When Sega discontinued
the Dreamcast and any plans on creating another console, they said that their
goal was to become one of the world’s #1 third party developers. From what I
have seen thus far they are taking great strides to make this goal realized. One
way they are doing this is developing games for all the platforms, including the
newly released Nokia N-gage. One of the first games they released is SonicN, but
how does this game fair on this latest console? Read on to find out!
SonicN storyline is similar to most Sonic games. Dr. Eggman plans to create an
empire by turning all the animals into robots. If he gathers all 7 Chaos
Emeralds, he will gain infinite power. Sonic and his friends (Amy, Knuckles, and
Tails) cannot sit back and watch as he does this dastardly deed. It is up to the
players to help Sonic and his friend’s foil Dr. Eggman’s plot, can you do it?
There are four different characters gamers will be able to choose from: Sonic
the Hedgehog, Amy Rose, Knuckles the Echidna, and Miles “Tails” Prower; each of
them has a specialty that will make them valuable when playing through the
levels. Sonic is the fastest hedgehog in the entire world, he is a carefree
individual and will always be willing to help if the need calls for it. Amy is a
peppy hedgehog and Sonic’s self-proclaimed girlfriend and causes great
devastation with her Pika Piko Hammer. Knuckles is an echidna with a huge heart,
he has mammoth strength that can pulverize colossal boulders. Tails is a fox
with two tails that likes anything to do with robots. With his two tails he can
fly like a helicopter in the air.
There are two game modes in SonicN: Game Start and Time Attack. Game Start is
the main game, where players try and foil Dr. Eggman’s devious plans. Time
Attack is where players try to obtain the fast time to clear each zone.
SonicN has an interesting game design. Players can choose between four different
characters when they start a level. Each of these characters has a specialty
that makes them fun to play as. Even though the levels remain the same, when
using certain characters, players will be able to uncover secrets that they
wouldn’t be able to if they were using someone else. This makes the game have
more replay value, and gives gamers more for their money.
One of the most disappointing things about SonicN is the decision not to include
any multiplayer capabilities. Sonic is the prime candidate to have multiplayer
action: via racing or other means that some of the other N-gage games have. Not
to include any multiplayer fun was a poor decision on Sega’s part.
SonicN is rated E for everyone.
Gameplay: 7.9
SonicN plays
exactly like any Sonic game you have played in the past. People might be daunted
by the N-gage controls, but it is extremely easy to use and plays really well.
The only thing that hampers this game is the screen ratio. Here is why it proves
to be a problem: In games like Sonic, players are always running, and need to
see what is ahead of them so they have enough time to react properly. Since the
screen is not as wide, players have less reaction time, and this means players
will get in a lot of trouble.
Graphics: 8.3
SonicN sports some pretty nice graphics! The character models are nicely
done, and look like all other Sonic games in the past.
Sound: 7.2
It sounds like all other Sonic games that have come before it. This doesn’t mean
it is bad, but it can get old.
Difficulty: Easy
This game is extremely easy, and even easier if you have ever played any other
Sonic game in your life. It can be beaten within a few hours.
Concept: 7.0
Nothing new here, classic Sonic on a new system. Works for me!
Overall: 7.3
There are twelve levels of old school gaming bliss that is found in SonicN. The
only things that really keep this game from scoring really high, is the N-gage
doesn’t have as wide of a screen, so in games like Sonic, when you can’t see
what is ahead of you, it can kill you. This is a huge distraction in the game,
and takes away the fun a lot of the time. Other than that, if you have an N-gage
pick this game up, and try it out!
