Sonic Originswas a big deal when it launched. It finally brought the Christian Whitehead and Headcannon remasters ofSonic 1,Sonic 2, and Sonic CD to consoles. These phenomenal versions of the classic games were stuck on mobile devices for years. Not only that, but it also marked the return of Sonic 3 & Knuckles, which hadn’t been re-released in over a decade. And now, Sonic Origins has an updated version.
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Sonic Origins Plus adds even more content to the collection and puts some interesting twists on the games featured in the original, giving you more opportunities to experience these belovedSegatitles in brand-new ways.
812 New Games Are Added To The Collection
In addition to the return of Sonic 1, 2, CD, and 3 & Knuckles, Sonic Origins Plus adds 12 Game Gear titles to the compilation’s library. These include:
This is the first time sinceSonic Adventure DXlaunched in 2003 that everySonicgame for the Game Gear is playable in one collection. Even some of the most famous compilations in the series, like Sonic Mega Collection Plus and Sonic Gems Collection, only featured half of the Game Gear library each.
While some of these titles are more exciting than others,some of the best Game Gear gamesare in this selection.
7Amy Is Playable For The First Time In The Classic Games
For many years, Amy has primarily been pushed aside as a supporting character while the Blue Blur got to go on all the adventures. Not anymore. Amy Rose is playable for the first time ever in Sonic 1, 2, CD, and 3 & Knuckles.
Aside from racing games, Amy hadn’t been playable in a main campaign since the Sonic Boom series. And before that, it was Sonic 06. Yikes.
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What sets Amy apart from the other characters in Sonic Origins Plus is her Piko Piko Hammer. She can swing it in the air to extend the reach of her attacks, hitting enemies that normally would be missed by Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.
She can also perform a slight variation of Sonic’s drop dash. When she hits the ground, she’ll run forward and smash any enemies in her way with her hammer.
She can even use the spin dash, which is an extremely rare ability for this character.
6Super Amy Is Now Canon
After all these years since her debut in Sonic CD, Amy finally gets her own super form. Once you’ve completed allthe special stagesas her, you’ll be able to transform into Super Amy.
This is a big deal. In games like Sonic Heroes and Sonic Advance, only the Blue Blur himself was able to use the Chaos Emeralds, even if you had collected them with Amy.
However, there is a bit of a catch. Unlike Super Sonic, Super Amy does not have any major changes in appearance.
No turning yellow or sporting spiky hair, unfortunately. Instead, Amy’s new super form goes the route of Super Tails and Super Knuckles by only having a slight palette swap.
Nevertheless, it’s a cool addition that gives her the time in the spotlight she rightfully deserves.
5Knuckles Is Playable On Sonic CD
It was bizarre to see Knuckles missing from Sonic CD in the original Sonic Origins. It’s the only game in the collection where you can’t choose him as a character, and he’s the only one missing.
Thankfully, you’re able to now pick the world’s greatest treasure hunter during your next playthrough of this beloved Sega CD title.
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Knuckles' ability to glide and climb walls opens up a wealth of new possibilities for exploration as you play the game’s many stages. These new powers can be a useful tool when searching for Robotnik’s generators, which you’ll need to do if you want to get the good future for each zone.
4Sonic CD Levels Have Been Tweaked
For the first time ever, new routes have been added to Sonic CD’s levels. These paths can only be accessed with Knuckles, making this the only time a re-release has made accommodations for his inclusion.
Sonic CD has some of themost memorable stages in the series, and for the first time since it launched in 1993, you can discover new shortcuts and secrets as you speed through them. This is a very welcome addition, and it adds even more incentive to play as everyone’s favorite echidna.
3New Animations Are Added To The Menu
Sonic Origins had some gorgeous menus featuring 3D renders of classic Sonic characters, enemies, and locations. This new version adds even more animations, this time starring Amy and Knuckles.
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This marks the first time a 3D model of Classic Amy can be seen in-game since Sonic Gems Collection in 2005 when she was playable in Sonic R and Sonic The Fighters. These original designs are adorable and still hold up well. The new animations further add personality to the already charming menus and give you some new Easter Eggs to look for when selecting a game.
2All Previously Released DLC Is Included
Sonic Origins Plus comes with all DLC that was released for the original. These include extreme missions, additional letterbox backgrounds, songs from other Sonic games, Mirror Mode unlocked, and several others.
Yes, there was a time when you could pay money to unlock Mirror Mode in Sonic Origins. Thankfully, this mode will be available right from the start of the new update.
The bonus extreme missions are nice if you’re looking for a challenge outside the main games, and the additional Sonic music is always a treat since the series has some ofthe greatest tunes in video game history.
1It Has A Physical Release, But There’s A Twist
The original Sonic Origins tragically didn’t get a physical release, but this changes with Sonic Origins Plus. Well, kind of.
The new content, including playable Amy and the Game Gear games, will only be accessible through a download code you get when you buy the game.
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Unfortunately, this means that the only content on the disk, or cartridge for Nintendo Switch, is from the original Sonic Origins. Needless to say, this is disappointing, and sort of defeats the purpose of a physical edition.
Hopefully, this won’t be too much of an inconvenience, but you may need to make a little extra room on your console or SD card.
