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The Sonic Classic Collection is a DS bundle of four old Sonic games - Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles, although Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles are both pretty much the same game, just with a different character in the main role. Bundled together with some unlockable artwork from Sonic's early days, each of the games in the collection is accessible from the get go via a handy menu, and is included on the cartridge without anything in the way of upgrades or additions for this new outing.
With each game being a sizeable side scrolling platformer in the vein of New Super Mario Bros, there's certainly plenty to play through here. Relying more on speed than Mario's precision platforming, the levels in Sonic often encourage you to go as fast as you possibly can, as you dash through loops, spring over jumps, and spin through tunnels, although you can often slow down to take things at your own pace. Topped off with a boss fight that usually revolves around bashing into the nefarious Dr. Robotnik's latest contraptions as much as you can, it's a classic formula, but one that's stood the test of time well.
In terms of accessibility for children, perhaps the only real obstacle here would be one of the difficulty. There's very little in the way of reading here outside the main menu, but plenty of sections do push you to make pixel perfect jumps across challenging sections, which may prove frustrating for younger players if their reactions aren't quite there yet. Not one for the youngest of players, perhaps, but those familiar with Mario's more recent outings should be in familiar waters here.
With the speedy hedgehog in the driver's seat, there's nothing in the Sonic Classic Collection to worry about - no violence, swearing, or sexual content of any kind.
Age Ratings
Format Reviewed: Nintendo DS
