User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 164 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 164
  2. Negative: 28 out of 164
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  1. Nov 25, 2011
    10
    Don't listen to negative reviws of this game the cheap deaths are because they suck on difficulty. It is worth the money and definitly compared to old sonic games this game seems to be the best sonic game since the genises. Buy this game and don't listen to trolls.
  2. Nov 24, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game reminds us why we fell in love with Sonic. Considering that this is SEGAS first handheld game, they did freaking amazing. The graphics have nice clarity and sharpness, the music is well suited and epic, and its fast! The bosses are by far the best handheld bosses in the entire franchise. There are numerous routes to take on every last level! You can play with some one online and race them! You also trade profile cards and missions which is very cool! The stages have way more diversity than the console version and I gladly recomend this game to everyone! If you are a Sonic fan than its mandatory you yet this game, because its that darn great! Expand
  3. Nov 30, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic Generations on 3DS is a great game despite what critics have said, but one of these is somewhat hypocritical. Critics that have praised Sonics DS games have stated that Sonic needs to throw 3D game-play away and bashed generations for doing just that. Even though the game is completely side-scrolling it is by far the best use of 3D from a 3rd party on 3DS so far. Classic Sonic relies a bit more on the platforming half of Sonic's formula and it was cool revisting levels like green hill from the genesis and water palace from the ds in a high quality perspective in platforming of various difficulty, he learns the homing attack but his animations are quite cool to look at as he performs them and makes me think Sonic should have stoped learning moves there. Modern Sonic plays like we've seen him in Sonic Rush and Colors for ds, while this does make the difference between the 2 sonics harder to tell I enjoy the fact that Modern Sonic has brief 3d gameplay segments (now I remember how terrifying that whale from Sonic Adventure can be and Im freaked out those meteroites from Sonic Color's Tropical Resort), as well as bonus stages and the series concept of multiple routes in a level is taken to good use with the 3DS' 3D effect in Modern levels. Another key plus of the 3DS version is that all it's levels are different than on ps3 and 360 with the exception of Green Hill. Though the campaign is short there's also a 2-player race mode that suffers almost no lag when playing on wifi even with 3D on full blast, you can also partake in side missions to unlock various art and music from throughout Sonic's history and of course a Sonic game is never ment to be truly finished until you get all the chaos emeralds and get S ranks on every level so the games isn't even close to as short as we're told. With the PS3 and 360 versions out for a while and having some more characters and levels, it's hard to say Sonic Generations on 3DS is the must have version if you can only get one, but true Sonic fans will get both to play all the levels featured between the two. Irregardless this is a true celebration of Sonic history making it a great game for nostalgia for longtime Sonic fans and the perfect jumping on point for Sonic Newbies that want to get in on the high-speed fun, it's also a game for those that thought Sonic always sucked and need to be proven wrong. Expand
  4. Dec 25, 2011
    10
    this is game for me is excellent and very very enjoyable!
    it has great graphics, great 3d effect its mostly all in 2d ( which i like ) but modern sonic gameplay changes and is faster and sifts angles making the game look awesome with the 3d on! controls are very good and it is veey true to the gameplay of the old Sonic games we love!
    overall 9/10..
  5. Apr 12, 2012
    10
    Sonic generations 3DS is an awesome 2D action plat-former with amazing game-play, an incredible soundtrack, loads of things to do, cool streetpass, great graphics (they could be better) and nice 3D. It's a bit better than the console version, but the console version is still really good!
  6. Feb 25, 2012
    10
    You know this is like Sonic Advance same but not cartoon world i mean its awesome have cool graphics at the end same as console version fight bosses Metal Sonic, Shadow The Hedgehog, Silver The Hedgehog. nice game even brings back memory's.
  7. Jul 22, 2019
    10
    Good game, good gameplay. Fun to play with good controlls. Mostly 2D gameplay with some 3D elements.
  8. Nov 10, 2017
    10
    I love this game,Got it last year and i still play it a lot Don't listen to the negative reviews they don't know what a good sonic game is when they play it!
  9. Jan 17, 2012
    9
    The 3DS version is superior to the console version, including online multiplayer and better crafted Modern Sonic levels. The boss battles are far less tedious, and the inclusion of a Chaos Emerald mini stages are welcome. It's a tad shorter and features less of Sonic's friends than the PS360 version, but the improved quality of the actual gameplay more than makes up for these.
  10. Jan 24, 2012
    9
    I love sonic generations 3D its my first ever sonic game and its soo fun!,

    Its very challenging which is very good.

    The only con is it is to short D:.
  11. Dec 13, 2016
    9
    Since I loved Sonic Rush on the DS I couldn't hate Sonic Generations, a 2D platform with 3D environment is simply fantastic, and the so many references to Sonic Heroes (the music of selection stage, or the emerald challenges) made me love it. The online multiplayer is a bit laggy, but I accept it. The story is a bit short but if you are a perfectionist and you want all S ranks, you have aSince I loved Sonic Rush on the DS I couldn't hate Sonic Generations, a 2D platform with 3D environment is simply fantastic, and the so many references to Sonic Heroes (the music of selection stage, or the emerald challenges) made me love it. The online multiplayer is a bit laggy, but I accept it. The story is a bit short but if you are a perfectionist and you want all S ranks, you have a lot of hours of gameplay to get them. Expand
  12. Feb 28, 2021
    9
    A good Game well not as good as the Ps3 and the Xbox 360 but is Good. the only off about this is that Classic Sonic has a homing attack but that's all of the issues that this game has well except for the bottom less pits. the special stages are one of the Best. and the music is good. this game is nearly just 2d which is perfect. and the final boss is Fantastic.
  13. Feb 29, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic Generations on the 3DS is incredible fun, the graphics actually look very nice (at times) and there is no slow down (something which irritates me in the home console version). The game's biggest flaw is that it is WAY too short, only 14 levels in all (classic and modern for each of the 7 "zones"), the boss battles are good (again, not enough of 'em), but there are 100 missions to be played through streetpass, which should last a while. There is enough difference between the Classic and modern levels, and most of them are great fun to play again and again although there are instances of sloppy level design in one of the modern levels, (Emerald Coast if you asked) where you can't see what's going on if you use the boost and end up in a bottomless pit. But shortness and very occasional bad level design aside, this is some of the most fun I've had playing a Sonic game in a while (since Colours). It would have a 9/10 if it were longer and the one level I have complained about was designed better. Buy it if you want another Sonic game on the 3DS though! Expand
  14. Nov 23, 2011
    8
    I liked it a lot once you get use to it. The only real complaint I have is that the classic sonic roll and modern sonic skid are not matched to a single button. Instead of just pressing Y to roll or X to Skid you have to press down and press b which doesn't always work. That is very disappointing and upsets the whole of the game so instead of marking 1 point off for graphics and levelI liked it a lot once you get use to it. The only real complaint I have is that the classic sonic roll and modern sonic skid are not matched to a single button. Instead of just pressing Y to roll or X to Skid you have to press down and press b which doesn't always work. That is very disappointing and upsets the whole of the game so instead of marking 1 point off for graphics and level design I am marking 2 off. Fun game but not worthy of 40 dollars. Maybe 30. Expand
  15. Sep 11, 2012
    8
    Sonic Generations 3DS, while not as good as the console version, is still a pretty fun game, especially for Sonic fans.
    I'll be frank: Sonic Generations 3DS was a wasted opportunity. It could have been a true celebration of Sonic's 20 years on handheld systems, but instead we got a rushed handheld version of a console game, a fate suffered by many major games these days.
    That being said,
    Sonic Generations 3DS, while not as good as the console version, is still a pretty fun game, especially for Sonic fans.
    I'll be frank: Sonic Generations 3DS was a wasted opportunity. It could have been a true celebration of Sonic's 20 years on handheld systems, but instead we got a rushed handheld version of a console game, a fate suffered by many major games these days.
    That being said, you should still consider buying this game, especially when the discounts start kicking in. The story's not great, but the gameplay for both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic is great. Classic Sonic's physics are closer to Genesis physics than I've seen in a Sonic game since Sonic Advance 1. Modern Sonic's got his standard 2D skill set and is as fun as ever. The level choices could have been better, but the only bad level design I saw was in the Dreamcast era levels, especially Radical Highway. Once you S-rank Act 2, you will never willingly play it again (with the sound on, at least). The special stages, though too easy to unlock, are fun.
    The graphics actually stand out among 3DS games as some of the best, especially making stellar use of the 3D (second only to Super Mario 3D Land). The sound, besides some later boss music and Radical Highway Act 2's music, is some of the best music from any Sonic game, and that's saying something.
    Overall, if you are a Sonic fan, buy this game. If you like platforming/action games, consider buying this game. If you don't like Sonic, this game won't change your mind. Oh, almost forgot: Online multiplayer. It's a 1-on-1 race with another player on a level or special stage, and can get addicting. It uses a simple rating system and definitely improves replay value.
    Gameplay: 8
    Graphics: 8.5
    Sound: 9
    Replay Value: 8
    Overall: 8/10 (I would've given this an 8.5 if I could.)
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  16. Jun 27, 2014
    8
    Yes, I cannot deny that's this is a butchered port, but its still AWESOME! Playing as classic & modern Sonic is just right. Though the entire game is side-scrolling, the levels are still great! They didn't use any sonic levels from bad games, like the console version IE: that city level... thing from sonic 06.
  17. Aug 22, 2016
    8
    Jogo incrivel do sonic para o 3ds, recomendo a todos, muito divertido, essa versao é diferente da do 360 e ps3, contem fases novas, entao nao é somente um port com graficos piores
  18. Sep 28, 2016
    8
    Jogo muito legal para o 3ds, os graficos são bonitos, nao chega perto da versão de consoles de mesa, mas essa aqui tem um diferencial, fases exclusivas.
  19. May 24, 2018
    8
    its a great game on the go but futher nothing cause you can better play this on console or pc
  20. Dec 30, 2020
    8
    It’s not that bad, certainly not as good as the other one, but not bad for a demake. The 3D sonic area is kind of just gimmicky 2d sonic with wack camera angles, but I kinda like that. Do play the one on x360 tho
  21. Jul 29, 2021
    8
    The Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations is kind of a celebration of Sonic history that the console version didn't celebrate, like Casino Night and Mushroom Hill. This game was developed by Dimps, and follows suit of the Sonic Rush series of game, thus it's the spiritual Rush 4. Just like the DS version of Sonic Colors, this game has better writing, although the game is short, whichThe Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations is kind of a celebration of Sonic history that the console version didn't celebrate, like Casino Night and Mushroom Hill. This game was developed by Dimps, and follows suit of the Sonic Rush series of game, thus it's the spiritual Rush 4. Just like the DS version of Sonic Colors, this game has better writing, although the game is short, which isn't a very good thing if you think about it. It's 3 hours compared to 4. But it does have some shining differences from the console version as Sonic and Tails, both classic and modern, don't have to worry about saving their friends as Sonic arrives before everyone else. BOOM END OF PLOT
    Classic Sonic in this game is very reminiscent of the Sonic Advance series, a series of 2D Sonic games for the Game Boy Advance that Dimps developed, while Modern Sonic plays like in the Sonic Rush series of games, boost and all..
    And so, I hereby give this game... an 8/10 for great gameplay, short length, great level design, and f*ck Radical Highway!
    Expand
  22. Sep 13, 2022
    8
    80%

    The 3DS version of Sonic Generations isn't quite as good as the HD version due to its even shorter length, but it surely has some of the best 2D Sonic level design ever, for both classic and modern Sonic.
  23. Nov 22, 2011
    7
    I was really looking forward to this game, especially after we were shown signs of improvement after Sonic Team started babysitting DIMPS (originally, it was going to play identically to Sonic The Hedgehog 4! Poor physics, Sonic uncurling from ramps, and all!). But the game has truly proven that DIMPS is no longer a competent developer. The only decent level designs in the entire game areI was really looking forward to this game, especially after we were shown signs of improvement after Sonic Team started babysitting DIMPS (originally, it was going to play identically to Sonic The Hedgehog 4! Poor physics, Sonic uncurling from ramps, and all!). But the game has truly proven that DIMPS is no longer a competent developer. The only decent level designs in the entire game are the first three classic era ones, only because they're all carbon copies of the original levels! Every original level design is riddled with boring, flat terrain for one half and then poorly designed, pit-riddled portions for the other. It's as if DIMPS simply took levels from Sonic Rush Adventure and gave them a (rather ugly) 3D update.

    The graphics are very low quality for a 3DS game, with pop-in and pop-out mere millimeters off the screen (which becomes obvious during modern Sonic's portions where the camera turns on a pointless 45 degree angle. Terrain, hazards, and enemies alike will appear on screen seconds before you crash into them because they don't even pop into existence until Sonic is too close to properly react!). Modern Sonic plays like a sluggish version of the Sonic Rush games, while classic Sonic plays more like Sonic The Hedgehog 4, homing attack and all.

    A horrendous game which everyone should avoid, regardless of how starved they are for Nintendo 3DS games at the moment. Better games will come in due time, just be patient and avoid this one completely. It's not even worth a rental, let alone a purchase. The sooner people stop buying DIMPS' poorly designed, half arsed games, the sooner we'll get a more competent team making better Sonic games for our handhelds.
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  24. Jan 16, 2012
    7
    This game is a "greatest hits" album, one for a band long dropped from popularity. It's weird how these "greatest hits" can make me feel nostalgic for an era in gaming I didn't love. When I was a boy and the Mario/Sonic wars were at its peak, Sega couldn't do what Nintendid. Sonic always looked desperate for attention, with unnecessarily difficult speedy platforming that required levelThis game is a "greatest hits" album, one for a band long dropped from popularity. It's weird how these "greatest hits" can make me feel nostalgic for an era in gaming I didn't love. When I was a boy and the Mario/Sonic wars were at its peak, Sega couldn't do what Nintendid. Sonic always looked desperate for attention, with unnecessarily difficult speedy platforming that required level memorization - It wasnââ Expand
  25. Dec 28, 2011
    7
    Graphically this is one of the best 3DS games I've played so far. I played Sonic Colours quite recently on the DS, so this game really shows you how much of a massive difference there is between the two platforms. Like it's console counterpart, the "old school" Sonic parts are better than the "modern" sonic parts and its a bit confusing swapping between the two and trying to a modernGraphically this is one of the best 3DS games I've played so far. I played Sonic Colours quite recently on the DS, so this game really shows you how much of a massive difference there is between the two platforms. Like it's console counterpart, the "old school" Sonic parts are better than the "modern" sonic parts and its a bit confusing swapping between the two and trying to a modern move in old school and vice versa. If you've played the console version, this is a completely different game so don't let that put you off. Sadly some of the better things about the console version like the level within the level select screen have been omitted from this version. Also the level design isn't quite as brilliant as it's console counter part. Generations is also a little on the short side (not quite Sonic Episode 1 short). If you like Sonic, you're not going to dislike this game, you just might not love it. There'll certainly be parts of it you do love, mainly seeing old school sonic levels in 3D. Don't get this instead of the console version, but do get it as well as if you haven't had enough of that speedy blue blur. Expand
  26. Nov 23, 2011
    7
    As a guy who enjoyed 20 years of the blue blur, it's pretty obvious that I played Sonic Generations on X360/PS3/PC. Now the 3DS version starts to stand up to its console brother. The 3DS ver. may not be the best out of the two, but it is certainly enjoyable. The 3DS ver. (stupid typos) is co-developed by DIMPS who worked on the Advance trilogy, Rush series & Colors DS, as well as Sonic 4:As a guy who enjoyed 20 years of the blue blur, it's pretty obvious that I played Sonic Generations on X360/PS3/PC. Now the 3DS version starts to stand up to its console brother. The 3DS ver. may not be the best out of the two, but it is certainly enjoyable. The 3DS ver. (stupid typos) is co-developed by DIMPS who worked on the Advance trilogy, Rush series & Colors DS, as well as Sonic 4: Episode 1. Some fans might be afraid that the 3DS ver. might be one of the worst Sonic games ever. Let me say that slowly: worst Sonic games EVER(mostly because of Sonic 4). I can understand about Heroes, 06 & sometimes Unleashed (it's an okay game honestly), but this one....I think not. Before I start my review (finally...), let me warn you that this one is spoiler heavy but you should have seen it coming anyway.

    Presentation

    As a typical Sonic game, it has a simple yet enjoyable story. Meaning no love relationships (06), no Werehog (Unleashed) & no swords (S&The Black Knight). The story is presented with cutscenes similar to the Rush series & Colors DS, only with 3D models & in 3D. It's pleasent, but it'll be nice if they put in full voice acting instead of voice clips. The graphic, while not the best, but it is certainly eye-catching. Try activating 3D, it's a nice addition.

    Gameplay

    Now the 3DS version is indeed different from the console version. Classic Sonic will not have moments that is in full 3D & Modern Sonic will not be in 3D if you played the recent Sonic console games. Classic Sonic's physics is actually near-accurate. Now you might be thinking, "What the hell are you talking about?" I'm talking about no uncurling, working rolling physics and a spin-dash that is right. I gotta give credit to DIMPS. About time they know Classic Sonic's physics, and I enjoyed it. However, there's a catch to Modern's gameplay. It's 2D only , with some full 3D sections. His moveset works fine, but I do like 3D mobility. The zone selection, while it is diverse, the level design speaks Sonic 4. It's sparce. Don't get me mistaken, I'm okay with Sonic 4. Just the addition of Homing Attack to Classic Sonic is a bit forceful in some sections in the zones.

    Music/Sound Effects

    When there's a Sonic game, there's (KABOOM) epic music. And this version doesn't seem to disappoint me. However there are some track that felt a bit "meh". For instance, Radical Highway Modern Mix. It sounded like radioactive farts. I like D&B but as a primary genre to the mix, it's "meh". But it's nice to hear Water Palace "Back2Back" Modern Mix, Tropical Resort Modern Mix & especially Radical Highway "Classic" Mix. Replay value

    Now the 3DS version doesn't have a hub world filled with missions. Instead, the missions are in a separate section, and the missions are unlockable via PlayCoins. That's a chore if you're not the walking type. Plus the length of the main game is about 1 3/4 hours if you're an expert. But with 100 missions, you might be jogging on a treadmill for a long time if you want to unlock one quarter of the missions.

    Overall Opinion

    Now, what do I think of this game? It's a nice game for the 3DS. Sonic's first run on the 3DS is pretty decent. Sure this game had some pros & cons, Sonic Generations for the 3DS is a nice addition to the game library. Although I consider the console version the superior, this version is a decent way to kill some time. That's the end of my review. I'm newcomer "2011zat" & until then, happy gaming!
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  27. Nov 26, 2011
    7
    During all the hype for Generations this one never caught my eye. Eventually I bought it as a time consumer. I was wondering if this game'd be a timeless classic, or if it should be erased from Sonic's history...terrible puns aside it's a mixed bag. Let's start off with how the Sonics control. Modern Sonic is prettymuch the same as in Colours 3DS with his boosting, sliding, homing attacksDuring all the hype for Generations this one never caught my eye. Eventually I bought it as a time consumer. I was wondering if this game'd be a timeless classic, or if it should be erased from Sonic's history...terrible puns aside it's a mixed bag. Let's start off with how the Sonics control. Modern Sonic is prettymuch the same as in Colours 3DS with his boosting, sliding, homing attacks and stomping. Only real difference is that instead of spindashing by pressing down, he does the slide instead. Classic Sonic is a huge improvement from what Dimps gave us in Sonic 4. The physics are actually pretty decent...except the rolling. It still tends to slow you down. Which wouldn't be a problem if stages like Mushroom Hill which I'm used to rolling in weren't direct copies from the Genesis games. Overall, control isn't bad. Classic feel is there, but not perfect.

    Now onto their stage choice. I have no complaints with the lineup, Genesis sports Green Hill, Casino Night and Mushroom Hilll, Dreamcast brings Emerald Coast and Radical Highway and Modern gives us Water Palace and Tropical Resort. The classic stages (as Classic Sonic) are all direct copies from their original games. Make of that what you will. I recognise it as lazy, but tbh I don't care. Why fix what isn't broken after all? As Modern Sonic the stages are typical linear pathways you boost your way down with occasional platforming. Early on, it feels like one of those poorly made platformers you find being shown off on Youtube. Granted, it did improve as the game went on but levels like Emerald Coast were awful. Post Genesis era, I was curious what Dimps would do since they could hardly make the levels designed around homing attack chains and such. Their response? Give Classic Sonic a homing attack! I really do not think he needs it (nor should have it, Homing attacks are Modern Sonic's forte) but meh whatever. A couple of classic stages are overloaded with boost pads and homing attack chains. Sound familiar? But granted there are some pretty good original classic stages such as Water Palace and Emerald Coast. And there are a handful of good Modern stages like Tropical resort and Water Palace (again). And that's prettymuch all I have to say about the stages.

    Next up, music. The game's score was decent overall ranging from absolutely amazing arrangements (Big arm) to some really nostalgic tunes (Emerald Coast) to some pretty unbearable music that made my ears bleed (modern Radical Highway) and some not remixed at all (tropical resort) but again, why fix what isn't broken? Laziness or not, I didn't mind.

    Next up my favourite part of the game, the boss fights. I've always been a big fan of bosses designed by Dimps because they create some fantastic and original fights with huge bosses, and Gens 3DS is no exception. The game sports Big Arm, Biolizard, Egg Emperor and of course the Time Eater himself. I had a blast with all of these bosses especially Biolizard and Time Eater, who is greatly improved from the console version. Can't give away the fight itself but it works great and it's actually a fair challenge...bugger killed me twice before I beat him...I just wish there were more bosses. Why can't every world have a boss rather than 1 per every handful of worlds? Also there are rival races. Not much to say. Just race them to the finish and dodge their attacks.

    The verdict? It's got its moments, and its got its hiccups. I'd reccomend Sonic fans give it a go. 3DS owners should buy it if they already have Super Mario 3D land and want something else, and people who are new to Sonic? you should probobly check out the console version instead.
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  28. May 9, 2012
    7
    I like unlocking missions with the coins you earned by the amount of walking you do in a day. And when you finish a mission you unlock art, music tracks and models of characters. The story mode is decent, but once you beat it you can't use the chaos emeralds to go into super form other than when you are defeating the last boss. It has its own unique gameplay when compared to the PC orI like unlocking missions with the coins you earned by the amount of walking you do in a day. And when you finish a mission you unlock art, music tracks and models of characters. The story mode is decent, but once you beat it you can't use the chaos emeralds to go into super form other than when you are defeating the last boss. It has its own unique gameplay when compared to the PC or console gameplay. Expand
  29. Apr 30, 2013
    7
    Sonic Generations is fun. It has really good levels. The annoying thing is I finished the game a little bit too quickly. I found the last bit too easy. At the start I found it impossible but I really liked it and got a lot better once I worked the game out. It is really fun to play this game for quite a while.
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 29
  2. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. Feb 21, 2012
    65
    It has potential to be way better, but you can have some fun.
  2. Jan 30, 2012
    80
    The blue speedster, both past and present, delivers a solid first outing on Nintendo 3DS.
  3. 60
    Sonic has yet so settle in properly on the handhelds, and Sonic Generations sadly doesn't change that, despite including to versions of the blue hedgehog.