SonicN

When Sega discontinued the Dreamcast and any plans on creating another console, they said that their goal was to become one of the world’s #1 third party developers. From what I have seen thus far they are taking great strides to make this goal realized. One way they are doing this is developing games for all the platforms, including the newly released Nokia N-gage. One of the first games they released is SonicN, but how does this game fair on this latest console? Read on to find out!

SonicN storyline is similar to most Sonic games. Dr. Eggman plans to create an empire by turning all the animals into robots. If he gathers all 7 Chaos Emeralds, he will gain infinite power. Sonic and his friends (Amy, Knuckles, and Tails) cannot sit back and watch as he does this dastardly deed. It is up to the players to help Sonic and his friend’s foil Dr. Eggman’s plot, can you do it?

There are four different characters gamers will be able to choose from: Sonic the Hedgehog, Amy Rose, Knuckles the Echidna, and Miles “Tails” Prower; each of them has a specialty that will make them valuable when playing through the levels. Sonic is the fastest hedgehog in the entire world, he is a carefree individual and will always be willing to help if the need calls for it. Amy is a peppy hedgehog and Sonic’s self-proclaimed girlfriend and causes great devastation with her Pika Piko Hammer. Knuckles is an echidna with a huge heart, he has mammoth strength that can pulverize colossal boulders. Tails is a fox with two tails that likes anything to do with robots. With his two tails he can fly like a helicopter in the air.

There are two game modes in SonicN: Game Start and Time Attack. Game Start is the main game, where players try and foil Dr. Eggman’s devious plans. Time Attack is where players try to obtain the fast time to clear each zone.

SonicN has an interesting game design. Players can choose between four different characters when they start a level. Each of these characters has a specialty that makes them fun to play as. Even though the levels remain the same, when using certain characters, players will be able to uncover secrets that they wouldn’t be able to if they were using someone else. This makes the game have more replay value, and gives gamers more for their money.

One of the most disappointing things about SonicN is the decision not to include any multiplayer capabilities. Sonic is the prime candidate to have multiplayer action: via racing or other means that some of the other N-gage games have. Not to include any multiplayer fun was a poor decision on Sega’s part.

SonicN is rated E for everyone.

Gameplay: 7.9
SonicN plays exactly like any Sonic game you have played in the past. People might be daunted by the N-gage controls, but it is extremely easy to use and plays really well. The only thing that hampers this game is the screen ratio. Here is why it proves to be a problem: In games like Sonic, players are always running, and need to see what is ahead of them so they have enough time to react properly. Since the screen is not as wide, players have less reaction time, and this means players will get in a lot of trouble.

Graphics: 8.3
SonicN sports some pretty nice graphics! The character models are nicely done, and look like all other Sonic games in the past.

Sound: 7.2
It sounds like all other Sonic games that have come before it. This doesn’t mean it is bad, but it can get old.

Difficulty: Easy
This game is extremely easy, and even easier if you have ever played any other Sonic game in your life. It can be beaten within a few hours.

Concept: 7.0
Nothing new here, classic Sonic on a new system. Works for me!

Overall: 7.3
There are twelve levels of old school gaming bliss that is found in SonicN. The only things that really keep this game from scoring really high, is the N-gage doesn’t have as wide of a screen, so in games like Sonic, when you can't see what is ahead of you, it can kill you. This is a huge distraction in the game, and takes away the fun a lot of the time. Other than that, if you have an N-gage pick this game up, and try it out!