New demo: Sonic the Hedgehog

Sega have released a demo for Sonic the Hedgehog on the Xbox Live Marketplace as part of Microsoft's X06 'Bringing it Home' schedule. I'm currently downloading it now, so I'll let you know my thoughts after a few plays through.

Preview:

No not there, there! The controls on this demo seem to have a very poor accuracy level. I've just beaten the demo and through playing had to restart about 20 odd times from falling off ledges and pathways- just because the controls aren't tight enough. The dodgy camera angles don't help either- an inaccurate control system and poor camera angles make for one annoying gameplay experience. Often the camera puts itself in completely the opposite angle to what you would want or expect it to be.

Yet, this is a Sonic game afterall- and parts of the game reminded me of 'the good old days' of Sonic. There's a likeable game in there somewhere, but the above problems spoil the fun. It is somewhat worth pointing out however, that these problems have been in the Sonic games ever since Sega made the decision to go 3D- still after all these years, the problems remain.

Graphics are nice, but it's definately one of those 'not the best graphics but still looks lovely in HD' type of games.

If Sega want a good Sonic game on their hands, and to maybe even persuade some of the 2D purists to take a look- they must address these issues. The core game gives glimses of excellence and the general level design is good, but the game refuses you to explore these levels in a comfortable fassion. The game needs work ahead of it's November release, but will Sega address these problems? They haven't in the past right? I personally would doubt it, but we'll see when the final version hits stores.

Looking good:

The level design is thoughtful and imaginative, they've tried to take the level design a bit further this time. Flying on the back on an eagle was fun! Graphics are decent, look clean in HD. Some fun to be had here.

Needs work:

The camera! Sega please, it's awful! The controls are not precise enough and over responsive leading to many unforseen 'start over from the checkpoint.'