Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I

 Xbox 360
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

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  1. zlt
    Aug 19, 2023
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Why Should I Even Talk About This Game? Its Obvious That Is Game Isn't Anymore Than Just Crappy Stupid And Dumber Versions Of Old Levels Not even Tails Or Knuckles Are In This Game. This Game Is Just Sonic 1 1/2 Yeah! Not Even The Music's Good No Good Levels No Good Graphics Its Like Sonic Blast But Worse The Animations Are Awful... Too!. And Why Would They Make Sonic Uncurl Into A Ball After Launching Into The Air? So He Can Get Hit Easier? Why!? Its Like All the Bad Sonic Games Are Put Together. Oh And By The Way I Was Done Here Earlier But I Was Never Done! I Just Updated This But The Lack Of Creativity This Game Has Is Absurd It Uses The Ending Of Sonic 1 It Uses Old Level Themes The Sonic 1 Special Stages Are Back But Worse Cuz Now You Have To Complete Them In A Certain Time And There Ring Gates Too. Many People Say Its Not That Bad But There Wrong In So Many Ways This Bootleg Clone Should Just Be Forgotten And For Obvious Reasons I Guess Episode 2 Is A Little Better But Even That's Not Saying Much And Once You Get To The E.G.G Station Witch Is Seemingly Based Of The Final Zone From Sonic 1 You Have To Do The Bosses All Over Again Even The Labyrinth Boss I Really Hope This Proves My Point!… Expand
  2. ZXSth
    Aug 6, 2023
    6
    A game that probably shoots itself in the foot by calling itself "Sonic the Hedgehog 4," but ultimately provided a half-decent experience that was too short to justify its price tag.

    Sonic 4 is definitely different from what one might expect of a numbered entry in the Sonic series. Its titular character controls in a much floatier way than he did in prior entries, and his appearance and    A game that probably shoots itself in the foot by calling itself "Sonic the Hedgehog 4," but ultimately provided a half-decent experience that was too short to justify its price tag.

    Sonic 4 is definitely different from what one might expect of a numbered entry in the Sonic series. Its titular character controls in a much floatier way than he did in prior entries, and his appearance and abilities seem to echo those of the Sonic we've seen in the Adventure games as opposed to Sonic 2 or 3. As such, this game will likely put off many who revere the Genesis games - however, as someone who thoroughly enjoyed the Adventure games, I saw this game as relatively inoffensive, but also not particularly interesting.

    Sonic 4: Episode 1 was an interesting experiment by Sega that, at worst, is not particularly fun. Its typically solid soundtrack and relatively smooth gameplay make it worth checking out for some Sonic fans, but I also believe most fans of the series may feel a bit let down by this game's design choices.    … Expand
  3. supermarycyute
    Apr 6, 2023
    0
    5.2 is just way too high for this game, it deserves a 3 or a 2, why is it so high
  4. MrRainbowBoi
    Apr 1, 2023
    10
    Very fun game. Animation is a little wonky but you get used to it. The gameplay is decently fast paced and yeah.
  5. Shamp058
    Jan 18, 2023
    0
    this game sucks. terrible physics, super automated, terrible artstyle, and they managed to mess up the music, the ONE THING that sonic FORCES managed to get right. its also like and hour long and is 10 dollars. the only good thing about this game is that the idle animations are kinda good. thats it
  6. Navas7-
    Dec 26, 2022
    6
    It's probably an ALRIGHT game !
    But definantly don't deserve to be called SONIC 4 !
  7. Saleemabdelhai3
    Nov 28, 2022
    0
    This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks This game sucks
  8. Johnnytestar
    Nov 23, 2022
    0
    Never in my life I had played such a bad game, such a nothing game, it sucks pretty bad
  9. CrossoverMovie2
    Nov 19, 2022
    3
    This game was a disaster. Clunky controls, and horrible level design despite the decent music.
  10. SonicFan20
    Nov 17, 2022
    5
    THIS GAME DOES NOT DESERVE THE NAME SONIC 4! Mania Deserves it More than any other game. Part I Of A Two episode sega. This game has Terrible Physics If Any, Awful Music. The Stages Are literal rippoffs of the ones of the genesis days. Casino Night? Nah Casino Street. Green Hill? Nah Splash Hill. Metropolis? Mad Gear. The Names aren't even that Great. Atleast Super Sonic Is Good. EverTHIS GAME DOES NOT DESERVE THE NAME SONIC 4! Mania Deserves it More than any other game. Part I Of A Two episode sega. This game has Terrible Physics If Any, Awful Music. The Stages Are literal rippoffs of the ones of the genesis days. Casino Night? Nah Casino Street. Green Hill? Nah Splash Hill. Metropolis? Mad Gear. The Names aren't even that Great. Atleast Super Sonic Is Good. Ever Since Sonic & Knuckles We've been waiting for a True Sucesor to It. And this is it. I Know Mania Is Way Better But THATS NOT CALLED SONIC 4 This Piece o' Garbage Is. No Tails, No Knuckles. Nothing Just Sonic, Even The Older Sonic Games like Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles Had Multiple Playable Characters But NOPE This one does not. Do Not Buy This Its Garbage And Not The sonic 4 We Waited For. Oh Forgot te mention The Graphics. They're fine But In The Mobile version The're better somehow. 5/10… Expand
  11. Kqui
    Nov 9, 2022
    0
    A pior coisa que eu já joguei na minha vida.
    Simplesmente uma ofensa à franquia e aos fãs, absolutamente TUDO é terrível nesse jogo
  12. ROTSA2
    Sep 13, 2022
    6
    64%

    It mostly feels like a rehash of the first Sonic, it's too short, and its graphics are crappy, even for a 2010 intended-for-mobile game. However, its level design and physics save the entire game.
  13. Freddienote
    Jul 20, 2022
    0
    a spit in the face of Sonic for calling this atrocity "Sonic 4", being easily the worst Sonic game I have ever played
  14. grimreapersims
    Mar 10, 2022
    6
    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  15. MetalReviewer
    Mar 7, 2022
    1
    A disgusting waste. Sonic 4 makes me FAR more appreciative towards Sonic 2 and 3. Between it's physics, the level design, the music, this game doesn't deserve that number and never will.
  16. RetroGameDays36
    Sep 29, 2021
    3
    I've played this game after a while, after i completed mania plus, and sheesh this game is just lackluster and the controls feel awkward, music doesn't hold very well, it's just not a sonic game you should play imo.
  17. schimidtwas
    Sep 11, 2021
    5
    The only positive point of this game is that it doesn't have bugs, just that ... but it can be fun, for a few but it is, it doesn't even come close to the level of Mega classics.
    I do not recommend it to most, I recommend it only to those who are very fans of the series, or to those who like 2D games very similar to the classics, even keeping in mind that this title is not good.
    Amuse    The only positive point of this game is that it doesn't have bugs, just that ... but it can be fun, for a few but it is, it doesn't even come close to the level of Mega classics.
    I do not recommend it to most, I recommend it only to those who are very fans of the series, or to those who like 2D games very similar to the classics, even keeping in mind that this title is not good.
    Amuse me? I'm not going to lie, he had a little fun with me, but he's really sick, I'll play a few times in one shot, play him every now and then, just to relax, since he's really easy, just to pass the time.    … Expand
  18. Noah4Life
    Aug 15, 2021
    2
    Just simply, not good. The art design is awful and looks like an adobe flash game, and it only has about 2 hours of gameplay for a $15 game, it's also very simple and just doesn't even try to have fun with itself. The amount of glitches in this game is ridiculous, and simply said this game could've been so sooooo much better, but unfortunately it wasn't and quite simply there is little toJust simply, not good. The art design is awful and looks like an adobe flash game, and it only has about 2 hours of gameplay for a $15 game, it's also very simple and just doesn't even try to have fun with itself. The amount of glitches in this game is ridiculous, and simply said this game could've been so sooooo much better, but unfortunately it wasn't and quite simply there is little to nothing worth while in this game. The levels range from mediocre and forgettable to cryptic and stupid, you can even get auto killed in cutscenes, simply a mess of a game and a terrible return to form for sonic.… Expand
  19. Mr_words
    Nov 5, 2020
    0
    Sonic 4 is a poorly made game, which looks more like a Fangame made by Dimps in partnership with Sonic Team.
    Everything about it is extremely generic, and it seems that it was rushed with the sole purpose of causing "Nostalgia" in the Android version. The graphics are more beautiful, but the level design is horrible and
    Not funny. In short: don't buy this game Sonic 4 is a poorly made    Sonic 4 is a poorly made game, which looks more like a Fangame made by Dimps in partnership with Sonic Team.
    Everything about it is extremely generic, and it seems that it was rushed with the sole purpose of causing "Nostalgia" in the Android version. The graphics are more beautiful, but the level design is horrible and
    Not funny. In short: don't buy this game
    Sonic 4 is a poorly made game, which looks more like a Fangame made by Dimps in partnership with Sonic Team.
    Everything about it is extremely generic, and it seems that it was rushed with the sole pur    … Expand
  20. Lovgg
    Jul 25, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic 4 is not bad at all is it perfect, you can say that but it is also really mediocre so here I'm saying it's a good game.… Expand
  21. CarlosJDiaz
    Nov 9, 2017
    6
    Sonic 4 aunque tenga buena música y sea divertido.Se queda muy corto ,hay pocas zonas ,los niveles son calcas de niveles que habíamos visto en otros juegos , los gráficos son buenos pero al parecer Sonic es mas brillante que el mismo escenario y molesta a la vista, las físicas brillan por su ausencia.
    En resumen no es un mal juego pero necesita PULIRSE si se hubiera sido un juego entero    Sonic 4 aunque tenga buena música y sea divertido.Se queda muy corto ,hay pocas zonas ,los niveles son calcas de niveles que habíamos visto en otros juegos , los gráficos son buenos pero al parecer Sonic es mas brillante que el mismo escenario y molesta a la vista, las físicas brillan por su ausencia.
    En resumen no es un mal juego pero necesita PULIRSE si se hubiera sido un juego entero sin episodios tal vez hubiera sido mas bueno.
    Este no es Sonic 4 no esta a la altura de sus predecesores ni siquiera de los juegos anteriores de Dimps.    … Expand
  22. GranTheftWalrus
    Feb 4, 2017
    7
    Sonic 4 is pretty good, it's like New Super Mario Bros and Mega Man 9/10 although those games are great and Sonic 4 episode 1 isn't great. The game is good arcade Sonic fun by all accounts, the problem is that it doesn't deserve to be called Sonic 4. It doesn't have as much content as Sonic 3 and the stages are way too similar to previous ones. The level design is great though so Sonic 4Sonic 4 is pretty good, it's like New Super Mario Bros and Mega Man 9/10 although those games are great and Sonic 4 episode 1 isn't great. The game is good arcade Sonic fun by all accounts, the problem is that it doesn't deserve to be called Sonic 4. It doesn't have as much content as Sonic 3 and the stages are way too similar to previous ones. The level design is great though so Sonic 4 pleased me as a fan of the genesis games but it should've been better.… Expand
  23. Shadow1
    Apr 17, 2016
    8
    This is wonderful game . Good , nostalgic game . This game there is in Xbox Live Arcade , but those who have Freeboot on Xbox 360 can play Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 is free . Good levels from old Sonic games on Sega Mega Drive/Genesis , good special level from Sonic The Hedgehog . Good graphics for 2D game . This is a good game . 8/10 .
  24. sdc
    Apr 3, 2015
    10
    It's time Sonic fans unite and defend GOOD games. It isn't about black eyes and 240p graphics. It's about fun times and great memories. Sonic 4 Ep 1 is a great game. To the people who are on the edge, don't listen to those nostalgia whores. This game is great.
  25. MrSonicFan
    Apr 23, 2013
    7
    The game is not as bad as people like sonic retro make it out to be. Sure the physics are completely non existent.Which you cannot really understand as Dimps had already done classic sonic physics in sonic advance. But the level design is well done the music is catchy and the graphics are great. And when you get used to the way it plays the game is not that bad. At least it is better thanThe game is not as bad as people like sonic retro make it out to be. Sure the physics are completely non existent.Which you cannot really understand as Dimps had already done classic sonic physics in sonic advance. But the level design is well done the music is catchy and the graphics are great. And when you get used to the way it plays the game is not that bad. At least it is better than episode 2....… Expand
  26. nightsharks23
    Feb 18, 2013
    5
    I was spectacle when I first heard the Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was coming on the Xbox Live Arcade. I didn't get the feeling that the game would be as great as the original trilogy of Sonic games and that's what I expected when I played the game. The Graphics look great and arguably the best looking Sonic game to date. The gameplay is alright. The game is very short, the levels are basicallyI was spectacle when I first heard the Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was coming on the Xbox Live Arcade. I didn't get the feeling that the game would be as great as the original trilogy of Sonic games and that's what I expected when I played the game. The Graphics look great and arguably the best looking Sonic game to date. The gameplay is alright. The game is very short, the levels are basically the same from Sonic the Hedgehog 1 with minor changes. Why call this Sonic the Hedgehog 4 if you are going to rehash the original Sonic game. There are also some problem solving to get through a level which drived me insane. Last is the music the game is fantastic. The opening theme to the first level is so nice I went up listening to the same song while I'm playing my music. Not much to say about the game. Its basically the same sonic games as the others.… Expand
  27. BobRichardsin
    Oct 7, 2012
    0
    Sonic 4 is not worthy of the name "Sonic 4" what we got was a Sonic 1 reskin. Hold right to win, bad music. Why is there no Tails or Knuckles its a major step back what an insult
  28. Minechomp
    May 19, 2012
    8
    A great game at heart, and undeniably fun. But it falls flat in some ideas. A great little title to kill time with though. There is a good chance you will still have fun, and to me, that's what truly matters.
  29. btylerjr
    May 19, 2012
    10
    This game was not perfect, but It is still great sonic fun. People are too critical, sonic is a very hard game to make you have to make very long stages since sonic moves through them so quickly and still keep them enjoyable. The physics just don't bother me, If you play a sonic game how it's meant to be by racing through the levels quickly you won't have time to notice imperfections inThis game was not perfect, but It is still great sonic fun. People are too critical, sonic is a very hard game to make you have to make very long stages since sonic moves through them so quickly and still keep them enjoyable. The physics just don't bother me, If you play a sonic game how it's meant to be by racing through the levels quickly you won't have time to notice imperfections in physics. I agree the magic of the original sonic games still isn't here but It's a damn good effort and I will always welcome more games like this over 3d sonic adventures. Please give me more 2d sonic games and more chances to earn chaos emeralds!… Expand
  30. Wily383
    Apr 19, 2012
    6
    I think this game should get more credit than it deserves. It has great gameplay, excellent graphics and music, and was pretty fun to play. The achievements are great, they're difficult and keep the player playing the game. However, there are some parts that are a bit confusing in the levels. My biggest rage about the game is the actual zones. Sega couldn't come up with any newI think this game should get more credit than it deserves. It has great gameplay, excellent graphics and music, and was pretty fun to play. The achievements are great, they're difficult and keep the player playing the game. However, there are some parts that are a bit confusing in the levels. My biggest rage about the game is the actual zones. Sega couldn't come up with any new original ideas for zones, so they just stole from a bunch of other Sonic games. Even the boss battles are stolen and modified versions of previous ones. Sega kept on advertising Sonic 4 as a sequel to Sonic 3 & Knuckles, but there is no story to this game at all. It just feels like a rough copy and paste from other Sonic genesis games. My last complaint is that it is too short; it's about 4 1/2 zones long, the 1/2 being the final boss level. All I can say is that I hope Sonic 4 Episode 2 actually has some original ideas in it, or they could at least rip off Ice Cap Zone from Sonic 3; that one was my favorite....… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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. 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]
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Dec 25, 2010
    70
    A good, if unspectacular, platform outing. [Issue#66, p.104]
  3. Gameblog.fr
    Dec 22, 2010
    40
    Sonic The Hedgehog Episode 4 seems to be more of a Sonic the Hedgehog 1.2 (calling it "A.5" would put it too close to the brilliant Sonic 2...). The levels don't surprise, the soundtrack bores, and more importantly the blue hedgehog's inertia and dullness make it a real disappointment in 2010. We'll try not to resent it too much, since it's a rather cheap downloadable game, but it's still a very short game as well. Love is blind, so some may still enjoy it, but we'd rather advise them to try out the DS games, which are closer to today's expectations of a 2D journey with the supersonic hedgehog.
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