In a Sonic game, the mechanics are simple, and in fact the games are usually super-easy to beat.
Sonic Generations was acclaimed by fans, but received middling review scores from mainstream critics.
But winning a Sonic game isn’t really the point. Most reviewers don’t see it that way, and that perceived lack of replayablility is what hurt Generations’ scores more than anything.
A Mario game is, more than anything, about winning. Finding all the MacGuffins, beating all the stages, getting to the end, saving the girl. Mario, and most other comparable platform games from Kirby to Donkey Kong to Rayman tend to have way, WAY more levels than Sonic typically does. They do that by re-using art assets, enemies and music in different ways in each level.
Sonic, however, has never strayed away from making each level its own world. With the exception of a few of the 3D titles, every single zone has its completely unique tropes, badniks, music and gimmicks that DON’T get reused anywhere else. Sonic games are easy to win, but difficult to master. Unfortunately for these reviewers, mastering the levels, finding the quickest or most rewarding paths, being able to show off your skills… that’s where the majority of Sonic’s replayability lies. Not in winning, but at becoming AMAZING at the game.
The way Sonic is reviewed would be like going through Guitar Hero on easy mode, beating it once, and reviewing the game based on THAT experience. Sonic, especially modern Sonic in Generations, does have a very high skill curve, and until you work your way up it, you’re going to go flying into pits and slamming into enemies sometimes. It’ll be frustrating, and that’s not something every gamer wants to push through.
The Geek Critique 