Metacritic Games

Sonic Mega Collection (GameCube)

Seven classic Sonic games, each presented in its original blistering-fast form. Trace the blue blur's roots in the first three "Sonic the Hedgehog" games, and expand the experience with "Sonic & Knuckles"' lock-on technology. Then mix things up with "Sonic Spinball," "Sonic 3D Blast," and "Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine." And if you need a break from the action, head over to the Extras section and check out movies, illustrations, and comics of Sega's signature character. [Sega]

Sega of America
Action
Players: 2
E (Everyone)
Developer: Sonic Team
Released November 12, 2002

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

75 / 100

Critic Reviews

94 GamingTrend
For $40, this is one of the greatest compilation games ever released.
91 GameNow
Sonic fans owe it to themselves to pick this up. [Dec 2002, p.72]
91 Cinescape
If I thought the first SONIC was good, I was completely blown away by the second game.
90 Nintendojo
If you have a girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse who doesn’t get into games that much, plug in this title and go right to "Mean Bean Machine." You’ll have so much fun you won’t hardly believe it.
88 GameZone
The controls are top-notch -- even the thumbstick is usable, and it works flawlessly.
88 Game Informer
Perhaps the best compilation ever. [Dec 2002, p.128]
87 GameCube Europe
A retro classic.
85 Nintendophiles
It features five great sonic games, and Sega can be excused for including two mediocre titles.
82 Armchair Empire
It’s the perfect melding of classic old-school gaming on the newest generation of video gaming consoles.
80 Cheat Code Central
The problem? I thought you'd never ask. No "Sonic CD." If you've ever played "Sonic CD" on the Sega CD you'll know why it NEEDS to be in this collection of great Sonic Genesis titles.
80 GamePro
Pastel graphics comprise the visuals, and the audio ranges from passable (Sonic 2) to outright atrocious (Spinball).
80 G4 TV
Fantastic gameplay.
75 IGN
A wonderful little collection that, while not perfect, is a great value.
75 NintendoWorldReport
Those who don’t own the Genesis originals or Sonic Jam will find SMC well worth $40; those already possessing most of the included games have little reason purchase this GameCube disc.
72 GameSpot
If you're fiending for Sonic the Hedgehog and either don't have or are unwilling to drag out a dusty Genesis from the closet, don't hesitate to give it a shot.
72 Electronic Gaming Monthly
Good, but could have been so much more. [Dec 2002, p.240]
70 GameShark
If you own a Sega Genesis and only Sonic games, it may be time to trade them all in and buy this single disc; you will save space and come back with even more then what you left with.
70 EuroGamer
This title is a vastly preferable alternative to a myriad Sonic Advances in the style of Nintendo's Mario rehashes.
70 Gamestyle
Lost however is some of the speed and flow of the previous games; a little too much in the way of exploration involved for a Sonic game (if you want to find all the bonus level entrances anyway).
70 GamerWeb Nintendo
The extras included in Mega Collection could have been spiffier, but they're interesting enough and round out the package well.
67 Game Revolution
If you already have some of these games, I'd advise just blowing the dust off the old Genesis, because there isn't enough good extra stuff here.
64 Nintendo Power
The ultimate compilation of Sonic adventures. [Dec 2002, p.218]
60 All Game Guide
A solid value well worth a spin. Just don't expect much more than the original titles.
60 Play Magazine
Some easy fixes would have made Sonic Mega Collection a celebration rather than a somwhat missed opportunity. [Nov 2002, p.90]
58 Gaming Age
While a great collectible, the Sonic Mega Collection is still full of games that most of us fans still probably own in one form or another and it is also a bit too similar to "Sonic Jam."
50 netjak
Sega, however, has seen fit to present the games in such an unflattering collection as to present players with a difficult choice: Do I support the half-assed porting of some of gaming's most treasured titles to current systems, thus ensuring that future retro releases for the company will be as dismal? Or do I withhold my money and wait for Sega to release an unfettered, improved version of the games -- a release that may not come due to supposedly lackluster performance and a dearth of interest?

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