Last year, Sonic Colors showed me that 3D Sonic games could be fun again. Of course, this was the very same year that Sonic 4 dashed my hopes of a quality 2D Sonic experience. So when it was announced that the next game in the series would feature both styles of play, I was skeptical of SEGA’s ability to handle the classic stages.

It turns out they actually learned from their mistakes… well, most of them anyway. Sonic Generations, while not perfect, manages to be a rather successful blend of old and new Sonic gameplay that’s fun in spite of its shortcomings.

(more…)

It’s so tough to take an objective look at Sonic games these days. The series seems better known for the arguing and turmoil following a new title’s announcement than the games themselves (which, in fairness, are more often than not mediocre). I haven’t even been looking forward to Sonic Generations, if anything for a want of staying out of the muck. But while strolling through SEGA’s setup for the title, which I’ll admit was pretty nice with its little museum of Sonic memorabilia over the ages, I spotted an unattended demo on a 3DS system and gave it a whirl.

(more…)

In 2005, the OverClocked ReMix community took on the challenge of remixing the entire soundtrack to Sonic The Hedgehog 2 with Hedgehog Heaven. In 2006, they arranged the music of Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles with Project Chaos.

Now, almost five years later, the remix trilogy will finally be complete with The Sound of Speed, an album of new interpretations of the music from the original Sonic the Hedgehog. The thirteen track album marks the community’s 25th project release.
(more…)

Well, it happened. We got a 3D Sonic game that’s actually pretty fun. Now that we’ve grabbed some sweet rings, saved an alien race of marketable creatures, and spouted off the cheesiest of dialogue, it’s time to pass the torch to you.

That’s right, we’re giving away our review copy of Sonic Colors (Wii) to one lucky reader. Just read the rules below and let us know your favorite color in the comments. It doesn’t have to be one of the colors represented in Sonic Colors. If “Puke Green” or “Neon Brown” is your favorite, go for it (you weirdo). A winner could be you!

(more…)

"Sonic Colors gets rid of the stuff nobody asked for in the first place."

If you went back in time and asked me if I’d rather play yet another 3D Sonic or a new 2D Sonic on an HD console, I would have definitely chosen the latter. But here we are at the tail end of 2010. Both Sonic 4 and Sonic Colors have released and it’s the 3D entry I’ll be looking back on more fondly.

The premise is simple enough. Dr. Robotnik claims to have changed his ways and has created an amusement park in space to make up for his misdeeds. Of course, Robotnik is still evil afterall (even the characters themselves make light of his predictability) and it’s up to Sonic (with a little support on the sidelines from Tails) to put a stop to his diabolical plan.

(more…)

When I stepped up to the Sonic Colors station at the SEGA booth, I expected to leave with the same distaste of modern Sonic that many (including myself) have nursed for years. To my surprise, I left the Sonic Colors station wanting to play more (which I did after waiting in line a second time).

What’s odd is that few of the ideas are new. What made my time with Sonic Colors so enjoyable was how much better executed these ideas were. I’ve heard the comparison made that Sonic Colors is like playing the daytime stages in Sonic Unleashed. I can understand what these people are trying to say, but the big difference is that what I’ve played of Colors was actually fun.

(more…)

Not too long ago an interesting question was proposed. Who would take the individual offices of the state if video game characters ran the United States government?

The rules were simple. The nominees could not be characters that originated in other media, or people that existed in real life. Sorry Spongebob and Madden, perhaps you can form your own super team and take over Cuba. I hear that place is beautiful in the summertime.

Also, the nominees must fit their position of power. No nominating Cloud for president just because he is everyone’s favorite emo kid. So without further ado, I bring you your new heads of office.

(more…)

Do you guys remember Captain Caveman?

On a very special thirty-first episode of “Barrel Roll! A Video Game Podcast”, Wes asks that thought provoking question. Sadly, we are too busy talking about PAX Pox, our first PAX giveaway, and random gaming nonsense to pay it much attention.

(more…)

"...and it only took me 5 years!"

Aside from being a writer here at Wing Damage, I like to spend my time making electronica music (hosted at MainFinger.com) in my home studio. As I’ve mentioned in the past couple podcasts, I have been very hard at work, both finishing up my new album and building a completely new site. I’ve finally launched the site with the new album on it, available for download and streamable, absolutely free! I do, however, accept donations via PayPal if you feel so inclined. The donation button is located on the sidebar of my site.

In case you’re wondering how this relates to Wing Damage, a majority of the songs on the album are videogame remixes. The tracks range from well known series’ such as Zelda, Metroid and Sonic the Hedgehog to lesser known titles like Section Z. Each track differs greatly in style so there’s a lot of variety to enjoy.

(more…)

"What have I become?"

In a very special fifth episode of “Barrel Roll! A Video Game Podcast”, we discuss the abomination that is “Sonic Unleashed”. Jesse shares his thoughts on “Gradius Rebirth”, while Jonah has been playing “Johnny Platform’s Biscuit Romp”. Luke tells us all about violence the game… I mean “Mad World” for the Wii.

In the news, we talk about the upcoming Chrono Cross Arrange Album coming out for the games 10th anniversary, and we even play a clip in the break. There is more Fable 2 DLC on the way? Good times! Also Bioshock 2 and more.

(more…)