Sonic Universe Volume 1 Review

Picture for a moment if the Marvel Universe were condensed into a single comic series, let's say The Amazing Spider-Man. It would be cool, but eventually the reader would yearn to read other stories within that world. What are the other heroes doing while Spidey is saving the day or taking a nap? This is the same concept with Sonic Universe, a spinoff series from the main title. The Sonic games have established a fantastic mythology that has transitioned well into the comic world. As much as we love the Blue Hedgehog, people were definitely interested in stories starring the other characters. In the games it didn't quite work out that well with Shadow the Hedgehog, but perhaps in comic land things would be different. Sonic Universe Volume 1 contains Issue #1 to #4, which has been dubbed 'Shadow Saga.' It's a fantastic read for people especially that grew up with Adventure 2 and up.

The first issue features Shadow on a mission to acquire a Chaos Emerald. It's an interesting story for a few reasons. It opens up with him battling Metal Sonic. Shadow has always been a fan favorite character for the obvious reasons. This issue is particularly interesting since we see how far he's come as a character. He actually sympathizes with Metal Sonic, saying that the two aren't very unlike. The other intriguing part is that Shadow lands in Blaze the Cat's world. It's pretty cool since it references Sonic Rush Adventure. (The comic's version anyway, but close enough.) This is apparently the first time they meet, so it's cool to see how personalities collide. Ian Flynn really nails all of the characters. The dialogue between Metal Sonic and Shadow in the final part was fantastic and easily the best part of the issue. Even if Marine was a bit annoying, this is easily the best issue of the bunch.

The second issue isn't quite as good, but still has a nostalgic touch. This time Sonic joins in on a mission with Shadow and Rouge. It's cool because while they're doing their thing in present day, there are also panel flashbacks to Adventure 2 in-between. Yes, the classic battle between the two in Green Forest is recreated with dialogue and everything. (This makes me want to pop in the disc.) It even manages to showcase the Biolizard and the Super Hedgehogs. While this wasn't quite as good as #1, it was still nice to have a little bit of nostalgia thrown at me. Plus, the banter between Sonic and Shadow is fantastic and shows how far their relationship had come.

The third issue is pretty interesting since it features the debut of Omega. The plot has Eggman activate Omega to hunt down the traitor Gamma. This is also a pretty cool thing, since these two robots have been compared many times by fans. Shadow's mission is to recruit Gamma to G.U.N. His dialogue with Gamma was pretty great since we see again how Shadow relates to being a weapon and how now he sees having allies is a good thing. After Omega sends Shadow skyrocketing away, the former has a battle and chat with Gamma. Flynn can write some pretty emotional stuff despite these comics usually being on the happier side. The entire scene with Omega blowing up Gamma but the latter sending his 'soul' into the former was fantastic. (It was also a good way to get Omega on Team Dark since these comics differ from the events of Sonic Heroes.)

The fourth and final issue is most notable for one reason: the formation of Team Dark. This of course adapting a part of Sonic Heroes. Kids today reading might not know that, but for people like me it's pretty nostalgic. First, Shadow and Rouge are sent into the Special Zone to acquire a Chaos Emerald. This Zone is governed by a god-like being called Feist, who is pretty awesome I have to say. (How many god-like talking pandas have you seen?) The mission is a bust and the two are sent back to the base. Shadow goes to sulk since he believes he shouldn't lose. The next scene is pretty interesting. He is comforted by a character called Hope Kintobor, who is exclusive to the comics. It's a pretty touching scene, since Shadow thinks of Maria when talking to her. After, Omega is sent with Shadow and Rouge. Together, they form Team Dark. (And the sparring match between Shadow and Omega before was great since it established the friendship between the two.) The mission into the Special Zone is accomplished thanks to teamwork. In the end, the issue nicely sets up Team Dark for the comic world.

Overall, the first volume to Sonic Universe is an extremely fun read. It harkens back to the quality writing of the Adventure 2 days. (No offence to Colors or Generations of course, but those games' writing have nothing on any game between Adventure 2 and Unleashed.) Shadow is arguably the greatest character in the Sonic mythos aside from the Blue Blur himself. He makes for a fantastic focus and reading through this makes me want to see a Team Dark-centric series. Sonic Universe Volume 1 is a must have for longtime Sonic fans.

4.5/5

Wreck-It Ralph Review

Wreck-It Ralph was the surprise hit of 2012. People were expecting good things from a Disney Animated film, but nothing of this caliber. Some have even called it the best film of 2012! I didn't catch it in the theater sadly, but now I've made it. It comes with no surprise that I'm a pretty big gamer, I've been one for years and years. I claim I'm a Mario and Nintendo fan, which is true, but my first console was actually the original Playstation. I soon got the Game Boy Color (remember when color was a big deal?) with Super Mario Bros. Deluxe. While I've never played the classics like Super Mario World or Sonic and Knuckles on their original consoles, I have played all of them through the many ports. And of course one can't watch this movie without having played Pac Man. I saw Brave recently, the movie which won the Golden Globe award for best animated picture. I'm tempted to say the Oscars were rigged in that department, Wreck-It Ralph is easily the superior movie. It's a really well done film with great characters, visuals, and twists.

The story is rather different, since it takes place inside the arcade games. Ralph is the bad guy of the game Fix-it Felix Jr. The problem? He's tired of the title character getting all the glory and living in the dump. So he sets out to find a medal, because when he gets it he will be treated with respect and given a place in the penthouse. However, his mission leads him to the game Heroes Duty, where he'll have to fight his way through killer bugs. The journey to achievement brings him to the game Sugar Rush, where he meets a girl named Vanellope, who happens to be a glitch...or is she? Twists and turns accumulate to one heck of a final battle.

The film early on establishes its unique atmosphere, having the classic animation of sailor Mickey in 8-bit form. Then we're treated to the Fix-it Felix arcade system. (Which is right next to Pac Man!) This story is so unique that it actually takes us within the arcade from the characters' point of view. They live solely in the game, it's interesting to see the system and how characters react. One of the best scenes is near the beginning, with Ralph at a support group for bad guys. I don't how Disney did it, but they managed to have a lot of familiar faces here. In the meeting we have Bower and Dr. Eggman in the same room! (Who didn't get a good laugh from Bowser's cup of coffee?) Not to mention Bison and Clyde. (Orange Ghost from Pac Man.) It is so clever how they used the center in the game where the Ghosts emerge as their meeting base. (Then you see the rest of them leaving it like they are actually part of the system.)

The movie soon introduces us to Game Central Station. It's basically a Grand Central Terminal for all the gaming characters. (Sonic gets a nice on-the-screen appearance reminding everyone to never die in other games.) It's a really cool place for longtime gamers to see. (Look out for Frogger!) There are plenty of cameos in the film only gamers will appreciate. When Ralph is looking in a treasure chest he pulls out a Super Mushroom and Metal Gear's !. (Complete with sound effect.) Let's talk characters. Ralph's story of not wanting to be the bad guy anymore was handled extremely well. We root for him as he enters the penthouse because they're having the 30th anniversary party without him. (The bartender in there looks strangely like Nintendo's mascot.) Along the way we run into Vanellope, a nine year old girl who happens to be a 'glitch.' When the first trailer came out, it gave the indication that she would be an annoying side character. It's actually quite the opposite. Her story of being a 'glitch' (which is smartly incorporated for gamers to get) is touching and in the end we root for her. (Who didn't get that warm feeling inside when she gave Ralph the 'you're my hero' cookie?) Then we have Fix-it Felix Jr. (Whom is basically Mario.) He's a pretty likable video game protagonist. However, a highlight was Sergeant Calhoun, the protagonist of Hero Duty, She's basically Lara Croft or Samus Aran, a tough as-nails-female fighter. It was pretty neat how she was 'programmed' with the saddest backstory. We also have King Candy, the ruler of Sugar Rush. The plot twist with him was really surprising. I will say that his dialogue with Ralph about Vanellope was very convincing, great stuff there.

All this an alien bugs! Hero's Duty is basically Starship Troopers confined into a single game. Aside from the main antagonist, these Cy-Bugs are the villains. (One of them even latches onto Ralph's face like a Facehugger.) It's pretty cool how their goal is to just consume and will keep on consuming unless a beacon calls them back. (Now it makes sense why computer-controlled creatures are so wild in those first person arcade shooters.) The visuals are really fun to look at. I must commend how 'video game like' it was, such as the way citizens in the Fix-it game move. Sugar Rush is such a 'treat' (pun intended) to view. Remember the board game Candy Land? Picture than in beautiful CGI. It's clever how the snack 'devil dogs' are used as actual guard dogs, and Oreos as royal subjects. Early on Bison mentions if Ralph is going 'Turbo.' (Which I thought was a reference to Street Fighter's many re-releases.) Nope, it turns out 'Turbo' was actually a a character within the video game TurboTime that got jealous of another game. The backstory is excellent. The soundtrack went well enough with the film, with the end title 'When Can I See You Again' by Owl City being a highlight. It didn't have as many catchy tunes as I would have liked, but it's solid enough.

Overall, Wreck-It Ralph is one of the greatest animated movies in recent times. The story is handled well with many likable characters. Ralph's story is understandable from the start, as is Vanellope's. The two of them form a bond that is fleshed out well and of course very heartwarming. Have I mentioned that Sonic, Bowser, Bison, Dr. Eggman, and even Pac Man appear? The concept was amazing from the beginning and was fantastic to see, which is sure to get a few laughs from the viewers. Mario is mentioned in a pretty awesome way, but doesn't get to appear. (Which was quite sad, but at least we'll see him in the sequel.) Brave got the award for best animated picture, but really this film deserved it. The story is handled better with no unnecessary silliness that plagued Brave. Everyone should give Wreck-It Ralph a go, especially gamers whom have played them all from Pac Man to Mass Effect.

5/5

Sonic Generations Review

Unlike most fans, I grew up in the 3D era. My first Sonic game was Adventure 2 Battle for the Gamecube, and I went from there. Heroes, Riders, 06, Unleashed, and Colors. Don't misunderstand me though, I have a great appreciation for the classics, thanks to Ultimate Genesis' Collection. Those were such fun games, I understand how legendary they are. The majority of fans constantly bash post Adventure 2 era, and I mean really bash. (You should see all the hate coming from the forums.) I don't agree with most of it, I have enjoyed every Sonic game I've played. (I can't speak for Secret Rings though.) I do understand where they're coming from, a lot of the newer games are lacking the "fun" that made the classics so enjoyable. Sonic Unleashed was a good game.....besides the Werehog. Apparently Sega decided it was time for a revamp, I remember in an interview they said that they will not make "any more bad Sonic games." I still think they they were just saying that to appease the fans, but I got it. They were going back to basics. Colors was released just last year, and has been universally accepted as very good. I myself greatly enjoyed the game. For Sonic's 20th anniversary, Sega wanted to something really special, and Generations was born. This game was meant to bring back the fan's lost faith in the franchise, to rekindle the lost fire. Well, I've had the chance to play it, so let's hear my take.

The story follows Sonic and friend's celebrating the blue hedgehog's birthday. The party is interrupted when a giant dark monster called the Time Eater appears and grabs all of Sonic's friends! Sonic attempts a rescue, but is slapped aside like a rag doll by the monster. It disappears into a dark void. Now Sonic has to journey through time to rescue each of his friends. Along the way, he gets help from a rather familiar figure.....

Yes, I thought Sonic 06 was a good game. However, I could see why fans dislike it so much. It was definitely more story-based, with the gameplay becoming a bit more like an RPG. I don't think the game deserves all the hate, but Sega really needed to bring something from the past back. After the failure that was Unleashed, (thanks to Werehog) Sega did a little revamp, changed the majority of voice actors, and unleashed Colors. That game was the start of how it was going to be, more lighthearted, less story-based, and supremely fast gameplay.While I do miss the good stories of the past, it's good to see the gameplay back to being less RPG and more Sonic. Generations improves ten-fold upon it, it might just be the greatest Sonic game ever released.

I don't even know where to begin in saying how great it is. Right when you drop into Green Hill Zone, you know you're in for a treat. Classic Sonic plays EXACTLY like the classic games, just with beautiful HD graphics! This is probably my favorite representation of Modern Sonic, his gameplay is so much fun, it's a blast. (No pun intended.) Seriously, I don't think I've ever had such fun pressing the square button. Classic Sonic is definitely harder in difficulty as it should be, such nostalgia playing through Chemical Plant Zone. However, the stage that really made me think of the old days was the City Escape stage, it was awesome how they re-made it, brought back such fun memories. (The modern remix could use a little work though.) But playing as Modern Sonic riding the sled down the street was just awesome.

Green Hill, Chemical Plant, Sky Sanctuary, Crisis City, Planet Wisp, the fan favorites from each Sonic game are here. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't include more than the one from each game. (Doomsday? Death Egg?! Where are you stages?) Each stage is rendered wonderfully, with such precise detail. It matches the ones they're based off perfectly, but different enough so it feels like you aren't essentially re-playing old stages. The rival boss fights, (Metal Sonic, Shadow, and Silver) were very good additions, but I would have liked them to tie in to the story more. I especially liked the Shadow battle, brought back memories of the battle against him in Adventure 2 Battle. (I just love how the music changes, first you got a remix from Adventure 2 Battle, then when Shadow gets powered up, All Hail Shadow Plays, while when Sonic gets powered up, Live and Learn plays. It's a fan's dream!)

The soundtrack is a huge part of what makes this game so enjoyable. Here we have remixes of all the favorites, it's truly a trip down memory lane. Hearing the City Escape theme in Classic mode is truly a treat, battling Perfect Chaos hearing Open Your Heart is also awesome. Honestly, this is probably the best soundtrack in any Sonic game, triple A plus right there. Hearing all the new voices makes me miss the old ones. I've gotten use to Sonic's and Tail's, but the rest need help. (Rouge in particular.)

The only major criticism is the length. I beat this game in three days, and that is unacceptable. Adventure 2 Battle, Heroes, 06, those games at least take about a month to complete. For $60, Generations is too short. After I beat the final boss, I felt disappointed that there wasn't any more new stages. Speaking of bosses, there only four in the game. (Not counting rivals.) We have two Eggman robots, Perfect Chaos and the Time Eater. There should have been more, I mean, with all the games, they should have included much more. (Biolizard, Dark Gaia, Solaris, etc.)

The concept of time travel is a cool concept, but underused in my opinion. I would have liked to see the old version's Knuckles for example, since he was a villain back in the day. Also, where is multiplayer? This is the big Sonic game, and there's no multiplayer? I mean, it would have added extensive replay value, to play over the stages with another person would have been supremely fun. Wow, now that I think about it, no inclusion of multiplayer is really, really disappointing.

Overall, Sonic Generations is more than a game. It's a tribute to one of gaming's greatest franchises. With the best Sonic gameplay I've seen, triple A plus soundtrack, and fun characters, Sonic Generations is a must buy. The only things holding it back from getting a perfect is the short length, only four bosses, and no multiplayer. Besides those things, Sonic Generations is the definitive Sonic game. While Adventure 2 Battle will always be my personal favorite, Generations is definitely the best Sonic game to come out in the last twenty years.

9/10.