Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Pinball, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Wii
- Developers: Sega Technical Institute
- Publishers: Sega, Tec Toy
Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball (1993)
Introduction:
Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball is a pinball platformer video game developed by Sega Technical Institute and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis. It was released in North America in November 1993, and in Europe and Japan the following year. The game is the second installment in the Sonic Spinball series, following Sonic Spinball (1991) for the Game Gear.
Gameplay:
Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball is a pinball platformer game in which the player controls Sonic the Hedgehog as he rolls through a variety of pinball tables. The game features seven different tables, each with its own unique layout and challenges. Sonic can use his signature spin attack to bounce off bumpers, collect rings, and defeat enemies. He can also use the pinball flippers to launch himself around the table and reach new areas.
The goal of the game is to collect all of the Chaos Emeralds and defeat Dr. Eggman. The Chaos Emeralds are scattered throughout the seven pinball tables, and Sonic must collect them all in order to reach the final boss battle. Dr. Eggman is the main antagonist of the game, and he will stop at nothing to prevent Sonic from foiling his plans.
Plot:
The story of Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball begins with Dr. Eggman (AKA Dr. Robotnik) turning the animals of Mobius into robots using his monstrous contraption, the Veg-O-Fortress. Sonic is the only one who can penetrate the Pinball Defense System to free the animals, retrieve the Chaos Emeralds, and put a stop to Dr. Eggman’s fiendish plans.
Sonic sets out on a journey to travel through the seven pinball tables and collect the Chaos Emeralds. Along the way, he must defeat Dr. Eggman’s robots and overcome a variety of obstacles. In the end, Sonic confronts Dr. Eggman in a final boss battle and defeats him, saving the animals of Mobius and restoring peace to the land.
Reception:
Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s unique gameplay and colorful graphics, while others criticized its difficulty and repetitive level design. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Legacy:
Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball is remembered as one of the more unique and experimental games in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. It was one of the first games to combine pinball with platforming elements, and it helped to pave the way for future Sonic spin-off games.
Review:
Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball is a fun and challenging pinball platformer that offers a unique twist on the classic Sonic formula. The game’s seven pinball tables are all well-designed and offer a variety of challenges. Sonic’s spin attack and the pinball flippers give the player a lot of control over his movement, and the game’s physics are tight and responsive.
However, the game’s difficulty can be a bit frustrating at times. Some of the levels are very challenging, and it can be difficult to collect all of the Chaos Emeralds. Additionally, the game’s repetitive level design can become tedious after a while.
Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog: Spinball is a solid pinball platformer that offers a unique and challenging experience. Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog and pinball games will likely enjoy this game, but those who are looking for a more traditional Sonic experience may be disappointed.
Score:
6.5/10
Review Score
6.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
