PS3 Review: Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection

Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection nostalgia odor from the case was so good that we tried capturing it in a bottle.

Growing up Nintendo, there were constant battles over which console was best.  Nintendo had Mario, Sega had Sonic.  Sega was always tugging at my shirt to try and convert, but Mario’s mustache intrigued me oh too much.  Let’s say after years of banging out great hits, it was only fitting that Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection would be a hit of it’s own.

Main menu takes you back to that rounded black console, Genesis. Upon loading the game, you’re instantly sent back to the 90′s where Sega competed on the 16 Bit generation.  The cartridges are prominently displayed with several images including a preview of the title and in-game footage.  Navigating through the different genre’s of the game is made simple by Sega’s ingenious filtering system.  If you’re looking for “Brawler” type games, search by that or if you know you absolutely love a game, rate it higher in your favorites to distinguish your titles.  Each cartridge also comes with “Museum” history (about the game) and artwork displaying the Genesis cartridge.

Select button is a much needed option these days. Sega has answered our “replaying the same level” prayers with the easy option to save, anytime during gameplay.  Many of you remember that Sega saves were not that easy to come by, especially on adventure game such as Sonic the Hedgehog.  With an emulator like screen, you can press select during play and save your game for completion later or for you next generation players, as a restore point.  The games are saved as states A, B, etc. so remember which is yours.  Also to note, you can reset your game at any point or also change your button configuration as you’d like.  Not too much you can do with ABC buttons.

Over 40 Classic titles to choose from. This game is really a great deal in itself.  With other consoles charging up to $10 per last generation title, Sega has raised the bar.  Games Included are:

· Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
· Alien Storm
· Altered Beast
· Beyond Oasis
· Bonanza Bros.
· Columns
· Comix Zone
· Decap Attack starring Chuck D. Head
· Dr. Robotnik’s MBM
· Dynamite Headdy
· Ecco the Dolphin
· Ecco II: The Tides of Time
· E-SWAT
· Fatal Labyrinth
· Flicky
· Gain Ground
· Golden Axe I
· Golden Axe II
· Golden Axe III
· Kid Chameleon
· Phantasy Star II
· Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
· Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
· Ristar
· Shining in the Darkness
· Shining Force
· Shining Force 2
· Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
· Sonic 3D Blast
· Sonic and Knuckles
· Sonic Spinball
· Sonic the Hedgehog
· Sonic the Hedgehog 2
· Sonic the Hedgehog 3
· Streets of Rage
· Streets of Rage 2
· Streets of Rage 3
· Super Thunder Blade
· Vectorman
· Vectorman 2

Aspect ratio is your choice. Do you like the stretched out Genesis graphics, where the Altered Beast enemy (that first level Devil guy) takes up more than half the screen?  Or rather smooth it out with an option of making the games more “HD” like in 720p?  I prefer leaving the games in the upgraded 4:3 setting.  It’s actually pretty cool how the surrounding frame is in-game artwork just like the artwork you’d see on the front of arcade cabinets.  Now if I can get some plywood, and make an actual arcade cabinet…

Unlockables and Trophies. Since this title was released in 2009, Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection benefits from PS3 Trophies.  Some unlocks are pretty easy, ie. play the first level of Shinobi 3 without dying, unlocks Shinobi Arcade.  Unlocking these Trophies also unlocks additional content such as interviews and additional games.

Plus 9 UNLOCKABLE GAMES:

· Golden Axe Warrior (SEGA Master System)
· Phantasy Star (SEGA Master System)
· Alien Syndrome (Arcade)
· Altered Beast (Arcade)
· Congo Bongo (Arcade)
· Fantasy Zone (Arcade)
· Shinobi (Arcade)
· Space Harrier (Arcade)
· Zaxxon (Arcade)

There’s no doubt Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection is by far one of the best video game compilations put together by Sega.  Many old school gamers will appreciate the amount of gaming available on this disc packed with over 40 titles.  If you’re a Sega fan looking to rejuvenate your passion for 90′s gaming, you’ll enjoy this title.

8/10