of clunky controls (especially for 2D segments), some great music, solid visuals, and a surprisingly challenging final boss. At the end of the day I find them both in that "decent, pretty good, overall all right I guess" level of quality that boost 3D Sonic games can't seem to quite surpass for me. (Generations is probably the closest to doing so... Perhaps another revisit is in order.)

A lot of Color's appeal seems to be in its replayability though (collectibles and bonus challenges), so I'll be diving into that off and on. Perhaps it'll have longer legs than I expect.

Very rare for me to pick up a game at release time these days, but I was in the mood for a new Sonic game and Colors is one I never got to play before. Definitely reminding me of Unleashed and Generations, which I guess shouldn't be surprising.

Level design hasn't really wowed me, and I'm feeling ambivalent on the wisp abilities -- but overall it's been a pleasant experience so far. The theming of the game is nice, and the story is surprisingly pretty funny.