The release of Super Mario 3D All-Stars got us thinking about the plumber's platforming rival from the days of the console wars. Sonic the Hedgehog's jump into the third dimension may not have been as graceful as Mario's, but over the years he's amassed a large collection of 3D games, and despite a few notable low points, many of them offer excellent erinaceidae platforming.
To make sure SEGA's hedgehog isn't overshadowed as he approaches his 30th birthday, we asked Nintendo Life readers to rank every 3D Sonic game that has appeared on a Nintendo system. Our thanks to everyone who voted — you'll find the ranking of the 14 candidates below.
Remember: the order below is updated in real time according the each game's corresponding User Rating in the Nintendo Life game database. Even as you read this, it's entirely possible to influence the ranking below. If you haven't rated your favourites yet, simply click on the game you wish to rate and assign a score on the Game Page.
So, grab a chili dog and a companion from your ragtag bunch of sidekicks, and let's check out the best (and worst) 3D Sonic games on Nintendo systems...
14. Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (Wii U)
Part of a cross-media rebrand for Sonic and the gang — now with added tape and neckwear — Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric was a poe-faced, misguided attempt at a reboot that presented stretched out redesigns of the main characters and gave you a largely-vacant open world to explore. Its audio was passably entertaining, but a host of technical issues and questionable decisions made this a disappointment on every other level.
13. Sonic Labyrinth (GG)
This isometric Game Gear title from Minato Giken had you exploring four maze-like levels for keys to open a goal gate and battling a boss at the end of three Acts. With uninspiring level design and slow, soupy movement, this is a '3D' Sonic that removes the key ingredients of a Sonic game. Sonic Labyrinth is available for 3DS, but is only really for masochistic Sonic completionists.
12. Sonic and the Secret Rings (Wii)
The first Sonic game for Wii, this Arabian Nights-themed take on the 3D formula put Sonic centre stage as the only playable character. Sonic and the Secret Rings used the console's unique controller in an on-rails adventure which looked lovely, but arguably failed to nail the hedgehog's 2D appeal in the third dimension. Like many of Sonic's 3D games, it has fun or interesting elements, but they don't cohere into a satisfying whole.
11. Sonic 3D Blast (MD)
As a technical showpiece for the ageing Genesis / Mega Drive, Traveller's Tales Sonic 3D Blast (or Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island as it's known in Europe) is an admirable stab at the Sonic formula in isometric 3D. The visuals capture the look of the hedgehog's checkerboard Zones well enough, but its sluggish controls and overall reduced pace compared to the 2D classics reduce it to the status of intriguing curio.
Far from essential, then, but also not the bottom of the barrel.
10. Sonic and the Black Knight (Wii)
"You know what Sonic needs? A sword — a talking one, if poss!" said nobody ever, except that one person in the meeting where they came up with Sonic and the Black Knight. This title continues the 'Storybook' series that began with Secret Rings and puts Sonic in an Arthurian adventure that introduced Wii-waggle sword fighting for good measure.
It's about as good as that sounds, and while it's not without moments of charm, the execution here just doesn't cut it. We're left with another mediocre-to-poor entry in Sonic's 3D catalogue.
9. Shadow The Hedgehog (GCN)
If you ever wondered what a Sonic game crossed with a third-person shooter would be like, Shadow the Hedgehog is your answer. This spin-off followed on from Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Heroes and took the series on a 'darker', more 'mature' route. It's arguably not as poor as its reputation suggests, although it suffers from much of the inelegance and poor level design of other lesser Sonic adventures. The attempt to produce a grittier version of Sonic comes off as hopelessly try-hard, but that approach has its fans — as does Shadow the Hedgehog.
8. Sonic Lost World (3DS)
Sonic Lost World has its share of mediocrity and questionable design, but is also has flashes of the old Sonic magic that have kept fans on a drip feed of hope for many years. While it has plenty of 2D stages, it's also a handheld entry that dares to attempt 'proper' 3D, too, and it's impressive considering the 3DS hardware.
Don't get us wrong: the 3DS version is an extremely average experience overall, and we far prefer its Wii U bigger brother, but this is also far from the worst Sonic game you'll ever play and it contains simple moments of platforming pleasure that are really rather good.
7. Sonic Forces (Switch)
Combining Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic in a similar way to Sonic Generations, this was a less successful take on the formula. It's a mixed bag of 3D, 2D and narrative that in many ways typifies the last two decades of Sonic games, with the player often feeling like a onlooker than a participant in the action. A younger audience may be more forgiving, but Sonic veterans have been here and done it all before.
6. Sonic Lost World (Wii U)
Superficially, this is Sonic's take on a Super Mario Galaxy-style adventure with cylindrical worlds and abstract delights. It's a long way behind Nintendo's masterpiece, but Sonic Lost World is still a clever, colourful platformer which offers flashes of genius and fun. You'll just have to put up with plenty of frustration to get at the really good stuff.
5. Sonic Unleashed (Wii)
It's the Sonic X Werewolf crossover everyone was gagging for! Yes, Sonic Team insistence on disrupting Sonic's flow with random gameplay elements from other genres continued with Sonic Unleashed, which turned everyone's favourite speed freak into a lumbering lupine oaf when night fell. It has its moments — as most Sonic games do — but throw in Wii waggle for the lacklustre brawler bits, and the result is yet another patchy entry in the 3D Sonic canon.
4. Sonic Heroes (GCN)
Eschewing the more open approach of the Adventure games for more linear-style levels, Sonic Heroes gives you teams of characters to switch between including fan favourites Big the Cat, Rouge the Bat and Cream the rabbit alongside the classic trio of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. It did an admirable job of replicating the feeling of the 2D Sonic games in three dimensions, and while it's not perfect, there's a lot to like about Sonic Heroes.
3. Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut (GCN)
Seeing the DX version of this on GameCube was, for many, extremely odd at the time as we couldn't imagine seeing SEGA's mascot on a Nintendo home console. The Dreamcast original wowed anybody old enough to remember seeing Sonic in proper 3D for the first time, so having it on GameCube was something special, and not a little strange.
Time hasn't been as kind to Sonic Adventure as some games from the era, but there's something about the promise of its opening stage which gives it a special place in our affections.
2. Sonic Colours (Wii)
By far the best 3D Sonic game in our books, Sonic Colors managed to translate the classic 2D gameplay and introduce a gimmick that complimented rather than disrupted that gameplay. The Wisp power-ups gave Sonic new abilities which tied in beautifully to some strong level design and delivered the best Sonic experience we've ever had in three dimensions.
1. Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (GCN)
This enhanced version of the Dreamcast original might not be everybody's cup of tea, but it throws enough winning elements into the bag to outweigh its less-than-brilliant facets. With the multiplayer and the Chao Garden accompanying the main game, there's certainly plenty to do. It won't win over naysayers, but it's hard to find a purer expression of 'gotta go fast and-to-hell-with-the-consequences' than this. In many ways, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is peak 3D Sonic — with everything that entails.
Surprised by the result? If you're disappointed we didn't include the non-Nintendo Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), just pop it in 15th place and you're all good. Take that Ro-butt-nik!
Feel free to let us know your thoughts on the ranking above and share a comment about your personal favourite below.
Comments (125)
I disagree with colors being better than SA1.
I’m probably the minority but I think SA is probably the best 3D sonic especially with the atmosphere of the somewhat open worlds. SA2 was better on a technical level but the story stunk.
Yessss, the king is on top. I wholeheartedly agree with that ranking!
(that came out on Nintendo consoles)
which means obviously Sonic 06 couldn't make number 1 like it would've if it did come out on Wii.
Also even if I prefer SA2's structure and gameplay to SA1's I still think Sonic controlled way more fluidly in SA1/DX
I never played sonic colors and i'm A really big sonic fan.
Sonic Adventure 2 is definitely my favourite but I'd had Sonic Adventure DX second for sure. Colours wasn't offensively bad like most 3D Sonic games but it wasn't that good either.
@Strictlystyles
I've got no problem with that. I remember picking up my Dreamcast on launch day along with Sonic Adventure. Loved it.
@TheFrenchiestFry What was Nintendo thinking to not have 06 on their consoles? smh
@rdrunner1178 although the SA2 demo that came with phantasy star online really got me hyped for it with the San fransico level, I never got the same awe I did from the original SA. I did appreciate a lot of the technical and graphical issues from SA being ironed out though.
@TexanSansei I would unironically play 06 again over Secret Rings.
The Nintendo version of Sonic 06 is the best version of Sonic 06 because it doesn't exist
@TheFrenchiestFry sonic 06 GOTY soon to be 14 years in a row babyyyy
@Strictlystyles Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast version) is my best 3D platformer of all time. As you say, Sonic Adventure 2 was better technically but the story, music and general atmosphere was just better in Adventure 1. Plus I really missed the hub world.
My favourite song from SA1...
https://youtu.be/BeZytFpIQDY
Just beautiful... The first time I heard it and flew through the city as Knuckles was such a wow moment in gaming for me
There should be a huge asterisk next to this article's title. This is hardly a ranking of every 3D Sonic game when it is missing the PS3/360/PC version of Sonic Generations. Generations is always ranked near the top of 3D Sonic titles, with many considering it to be the best overall.
@Strictlystyles
I really enjoy SA1, but this ranking is notably for the GC version of SA1, which is an inferior port. I'd personally rank Colors above all versions of SA1, but I'd rank the DC original SA1 much closer to it than the inferior GC port.
I really want to play Colours and Shadow The Hedgehog as I'm curious about them... A Sonic 3D collection would be very welcome on Switch.
@RushDawg Wasn't the GameCube version better and ran at 60fps instead of the 30fps on Dreamcast? I've only played it on Dreamcast but that was my understanding.
I love SA1, SA2, and Sonic Heroes as much as the next guy but looking through this list is making me realize just how mediocre the Sonic franchise is.
All these games suck.
Uh, where in the FAQ is Sonic Generations, did you guys forget about it? If you're going to be that picky that you won't report on games for Non-Nintendo consoles it did come out on 3DS and I'm fairly sure it was better than Sonic and the Black Knight.
@RushDawg I feel like the article was not taking those technicalities into account. I think they’re reviewing each game as a general product with the only stipulation that it actually have been on a Nintendo console to be considered.
It's a shame there's no way to prevent people that haven't played a game to rate it.
So we gonna get the 2D Sonics listed next? That’s gonna get interesting (outside of the obvious Top 3 (Top 4 if you split 3 & Knuckles))
@doctorhino It was a 2D platformer on 3DS!
"It won't win over naysayers, but it's hard to find a purer expression of 'gotta go fast and-to-hell-with-the-consequences' than this."
(dislikes profanity in this part of the article)
@JoeyTS Ohh, that makes more sense, well I kept seeing 3d parts to it in the trailers but turns out those were just the special zones.
YES! YESSSSSS! ADVENTURE 2 IS STILL THE BEST!
God it’s really such a sad lineup.
The only 3D Sonic game I have consistently positive feelings about is Generations...and that is largely because a) so much of it was 2D; and b) the “greatest hits” formula allowed Sega to craft a solid 3D experience from the flotsam of playable levels drifting amidst the wreckage of Sonic’s 3D canon.
Honestly, why even bother with making this list? No Generations and it's not like the community here really likes Sonic...
Colors in 2nd is acceptable though
Wow, this list isn't as bad as I thought it'd be.
The Saturn and PC ports of 3D Blast are a lot better than the original version. They control better and the improved graphics and audio make it more pleasant to play.
If Sonic Colors is here, why not Sonic Generations?
Me don't understand.
Unpopular Opinion: Lost World was the best one
@HotGoomba It certainly had a good knock off Mario Galaxy feel to it. It wasn't the best thing for going fast in but the platforming was interesting and plenty to explore.
Where's Sonic 06?? Outrageous.
This list makesme happy that I've never been a Sonic fan lol
Seriously though, it must be horrible to see a once great, fan-favorite series fall from grace this hard.
@the_beaver Sonic Generations (the 3D one) isn't on Nintendo consoles.
Anyways, as for this, Sonic and the Secret Rings deserved better. It's a solid 7 of a game, sometimes drifting into 8 territory but never for long.
Sonic Colours hands down is the best 3D Sonic game.
Solid list, surprised Sonic Adventure managed to make it to #3 on the list. It's always been my favorite 3D Sonic title, there is just something about that game that I find very special.
SA2 is overrated as hell considering it’s 2/3 not even a Sonic game. Who are these people saying the good outweighed the bad because last time I checked 2/3 bad > 1/3 good.
Jeez. May as well rank every installment of Elf Bowling while you're at it.
WhErE's ThAt DaRn FiTh ChAoS eMeRaLd
@lyle_catcliffe correction most suck. Colors ranked too high (very mediocre not bad but mediocre) with colors being the only one not extremely bad but sonic adventure 1 and 2 are on par with some of Mario's romps in 3d they are fantastic games I could recommend to anyone. The more you play them the more you like em. You probably won't have your life changed or something but it probably will make you sad they didn't just stick with the best possible formula for 3d sonic. It all went downhill with shadow the hedgjog which is a pretty dumb game that has fans but not me lol. Man adventure 1 and 2 collection please sega? It's on steam already switch would be nice. Anyway yeah might want to try those to see what 3d sonic could have been until they just copied off of others for the newest fad (shadow with edginess, others with waggle controls, 06s reboot craze and realism). Although never played generations is it good?
@Bolt_Strike yeah I get that you wouldn't like it but it's the winning 3d formula and i totally get it if you prefer 2d or another 3d formula (as bad to mediocre I think they are not all are without promise) and to be honest I personally prefer 2d to adventure but I think adventure games are very fun as well and I also think that this is sonic in 3d plain and simple.
I’m sorry, but 3D sonic games are just not good imo. Mario is more my cup of tea.
Don't think I played any of these aside from the Sonic Lost World demo on Wii U. Cpt. Obvious here, but yeah, a far cry from the 3D Mario ranking. The best Sonic games has an 8.1 user rating, while Mario Odyssey has a user score of 9.17 on here. Woof.
Honestly this questionnaire was the equivalent of "which turd smells better?"
Please take note Sega.
@Jakiboy : Hedgehog turd coffee is a prized delicacy in Indonesia.
I find it incredible how the Sonic franchise manages to stay (somehow) relevant with so many terrible games
Damn sega have done a great job of dragging their mascot through the mud...
@Clyde_Radcliffe best 3D platformer of all time? Sonic Adventure? The best? 3D platformer? Of all time?
Are you high?!
None of them should be above a 6/10, and even that’s generous.
@Clyde_Radcliffe Gotta agree with you there, I think the original Sonic Adventure is a real cult classic these days. It gets unnecessarily hated on by people who aren't exactly sonic fans, but people who were around for when the game was new on the Dreamcast seem to have fond memories of it. I know it's definitely one of my all time top 3D platformers as well, right up there with Mario 64 IMO.
The most fun I've had with 3d sonic, other than the wow factor of SA1,l at the time, are the unleashed day stages. Beautiful in every respect, including gameplay. So good that generations tried to build on them.
I like none of these games tbh.
Ive played all of them and SA2 was the first game ive ever played, but I wouldn't say its good what so ever after so many replays progressevly disliking it. Same for every game on this this except the already bad ones like Boom and Labyrinth. Never liked Colors for the same reason I didnt like Forces, its level design is a blocky flat boring mess when 2d sections or press forward to win when 3d sections. Colors at least has lot more style and originality compared to Forces.
Best? You mean the least horrible, right?
Runs for his life
Sonic Adventure 1 is better than Sonic Adventure 2 in every single way. More gameplay mechanics, better levels, better soundtrack, Chaos is a better villain, I love the Adventure fields, the list goes on.
I don't get why people like Sonic Adventure 2 so much. I played it years ago, and I just never got into it. But Sonic Adventure is a game I still play even to this day on my Xbox One.
I know I'm going against the grain here, but Sonic Adventure 2 is overrated.
I like adventure 2. But its nothing compared to some nintendo games. This list is kinda trash. Thanks developers for wasting our time with such rubbish games.
I'm so happy UnWiished made it into the top five. It's my favourite game, so seeing it get the recognition it deserves is fun. Also, I'm glad Colours was #2 since it's become incredibly unrelated lately. It's a fantastic game, Forces just makes it look bad.
Change the first two then more or less agree
But sonic colour is my number one
And sonic adventure 2 number two
Sonic Colors is the only game on this list I'd say still hold up. I have nostalgia regarding SA2 from playing it on the dreamcast but Sonic Colors is the best 3D game here aside Generations.
Sonic has had it rough since he went 3D-- [gets hit by a bus]
Generations is certainly the best one.
Yeah, it was only released on non-nintendo platforms and this is a Nintendo site, but still, misleading title.
What all these ranking list always prove is that dreamcast and gamecube, and other old games from that era are some of the best ever. When they still tried to produce more original and innovative games and gameplay, and well, really when almost all the best games where pretty much all made in Japan. SO JUST port the best old games to switch please, dreamcast and gamecube and n64, oh and Wii, now that the Mario 3D collection has proven it not only works easily, but there is a massive market for them.
Crazy taxi and Jet Set radio and Sonic adventure and Chu Chu rocket on one game Cartridge please.
Take note: the greatest 2d and 3d Sonic games are NOT on Nintendo systems. No, Sonic 3 and no Sonic Generations.
@Juga They had Sonic 3 on virtual console as well as a few Sonic collections for the DS and Gamecube. They also had Sonic Generations on the 3DS.
@JayJ He/She is talking about Generations HD
I never understood the appeal for Unleashed. The Werehog gameplay has no redeeming value and feels like some of the worst Sonic gameplay.
I also just prefer Sonic Lost World 3DS over Lost World Wii U. Feels looser, has a bit more depth and replay value.
Arent they all in last place
Sonic Adventure 1, at the time was pretty awesome. Generations had potential but it's 30fps held it back. other than that i haven't played any other 3D sonic that won me over. not even the 2D games including the original genesis trilogy, and I had Genesis back in 90'
with the 2D games, I've never liked the sloppy platforming, and near-uncontrollable speedy loopdy loop' & flailing from springs gameplay that had you smacking into walls, falling into a pit of spikes or an enemie just because you could barely make out what was coming up ahead. I'd take Rocket Knight Adventures over any 2D Sonic game.
I'm quite surprised by the result. Sonic Colours never impressed me much. Sonic and The Secret Rings is one of the best but requires leveling up and equipping the right abilities and, of course, getting used to the racer controls. Sonic Adventure DX has, along with Epic Mickey, the worst 3D camera I've ever seen but I haven't played the Dreamcast version. Sonic Heroes is nice until you meet the impossible camera angles and level design. Where am I supposed to go and what is killing me? No, I don't have a clue so I can't finish the game. The best Sonic 3D games are, in my opinion:
1. Sonic Generations (Xbox 360): 9
2. Sonic and The Secret Rings (Wii): 7.5
3. Sonic Lost World (Wii U): 7.5
I would buy a Sonic Lost World Switch port. At the same time, I am still waiting for Sonic Adventure 3.
My opinion on polygon Sonic has been notching down over the years. At this point it can’t get much lower. I’ll refrain from saying any more
Best SA2? Not a chance. Favorite? Absolutely. I think if most people revisited that game today though, they'd realize just how atrocious the camera is along with some of the levels. Most of the 3D sonic games have aged very poorly.
@dartmonkey , you forgot about the great Sonic Generations for the 3DS!
Only 3 games over 7... ouch.
Not gonna lie guys, this listing is kinda *****
I liked the 2D games, but was never into 3D Sonic
Probably about right.
I'd put Adventure 1 above Colours , though I think the DX version was not recieved well for some reason? I am a fan of Colours in particular, however. Obviously Adventure 2 HAS to be no.1.
(Once again, the home console version of Generations never came to Nintendo consoles. The 3DS game was largely a decent 2D affair. Peeps keep mentioning it )
Let's be honest Sonic had largely poor 3D games. Good Lord.
As in every list of this kind SA2 is way to high ranked. SA1, Colours and Generations are much better than SA2.
What about the 2006 game?
Haven’t played any of these games so It seems about right. I had Sonic Adventure 2: battle with my Gamecube, and that was great. It would be nice to see a really good 3D sonic game again.
Article: “By far the best 3D Sonic game in our books, Sonic Colors” - Gets number 2 slot
What am I missing? If Sonic colours is “By far the best 3D Sonic game in our books” why isn’t it #1 on “every 3D sonic game ranked”???
@themightyant Because the ranking was voted for by readers of the site.
Live and learn!
Hanging on the edge of tomorrow,
Live and learn!
From the works of yesterday.
Live and learn!
If you beg or if you borrow,
Live and learn!
You may never find your way.
Whooooa, yeah!
@Caryslan I always felt the same way, Sonic Adventure 2 isn't bad but it's just not as good as the first one IMO. Problem I always had with it was how you were constantly switching between characters all the time. I mean I get how that switched up the gameplay but it made it so you couldn't really focus on any one particular play style. Also the loss of the adventure fields made it feel like you were just jumping from one stage to another. It just lacked the pacing and feel that I loved about the original. The first game was definitely more unique.
@Clyde_Radcliffe thanks checks out
My turn! I’ll describe Sonic in the top 13 most accurate words of the entire legacy of the series:
13. Trash
12. Garbage
11. Rubbish
10. Waste
9. Litter
8. Junk
7. Scum
6. Filth
5. Excrement
6. Latrine
5. Landfill
4. Dump
3. Stain
2. Rot
1. Decomposition
No 3DS Sonic Generations at all on the list?Seriously?
@Randomname19 it's not a 3D Sonic game.
@The_Top_Loader correct answer.
Sonic Generations was my fav, couldnt get into the SA games
@Tendogamerxxx a lot of words, I only need three words for Nintendo
Re-Release, full price
Seriously why even click on this article? Lmfao
I can agree with this for the most part. I would still put SA1 over Sonic Colors, but that might just be nostalgia talking, I played SA1 and SA2 a lot when I was a kid. I have played them recently, as I pop them in my GameCube once a year or so just to revisit, and while I admit they are both very deeply flawed games (even by the standards of when they first came out), I still find a lot of enjoyment out of them.
Sonic Wild Fire, I mean and the Secret Rings deserves to be far higher. It was a pretty decent game. It wasn't perfect but the new way of playing had so much potential because it tried to be different and did a good job. Black Knight was a total step back.
I dislike Colors for being a 'critics pleaser' and not a 'fan pleaser', what I love about 3D Sonic games is the replay value of the levels, sometimes you just play the game's levels for quick fun, but with Colors every level is mostly filled with 2D gameplay, it doesn't help that the 3D moments are just 'blast-through-stuff' it's OK, but definitely wouldn't reach top 5 on my list.
I missed the chance to vote for Shadow, wtf? It wasn't on the list when I searched for it.
Why is Sonic Labyrinth and 3D Blast here but not Sonic Battle, which had actual camera controls? I mean 3D Blast can pass for a platforming game but Labyrinth?? I'd rather GameCube's Sonic R.
Can't agree with this list especially that bit about 06 being worse than Boom.
It still has: better level design, better music, better characterization, franchise consistency, and it still looks good today.
You simply can't say the same for boom.
It's basically bizarro Sonic.
Honestly that “translate the classic 2D gameplay” line in the Colours section makes me wonder about your experience with classic 2D sonic gameplay cause I’m sorry but this isn’t it.
At best Colours tries to replicate the Rush series of games on the DS and honestly doesn't do that particularly well, with an over reliance of blocky platforming that neither fits the classics or the Rush games which were both much more dynamic and free flowing and momentum based in there level design. Minus for example some of the worst parts of Sonic 1.
While I personally disagree with the colour mechanic not being intrusive that's all up to personal taste but I would say being forced to grind to a halt to use a skill doesn't compliment the series in the slightest.
While I will not say Colours is a bad game. In fact I agree it is a very solid game and despite me personally finding it one of the dullest and safest experiences in the series I think judging it perfectly objectively as a game overall and not a Sonic game it deserves a high spot. But when it comes down to it nothing about the game translates the classic 2D gameplay to 3D sadly the best example of this we have so far is Sonic Adventure. It’s not close but it's the closest official product we have.
@TheFrenchiestFry I agree. At least when I want to move left/right in Sonic 06, I'm usually able to.
Can't say the same for secret rings.
I loved Colors around the time it came out, but it's novelty wears out each passing year. It doesn't control well in either 2D or 3D, and many of the levels aren't that great. The graphics look good for the Wii, but it doesn't mean much when sandwiched between Unleashed HD and Generations.
It's still not a bad game, but I can never finish it whenever replaying it despite it's short length. It's defiantly better than Wii Unleashed, so I'm fine with it's ranking placement.
Um, the 2D gameplay and the level design are the worst things about "Sonic Colors." Personally, I find the game to be highly overrated and am very glad that SA2B managed to beat it out for first place.
I thought SA 1, 2, and Heroes controlled great and really worked, but then in the newer games he's running on-rails picking lanes and it's weird and hard to lose. Like in Unleashed, I kind of liked the Werehog sections with the fighting, but the Sonic stuff, while pretty, was really boring to play through.
@link3710 No, outside of the opening world, "Secret Rings" is a nightmare to control, and the equipment mechanic is cumbersome and barely helps. I was barely able to force myself to beat the story before I sold the game.
@Nintendo_Thumb It's not just that. The Boost move is a poor replacement for the Spin Dash, there's no exploration or slower platforming segments, and you don't have enough reaction time avoid many enemies and traps. At least "Lost World" went back to the old 3D gameplay style that actually works well, but that game still has mediocre 2D gameplay and lousy boss battles
@Bolt_Strike You mean 2/3 of SA2 is good, as while it isn't classic Sonic gameplay, the mech levels are also really good. Plus, there's the Chao gardens.
@BulbasaurusRex Suit yourself, I loved that game. It's certainly far better than Sonic Blast, Sonic Forces or Shadow the Hedgehog.
@BlueOcean Hey, "Sonic Adventure" actually has a decent automatic camera, especially for the time! It's at least better than the stupid manual cameras (and the barely better semi-automatic option in "64") that Nintendo stupidly uses in most of the 3D Mario games.
@link3710 Maybe the first two, but "Shadow" is a much better game (and a decent one overall) that still uses the good 3D gameplay style, and while the guns are out of place they're still decently implemented. It's not going to win any awards for story or level design, but the decent gameplay alone easily elevates it over the frustrating gameplay in the storybook duology.
@Wavey84 The old 2D Sonic games (and "Mania") are smartly designed so that there aren't any major traps or enemies in the way when you're going too fast to react properly unless you move too far out of the recommended running lane. It's only the slower sections where that becomes an issue so that you can avoid them.
Unfortunately, the "Unleashed" style of the 3D gameplay and the 2D level design of some of the more recent games have at least partially forgotten that principle.
@Caryslan No, SA2 has a better story, overall better level design, and improved Chao Gardens over SA1. Plus, the mediocre treasure hunting levels (which are also in SA1) are still better than SA1's fishing levels.
@BulbasaurusRex I think that you are talking about the Dreamcast version which has a better camera.
I think this really shows how bad 3D sonic games have been overall in quality. Also I see a lot of people saying how good SA1 was but from what I remember playing the Gamecube version was that the frame rate was all over the place and and made the game nearly unplayable at times. So if that is the third best 3D Sonic game it shows how low the bar is.
This is literally the worst website to make anything Sonic related. It's a website filled with Nintendrones that only played Sonic 2, Colors, and Generations. They mindlessly hate on anything from 1998-2009 and ignore everything else.
hAhA 06 bAD gEt iT?
"Werehog's dumb, why give sonic a sword"
You all still live in 2011 and I hate it.
@BulbasaurusRex No, I mean 1/3, as the mech levels are too slow and clunky to be any fun. Maybe if Tails and Eggman were as mobile as Gamma, it'd be better, but as is it's hot garbage.
I loved both Sonic Adventure and Sonic adventure 2. And the Chao's on the go with the GBA was so much fun. Such a great unique feature and an upgrade from the already cool chao on your memory card for the dreamcast.
SA2 and Sonic colours r the best hands down but growing up with 3d sonic games i kinda liked all of them even black night and unleashed
@BlueOcean I've never played the Dreamcast version. The GameCube ports of the Adventure duology have perfectly functional automatic cameras that are at least better than the stupid manual ones in Super Mario 64 and Galaxy. They have flaws, sure, but still only rarely do you actually have to manually adjust them to get a better angle or because it got caught on something.
@Bolt_Strike Agree to disagree. The mech levels are good and not too slow nor clunky at all (they aren't meant to play anywhere near as fast as the Sonic/Shadow levels, and their levels are well designed around the slower style), and everyone else who helped me vote SA2B into the top spot must agree with me, otherwise you would have a point about the majority of the game being mediocre.
@Zenszulu I've never noticed any framerate issues in SA1, and they certainly don't make it unplayable. In fact, the GameCube version is even better in that regard, since it uses 60 FPS as the base so any framerate drops aren't as noticeable if at all.
As I expected, the top five games are the ones that don't have much to share with the classic Sonic.
Not including sonic generations on PS3 is a travesty. It probably would have came in first. It's definitely better than sonic adventure 1 and 2.
Other than top 2 none of them managed above 7... Wow! I think Heroes is a 7 and Shadow a 7, neither of them were buggy messes and actually quite enjoyable. On the higher scale I think Colours was an 8 and Adventure DX would get a 9 from me. I have never played Adventure 2 but I will do one day.
@Bryon15 A slightly inferior version was also on 3DS. No one could work out why it wasn't included.
@BulbasaurusRex Doubtful. Most of the time people praise SA2B they just focus on the Sonic/Shadow levels and either ignore or complain about the Tails/Eggman and Knuckles/Rouge levels. Very few people have actual praise for those gameplay styles. It's more likely that people are just viewing the game through nostalgia glasses and forgetting how much of the game is garbage filler.
@Strictlystyles Agreed 100%.
@BulbasaurusRex the framerate really isn't stable at all and it is evident in the character movement because it aims for 60 fps it never reaches it at least the original stays closer to 30 most of the time and the Gamecube version would have been far better at a locked 30 than one that aims for higher and never achieves it.
Why the hell personal opinion of the poll author is being told in such a harsh and arrogant manner in a poll that supposed to be based on people's opinion. And then being continued by butt joke.
Ok, there's nothing wrong that sonic 2006 wasn't in the poll because it never was on any nintendo console and it's a nintendo sonic poll, but damn, because of it I only want more to ask him, who the hell asked him for his personal opinion on the game that don't even have anything to do with the poll.
He can't write a single line of text without telling the world his very important, but sadly, absolutely unrelated opinions in situation when he should've just write the damn epigraph for the damn poll?
What a sad list. The Adventure games do not hold up well.
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