Help me, what Sonic game should I undertake first?

[Mel]

Hey,

I'm Mel and I like games. I just got Sonic Collection on Steam (a friend gifted it) and I don't know what to start with. I didn't knew what games to play first as I've haven't played Sonic before. Should I start with his 2D or 3D adventures? I'm a student now so I get lots of spare time lol

Thank you very much  

And sorry for my English, I didn't learned English at school so I have to use transductor sometimes, so it's a bit tricky.

 

[Indigo Rush]

Try 2D first, I recommend Sonic 2 and then Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Then for 3D, give Sonic Adventure 1 or 2 a shot, and round it off with Sonic Generations which is a mix of both.

[Badnik Mechanic]

Hello Mel.

If you have never played any Sonic games before, it would probably be best to recommend some good entry level games.

For 2D.

Sonic 1,2,3 in that order. Sonic CD is great,  but a bit more of a challenge due to the level design and the fact its a bit more... wacky.

For 3D... probably start with Sonic Generations. It's a good entry level game for its difficulty, it's also a pretty decent game.

Then probably move onto either the Adventure series or if you have it. Colours or unleashed.

As for playing 2D or 3D first. Completely upto you.

[Mel]

Sonic 2 and Sonic Generations first then? For the feeling of both 2D and 3D worlds?

Thanks guys, you rock 

I've heard Sonic 2 is the best lol.

[FriendBot]

Welcome to your journey of being a Sonic player, I shall be your meme wizard for today.

I'd say the best way to play through the games is through the time they were released, so yeah start with Sonic 1, 2, CD and 3&K. All 4 are pretty good games and still hold up to this day, although a lot of fans consider 3&K to be the best but it's would a cool thing to see how each game improved until that point. I guess you can play Spinball, Mean Bean Machine and 3D Blast if you want. They're just spinoff games that are not as good as the main 4 Genesis games but it has its fans (especially one fan that's pretty surgically attached to Spinball and we love to tell him to shut up, it's a joke so don't take too personally dood). Also little fact with the Steam port of CD, it's was rebuilt from the bottom up from a fan from Sonic Retro and it's pretty much the best way to play CD, (as for getting the best experience with 1 & 2, the mobile ports are where it's at, rebuilt from the same guy and a friend of his).

The Adventures haven't aged that well since the time of its release, but there's still a lot of good in them. So do keep that in mind when you play through those 2.

Then we have Generations, a game that celebrated 20 years of Sonic's legacy. It's pretty solid game with some pretty fun stages but the story is almost nonexistant so if you don't care for story, this shouldn't bother you and you will have a good time playing through it. Lost World is the most recent main series game and it doesn't really have the best reception, it's pretty divisive amongst fans. Some people hate it, some people like it. The game has a lot of experimentation and it does a pretty bad job of telling you the controls but once you get the hang of it, you probably will enjoy it to some extent.

Sonic 4 is what it says in the title. It's a sequel to Sonic 3 & Knuckles, which a lot of fans found it to be the best Sonic game ever, so yeah, it was pretty dissapointing. But they're still pretty enjoyable games but don't expect them to play 1:1 with the Genesis games.

All-Stars and Transformed are really good racing games, I personally really like All-Stars myself since it's great for causal players but you can get really good at it and become a pro at it too. Transformed is pretty highly regarded as one of the best kart racing games ever with a wide roster of characters, from your usual Sonic and SEGA characters to Wreck-it Ralph to a NASCAR driver to Team Fortress 2 and etc.There is a learning curve to it so have some patience for this game.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mel]

Since everyone is suggesting sequentiality, that is how I shall do it  .

I'll play Sonic 1 first. Thanks everyone, you are all so kind!!!

[FriendBot]

9 minutes ago, Mel said:

I've heard Sonic 2 is the best lol.

Well that's because 3 & Knuckles isn't that well-known amongst the general crowd but take my word for it, 3&K is the better game. Huge levels, multiple characters, simple but very effective story-telling and great music (although that's the case with like 90% of all Sonic games).

[JezMM]

The one word of warning is that Sonic 1 didn't quite get the formula right first time.  The game has a lot of very slow, long platforming stages that frustrated many first time players, both back in the day and now.

There's a lot of variety in the collection of games on Steam, in terms of both game design AND overall quality of each product, so don't be afraid to move on and try a different Sonic game if one isn't clicking for you.  The reason the fanbase is infamous for being so divided is because they tried lots of different things with Sonic over the years, and different games appeal to different fans in different amounts.

 

Sonic Generations is the 20th anniversary game that comprises of remakes of stages from the previous games, so the more of those games you've played before trying it the better your experience will be, but it is still widely considered one of the best 3D game in the series in terms of gameplay and level design, so it's still good to play it regardless of how many of the originals you've been able to play.

(In particular, Sonic Generations contains early levels from Sonic 1, 2, and Sonic Adventure 2, and mid-to-late levels from Sonic CD, Sonic & Knuckles and Sonic Adventure which are all playable in your collection on Steam.  It also features levels from Sonic Heroes, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 game), Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colours, however those games are not on Steam).

[ThePrinceOfSaiyans]

Sonic 3 and Knuckles is definitely the best Sonic game, but I'd save it for later. No need to play it now, because it'd all be down hill from there . Regarding the best 3D Sonic game, I'd agree with Hogfather, Sonic Generations, is probably the best for entry. Sonic Colors is good too I suppose. 

[Monkey Destruction Switch]

Starting with Sonic 1 is a perfectly good choice, I love that game personally, but it is slightly slower and perhaps more frustrating than Sonic 2 or 3&K, so if you play it a bit and it's not quite gelling with you, you might skip ahead to Sonic 2 and go back to it later. Still, it's an awesome game, in my personal opinion, so you may very well like it from the beginning, but if it does seem a tiny bit tedious or not quite as fast as you were expecting, you could try a later game first.

[Indigo Rush]

You're playing them  sequentially? Only thing to note is that Sonic 4 Episodes 1 and 2 do not come after Sonic 3 & Knuckles. That comes much later, just before Sonic Generations.

[Dizcrybe]

I would say either Sonic 2 or Sonic 3 & Knuckles would be your best introduction to the series.

Also because they're my favorite classic Sonic games.

[Hyp3hat]

Personally, I'd start with Sonic 2. That one's a masterpiece. Then you can go back to Sonic 1, and then 3&K (which are both longer, harder games). That said, Sonic 2 was probably the first videogame I ever played, so I'm biased.

As for the 3D ones, I'd insist on downloading the BetterSADX mod for Sonic Adventure 1, it has widescreen support, better textures, and a whole lot of other fixes. It's painless to install, so there's no worry. Sonic Adventure 2 is more focused and ultimately better, but SA1 is more of a sprawling, charming mess. 

Also, Sonic Generations is the best Sonic game in recent memory, so you can't go wrong there. And there are loads of mods for it, which is amazing - The Unleashed Project mod (all the good bits of Sonic Unleashed) is worth your time. Sonic Generations mods are also really easy to install, there's a guide on the Steam Community page that will walk you through the process.

Happy hedgehogs!

[CrownSlayer’s Shadow]

Basically, avoid ShTH and Sonic 06, and even Heroes and Lost Worlds to a lesser extent. Only play those games if you're just curious to know how not to make a Sonic game in essence.

Of particular note is Sonic CD. It's a mixed bag due to it's schizophrenic level design, but might be something you'd be interested in playing if that doesn't bother you much. Certainly not the best of the classics, but it has some interesting ideas.

[Rey Skywalker-Ren]

I would play the games in order; and to be honest, don't worry about the reception of the games. I enjoyed Sonic 06 though it is considered a bad game. You will never know how you feel until you try them. 

[Haalyle]

I suggest Sonic 2 and Sonic Generations from my own personal experience, but it's seriously up to you. What I did was play a few minutes of each game to get a feel of them.

[Dr. Detective]

I don't want to say to outright avoid anything considering how cheap some of these titles are nowadays and how often they seem to go on sale. I'm a fan of 3D as I was brought into the series by Adventure 2: Battle and had it clinched for me as a fan with Heroes. Since most people seem to prefer the classics and even one post here says that Heroes is how not to make a Sonic game in essence, my opinion is probably going to be viewed as one an outcast would have. 

So I can only say, choose whether you prefer 2D or 3D first and start from there. If you do start with 3D, Generations seems like a good enough place to start in terms of quick and easy access to the series. It'll have a ton of characters you don't know in there but that's okay because it doesn't give a shit about its story and barely has any to speak of. If you're like me and you have interest in the story and lore, than follow that up with Adventure, Adventure 2, and Heroes. And if you find that the alternate gameplay styles within the first two don't bug you then definitely give Unleashed a go. The 360/PS3 versions are the ones I'd recommended for that. 

Try Colors too. I'm not a big fan of Colors but literally everyone else likes it a lot so that'll be one you'll most likely love too.

[Forte-Metallix]

Don't get into this series. It's a never-ending cycle of pessimism and controversy.

GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN

Jokes aside, you can't go wrong with the Classic Five: 1, CD, 2, 3&K. Though the latter two (of three, depending on your outlook) really shine in terms of quality.

As for 3D, Sonic Adventure 1 is a good starting point (Aside from Big's fishing. Don't listen to anyone else: He's a great character outside of this game!) Generations will give you the best of both worlds (Classic and Modern gameplay) whilst giving you a crash course in Sonic's history! (Just try to ignore that fiery city. It never happened!)

[Neo_Fire_Sonic]

play sonic adventure 2 battle if you want 3d, anything else suggested is eh

[Autosaver]

I know some people are suggesting Sonic Generations but that is one of the last games I would play. Half the value of the game is seeing everything you've played beautifully remade in HD. If you haven't played the games before, you'd be wondering what exactly is going on and what the context is for each level, rival, and boss fight.

[MayaFey]

Given that you've haven't play a Sonic game up until this point, I recommend that you start with the 2D games, with Sonic the Hedgehog first and move your way up to Sonic CD. While the original wasn't blessed with the more creative level designs in its successors, it still stands on its own as a solid platformer and a good starting point for the series. Starting with the sequels isn't a bad start either, though CD one of the more challenging Genesis Sonic games.

I'm not particularly fond of the majority of the spin-off games (though I do like myself some Spinball), but if you enjoy racing games like Mario Kart then you'll do just fine with Sonic All-Stars Racing and Transformed. Both are casual fun for you and your friends to ruin your friendships with play.

A good starting point for 2.5D/3D Sonic games in this collection is Generations. Lost World certainly has its flaws, but despite my gripes with it I'd still say that you should give it a try after Generations. The Adventure games didn't age as well as I hoped, Adventure 1 in particular, but they're both still solid titles to this day. I don't have much to say about Sonic 4, mainly because I stopped playing early on in Episode 1, but I don't discourage you playing it.

I'd continue with the Sonic games beyond this collection, but I personally think I've written quite enough for now. I look forward to your own personal experience with the games in this collection.

[Mr Loopone]

Hmm... This actually pretty tough since it's been a long time that someone new what to start playing the games. Honestly surprisingly. Do you want to start from the beginning or what are usually considered the best?

The 2D games are usually considered better due to so if you want to start with the series Only problem is that these games are 20+ years old and some people don't like playing old games. Personally I start with Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic 1) and not just because it is the first game that has actually aged really well. It is a solid platformer with good graphics, music and has the easy to learn but also hard to master arcade/mobile style of gaming method.

While Sonic 1 has its quirks, it is easier enough to get grips with the controls due to that it is more or less just the D-pad and a Jump. Sonic 2 and 3&K have more moves and powerups so if you can get the hang of the first game, then you will be able to play the rest. The reason why I recommend Sonic 1 first rather than 2 or 3&K is because while the later games have better graphics, better level design and pacing as well as more characters is because the entry level is a bit more higher with each game (using a personal example my mum can play Sonic 1 but she can't play Sonic 2). I don't want anyone getting put off by complexity or getting frustrated over the games.

If you like Sonic 1, 2, CD, 3&K and more interested in the series, then there are plenty of 2D games to play. Sonic 1 and 2 on the Master System despite having the same name are different games, Sonic Triple Trouble is often forgotten but takes the elements of CD & 3&K and makes it its own thing (is also my favourite Sonic game). Sonic Advance is another forgotten game that you can try. Sonic Rush, Sonic Rush Adventure and Sonic Colours are all fine games on the DS.

So yeah, start with Sonic 1 and see if you like it.

As for the 3D titles, they are more mixed as some are decent but with technological advances meaning that they are harder to play, some are actually well enough to play while others are buggy, glitchy and have well known problems. This is actually tough especially for a first timer since unlike many series where either the latest game or the earlier game is a fine entry to the series, the Sonic series isn't really one of those. While many people have played Sonic Adventure 2 as their first Sonic game, it mainly due to that it was the first console Sonic game on a Nintendo system and has parts that appealed towards the early 2000s.

If you have access to a Wii in your country, then perhaps play Sonic Colours. Storywise it is more of a clean slate (you just have to know who the orange fox is) and focuses more on the jumping with some power ups along the way that are introduced. For a 3D Sonic game, it is one of the more polished ones so there are less bugs and glitches, graphics are good and controls decently enough. Out of the 3D Sonic games, it is the closest towards an entry level and Sonic Generations has some of the mechanics. While Sonic Generations is a great 3D Sonic game and one that I would choose to play however it is pretty much Sonic in a nutshell and it might spoil the experience by playing it first if you want to play the series. If that doesn't bother you or you don't have access to a Wii/Wii U, then it's fine to play.

After those two it gets tough to recommend games, at least try Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 but not first due to that they are more buggier, glitchier and have a few issues that shows that they are a product of its time. Sonic Unleashed (HD) is an iffy one to recommend as a first timer though as in that it looks fantastic and controls well enough but some people don't like the beat em up segments and not as many people still have a 360 or a PS3 (there is a Generations mod that has the Sonic levels though). It might be hard to get either console in your country. Just depends whether you like beat em up games as well but it is worth a try.

In the case of the 3D games, there are the spinoffs. If you like racing games, then Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed are highly recommended, the latter is more accessible to find. Also these two are also a gateway into other Sega series and actually are a great introduction to the characters and the settings of those games.

[Mel]

I give thanks to people who were kind and gave me games.

I played Sonic 1, and that was really fun, I give thanks again  . However, the game was a little weak in speed at some aspects. I wanted to thrill in the speediness of the Sonic brand and it was a little Mario slow and start. It was a good game though, well worth playing over!

Sonic 2 was my game though. Really fun and quick. Very speedy game! I think it is better than Sonic 1 due to the rev move. Revving up that boost is really fun!

However, now I want to have an examination into 3D titles and I'm bit confused. I am getting ambivalent support for either Sonic Adventure and Sonic Generations. Which one should I start with first? I quite like the fact that I have been playing sequentially, and wouldn't want to ruin surprises with playing Generations first (as it is after Sonic Adventure). 

What should I do?

[FriendBot]

It depends, do you want to see Sonic's actual attempt into 3D gaming or just a good 3D game? Adventure for the former, Gens for the latter.

[MetalSkulkBane]

I would play Sonic 3 & Knuckles first. But if you really want to jump into 3D already then start with Adventures.

If you liked Adventure 1. then play Adventures 2 next

if you didn't, then play Generations