Let's face it people, Sonic games in 3D work as they were envisioned back in the 2D era only when he's played in the vain of "Day Levels" ala Sonic Unleased. I always get stumped when I see Sonic walking around in a wide 3D area ala Sonic Adventure. I always tell myself "This isn't Sonic, just get me to those speed/rail-griding levels quick please!".

Yet, I'm always finding myself looking back fondly on my game time after recently completing 3D Sonic games (except Sonic Heroes, couldn't stomach it). The funny thing about this is that I never owned a Sega console until the Saturn, and the first Sonic game I played from start to finish was 3D Blast, and I only knew of his games through gaming magazines (pre-internet era) and hearing my friends talking about it and some gameplay videos here and there on TV. I also gamed a bit with my cousin on 2-Player mode with his copy of Sonic 3 at one time, but that doesn't count as Sonic experience.

So, why do I keep looking forward to future Sonic games and feel nostalgic whenever his 2D games are brought up? The fondness is surprisingly not stemming from the games themselves, but actually the character itself. Remember, it wasn't just the games back then during his 16-bit prime, he was everywhere. Cartoons, books, toys, clothes, watches, you name it. His image pretty much invaded my childhood, especially the first syndicated cartoon.

To summarize, I believe his current appeal and a big chunk of his dedicated fanbase praise him mostly for the nostalgia and not the quality of recent games. He's just a symbol of fond memories and better days for Sega to many, including myself. Younger fans who weren't old enough to experience his games back in his prime turned to fandom thanks to the creation of Sonic X's universe, story arcs and their characters. That's my 2 cents anywho.

P.S. Sonic Generations is the best gaming anniversary package in video game history. Though, it boggles my mind why Ice Cap Zone was left out. Michael Jackson's involvement/copyright issue is my guess.

I mostly play current-gen only when a new game from a familiar IP I've been interested in for the past 20 years pops up (Zelda, Final Fantasy, Megaman, Silent Hill, Resi Evil, Kingdom Hearts... etc) or a familiar childhood character stars in a high-budget/hype/praise game (Epic Mickey). I'm more apt to try a new IP on handhelds (Prof. Layton/Phoenix Wright). Whenever I got nothing interesting on current gen to play on the weekends I dig up a legacy game I missed out on. Currently playing Sonic Adventure 2 on the Gamecube for example. Next current-gen game I'll play and beat is FFXIII-2 .

There was a gaming convention a couple months back I attended and it had a playable demo of Dragon's Dogma. The que was long and my friend wanted to try it but I couldn't care less. The reason I attended was that Yamaoka, of Silent Hill-fame, was guest speaker and I shook hands/took pics/got him to sign my copy Silent Hill 2 .

Basically, it all boils down to nostalgia. No different a pass-time than watching a movie these days.

I recently sold all of my current gen systems (360 and PS3) just to focus more on my backlog of PS2 games. I'm getting older now (22 years old) and I find myself not having as much time to sit down and game like I used to. Plus PS2 games are a lot cheaper than current gen games and overall better IMO.

TheNerevar

Don't be surprised if you suddenly stop caring al-together. This reminds me of how I viewed gaming at that age, extremely similar.

I remember my dad buying the first one for Saturn because "WWF: In Your House" was sold out. This was back in late '96.

Hated it and the experience is the source of my general dislike of the entire series ever since. Traded it in for "In Your House" a week later.

Sonic Adventure 2 Battle on the weekends and To The Moon in my spare time.

I think I'll be done with the latter later today, it's as much time-consuming as reading a good plot-driven comic book.

The infancy of 3D introduction to consoles. '94-'96.

VIII and IX definitely. I don't get the hate for X, it's one of the bests plots for FF around.

Does anyone like FFX-2? I have only played FFX and am considering buying FFX-2

glassjawbox

Battlesystem-wise, it's worth it. Don't expect much from the script though, it's Charlie's Angels meets FFX, just corny with a side of cheese. They were cashing in the popularity of X.

Also, don't pay more than 5-10$ for it.

Anything on the MSX.

/thread

You think Al Saud are smart, they secretly support Israel. Victorious_Fize

lol. I advise people not to take this as fact. It's a ***ked up conspiracy theory that those who have a grudge against them and the country's constitution spread as truth, and those who follow Bin Laden's ***ked up ideology use to wrongly justify and brainwash recruits.

The majority of the country, as well as myself, take the quote as illogical and borderline idiotic. Yes there is financial corruption, maybe with Israel too. But not "support".

You're talking about Qatar when it comes to support.

If you've played the original to death and know it by heart then just borrow it from someone you know. That's what I did. Unless you'd wanna have it in your collection.

lol why would you be for a sequel if you haven't even gotten through the first? Anyway, its possible, you can beat it in 16hrs, if you don't scrounge for collectibles and do side missions. Just do missions in the fastest way possible and I think its doable.Seperath

As I said, I've spent time with the game and I really like it, which is why I'd want a sequel. I could play it 20 years after release once I've beaten the first. What's the problem?

Thanks for the info on the game.

My question: why are you spending $60 on a game, then selling it for probably $40 a couple days later, when you could just rent from Gamefly or whatever and save a lot of money?

bob_newman

My time spent on gaming is very inconsistent. I could game all this weekend and then spend a month not touching anything but a game or two of PES'12 online every 7 days. If I rent a game they'll give me a week or 2 max to return it, and if it's something that needs dedication it'll make me feel pressured to beat it. Making me not enjoy the experience overall, especially an RPG. I'd rather take my time. So long as it's a popular title it'll sell once I put it up.

The way I see it is instead of paying say 60$ I pay 20-35$ overall. I don't see the point in game collecting anymore. I've never played a game twice this gen once beaten unless it's retro (Sonic CD) or a sports game (PES'12). I'm not into FPS whatsoever.