Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I

 Xbox 360
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 43
  3. Negative: 5 out of 43
  1. GameShark
    Oct 26, 2010
    91
    Even though Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is a short ride, it's a fun one.
  2. Total Video Games
    Oct 21, 2010
    90
    The fact is, Sonic 4's first episode is so much fun that it makes you forget about the world and think of nothing but the game. It encapsulates the pure thrill of gaming that many contemporary titles seem to comatosely forget.
  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Oct 21, 2010
    90
    Sonic 4 represents everything that any fan of the franchise could ever wish for: a marvelous level design and a gameplay that proves, once again, to be one of the finest examples of intense platforming.
  5. Games Master UK
    Dec 25, 2010
    88
    No just a rehash, but a brilliant game in itself. Sonic reigns once more. [Issue#232, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. XGN
    Oct 21, 2010
    85
    Sonic is back and is as fast and smooth as ever. Can you download as fast as Sonic can run? If so, get that game now!
  7. My Gamer
    Oct 21, 2010
    84
    Whether or not this means the triumphant return of Sonic, this game is worth your time if you can appreciate classic gameplay without the classic frustration it usually brings.
  8. IncGamers
    Oct 21, 2010
    84
    A joyous return to form for the series that makes us very excited about what's in store for future episodes. It's great to have Sonic back, it's just a shame it's all over so quickly.
  9. Game Over Online
    Oct 22, 2010
    82
    Sonic 4: Episode 1 is a short, but well-crafted entry in the series. It's hurt by a lack of innovation and a relatively high price given that it's basically half the length of a regular side-scrolling Sonic, but still carries a pretty hefty $15 price tag. If you're a casual Sonic fan, you're probably better off waiting for it to be discounted at some point on PSN or as an Xbox Deal of the Week, but series die-hards will definitely get $15 out of it between playing through it, then replaying stages for better times and leaderboard scores.
  10. 3DJuegos
    Oct 21, 2010
    82
    Sonic is back and is as fast and smooth as ever. One of the best Sonic game in a long time.
  11. Gamers' Temple
    Oct 27, 2010
    80
    Sonic 4 is a return to the 2-D style of Sonic gameplay with redone stages from older games and an overall compilation of gameplay from Sonics 1-3.
  12. MEGamers
    Oct 25, 2010
    80
    The best Sonic game to come out in the past 16 years.
  13. Meristation
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Sonic is back, and it feels like 1991's Sonic The Hedgehog. SEGA and Dimps worked together to bring back the best platforming game of the golden era of the character. Impossible jumps, terminal velocities, and a blue shadow that spins and rotates while collecting rings and freeing the animals of the forest held by Dr. Eggman.
  14. Vandal
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    It has the flavour of the original Sonic, but refined. It may result too short for its price, but it is very replayable.
  15. Game Informer
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    It may not be the be all end all Sonic game that professed enthusiasts like myself have been waiting 15 years for, but Sonic 4 is a fun, frenetic download for fans and newcomers alike.
  16. IGN
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Sonic 4 is short, but sweet and well worth downloading.
  17. Cheat Code Central
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    It's not a perfect retro revival and can be blown through in a few hours, but this is a much better-and purer-Sonic experience than we've seen in years. The difficulty can range from easy to very hard; the final boss is particularly ridiculous.
  18. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Sonic returns to his back-to-basics best.
  19. Destructoid
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Oh, and the "physics" are absolutely fine, you whiny bastards.
  20. TeamXbox
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Sega has taken the classic Sonic formula and finally repeated it with success. In this case "less is more". Once you add in some small additions that were developed during the 3D era you get a solid entry in the sonic franchise.
  21. GameTrailers
    Oct 21, 2010
    75
    Potential replay value is fairly high.
  22. Gaming Age
    Oct 21, 2010
    75
    Altogether I feel like it's a great throwback to old Sonic games, but at the same time I wish it was a little more refined and had removed some of the annoyances I had with the previous 2D Sonic games.
  23. 1UP
    Oct 21, 2010
    75
    Most importantly, it nails the fun of hitting springboards, bouncing off enemies, and defying gravity with pure speed. While hardly perfect, it's solid enough that even reviving the old "Se-ga!" before the title screen feels appropriate. After a decade of missteps, Sonic has earned it.

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
84
#84 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 168 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 168
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 168
  3. Negative: 71 out of 168
  1. caiolopez
    Oct 13, 2010
    3
    Sega managed to almost make me cry - with sadness. I've been longing for a real 2D Sonic since Sonic & Knuckles came out. I even had a nameSega managed to almost make me cry - with sadness. I've been longing for a real 2D Sonic since Sonic & Knuckles came out. I even had a name for it: "Sonic 4". Well, years later they came up with Sonic 4. Let me break it down here: Sound FX: 10/10. They are the actual Genesis-Era blips. Music: 10/10. Superb work, kept the spirit of the original catchy songs. Level Design: 10/10. It really feels like a Sonic level, after all this years. Graphics: 5/10. Level graphics are good, but Sonic's model looks dumb, and didn't quite match the games graphic style. 2.5D didn't do the trick, this time. Finally, Controls: 0/10. It's just wrong. There is no inertia, especially when jumping. It doesn't control like Sonic. In fact, it doesn't control like anything I ever played. You release the D-Pad, Sonic stops. Like Pitfall. Nothing should control like Pitfall in 2010, let alone a game in a franchise know for its high quality gameplay.
    I really hope Sega fix that. I could also ask for some vintage skins for Sonic's model, but that would be just a fluff. The important thing here is the controls, and Sega managed to destroy the whole thing with a few lines of code.
    Score: (10+10+10+5+0) / 5 = 7
    7 * how bad the controls are = 2    … Full Review »
  2. alexrobertsteac
    Oct 21, 2010
    3
    I have been dying for this game for a long time... I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. However... it sucks. It just sucks. I played theI have been dying for this game for a long time... I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. However... it sucks. It just sucks. I played the original Sonic 1, 2, and 3. I played Sonic and Knuckles. They were fun, and part of it was the freaking controls and sense of speed. Now? Not so much. Those reviews that are defending so harshly... I literally can't imagine why. At best it is an average experience. Most of the time? It is almost unplayable and boring. Oh well. Back to fire up my Genesis collection on my 360.… Full Review »
  3. imaginarysounds
    Oct 14, 2010
    2
    Absolutely awful. Seriously. I was so excited for Sonic 4, downloaded it, and was frustrated by the middle of the 1st level.

    The homing    Absolutely awful. Seriously. I was so excited for Sonic 4, downloaded it, and was frustrated by the middle of the 1st level.

    The homing mechanic is more aggravating than helpful, and the physics feel NOTHING like the original Sonic games.

    If you don't believe me, watch this video. The footage speaks for itsself.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6-1cGzPn3E

    The only thing they got right is the graphics are pretty, and the music is decent, which is why I gave them a 2.    … Full Review »
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