Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core appeal of Sonic Classics lies in the fact that each of the three titles—Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine—play exactly as their original cartridges did on the Genesis. From the moment you select a game from the menu, you’re plunged into the familiar responsiveness of Sonic’s high-speed platforming, the tight momentum-based physics, and the classic button layout. Whether you’re executing a loop-de-loop in Green Hill Zone or launching into the iconic spin dash in Mansion Zone, the controls feel precise and true to the source.

Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine departs from the platforming action, offering a block-matching puzzle challenge reminiscent of Puyo Puyo. It’s a welcome change of pace, demanding quick thinking and pattern recognition rather than reflexive stage navigation. The transition between side-scrolling levels and puzzle matches is seamless from the menu, though you can only play one game at a time and must return to the main menu to swap titles.

One notable omission is the inability to lock on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to a Sonic & Knuckles cartridge, which means you won’t unlock Knuckles the Echidna or access the extended content of “Knuckles in Sonic 2.” For purists who enjoyed hunting down hidden areas with Knuckles, this limitation may feel like a missed opportunity. Aside from that restriction, levels run smoothly, enemy placements are unaltered, and you’ll find the same mix of platforming challenges, ring-collecting tension, and boss battles that defined these classics.

Graphics

Sonic Classics faithfully reproduces the vibrant, sprite-based visuals that made the Genesis era so memorable. Each game’s color palette, background parallax, and level design have been preserved without noticeable blurring or stretching. Green Hill Zone’s rolling hills and checkerboard patterns pop just as they did in 1991, while the colder, mechanical environs of Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine retain their sharp pixel art charm.

Frame rate stability is generally excellent across all three titles, though you may encounter occasional slowdowns in stages packed with hazardous obstacles or when multiple sprites occupy the screen. These hiccups mirror the original cartridges and are part of the nostalgic appeal rather than a technical flaw of the compilation. Overall, the visual fidelity remains high, and the cartridges exhibit the crisp edges and bold colors expected from a well-maintained Genesis-style release.

Because the games haven’t been remastered or upscaled, there’s no additional filter, scanline option, or widescreen support. This purist approach ensures fans experience Sonic and company exactly as they played decades ago, but new players looking for graphical enhancements might feel the lack of modern polish. Still, if you’re after retro authenticity, the visuals deliver exactly what you want—no more, no less.

Story

As a compilation of three distinct titles, Sonic Classics doesn’t weave a single overarching narrative. Instead, each game offers its own straightforward storyline. In Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, you once again race against Dr. Robotnik to free captured animals and recover the Chaos Emeralds. The plots are minimal, designed to get you running on loops and slopes rather than diving deep into dialogue or cutscenes.

Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine shifts the narrative tone to a lighthearted puzzle competition. Here, you battle against Beanbots in a bid to thwart Robotnik’s new scheme of turning innocent beans into mindless machines. The story serves mainly as flavor text between puzzle matches, but it provides enough context to keep the action engaging and varied.

While some players might miss modern character development or extended cutscenes, the simplicity of the narratives is part of the charm. These games embody early ’90s platforming and arcade sensibilities—fast-paced gameplay underscored by a “stop Robotnik” premise. The compilation faithfully preserves that ethos without attempting to add new lore or expand on Sonic’s world beyond the original scope.

Overall Experience

Sonic Classics offers strong value for fans and newcomers alike by packaging three beloved titles onto a single cartridge. The sheer convenience of having Sonic 1, Sonic 2, and Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine in one place makes it an attractive purchase, especially for those who’ve been searching for easy access to these retro experiences. The faithful emulation and unaltered gameplay ensure that nostalgia seekers will feel right at home.

However, the locked-down nature of this compilation—namely the absence of a lock-on feature for Sonic the Hedgehog 2—means you won’t experience all the possible Genesis-era content. If you’ve longed to play as Knuckles in Sonic 2, you’ll need to find a separate Sonic & Knuckles setup. Aside from that drawback, though, Sonic Classics delivers a smooth and faithful ride through some of the Blue Blur’s earliest adventures.

Ultimately, Sonic Classics is a love letter to long-time fans and a robust introduction for newcomers curious about the Genesis lineage. While it lacks modern bells and whistles like graphical filters or expanded features, its faithful reproduction of gameplay, visuals, and sound make it a must-have for collectors and aficionados of classic platformers. Whether you’re reliving Sonic’s 16-bit heyday or discovering these titles for the first time, this compilation is a solid addition to any retro gaming library.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10