After a somewhat mixed reception for the digital reboot of SEGA’s mascot midway through 2010, Sonic the Hedgehog received three new retail outings in time for the close of the year. Sonic Colors was designed to be inviting for Wii and Nintendo DS owners. Sonic Free Riders was in-line for the Xbox 360’s full-body motion-control device, Kinect. While one title was considered little more than a quick cash-in, the other was met with critical acclaim. The Wii version of Sonic Colors proved that a Sonic game can work in 3D. Even if it wasn’t quite perfected yet. However, Sonic Colors on Nintendo DS somehow manages to steal the whole show.

Sonic the Hedgehog had already benefited from an impressive Nintendo DS exclusive release in the form of Sonic Rush. The direct sequel, Sonic Rush Adventure, was a little disappointing. Sonic Colors was intended as the spiritual successor to that series, opposed to a simple adaptation of it’s sister release on Wii. The basic premise of the game is the same as that of the Wii version, with Eggman having built an intergalactic theme park and kidnapping aliens known as Wisps within. On the Nintendo DS however, the plot is largely irrelevant, simply providing an appropriate excuse for some fantastical level design.

Sonic Colors on Nintendo DS screenshot

Sonic Colors on Nintendo DS is an Adventure of it’s Own

The level design in the game is undoubtedly Sonic Colors’ greatest strength. The levels are split into areas which each take place against a different backdrop. Each is divided into three separate stages. As has become tradition for the 2D Platform titles in the franchise, each level features many multiple routes and hidden items. This encourages players to replay earlier levels. As does the score for each stage, which they are given the opportunity to improve upon at a later date. Players will likely enjoy this replaying as most are expertly crafted tests of dexterity and forethought. Rarely are there any instances in which death is unavoidable thanks to an earlier action, as has been the greatest weakness of many of Sonic’s more recent 2D outings, and the pace at which the game moves has been balanced to perfection.

In addition to the basic run speed, Sonic has a dash manoeuvre available which is slightly limited by the need to collect Wisps. The dash allows the player a brief moment of invulnerability, able to take down enemies just as well as executing an extended leap off of a ramp. The necessity to limit the ability is obvious so as to prevent any level of challenge eluding the player. A homing attack is also on offer, but generally only comes into play in spots of real bother.

What’s in a Wisp?

The Wisps are of course a significant aspect of the game. Each is unlockable in turn and grant Sonic new abilities. Red offers an explode-jump that acts similarly to the Morph Ball bombs of the Metroid series. The drill, rocket and laser Wisps act as down, up and forward charges. The latter Void Wisp does feel slightly misjudged as an inclusion, but can easily be overlooked given the near-perfect delivery of all else up to that point.

Sonic Colors on Nintendo DS is a fantastically presented game. Delicate animation works with beautifully colourful backdrops. The pseudo-3D bonus levels reminiscent of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 compliment the main game despite the switch in visual style, and the delivery of the Wisps is just as well placed here as it is in the Wii gameSonic Colors on Nintendo DS is a visual treat, if not pushing the Nintendo DS hardware in any real respect.

Sonic Colors on Nintendo DS screenshot

Sonic Colors on Nintendo DS is Worthy of a Remaster

Over the years as Sonic the Hedgehog has lost the grip of a market he was once one of the leading players in. SEGA has constantly promised a return to form, but rarely has the mascot broken new ground. In Sonic Colors on Nintendo DS, Sonic Team had surely come closer than any other recent attempt. They delivered a fine platform game with a wealth of content beyond that of the main game. While the Wii edition of the game received a modern remasterSonic Colours on Nintendo DS has largely been ignored. Despite now being over a decade old, this handheld edition of the game shouldn’t be overlooked.

Categories: Games