Sonic Origins
What to Know
Average Score
- June 23, 2022
- SEGA
- Action, Platformer
Critics Consensus
- In-Game Purchases
- June 23, 2022
- Action, Platformer
- In-Game Purchases
Critics Consensus
# Reviews: 47
Sonic Origins is competent, and is a good way to introduce newer players to what makes Sonic the Hedgehod so unique. But it is also deeply flawed with an abbreviated list of games, a lack of features, stingy DLC practices, and some frustrating crashes.
Rate and Review
Critic Reviews for Sonic Origins
Critic Reviews
Score Distribution
47
Reviews
Ranges
Slightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy them a bit, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled.
The games remain timeless classics, but the Sonic Origins wrapper leaves something to be desired.
Sonic Origins is an essential collection not only for any franchise fan with current or last-gen gaming hardware but also for anybody who appreciates tight gameplay with a banger soundtrack. Sonic is the ultimate “Animal With an Attitude” mascot still having major games released to this day, and while the franchise has had a tarnished reputation due to sub-par releases lately, it remains plucky and pushes forward, never losing sight of its roots.
Zoey Handley (Destructoid)
6.5/10 - (Read Review)
Slightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy them a bit, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled.
Heidi Kemps (GameSpot)
7/10 - (Read Review)
The games remain timeless classics, but the Sonic Origins wrapper leaves something to be desired.
J.R. Waugh (AOTF)
4.5/5 stars - (Read Review)
Sonic Origins is an essential collection not only for any franchise fan with current or last-gen gaming hardware but also for anybody who appreciates tight gameplay with a banger soundtrack. Sonic is the ultimate “Animal With an Attitude” mascot still having major games released to this day, and while the franchise has had a tarnished reputation due to sub-par releases lately, it remains plucky and pushes forward, never losing sight of its roots.
Outlet | Author | Score | Date | Quote | Read |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Attack of the Fanboy | J.R. Waugh | 4.5 / 5 stars | 06-21-2022 | Sonic Origins is an essential collection not only for any franchise fan with current or last-gen gaming hardware but also for anybody who appreciates tight gameplay with a banger soundtrack. Sonic is the ultimate “Animal With an Attitude” mascot still having major games released to this day, and while the franchise has had a tarnished reputation due to sub-par releases lately, it remains plucky and pushes forward, never losing sight of its roots. | Read review |
BaziCenter | Amin Bala Zadeh | 8 / 10 | 07-02-2022 | Sonic Origins, as its name suggests, brings the Sonic franchise back to its good old days when we had no other concern in the whole world but to fire up our console and have some platformer fun. | Read review |
Bazimag | Vahid Zohrabi Nejad | 8 / 10 | 06-25-2022 | Sonic Origins not only includes four of the best platformer/adventure games of all times but it is also presented in a modern package with new bells and whistles to make it more than worthy of the price of admission. This is a great collection that gives every one a chance to experience a very important part of the video gaming’s history. | Read review |
But Why Tho? | Jason Flatt | 6.5 / 10 | 06-27-2022 | While Sonic Origins does little to innovate or make this set of ports stand out besides some forgettable Museum unlockables and some nice new artwork, it remains a perfectly fine addition to the accessibility of classic Sonic games on modern consoles. I wish it were not at the expense of the ability to purchase them individually from older ports; however, even with its flaws, it’s as fun as these games have ever been. | Read review |
Checkpoint Gaming | Kolby Newland | 6 / 10 | 06-30-2022 | Sonic Origins is a bit of a disappointment. As a massive Sonic fan, it kills me to say it but it’s true. Sure, the games collected here are undeniably great titles in their own right. But they are no better than the originals which can be found for little or no cost elsewhere already. Sonic 3 and Knuckles is considerably worse both in gameplay as well as its new soundtrack and most of the unlockable content in the Museum can be found easily via other means. For gamers that have never played Sonic and are averse to obtaining these titles on other platforms, you likely will not be as disappointed as I was, but I think SEGA and Sonic Team could have gone a little further and given these titles the proper Sonic Mania treatment. In fact, if you are new to Sonic go for the Mania instead. | Read review |
COGconnected | James Paley | 70 / 100 | 06-21-2022 | Sega is straight-up hooked on compilations. Their old catalogue has come out on everything from the PS2 to the Mini Genesis. You almost certainly own half the games in this collection several times over. On the other hand, Sonic 3 and Sonic CD are two terrific games that deserve your attention. Plus, Sega has done an admirable job in filling this collection with bonus content. And we can’t overlook the accessibility win that is Anniversary Mode. While there are a lot of old Sonic games that deserve this treatment more, Sonic Origins has earned a place of sorts. If you’re looking for a glittery shrine to Sonic’s 2D era, this collection has got you covered. | Read review |
Cubed3 | Neil Flynn | 7 / 10 | 07-04-2022 | On one hand there are 4 great games in Sonic Origins, all are well cherished by Sonic fans, and are games that are considered some of the best in the Sonic franchise. Players might not even notice some of the glitches if they have never played Sonic, some long-time veterans might not even encounter them, but then on the other hand, these games, which have been out on the market for 25 years or more, cost a premium price with so many bugs and glitches present. Anniversary mode, Story mode and Mission mode will certainly be a refreshing change of pace for those that have completed these games dozens of times and it’s fun while it lasts, but the package falls short by not including more than previous collections. | Read review |
cublikefoot | Chase Ferrin | Not Recommended | 07-04-2022 | Sonic Origins packages together some absolutely solid classics with some nice upgrades, but is itself lacking in content and introduces some strange new issues not present in the original games. | Read review |
Destructoid | Zoey Handley | 6.5 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | Slightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy them a bit, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled. | Read review |
Forbes | Ollie Barder | 8 / 10 | 06-26-2022 | Overall, Sonic Origins is an excellent collection of games to introduce newer players to what made Sonic the Hedgehog so interesting and unique. However, after Sonic Mania it does feel a bit of a step down with the reduced difficulty. | Read review |
Game Informer | Brian Shea | 8.5 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | While the music changes and audio mishaps are disappointing, the Sonic Origins package is terrific overall. Having the best versions of the classic Sonic saga in one bundle is supremely satisfying, and Anniversary Mode’s enhancements make the experience of playing through them more enjoyable than ever before. Even in a gaming landscape where most of these games are already available to download on every platform, Sonic Origins is a worthwhile package. | Read review |
GameGrin | Alana Dunitz | 7.5 / 10 | 07-04-2022 | Sonic Origins looks and sounds great, but doesn’t add extra perks like the ability to rewind or save states that would help lower the difficulty. The ability to play as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles in each of the games is a nice touch. | Read review |
Gamer Escape | Aaron Botts | 7 / 10 | 07-03-2022 | Messy as it is, Sonic Origins is still a collection of the best 2D entries the franchise has to offer. It may not be as dense in content in comparison to prior compilations like Sonic Mega Collection or Sonic Gems Collection, but it does just enough to not get in the way of what made these games system sellers in their heyday. While I was hoping for an easy touchdown, this ended up being a fumble recovery instead. Hefty price tag be damned, new players deserve to see why people like me keep going back to what many consider the reason people loved Sonic in the first place. | Read review |
Gamers Heroes | Casey Scheld | 6 / 10 | 06-24-2022 | Sonic Origins is a raw deal, providing little content with questionable edits. The widescreen support, drop dash, and Mission Mode are welcome additions, but they all come at a (steep) price. | Read review |
GamesBeat | Mike Minotti | 45 / 100 | 06-22-2022 | These games look great and play better than they ever have in HD. But what else do you get? As far as extras, not a ton. You do get a small museum mode, a boss rush, and some bonus missions. But compared to, say, the 3D explorable world with its multiple media museums from Sonic Jam, it’s a bit bare. But, hey, I’m not really here for bonuses. I’m here for those four games. And a few oddities aside, these are fantastic remasters. Even if you’re a Sonic fan who already owns these games in other compilations, Origins is worth it. | Read review |
GameSpew | Richard Seagrave | 9 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | Each Sonic game presented here in Sonic Origins has something that makes it stand out from the rest. But they all share a certain magic that means we return to them, time and time again, year after year; that’s why this collection exists, after all. And it’s thanks to this collection that yet more players, young and old, are going to be able to enjoy these classics. Hardcore Sonic fans will rue the music changes in Sonic 3, for sure, but everything else new or tweaked here is for the better. Sonic’s 3D offerings over the years have been sketchy at best, but as long as we can still enjoy his origins, we’ll love him regardless. | Read review |
GameSpot | Heidi Kemps | 7 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | The games remain timeless classics, but the Sonic Origins wrapper leaves something to be desired. | Read review |
GameXplain | Adam Conner | Recommended | 06-21-2022 | Video Review | Read review |
GamingBolt | Shubhankar Parijat | 8 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | Sonic Origins is a worthy celebration of the franchise’s glory days. | Read review |
GamingTrend | David Flynn | 85 / 100 | 06-29-2022 | While it’s not quite what I had hoped for, Sonic Origins is one of the best ways to play Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic CD, Sonic 2, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. The sprite art looks fantastic in widescreen and extras like animated cutscenes bookending each game are a delight. | Read review |
God is a Geek | Chris White | 8 / 10 | 06-30-2022 | Sonic Origins collects four great Sonic games and adds some quality of life improvements, but extra content does feel a little sparse. | Read review |
Hardcore Gamer | Jacob Bukacek | 3.5 / 5 stars | 06-21-2022 | Sonic Origins does a lot right. | Read review |
Hobby Consolas | Daniel Quesada | 84 / 100 | 06-22-2022 | Although as a compilation it is not too complete as we would like, the modernization of these games looks great and includes several extras that will rekindle your flame for the classics. | Read review |
LevelUp | Santiago Villicaña | 8 / 10 | 07-05-2022 | Sonic Origins has done an amazing job to modernize these classic games, and it will be the definitive way we’ll play them in the future, but we think that some old school fans of Sonic might doubt if it’s worth it. | Read review |
Luis Alamilla | Luis Alamilla | 7.5 / 10 | 06-25-2022 | Sonic Origins is a lovely collection and way of revisiting or experiencing the original Sonic games for the first time. You get the original games in their truest classic form, excluding the music in Sonic 3 but also newly updated versions that shine on modern platforms. There’s the occasional visual bug and the DLC execution is hilariously bad, but if you just want to play these classic games again which I think is the core reason this collection exists in the first place, it does a good enough job at providing that experience and elevating it in other aspects with the anniversary edition. | Read review |
Metro GameCentral | GameCentral | 7 / 10 | 06-24-2022 | A competent but flawed compilation of the four best Sonic the Hedgehog games, which adds a half-hearted modern twist to the classic games. | Read review |
MonsterVine | Spencer Legacy | 4.5 / 5 stars | 07-07-2022 | Sonic Origins is an overall strong collection of some of Sonic’s best titles. The PS5 version seems pretty bug-free, and the included games all play very smoothly. I wish there was a bit more content in the gallery, and the replaced Sonic 3 songs are disappointing, but otherwise, I’m quite satisfied with Sonic Origins. | Read review |
Nintendo Life | Mitch Vogel | 8 / 10 | 06-24-2022 | Sonic Origins is simply more of the same, which is both its greatest strength and weakness. On one hand, it’s a near-definitive way to experience four stone-cold classics that represent some of the highest peaks of Sonic’s career. On the other, most of these games are already readily available and there aren’t many new features or additions to justify buying them yet again. If you don’t already have a reliable or convenient way of playing these games now, or this is genuinely your first time playing through them, then we’d say that Sonic Origins is the go-to way to experience Sonic’s 2D heyday. Otherwise, we’d encourage you to either wait for this to go on sale or just pass on it. | Read review |
Nintendo Wire | Tom Brown | 7.5 / 10 | 06-27-2022 | In almost every way, Sonic Origins is a success, except for where it truly matters – the games themselves. What could have been a fantastic celebration of some of the greatest 16-bit platformers out there is instead a tentative recommendation to new fans and a difficult sell for those who’ve spent decades of their lives running in Sonic’s shoes. I’ve enjoyed my time blasting to the past, but it’s fallen frustratingly short of living up to my memories. | Read review |
NintendoWorldReport | Matthew Zawodniak | 6 / 10 | 07-02-2022 | The only thing that I think this collection truly accomplishes is making some great games available on modern consoles, and that is the absolute bare minimum I can ask. These games-with the possible exception of Sonic 1-are great, and this is a perfectly playable version of them. Sadly, we’ve seen the potential of what a Classic Sonic collection could be, and Sonic Origins absolutely does not live up to that potential. | Read review |
PC Invasion | Cameron Woolsey | 7 / 10 | 06-23-2022 | Sonic Origins works magic with Anniversary Mode, allowing you to play four classic Sonic games in widescreen. However, the speed bumps, ranging from features moved to DLC and a lack of great content, bring the fun to a crawl. | Read review |
PCMag | Zackery Cuevas | 3.5 / 5 stars | 06-30-2022 | Sonic’s beloved, 2D adventures return with a fresh coat of HD paint. However, this otherwise enjoyable collection of Genesis-era games is marred by a few technical issues. | Read review |
PlayStation Universe | Michael Harradence | 9.5 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | Sonic Origins is a fantastic celebration of 30 years of SEGA’s spiky blue mascot, offering four of the best platformers money can buy and chucking in a bunch of great extras that long-time fans can appreciate. Regardless of where the Blue Blur head next, Sonic Origins is a reminder of just how damn good these timeless classics are. | Read review |
Press Start | Kieron Verbrugge | 8 / 10 | 06-24-2022 | Sonic Origins keeps the focus on the hedgehog’s early core entries, polishing them up to a fine sheen and creating an addictive ecosystem around them that breathes new life into each title. There are a few missteps and grubby mechanics to forgive, but otherwise this is well worth diving into for old-school Sonic fans. | Read review |
PSX Brasil | Ivan Nikolai Barkow Castilho | 80 / 100 | 06-21-2022 | Sonic Origins is a collection of classic Sonic games at their best. Extras such as missions, animated cutscenes and Sonic 3 & Knuckles “remastered” in 16:9 also appeal mainly to those who already know the original games. However, the price is very high for what the package offers and is far from being a definitive collection. | Read review |
Push Square | Stephen Tailby | 7 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | Sonic Origins presents four of the hedgehog’s best games with style, and it’s a joy to revisit these iconic platformers. Presentational flourishes like the animated cutscenes, as well as a host of extra modes like Boss Rush and Missions, give fans and newcomers alike plenty to see and do, and the Museum is full of interesting artwork you might not have seen before. Some stingy DLC practices let the side down, and of course, the games themselves have some 30-year-old weaknesses, but this is by-and-large a wonderful spin down memory lane. | Read review |
Saudi Gamer | Unknown | 7 / 10 | 06-26-2022 | The games are solid and presented in great quality, that’s for sure, but the meager and daresay greedy approach isn’t fitting for a 30th anniversary celebration. | Read review |
SECTOR.sk | Matúš Štrba | 7 / 10 | 06-29-2022 | Sonic Origins brings the classic gameplay that we have been used to for decades. Just now with some minor bugs and a really high price tag. | Read review |
Shacknews | Donovan Erskine | 8 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | Sonic Origins is not only an excellent trip down memory lane for fans of the series, it’s also the perfect entry point for those looking to play them for the very first time. The games are all as beautiful as ever and control like a dream. There are also a plethora of bonus goodies that celebrate the iconic artwork and music of the platforming series. While it’s easy to get caught up in arguments about the current direction of the Sonic IP, Sonic Origins is a refreshing reminder that the original games are among the best 2D platformers ever made. | Read review |
SpazioGames | Valentino Cinefra | 8 / 10 | 06-29-2022 | Sonic Origins is yet another collection of classic Sonic games, but it’s the best ever. | Read review |
The Games Machine | Emanuele Feronato | 8.3 / 10 | 06-27-2022 | Sonic Collection is not only a (guess what?) collection of the first games featuring the blue hedgehog and friends cleverly remastered and with an improved gameplay, but it’s also a long platformer – if we consider the Story mode which will take us by hand through all four chapters – which I would recommend also to those who are unfamiliar with the franchise and are simply looking for a fun and fast paced game with colorful graphics and an awesome level design where there’s always something new to discover. Highly recommended both for Sonic lovers and newcomers. | Read review |
ThisGenGaming | Justin Oneil | 8 / 10 | 07-07-2022 | Sonic Origins contains the best Sonic games ever made but a lack of features, games, and new music holds it back from greatness. If Origins would’ve had more Sonic games in it along with things like save states and a rewind option than it would be a better package. The new music in Sonic 3 is also a letdown when compared to the original tracks. There is still a lot here to love though like the new animated cutscenes, the challenge system, and the new aspect ratio for these games. While Sonic Origins is a fine way to celebrate the series, the blue blur deserves a little bit better after everything he has been through over recent years. | Read review |
Video Chums | A.J. Maciejewski | 7 / 10 | 06-29-2022 | Sonic Origins does an excellent job with its presentation, bonus content, and modernizations of classic games. On the other hand, I wish more games were included even if they didn’t get the royal treatment that the 4 titles here did. | Read review |
WayTooManyGames | Leonardo Faria | 8 / 10 | 06-23-2022 | When Sonic Origins was first announced, I honestly thought it was going to be the single most pointless re-release in the history of pointless Sega re-releases. Even though its dumb DLC packs are absurd, the compilation itself is excellent. This is the single best way to play all of the Mega Drive-era Sonic games with tons of extra features and quality of life improvements. It basically justifies its existence as something more than a mere cash grab to celebrate the franchise’s (belated) 30th anniversary. | Read review |
Wccftech | Nathan Birch | 6.5 / 10 | 06-23-2022 | Sonic Origins does well by Sega’s classics, but only to a point. While the action feels true to the 16-bit originals, an abbreviated list of games, lack of features and archival goodies, and frustrating crashes keep this collection a step short of greatness. Hardcore Sonic fans looking to relive some of the hedgehog’s best games in widescreen HD ought to have fun, but others may wish Sega had reached harder for that shiny gold ring. | Read review |
Worth Playing | Cody Medellin | 8 / 10 | 06-21-2022 | Sonic Origins isn’t a comprehensive collection of Sonic games, as some of the 16-bit entries are missing. It also isn’t the definitive version of these games, especially since the music for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 seems to be the sticking point for re-releases. What you have are four games that add a good deal of quality-of-life changes without changing anything else that made the Sonic games classics in the first place. If you can get over the initial asking price and confusion over the versions and are a fan of the older Sonic games, this one is worth a spin. | Read review |
Xbox Achievements | Richard Walker | 65 / 100 | 06-22-2022 | While it’s almost impossible not to have fun with Sonic Origins, it is easy to lament the missing features, neutered Sonic 3 soundtrack, and absence of the blue blur’s outings on the Master System and Game Gear. Disappointing. | Read review |
Game Info
Celebrate the games that started it all. Sonic Origins is a brand new collection including Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic CD, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Play as Sonic, Tails, & Knuckles and immerse yourself in the fully remastered gameplay, tie the games together with all new animations, explore added features, modes, and more!
RELEASE DATES:
DEVELOPER(S):
- SEGA
PUBLISHER(S):
- SEGA
GENRES:
- Action, Platformer
SERIES/FRANCHISE:
- Sonic the Hedgehog
GAME MODES:
- Single player
GAME ENGINE:
- Retro Engine
DLC:
- -
BUNDLED IN:
- -
DIRECTOR(S):
- -
PRODUCER(S):
- Takashi Iizuka
DESIGNER(S):
- -
PROGRAMMER(S):
- -
ARTIST(S):
- -
WRITER(S):
- Ian Flynn
COMPOSER(S):
- -
GAME MODES:
- Single player
GAME ENGINE:
- Retro Engine
DLC:
- n/a
BUNDLED IN:
- n/a
DIRECTOR(S):
- n/a
PRODUCER(S):
- Takashi Iizuka
DESIGNER(S):
- n/a
PROGRAMMER(S):
- n/a
ARTIST(S):
- n/a
WRITER(S):
- Ian Flynn
COMPOSER(S):
- n/a
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