Trivia/Notes

The version of Sonic the Hedgehog (first game) included on this compilation introduces the familiar Spin Dash, as well as implementing a skid effect when sonic comes to a halt, both familiar from the later Sonic titles

Screenshots

Brief Review

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Overall Score:

In-Depth Review

The Saturn is definitely not the system for Sonic games. It only had three - Sonic 3D, Sonic R and Sonic Jam. None of them were that popular but I am going to review my personal favorite - Sonic Jam

Upon booting up the game, you are greeted with the most pointless intro sequence ever (Its literally just Sonic running for a few seconds and then jumping into the air.) which is followed by a choice of 'Game' or 'Sonic World'.

'Game' takes you to a choice of the main four Sonic Games for the MegaDrive.

The versions of the games presented here are perfectly emulated aside from a few sound FX being delayed and certain FX which appear 'warped', although these are very rare.
Aside from the regular versions, there is a 'Normal' mode which removes some enemies and adds more rings, and an 'Easy' mode which removes entire stages.

There are also 'Time Attack' and 'Special Stage' modes which are self-explanatory, and you get a full choice of lock-ons for Sonic & Knuckles.

'Sonic World' is a fully 3D environment where you can complete missions of the most simple and self-explanatory variety, (Stuff like 'Collect 20 Rings' or '3 Red Points', although 'Touch Miles' took a bit of thinking, sounds a bit obscene!)

If you complete all of the missions then you unlock a 'Special Bonus' (which, to my dismay, is the credits).

Around the World are buildings that include;

'Character House' (Concept Art and bios of each character.)

'Movie Theater' (A collection of cringe-worthy Japanese Sonic commercials, I would have appreciated some European and American ones aswell.) and...

'Music Shop' (where you can listen to music and effects from each included game.)

The graphics in Sonic World are definitely not the best on the Saturn, but they are not the worst either and display great textures and a consistent framerate of 30 FPS.

In conclusion, if you are a fan of the old-school Sonic games then Sonic Jam is the ultimate collection for you, displaying perfectly emulated graphics, sound and gameplay across the four included games.

Most reviews I have seen question why Sonic CD was not included, but this is probably not possible as both CD and Jam came on Compact Discs and CD would probably not fit on the disc with all of the other stuff.

 

Breakdown

Gameplay:

10/10

Contains some of the best platformers ever and the Sonic World missions can be a blast as well.

Graphics:

8/10

Not the best 32-bit quality but still pleasing to the eye.

Sound:

8/10

If it werent for the occasional glitches with the sound it would get a 10 in this department.

Longetivety:

9/10

Contains 4 games with bonus Sonic World missions so it should keep you occupied for a very long time.

Originality:

9/10

One of the only compilations out there during the Saturn era with this type of extra content and bonus modes.

Overall:

 9/10