Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 is the sequel you always dreamed of - only a bit shorter; this may put off some as it is a flagrant tease, but if Episode I is any indicator the whole ride is going to be an amazing one.

The only negative you'll run into with Episode 1 is how quickly it's over. You'll finish up with the four worlds and the bonus stages in about 2-3 hours time, if that. However, there's replay value galore.

Visually, the game stands apart from its predecessors with sharp and colorful graphics that look phenomenal in high definition. Sega did excellent work bringing each stage to life, making them unique without tarnishing Sonic's legacy. It's a pure joy to watch.

I have had a blast with Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, and I really want to play the next episode right away.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I is a huge improvement over the iPhone ports of the original games. The action is still fun and frantic, especially when Sonic is catapulting through hellzapoppin stages at breakneck speeds.

The first episode of Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is entertaining, but doesn't match the hype.

I myself am disappointed and frustrated with Sonic 4 at times, but there are more rays of light here for the series than any other game in the franchise has shown in the past decade.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is a mixed bag, with plenty of good things soured by a sprinkling of bad. While the majority of the game is enjoyable, there are certain aspects that simply should not have been allowed to enter the final product.

Filled with as many fun moments as mediocre ones, Sonic The Hedgehog 4, Episode 1 is a good start to the revival of the series.

Even if the game boasts a 4 in its title, SEGA and Dimps have chosen the easiest path taking the levels from the original Sonic The Hedgehog and adding almost nothing to its formula. Moreover, Sonic 4 suffers from a surprising lack of style and personality, a dull soundtrack and some technical issues, while the frame rate slows down even on an iPhone 4. Hopefully, the lack of Retina Display support, achievements and leaderboards will be fixed with the next update of the game.

This is much better than the usual emulator crap that Sega throws at the iOS audience. It is still not at the top of iOS gaming due to touch controls that aren´t always as good as the competition. Lots of colours, good sense of speed and a fun albeit rather short game. Well worth a buy if it goes on sale.

Maybe it's not the developers' fault that this just isn't much fun. Perhaps the formula for a Sonic game simply no longer holds up in the 21st century.