Sonic Labyrinth

Sonic Labyrinth
Sonic Labyrinth cover art (European version)
Developer(s)	Minato Giken
Publisher(s)	Sega
Platform(s)	Sega Game Gear
Genre(s)	Platform
Mode(s)	Single-player

Sonic Labyrinth is a puzzle-come-platform game for the Sega Game Gear, released 17 November 1995 in Japan and in 1995 in North America and Europe. It is also playable on Sonic Adventure DX and in the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox editions of Sonic Mega Collection Plus. The game features isometric 3D gameplay similar to the SegaSonic the Hedgehog arcade game and Sonic 3D. Sonic and Dr. Eggman are the only characters in this game.

Story

While storming in his headquarters one day, Dr. Eggman had an idea, if Sonic were somehow deprived of his speed, he would no longer be an obstacle to world conquest. With this brilliant notion, Eggman gleefully begins R&D on a new invention.Later that very day, Sonic awakens from his afternoon nap and slips on his red sneakers only to find out that the shoes are abnormally heavy. Sonic quickly discovers he cannot run or jump.Upon closer examination notices Eggman's insignia on the bottom. Cursing his carelessness, Sonic's attention is drawn to the booming laughter of Dr. Eggman, who proudly explains that his new Speed Down Boots can only be removed with Chaos Emerald power, the same power that created them. And the Emeralds are all hidden away in Eggman's new stronghold, the great labyrinth, an obstacle course Sonic cannot possibly hope to navigate without his trademark speed. South Island suddenly echoes with the sound of large machines: construction has already begun on Eggmanland, the bad Doc's new base of operations. Sonic finds himself in a difficult situation. Sonic enters Eggman's great labyrinth to take back the Chaos Emeralds and his namesake speed.

Gameplay

File:GGSonicLabyrinth.png

Sonic in the first level, Labyrinth of the Sky who has collected all 3 keys to finish the stage.

Players control Sonic by moving them around a pinball-like arena, using their power to roll into a ball to defeat Badniks and pick up keys in order to exit through the GOAL door to clear the stage. The only move Sonic can use in the game is the Spin Dash, because Dr. Eggman secretly replaced his famous red shoes with another pair: the Slow-Down Boots that took away his ability to run fast or jump, and they cannot be removed at all without the use of Chaos Emerald energy. Sonic does retain his ability to walk and Spin Dash, however there is a time limit in each stage so it is best to move quickly.

Stages

In Sonic Labyrinth, there are a total of four Zones, each containing three acts and a boss battle. The goal is to help Sonic locate three keys hidden throughout the stages and then head to the "goal" door.

Throughout the stages are many enemies just waiting to attack Sonic, so the player must remain aware of their surroundings. The only time Sonic is able to collect rings is during Boss fights (and before fights as Sonic is rolling down a steep incline toward the Boss) but Sonic will "die" in two hits no matter how many rings the player has unless the player ends up with zero rings, then Sonic will only take one hit. With the keys in hand, Sonic can withstand a few attacks by enemies.

Reception

GamePro gave it a score of 4.5 out of 5, saying it makes a great addition to Sonic's handheld collection. However, Electronic Gaming Monthly rated it 4.8 out of 10 and asked "Why not just follow the same Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball routine instead of pretending he[Sonic] can actually move while on his feet?", then claimed that the repetitive gameplay creates boredom. Also, Screw Attack ranked the game at #2 in its list of Worst Sonic Games for a perceived lack of speed.

External links

• Sonic Labyrinth at MobyGames
• Screenshots (Sonic Scene Net)
• Sonic Labyrinth at Green Hill Zone