Sonic the Hedgehog Next-Gen

Format PlayStation 3

Developer Sega

Publisher Sega

Genre Action, Platform

1 Comments

It's fair to say that Sega's spiky mascot has been in the doldrums recently, with more comebacks than a houseful of Celebrity Big Brother inmates and about the same level of recent success. But with PS3's looming form, and the new wave of gaming it's supposed to usher in, now could be the perfect opportunity for the freakishly-coloured hedgehog to regain some long-lost credit.

The latest images released of the game certainly contain plenty of Sonic-type trademarks. There's your regulation greenery and castles that have seen better days, as well as all the usual undulating hills and valleys; but while it's all very lovely to look at, it's not quite next-gen. Everything looks crisp and polished, but so far it's more like PS2-and-a-half. Having said that there's still time for Sonic to put his face on and throw us some smouldering looks.

Likewise Sonic games of the last few years have presented us with countless new characters, and not a lot else. You'd think it was to mask a lack of genuine new ideas if you didn't know Sega better. But the new character in Sonic's PS3 debut, Silver the Hedgehog (although to look at him there's a definite greeny-blue glow about him), comes as almost a second game within a game.

Silver's forte is telekinesis, which means his path through the game is one of careful problem-solving compared to Sonic's billion-miles-an-hour rush. That doesn't mean he won't get his paws dirty however - there'll still be ample enemies to beat by using his tiny little hedgehog mind to pick up barrels, cars and other debris and hurl them straight down their throats. By squeezing a shoulder trigger Silver's mental strength is unleashed and objects can be chucked at anyone within his line of vision.

He can also alter his immediate surroundings to ease his way through a level. Specially marked squares prompt the ability's use and scenery can be reconstructed to form platforms and openings. While providing a neat contrast to Sonic's usual fare it also shows Sega's willingness to push its flagship series to new extremes - and that's got to be a good thing.

PSW Staff