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raeloganthesonic06fangirl · 2 months ago

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My friend is wondering what's a good Sonic game for the Switch

I haven't played them all because games do be costing money sometimes ((especially when it's honestly a crapshoot when you try new Sonic games when they just hit the market)), but of the ones I do own, I'd be more than happy give some pros and cons of ones that I have. 🙂

Sonic Mania (Plus)

Pros

It's a love letter to the Genesis games and earlier years of Sonic

The pixel art graphics are fantastic.

The physics are really slick, and the level layouts are fun and easy to master

Every character plays differently, meaning you can access certain areas that the others couldn't. Especially with the Plus expansion.

The sound design is great!

"& Knuckles" Mode. Especially when you pair him with Knuckles. The ending for that is a good chuckle

Cons

The special stages can get tricky and eventually require pixel perfect precision. I find that the Switch controls makes it more difficult, while I eventually got them all on Steam, but your mileage may vary.

If you're particular about playing zones from previous games, it might be frustrating to know that most of the zones are inspired from previous games. BUT, the new ones are REALLY good.

Sonic Forces:

Pros:

You get to make your own character to join the story. There's like seven different species to choose from, each with thier own abilities, as well as a few cosmetic body features, and plenty of unlockable clothes and accessories to customize your style. Some is available for DLC as well.

If you ever wanted to just have Sonic look at you and call you "Buddy", this will appeal to that part of you, even if it seems a bit corny.

The music is honestly banging.

The "Episode: Shadow" DLC will add Shadow to the playable roster

Infinite being voiced by Liam O'Brian is kind of a highlight for me in particular, as a person who was a teenager during the peak Naruto craze of the 2000s, as Gaara was my favorite of the series

Did you want Classic Sonic back in a 3D Game? He's here!

Do you like the Wisps? They're here!

Cons

The level design is honestly some of the most lacking I've seen, especially when it's working with the Boost Formula and the Hedgehog Engine 2.

Dare I say, it's probably some of the most frustrating and worst I've ever played. I got more angry with some of the pitfalls than I ever did with Sonic 06. Seriously.

It might be worth acknowledging that the game does touch upon something akin gaslighting and reality bending as part of Infinite's abilities with the Phantom Ruby, especially in one part of "Episode: Shadow", where he alters enough of what's happening that characters start questioning reality and reacting accordingly. That could be triggering to someone who isn't in the right headspace at the moment for the game to start acting like what you saw didn't happen or not... It's a pretty good effect, regardless.

Did you not want to see Classic Sonic again so soon? He's here!

Do you hate the Wisps? They're here!

Sonic Origins (Plus)

Pros:

Want a snappy collection of the core classics to play on modern hardware? This is worth a look! With the Plus expansion, you also get some re-releases of the Sega GameGear/MasterSystem games, which were definitely included in things like Sonic Mega Collection Plus, Sonic Adventure DX, or Sonic Gems Collection in the past, but hey, more games to play in one hub!

New game modes, true remastering, and challenges to try out to win some unlockables in the Museum Mode are pretty cool. Lots of assets and concept art of the Classic Era characters in really crisp quality. Even the model sheets, doodles on lined paper from Sega, and notes about the design process for relevant art.

If you get the Digital Deluxe pack, you also get the Storyboards for the animated segues, the Sonic Mania Adventures cartoon in its entirety, and the Classic Era performance of Sonic Symphony. Also, customizable menus to some extent.

In addition to this being a modern console release of the Christian Whitehead updates for STH 1 and STH 2 as well as a re-release for that version of SCD, but we also finally get STH 3&K in this engine for the first time!

The narrative linking animated segments between games are cutely animated.

The Anniversary Mode has unlimited lives and you can earn coins to unlock Museum features or replay Special Stages on the fly, making it less frustrating to get the Emeralds.

The Plus edition adds Classic Amy as a playable character, while the baseline allows you to play from the core four when you couldn't originally.

Cons:

Game was kind of broken on release

They couldn't get permission from the Michael Jackson estate to reuse the OST for STH 3&K, so the iconic tracks have been replaced with the beta music, which is very jarring if you grew up with the MJ tracks

There's typos and incorrectly labeled music in the Museum, which can be annoying if you're a stickler for correct cataloguing... Like me.

Sega was exposed for altering the build to put something in at last minute without consulting HeadCannon, which broke some intended features.

I'd say I wouldn't pay full price for this, but I have to admit that I'd pre-ordered it as a personal birthday gift for myself since I also celebrate in June.

Sonic Frontiers:

Pros:

Incredibly atmospheric! The open world aspect and realistic environment has a sort of charm, especially when it's raining or during a falling star event.

The tone is more melancholy, but it does a great job at diving into Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles and Eggman's inner emotions and thoughts. I actually quite liked the lulls in the action where characters discussed thier lives... It had a nice mature feeling at times, where it's handled tactfully without some shoehorned meta joke to grind to a halt.

The open world aspect is MASSIVE and easy to get lost in, but once you get a feel for it, it's actually nice to just wander around for collectibles and run some of the missions to upgrade your skills and fill out your map for each island so it's easier to fast travel at any time.

There's a neat option to change difficulty on the fly if you can't solve a puzzle or platforming area.

The music is, like most Sonic games, very good.

The DLC is free, and the stuff added after release is really good. In addition to a camera mode, there's also a Jukebox mode where you can collect music notes to add prior game music to the BGM, a fun birthday themed aesthetic you can apply ((in addition to a fun costume, the balloons become bright party ones, there's colorful garland on the platforms, the boxes become gift boxes, the clouds change to Sonic Team logo with Rings, the fallen star tokens are now chillidogs, the Cocos have party hats, and the game boots up with a "Happy Birthday Sonic!" soundbite)), and there's an alternative story route that has Knuckles, Tails and Amy take over the narrative for a bit.

Eggman lore drops

Sage, Eggman's AI "daughter", is a very neat character, and I quite liked her addition to the story

The QTE are non-obstructive and at least doesn't require jamming the X button 60 times in like 20 seconds to beat the final boss like in SONIC UNLEASHED!!!

Cons:

It's really easy to get lost, as there's no real linear direction for the mainline plot

It can be tedious to navigate the hub world of you don't have certain rails unlocked, or even have the fast travel enabled

It can be slow paced sometimes

I totally somehow managed to beat the game without play some of the levels because getting key items in the Big the Cat fishing game. This is honestly a little game breaking, and for a good two weeks, I actually forgot there was actually any levels to play

The levels have revisted altered locations from Sonic Generations, with glitching effects. This can be a little disorienting, and as someone who has a processing disorder, sometimes I wasn't able to see something change, or even registered there was a cue to do something because I got distracted by the effects. It's cool looking, but I think it's not exactly accessible, so at least it's nice that it's not totally required to play to beat the main story.

Sonic X Shadow Generations

Pros:

The remaster of "Sonic Generations" is pretty good, with the addition of collecting Chao to help fill out the White Space with more life

It plays just the same as I remember, aside from the changes to some dialogue and the reanimated bits

The Statue Room is way easier to access now, and no more dumb individual codes for each single statue anymore

The Casino Night Pinball Level is hard cooked in it

If you loved "Sonic Generations" back in 2011, this is worth it for the revisit as well as Shadow's additional bits

Shadow's additional story is clearly where all the extra budget went. There's so much care into it. A fantastic love letter to Shadow's arc in the 2000s, with some really awesome revisted locations, some more lore drops for the Robotnik family, great encores from past foes, and a plethora of collectibles to find

The hub world in Shadow's side of things is really good and practically an entire level itself

The art direction for Shadow's side is movie quality, holy heck

I cannot express how good Shadow's side is, there's so many references and an excellent display of his character in general.

You get to see the most emotion Shadow has displayed in years

The new Doom Powers for Shadow are really fun to use, and can be used at any applicable time after being unlocked, even in areas you already visited

In addition to the previously released relevant concept art, you can also see concept art from games in the Shadow arc that I haven't seen elsewhere before that's VERY interesting. Also, the Lofi remix of "I Am All Of Me" and the over world orchestral version of "All Hail Shadow" are very good, in addition to remasters of music relevant to Shadow since 2001

If you have the DLC codes, you can get legacy costumes for Sonic, Classic Sonic, and Shadow, that are of DreamCast SA Sonic, Sega Saturn Jam Sonic, and the Terios concept of Shadow.

The digital art book DLC is a separate app on the system that has the entire art book able to be looked at, and the art is REALLY good

The game includes a readable version of Prof. Gerald's journal that you can find pieces for, and the Day One edition of the game came with a physical copy. It gathers all we've read before in other pieces of Sonic media, as well as new pages and entries that adds more context

It's not a spoiler because we know Gerald and Maria are in the game, but let me say that it was amazing to see them be actual active characters for once, and it was great to see Shadow interact with them

Cons:

Some of the missions are REALLY tricky

The Sonic 1 emulated feature is completely removed from the game.

Why are Sunset Heights and Chaos Islands in this game for Shadow? Narratively, makes no sense because the former is set AFTER the timeline this game takes place in, and the latter never had Shadow to begin with...

Some people hated the changes they made to the core game, so it's another your mileage may vary sort of thing...

Some of the thumbnail icons of the art museum for Shadow's side are the crunchiest jpegs I've ever seen, although the art itself when you click on them are really sharp and crisp.

You can't zoom on the art in the game, but you can in the art book app. Alternatively, you can screenshot the art in the game but not in the art book app.

The controls for either side are totally different, and muscle memory is your enemy. Tilt the stick to move Sonic to the other rails, but use the shoulder buttons to do so for Shadow, for example. I don't know why they aren't the same controls across the board, they ALWAYS change the controls EVERY SINGLE GAME.

It really depends on what you're looking for, but if I could pick one choice that is well worth the money and loaded with fun content, it's definitely "Sonic X Shadow Generations", but I'm also a Shadow fan and loved the original Generations, so I might be a bit bias...

#long post

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segafan37 · 4 years ago

Text

Shadamy Snippet: Emergency Meeting Pt. 1

Author's Note:

This Shadamy snippet used to be a Teaser Snippet for Chapter 6. I wasn't planning for it to be part of the story at all. It was just a old deleted scene that I wanted to share to give you, the audience, a broad idea about the upcoming chapter. However, after my sister read the teaser, she insisted that it be apart of the story. So, after some tweaks, the former Teaser Snippet is now apart of Chapter 6!

I hope you enjoy it! 😁 Art by @drawloverlala

Inside Dodon Pa's Mansion

[Normal p.o.v.]

After Metal and Rouge parted ways to look for Devious, Rouge started wandering through the different crowded rooms and corridors of the mansion. There were four levels to the mansion and Rouge was currently on the main floor. Metal ventured to levels 3 and 4, leaving Rouge to explore the others.

King Donda Pa was never one who lacked in abundance and his mansions were likewise. Each one was styled to attribute the environment that surrounded them, and the one Rouge was in was no different.

The mansion was large and fanciful, displaying the breath of winter. The hallways were long and wide and painted a calm blue. Tall windows filled the rooms and corridors showcasing the fierce blizzards outside.

The halls were decorated with broad tapestries of cream and royal blue, and the floor was polished marble. The rooms were equally vast with crystal chandilers, honed marble floors and many assortment of decor to accent the rooms.

Rouge scanned the multitude of faces as she made her way throughout the main floor. Everywhere Rouge went she was surrounded by Mobians, both good and bad. Everyone seemed cordial enough, but the bat knew better. She could just feel the tension in the air.

Rogue would have been lying to herself if she said this whole affair wasn't the least bit unsettling. It was just a matter of time before something or someone causes the inevitable.

It took a whole hour, but she had finally explored all of the main floor. Rouge still hadn't found her man though. It was time for her to switch tactics.

Just then her communicator picked up a male voice.

"We can't celebrate yet. We still need Rouge to do her part."

It was the voice of Slinger the Ocelot.

"Don't you worry your pretty head about me, Ocelot." Rouge cooed, "I'm already in the mansion, and I've got to say, this mysterious dealer knows how to put on a party! I'm surprised that Dodon Pa even allowed this event! But seeing that he never takes sides...I guess it's not too surprising."

"Hey Rouge!" a female voice squealed through her eyepiece.

Rouge immediately smiled. It was Salkia, her sweet little student. Well, she wasn't little anymore, but Rouge couldn't get the cute little 10 year old out of her head, who wanted to learn how to kick but.

"If any of the food looks good, save me some! Okay!?" Salkia asked.

"Will do, honey!"

Slinger gave out a groan.

"Just stay focused, alright!"

Rouge rolled her eyes. She could tell he was in one of his moods again.

"Relax, Slinger. No need to get snippy!" she said.

"Yeah! We all know you're jealous!" Salkia added.

"Mm hmm!" Rouge smiled.

Slinger released another groan, which made Salkia giggle. She knew she shouldn't be teasing Slinger when he's like this, but he's been acting like a big grump the whole day. And she was tired of it!

Salkia and Rouge continued to pester Slinger with their giggles, until he finally spoke.

"That's not the reason why!" Slinger argued.

This made Rouge and Salkia both fall silent. They knew what he was talking about. [Author: Chapter 4 reference] No one spoke for sometime.

Rouge sighed and decided to change the subject and break the awkward silence.

"By the way, what do you mean by 'Rouge needs to do her part'? You two are the ones assigned to get the package! I'm just here in case there's a slip-up."

"And to secure our escape route!" Slinger emphasized.

"Which I already have covered!" Rouge insisted, "Now you stay focused on your job, while I stay on mine."

Slinger sighed. "Fine. We'll contact you when the package is secured."

Rouge's communicator went silent and she continued to make her way through the crowd, as different fragments of conversations caught her ears.

"I wonder what makes this relic so powerful?" asked a female.

"Whatever it is I bet it's worth a fortune!" another spoke.

"Everyone's assuming that this relic has power, but for all we know, it could be a hunk of junk!"

"Well, if that were true, then Dodon Pa wouldn't have allowed this event to take place in his mansion in the first place."

Well, would you look at that!, Rouge laughed to herself. It seems everyone's here to get their hands on the relic. Huh! Too bad none of them will have a chance to see it!

"What I really want to know" a male's voice began, grabbing her attention, "is who this mysterious dealer is? He clearly doesn't care who gets the relic as long as he's getting paid. And I for one, don't trust those kinds of people. If I'm going to get that relic, I need to first know who I'm dealing with."

"Smart guy." Rouge whispered, as she approached the stairs to the second floor.

"Okay Rouge, enough eavesdropping. You got a Mobian to find."

Once atop the second floor, she looked about and immediately identified this level as the party floor. The music was louder here and gambling tables, slot vendors, pool tables and the like were scattered throughout the joining rooms. Rouge felt like she had walked into a casino.

Rouge peered over the corridor's open railing, and took one last look at the faces below, trying to find the one Mobian who would know how to pinpoint Devious. But she had no such luck. Rouge sighed. She knew it was a long shot. This guy was wanted after all, but Rouge couldn't ignore her strong hunch that he'd be here.

Rouge gritted her teeth in frustration.

Where is he!?

Time was of the essence. She and Metal only had a limited amount of time to locate Devious, before Salkia and Slinger collected the relic. If her sources were correct, the best and only person who could find Devious quickly would be his favorite broker.

Rouge looked over the crowd again, but she still couldn't spot her man.

That cat could be hiding anywhere! I better check in with Metal to see how he's doing.

"Metal, honey? This is Rouge. Do you copy?"

There was no answer.

"Metal, come in! This is Rouge. Did you find anything?"

Still silence. Rouge was about to try again, when a deep sinister voice startled her from behind.

"Looking for someone in particular, my dear?"

Rouge spun around to come face to face with the infamous psychic magician Mammoth Mongul.

His large tan trunk was almost touching her nose. Rouge could smell thick expensive cologne and winsted.

It was never easy to frazzle this bat; she has faced many dangers before, all without hesitation. Some, even close to death, but Rouge also knows when she's met her match.

The hairy elephant towered over the bat, making her appear small and insignificant. Mongul's dark green orbs pierced through Rouge's teal eyes, paralyzed her. She remained in his gaze for ten full seconds.

A small smile slowly crept on the mammoth's face. Was Rouge terrified? Yes. Did she want to scream and fly away to safety? Yes. Was she going to show it? Not on her life!

The Bat released herself from Mongul's spell; eyes sparkling with defiance, as she matched the beast's smile with her own.

"I'm surprised at you, Mongul!" Rouge scolded, "You of all people should know not to be here! It could be dangerous for you."

Mongul smiled at the bat's attempted threat, and decided to give one of his own.

"My dear, Rouge. I appreciate your concern but I can assure you that I am not the one who is in the least bit of danger."

"Is that so?" Rouge questioned, trying to sound unaffected by his words, "Well, even still! I would think you would send one of your mindless followers to get the relic for you to save you the trouble."

"Don't be so quick to judge, bat. I have sent one of my men to take care of the relic. I'm here for a different reason, and being here is no trouble at all."

Rouge raised a painted brow, "Oh?"

"Yes. Just like you, I'm looking for someone, a colleague of mine." Mongul leaned down to bring his face closer to Rouge's ear. "And perhaps", he whispered "my colleague is the same pink cat dealer you're looking for."

Rouge took a step back.

How does he know about Locky!?

Rouge swallowed, as her heart raced.

"I'm sorry, who?"

"No need to hide it, Rouge! Someone of your acquaintance told me all about it."

Rouge gasped.

Oh no, Metal!

"No need to worry about your robot friend, my dear; he's perfectly safe. But I know he'll appreciate your concern."

As he said this, Mongul's eyes met Rouge's and his distinct facial features began to pixelate before her. It was just for a brief moment, but Rouge could clearly see the face of her comrade.

"..."

"Metal, …" Rouge whispered, "I'm gonna knock your bolts right out of you! And turn you into scrap!"

Metal Sonic quickly returned to his cloned form and moved out the way, before a slap could be delivered to his face. Some guests saw the scene and were shocked at Rouge's bravery.

"Why so anger?..." Metal Sonic questioned. His voice was just above a whisper. "Did I scare you?"

"Shut. Up." Rouge growled.

"Okay, okay! I just came down to tell you some news." Metal rose to his full cloned height and peered down at Rouge.

"Then start talking!"

"Not here." Metal instructed, still holding Mongul's deep voice. "Follow me."

Metal brought Rouge to a quiet room somewhere on the second floor. It wasn't like the ballroom, like the other rooms Rouge been in. This was a study. It was large in comparison to most studies, but it was still a study, none the less.

Once both were safely inside with the door locked, Rouge turned to Metal.

"Now, talk!"

"Why are you still angry?" Metal still was using Mongul's voice.

"Metal, stop with the cloning for one second and talk to me!"

Metal sighed, and returned back to his normal self. Rouge let out a small breath she didn't realize she was holding. Rouge folded her arms, waiting to hear her comrade's message.

"I was surprised at how many Mobians came to Dodon Pa's Mansion." Metal said simply."

"That's what you wanted to tell me!?" Rouge screamed.

"Rouge, if you do not wish for us to be discovered in a restricted area, I suggest you lower the volume of your voice."

"I'll start lowering my voice, when you stop messing around! Now, tell me why you brought me here!?"

There was a silence in the air, as each stared at the other.

"I found him." Metal calmly spoke.

"What?"

"I found him." Metal repeated, "I found Locky."

Exsert from Shadamy fanfic "12 Years Later: A New Dawn". You can read the rest of this chapter and more on Wattpad, DeviantArt, Quotev, or Webnovel.

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