Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for PlayStation 3 Reviews by Gamers

Step back into another time, when only the hardest of the hardcores had multiple game consoles, and when cross-platform titles were the exception rather than the rule. The games on this disc represent some of the biggest hits to grace Sega's 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, and most hold up well for people who would have actually owned and played these systems in their heyday. Forty games are available at the beginning, and nine more can be unlocked by completing Achievements (360) or earning Trophies (PS3).

However, it should be noted that the game list includes lots of sequels; Sonic and Co. account for seven games, plus you'll see Golden Axe I-III, Streets of Rage 1-3, and Phantasy Star I-IV (the original game must be unlocked by playing Sonic 2 for some reason; the other three are available by default). This is a refreshing change from some shoddier collections, where they couldn't secure the rights to game 1, but they include 2 and 3 anyway. On the other hand, if you didn't go for Streets of Rage, that's three games that you'll probably never play. Still, you get a lot of games for the price.

As far as I can tell, there haven't been any major graphical or gameplay changes to the games. This isn't Golden Axe HD, and it's not meant to be; it's the game you would have played twenty years ago. The only real difference is the feel of playing on a PlayStation controller rather than a 3- or 6-button Genesis controller. It's not a big deal, but it does confuse the ol' muscle memory a little.

If you owned a Sega Genesis or Master System, you'll probably remember most of these games fondly, and get hours of retro-gaming enjoyment from Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection. If you didn't, most of these games will be foreign to you, and you may find yourself playing a game once, exiting, scrolling through the game select screen a few more times, then ejecting the game and returning it. Sorry, but the nostalgia's half of the appeal to these games.

This is a game that you can always come back to and play. If you are someone who likes retro gaming and remembers playing even a few of these games, you will be in for a treat. There is so much to explore. For the price and features of this package, I don't know how you could do much better unless the graphics or gameplay was somehow enhanced. 9/10.