Graphics aren't everything, but this incredibly flawed engine is the chief contributor to this ports flaws. Had Sega released the original Sonic in this state no one would have bought it.
What else? The enemy patterns have been altered too, for the worst of course. When you're a good five seconds into the game you have the ability to jump on a hidden "bumper" in a tree. It launches you in the air so you can collect extra rings.
In the Genesis original, you're free to bounce off this bumper several times. In this shit version the second time you try for the bumper an enemy is waiting below. Unless you move you die. There are several annoying instances where this happened.
Why do you hate Sonic Sega? Are you intentionally trying to murder your cash cow... err... hedgehog?
The title controls well for the five seconds the engine runs correctly. Sega made it a point to mention the inclusion of the spin dash move (first appearance was Sonic 2), which is cool.
It should be noted that this isn't the first time a Sonic the Hedgehog port featured the spin dash. Sonic Jam for Sega Saturn holds the distinction of being home to the first Sonic port with the spin dash move! Sadly when the engine slows down the controls seem to be "altered." Maybe it's me, but 99% of the time the title controls like shit.
Do not mistake this as a mere misstep. No, this disturbing collection of thoughtless code represents the ongoing disarray at Sega. If Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 Genesis) represents Sega at their peak, this horrendous port, this clear contrast, represents Sega's current state perfectly.
Bottom line, even the hardest-to-the-core Sonic fans (like me) must stay away from this game. We need to send a clear message to Sega that we're not going to take this shit anymore.
Hopefully they'll listen and turn things around. If not, don't count on Sega or Sonic being around for another 15 years. To Sega: you disgust me. Through your lack of care for one of the greatest games ever you've engineered a new low point in gaming.
Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.
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