Alright, so this game has been lazying around in my library, probably for two years now. Finally I've gotten around to and beaten it in ~ 5 hours.

If you want a short review, here it is:
-95% for this game is criminal, if you have even the most minimal of interest, buy it.

If you want something more in-depth, then here goes:

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Gameplay

Sonic as a franchise - in my eyes at least - is a series that heavily relies on the thrill of action to keep you interested. As someone who's reasonably invested in the series, the pattern of complaints usually mirror each other in Sonic's most detested adventures: "too slow", "too boring" or "not Sonic". When it comes to Sonic Generations, I can say with half-half, almost, reasonable (?) confidence that it...

KIND OF...

misses that criteria. There are plenty sections in the game where you'll be skating down rails, crashing through robots and running down buildings, essentially doing what Sonic does best - being a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ crazy ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. Incidentally, those were also the sections I ended up enjoying the most.

The level design is a pretty mixed bag overall. The quality of levels can range from something like Rooftop Runner, which is a masterclass in level design imo, to far more monotonous and dull levels such as the Sonic Colours ones. I'd be highly surprised if your favourite levels from this game don't end up being the ones that allowed Sonic (The Blue Blur, faster than the speed of light, the speed demon) to go - you know - fast. The variety of enemies and level elements means that every stage is pretty much unique and different in a lot more than one way. There were some obnoxious bits, some seriously unfair obstacles, but none of it is really detrimental to the experience.

The two level style mechanic (of modern and classic) is very clever and overall well executed. The classic sections favour simplicity over complexity and vice versa. I found classic style more enjoyable on the gameplay and control side of things, while modern had more satisfying moments and events throughout the levels (also Rooftop Runner).

Sound Design

If you couldn't already tell, there's been a lot of 'mixed' reactions in this review so far, some things stick, other things don't and sound is another thing where overall, some of it is impeccable and other times its 'meh' at best.

The OST is honestly a masterpiece. Since this is of course a celebratory game, you're not going to be seeing many new tracks, but more remixes of existing tracks from the franchise. It's honestly incredible. 95% of the songs stick in your head and you can tell the respect they gave to each of the original materials while still giving it that edge in their remix.

Main reason I say that the sound design is a mixed bag overall is that the sound FX are quite lackluster. There could have definitely been a bit more of a punch to them to them and just more in general, there were also some frankly bizarre absences of sound during certain parts of the hub world especially.

Presentation

Overall a pretty big + for the game. Considering that Generations came out in 2011, all I can say is that looks surprisingly phenomenal. Regardless of the lack of fancy shaders, AA or other options you may expect now a days, the game still looks stunning. The physical amount of detail within each level can not be understated, everything has been placed with extreme care and forethought which I hugely appreciate.

The story isn't much really, but whatever.

The hub world is - 'unique' I suppose? I would have liked to just be able to hop to each of the levels or challenges without having to suffer through some of the mini-puzzles or platforming between. Ultimately, it's not a deal-breaker but a mild annoyance.

That damn final boss

I don't really know how else to put it. It just - kinda - sucked? With some of the other bosses and mini-bosses that came before I was really expecting a satisfying wrap-up to the game, with crazy chase sections, blasting through walls and enemies, flying through worlds, defying dimensions - but no. The best way I can describe it is: it's like trying to outswim a plane - during a thunderstorm - while you have a migraine - in hell. I don't want to spoil it, but here's a little tip.

WHEN THEY SAY "PRESS" THEY MEAN HOLD.

Oh yeah the music was painfully mediocre in it as well.

Conclusion:

Well that's the end of my general ramblings on Sonic Generations. Overall I have pretty conflicting thoughts about it. Some sections were absolutely incredible, really what a 3D Sonic should look like. Other times I was left irritated and even confused at some of the design decisions made here and there. If you're into running around at the speed of sound, then you'll probably get a kick out of the game here and there, but it's best described as a general platformer with some fast/ high octane sections sprinkled in pretty regularly.

Personal rating: 7/10
Objective rating: 6/10

For the good of humanity and the sake of the poor modders who lost all their hard work...

tl;dr = Will grab your attention instantly incredible simulation let down by horrible optimisation and lackluster sound design. FINAL SCORE AT THE BOTTOM.

I think after 315 hours it's time to write a review of this game:

GRAPHICS = 7/10 - Definately not the best looking game, it doesn't follow a particular 'style', the main thing that fixes the mediocre graphics is the huge selection of colour overlays and map themes.

GAMEPLAY = 7.5/10 - Its a city builder, this category is very subjective but generally I find the gameplay quite nice and relaxing it may not be the most interesting or exciting but it works in its own way.

SIMULATION = 10/10 - As this is a city building simulator this category is expected and damn this game's simulation is incredible, all citizens act like most people would (go to work, go out of town, go to other peoples houses) this is something you won't see in other city builders, the beauty of the simulation makes the game experience so much richer.

OPTIMISATION = 2/10 - ehh, problems, a small studio developed this game (crazy I know) so they had no choice but to use an engine like Unity, problem is Unity isn't made for huge simulations like this, in general unless you have a top of the line CPU paired with a decent GPU (1000 series or RX series) you're going to struggle to hit 40 or even 30.

SOUND = 4.5/10 - Some sounds get annoying and repetitive very (VERY) quickly and trying to balance sounds is annoying at best, the in-game radio stations are, ok I guess, I use my own music but I tapped in everynow and again, and damn some songs repeat very often.

COMMUNITY = 10/10 - Oh boy here we go, the workshop support is some of the best I've ever seen, so many mods and assets to download that your RAM is going to cry for help, the community is helpful and polite and you can learn a lot from some of the incredible guides people have made. Awesome community! :)

Price (INCL DLC's and in-app) = 6/10 - This is one of those "unless you're REALLY desperate wait for a sale" kind of game, I picked up this game for full price and later bought snowfall and after dark for 3 pounds respectively, the only REAL DLC I recommend is after dark it adds a bunch of stuff, natural disasters of course if you want to crash 10 meteors into your humble abode.

Ok, so the real question is... "is this game worth my time"
..
...
YES seriously if you like simcity you WILL like this game, its fun beautiful and oh so satisfying, I kind of lost interest in the game now but oh damn those 316 hours will never be forgotten.


FINAL SCORE = 8/10

Remember when this game was good?
Yeah me neither.

Let me say this now I do NOT have this many minutes in Asesprite I have around 20/30hrs since bought it from Humble Bundle before it came here on Steam. When I saw this in the store I was so happy this Software is incredible for making any pixel art. You can make 8,16 and 36 bit drawings depending on what you're going for. The UI is nice simple and easy to use. It has tons of options for hotkeys saving you tons and tons of time. This is the only Pixel Art software I've used so I can't compare it too much but its so user friendly and easy to use that you can just pick it up and start making great pixel art.

This Game is all of the following:

Recoil Sim. 2015
Box Opening Sim. 2015
Russian Guys shouting at you Sim. 2015
Gun Dress up Sim. 2015
COD Kid Sim. 2015
Walking Sim. 2015
Shooting WIndows Sim. 2015
Team Stabbing Sim. 2015
Sexy Accent Sim. 2015
Grenade Sim. 2015
Key Trading Sim. 2015

3/10 ~ IGN - Too many Windows

2,000,000 Crates Later

Too much / 10 ~ This Game made me rich... then I spent all that money on crap skins. ~ IGN 2015