Review

Sonic Origins Plus

A year after Sonic Origins was released with remastered versions of four classic Sonic games, Sega has now launched a DLC for the collection. This DLC adds more classic Sonic titles and is called Sonic Origins Plus. It doesn’t introduce much new content but compiles the best Sonic games from the golden 1990s era. This collection is a tribute to the old-school fans of Sonic, so don’t expect modern graphics or a brand-new game. It’s a simple remaster with a few extras for loyal fans. Think of it as Sega’s love letter to Sonic enthusiasts.

What’s Included?

The highlight of this DLC is the addition of 12 Sonic games originally released for the Game Gear. These are side titles that range from racing and puzzles to platformers similar to the four main games. The DLC also includes licensed original music, new modes, and challenges. When you buy Sonic Origins Plus, you get the original four Sonic Origins games and the 12 Game Gear games with slightly upgraded graphics and widescreen support for modern devices.

Amy is now a playable character in the original four games: Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, and Sonic CD. Instead of Sonic’s Drop Dash, Amy uses her Piko Piko Hammer to attack enemies in the air or dash forward after jumping. Playing as Amy felt unique and fun. Knuckles is also now playable in Sonic CD, and his abilities fit perfectly with the level designs.

Technical Performance

When remastering classic games, technical performance matters. The graphics are clean, with no pixelation or blurriness, and the gameplay feels smooth. However, the sound is a major issue. The audio has a noticeable echo, which affects the overall experience. This is the weakest part of the DLC and can be off-putting for players.

Should You Buy Sonic Origins Plus?

If you already own Sonic Origins, the Plus DLC may not feel worth it unless you’re a hardcore Sonic fan. However, if you haven’t purchased Sonic Origins yet, the bundle with the Plus DLC is a great option to relive some nostalgic memories. It’s available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch for $40, or $10 for the DLC alone.

Final Verdict

The value of this DLC depends on how much you love the small side titles from the Game Gear. The sound issues are a significant drawback, but Amy and Knuckles add refreshing gameplay. Overall, the price feels slightly high for what’s offered. Final rating: 7/10.