Sonic Colours

System – Nintendo DS
Genre – 2D platformer
Players – 1/2 (Wifi)
Publisher – Sega/DIMPS
Price – £29.99 RRP
Reviewer – Stuart Gipp

The Sonic fanbase is inarguably divided – for every lauded game in the series there is at least one reviled counterpart – but most agree on a couple of points; Sonic Colours is the hog's best console title in years, and the handheld Sonic Rush series is nothing to sniff at. And so we come to the DS version of the aforementioned Wii stormer, with our expectations somewhat high as a result of its bigger brother. Thankfully, it doesn't disappoint.

Sonic Colours is Sonic Rush 3 in all but name, taking the adrenaline-rich gameplay and mechanics of the established series and refining them into a tighter, better experience. Most significantly, the “trick” system has been removed, meaning that “S” Ranks are a little less elusive, but much more enjoyable to go for – your speed and performance become paramount, rather than how many times you can mash the B button in mid air.

Of course, this being (spiritually) a Rush game, the boost bar is still tremendously important, though the axing of tricks means that Sonic can only fill it by defeating enemies and breaking open Wisp containers. Ah, yes, Wisps. Surely you didn't think that the console version's primary gimmick would be left out of the handheld iteration? Wisps are out in full force here, with several varieties exclusive to the DS game. Step forward Burst, which explosively propels Sonic to higher ground, and the terrifying Void, which turns our hero into an unstoppable ghostly force that consumes its surroundings indiscriminately. It's almost as unsettling as the Sonic/Elise kiss.

The zones that you visit are the same as in the console version, but the level layouts are of course completely different. The game relies on a more familiar “two acts, then boss” structure, but replay value is added by a generous helping of bonus missions that task you with collecting 100 rings, or beating a stage before time runs out. They're tough, but don't reach the fiendish heights of some of Sonic Rush Adventure's later missions. Additionally, the pre-mission banter sees Sonic and Tails interacting with members of the Sonic cast who do not appear in the Wii version, such as Cream and Knuckles. It's nice to see these characters get some screen time, and though Blaze's non-playable appearance throws in some nice Rush Adventure continuity, it would have been cool to blast through the levels with her again.

The level design has been tightened, with the areas less sprawling, but much more focused. Plenty of fun diversions and alternate routes are present, and the 5 red rings hidden in each stage provide a good reason to explore. Utilising the Wisps is effortless, and the player is frequently given the choice of which power they wish to use to proceed. Compared with the first two Rush games, extra lives are handed out like candy, which makes things a lot less frustrating when you reach the legitimately taxing later zones. The flow at which the game proceeds when played well is unmatched on the DS, resulting in a marvellous sense of satisfaction at a flawless run of a level. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the lacklustre boss battles, which follow the Sonic Rush school of taking far too long to defeat with the same repetitive actions. Additionally, a couple of the encounters are genuinely arduous – one of them requires some pretty perceptive timing with the Drill Wisp.

Special Stages also disappoint, appearing as a dull reprise of Sonic Rush's efforts. The touch screen shifts Sonic around to collect coloured orbs, looping the same track three times to acquire different colours. It's an interesting change from nabbing rings, but only aesthetically.

Speaking of aesthetics, the graphics and sound impress, in that they simply never register as “wrong”. It all just works, with the Wii game's superior tunes blending nicely with the colourful (no pun intended) looks. Palettes are nicely chosen to create a distinct and engrossing look for each zone, with none of the locations seeming too familiar from past games.

Overall, Sonic Colours on DS more than lives up to its console parent, offering the ultimate refinement of the speed-based Sonic Rush gameplay. Sure, if you hated the Rush games there'll probably be little to appeal to you here. But if you want to see the concept pursued and polished to the nth degree, this little cartridge will keep you happy. The best Sonic game on a handheld.

RAVES:
- Obsessively cultivated gaming excellence.
- Plenty of hidden routes and collectables.

GRAVES:
- Disappointing boss battles.
- Special stages a little too familiar.

GRAPHICS: 85
SOUND: 85
PLAYABILITY: 96
OVERALL: 85
Mega City!