#allsonic

Original platform: LCD game

Original release: 2004

Available to buy: No

Another version of Shadow Hockey. Move Shadow around and hit the “shoot” button when your opponent is not in front of you.

Original platform: Java Mobile

Original release: 16th February 2011

Where to get: Unavailable.

Available to buy: No

This java mobile game was originally designed for India, celebrating Sonic’s 20th anniversary by combining him with their most popular sport. This mobile game is light on features, but the gameplay is surprisingly in depth.

In Sonic Cricket, you play through single cricket matches (with 5, 10, 15 or 20 overs), picking either Sonic, Tails or Knuckles to be team captain (sadly, Amy is relegated to being a cheerleader). Dr Robotnik acts as umpire. All the other players on the teams are robots, so you’ll be mainly seeing those for most of the game. Based on a coin toss, you’ll start by batting or bowling, then do the other after.

Batting has two options: a simple option where you press a button to hit, or a more complex mode using 8 numbers for different kinds of shots, and moving left to right to position yourself (if you have a left handed batsman, this is also swapped around). Once you’ve launched the ball, you can press 5 to run, cancelling it if you think you need to. 

Bowling isn’t a case of throwing the ball as hard as you can. First you choose to bowl from the left or right, then aim for a spot on the ground. Then a bar will fill up to determine power, and then spin. If you go for full blast, you’ll likely get a “no ball”, as the ball needs to hit the ground before it reaches the batsman, you have to choose your shot carefully. When fielding, you can choose to pass your ball to either wicket to try and get someone out. The team captain also has a power shot for a stronger bowl or hit, but this depends on how long the captain lasts before getting out (or one over for bowling).

Original Platform: Wii

Original release: 10th March 2009

Available to buy: No

The second Sonic storybook game after Sonic and the Secret Rings. This one is an adaptation of the legends of King Arthur, with Merlina the Wizard summing Sonic into her world to help defeat an evil King Arthur.

The biggest issue people had with Secret Rings has been fixed in this game. The game uses both the Wii Remote and nunchuck, with the analogue stick controlling movement. Sonic is still on a “track”, so will automatically make turns, but your movement is still important.

The other big change is that Sonic wields a sword, shaking the Wii Remote to attack. You can plough through most enemies while retaining speed if you time things right, so it’s still a fast-paced game.

The levels are all set in a medieval world, but are still really nice to look at. Other than one section involving a collapsing bridge, I really enjoyed them. There are also additional missions which take place either on parts of the main level or levels unique to the mission.

One thing I did find odd about the game is that it has a fake credits. There’s a fight that could potentially be a final boss, then the credits roll. Unlike other games with fake credits (like Kid Icarus Uprising), there’s no interruption. The game even boots you to the main menu afterwards, but there is still a decent chunk of the game afterwards, including unlocking the ability to play as Knight versions of Shadow, Knuckles and Blaze. It really wouldn’t surprise me if someone had no idea that part of the game exsted.

Original Platform: Java

Version played: iOS

Original release: 1st July 2010

AKA: Sonic Freehand

Available to buy: No

A cute little auto running game. This adorable drawing of Sonic will run on his own and you tap the screen to jump, trying to collect rings, land on badniks and make it over jumps. Rings will help you survive, and the game starts off with spikes covering the pits until you get to the harder difficulties (where falling into the pits will be instant death). Accompanying the game is a really nice chilled out version of the Splash Hill Zone music.

Original Platform: Flash

Original Release: 2005

Available to buy: No

A flash bowling game featuring Sonic the Hedgehog. Use the mouse to move the bowling ball, the arrow above it will sway from side to side to aim the direction. Click to let go.

Instead of following the normal rules for bowling, this has its own strange points system where strikes and spares are worth more points as the game goes on.

Original platform: LCD game

Original release: 2004

Available to buy: No

This one has movement AND an action button. We’re getting very fancy now. The game itself is very, very simple, though, lower the fishing lure to the right level and press the button to reel it in. It doesn’t get very fast, so it’s one of the more relaxing ones.

Original Platform: Flash

Original Release: 2007

Available to buy: No

Rings, Emeralds and Dr Robotnik will fly from the bottom of the screen to the top. Clicking on rings gets you 1 point, emeralds get you 5 points and Dr Robotnik takes away 10 points.

Original Platform: Android/iOS

Original release: 11th January 2018

Available to buy: No

Not Played: Required servers have been shut down.

I’m kind of glad I can’t play this one. You can install the game on your phone, but can’t get past the starting menu as it requires a connection to the now offline servers.