The Sonic series has been getting a lot of harsh criticism and it seems many gamers and critics are fine with Sega letting this series die. However, it seems each newer game is trying to play with something and bring in a new, I guess gimmick. For example, Sonic Unleashed introduced morphing and a combination of side scrolling and 3D enviorments, Sonice Adventure was all in the third dimensions, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood was an RPG, and for the most part these games are some of the ones that turned off Sonic fans and gamers alike. In particular, Sonic 2006 which was very glitchy. However, this game takes all the best parts of the Sonic universe and gameplay and strategically blends them together. The story is also one of the more interesting, but definitely not deep or new. The game switches from side scrolling to a third person view that follows Sonic. Many past characters make an appearance, like Chaos, Shadow, Metal Sonic, Espio, and there are even references to characters like Mighty the Armadillo who makes a small cameo in a poster in one of the stages. One feature this game offers is the ability to purchase power ups and so forth that allow you to run faster or have more lives which adds a bit of replay-ability. Additionally, there are gems and red stars to collect that unlock various things in the game. One thing, I would have really enjoyed in this game is the return of special stages from the first three Sonic games. Multiplayer would have been great too. But this game is great for what it is worth. Sometimes movement seemed a little stiff in the side scrolling modern modes. The classic modes seemed the most polished and it was great revisiting some of the old stages and hearing some old sonic tunes.

Got this game for my kids - did not want them playing a very violent game - they love it

This is Sonic as he should be in the next generation. He is fast, the graphics are gorgeous, and the soundtrack has some great remixes of classics. This is everything I want out of a Sonic game and I wish they could provide this again and get away from the flop that is Sonic Boom.