Help me understand Sonic gameplay

[Mordroc]

I have always loved side-scrolling platformers. Been playing them since the 80s. Mario side-scrolling ones have always been my favorite. Over the years I have had a hard time with Sonic games, and I've tried many of them. Sonic gameplay appears to be about speed. When I've played Sonic games, I find many of the levels are designed for Sonic to go really fast. Which brings up my problem. I feel like when I'm controlling Sonic and I start flying and jumping through screens really fast that I'm missing things, such as important items to grab or secret entrances to hidden parts of a level (thinking like I would when playing a Mario level). Is there a better way I can approach playing a Sonic game so I can get the most out of the experience? I have always felt that when I approach it like I'm playing a Mario game I get frustrated.

I picked up Sonic Generations and Rayman Origins this weekend at GS for $29.99 and $39.99 respectively. Definitely seemed like good prices to me. I want to give Sonic another try.

[WorknMan]

When you're playing a sonic game, just keep pressing right and don't worry about it too much

[NE146]

You're free to do what you want. Just try playing Sonic 1 for example. The entire underwater stage (Labyrinth Zone) pretty much takes away any theory that Sonic must go go fast because it is entirely slow and deliberate.



The later Sonic games did design their layouts to allow you to speed through really fast, but then of course if you'd like you can slow down and look for secrets. It's all up to you.. just make sure you finish the stage before the time limit.

[Nectar]

You have to be high, I think. I never got Sonic either.

[merman1974]

It's very schizophrenic, isn't it? You could argue it either misses the point about being speedy by including all the hidden objects, or say that it is very clever and rewards those who explore and try alternative routes. On Sonic 1 I usually end up playing to the chemical factory and then giving up when Sonic drowns for the third time because I missed a moving platform...