Posted on 05/29/2017 at 04:18 AM
| Filed Under Feature
I gotta side with Joe on this, Sonic games still work very well when slowed down. The jumping and movement feels so right and exploration is a key component since they hide a good number of secrets in each level. That's why playing as Tails works, his flight ability is all about taking it slow.
And Sonic can do less, but there are three characters. In a Mario level, power ups sometimes give me different options, but the game usually limits you to his abilities. In Sonic, there are many levels where I might take the low route with Sonic, high route flying with Tails, and somewhere between gliding and climbing with Knuckles. The game uses different characters so well. Not to mention they take a less is more approach. There is just running and spin dashing, but the levels are designed to use these mechanics to their fullest, where you need to really understand the physics and mechanics of the game. Few games do it to the extent of Genesis Sonic.
DKC I don't think can hold a candle to Genesis Sonic. DKC2 you have a strong case for, but 1 had incredibly basic levels. There were some elements of adding exploration like the KONG blocks and DK coins, but they lack the challenge and puzzle solving the sequels gave to obtaining them. I just replayed DKC1 last year and while it's not a bad game, it probably wouldn't be anywhere near my top 10 for 1994 (whereas DKC2 would be my runner up for 1995).