Re-Releases You Should Play Part 3

After a long break, Re-Releases You Should Play has finally returned. This time a well known indie game that got the re-release treatment is mentioned as well as a popular blue mascot.

Sonic the Hedgehog (MS, GG)

No, I'm not talking about the well known Genesis version that everyone and their dog has been exposed to. I'm referring to one of the unsung heroes of the Blue Blur's early days, the first 8-bit adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog. The game does feature some zones from the Genesis game but Green Hill, Labyrinth and Scrap Brain zones in this 8-bit outing all have their own unique designs to further set the title apart from the 16-bit game. Joining those zones are Bridge, Jungle and Sky Base, zones exclusive to this adventure. Given that the hardware this game was designed on wasn't in the same league as the Genesis, this game puts a stronger emphasis on platforming and 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog is greater game for doing so. Chaos Emeralds must be found within the zones themselves, adding a layer of exploration and the special stages are nothing like the Genesis version and are your only means of gaining continues.

Released on both the Master System and Game Gear, Sonic the Hedgehog is largely the same on both platforms with some differences. On the Game Gear, screen crunch was inevitable but the game still plays marvelously. The GG version is the one that has seen the most re-releases, being an unlockable game in Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut and it is also available on the 3DS eShop. The Master System version has only seen a re-release on the original Wii's Virtual Console and as of this writing, it is still up on the Wii Shop Channel. The digital route is the best way to experience this game without breaking bank and you really can't go wrong with either version. You get a compelling platformer with some music by the great Yuzo Koshiro.

Super Meat Boy (360, PC)

If you've been envious of Xbox 360 owners because they could play one of the toughest platformers on a console, cool your pixels. Super Meat Boy is now available on the PS4, PS Vita and Wii U. This game is not for the faint of heart or for those that are easily prone to rage quit. While the majority of the deaths yo suffer in Super Meat Boy are your own fault due to the tight controls and demand for precision on your part, the game's difficulty is comparable to Ghosts 'n Goblins. The game keeps track of how many times you die so if your counter isn't in the quad digits, you're probably more adept than most players.

Available on: Wii U, PS4, Vita

Drill Dozer (GBA)

The GBA was home to plenty of SNES ports but it also boasted of library of solid original games, one of them being a Game Freak gem that was overshadowed by Pokemon titles and the release of the Nintendo DS. When I GBA games started making their way to the Wii U eShop, I was hopefully that Drill Dozer would make its way down the pipeline eventually and sure enough, Jill has made her long awaited debut. This action/platformer has you using a drill mech with multiple functions to destroy blocks, dismantle bosses and pretty much cement Jill's status as one of the more standout thieves in gaming. If you missed out on Drill Dozer when it was initially released, do yourself a favor and grab the digital version. It'll be one of the best purchases you've ever made.

Available on: Wii U

Super Hang-On (ARC)

When most gamers think of Yu Suzuki's games that involve driving, OutRun is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But Suzuki made another thrill ride and if you think Super Hang-On is just OurRun with motorcycles, you are sorely mistaken. In OutRun you had branching pathes that appeared after each stage. But in Super Hang-On you can select from four tracks from the get go, from Africa, Asia, America and Europe with Africa being the easiest at a mere 4 stages and Europe being the hardest, containing 18 stages. You race against the clock, dodging other motorcycles and other hazards. Just as it was in OutRun, crashing costs you precious time, but unlike OutRun, when you reach the max speed of 280 km, your turbo button can be used to give you even more speed, catapulting your score. Knowing when you cut loose with the turbo and when to brake is key to achieving high scores and staying in the game. Even for a game that was released in 1987, Super Hang-On's sense of speed is blistering and the rush you get from flooring with the turbo is exhilarating. If you want to play the arcade version of Super Hang-On on the big screen, the Wii version is still up for grabs. 3D Super Hang-On comes with lots of cool bonuses as per usual with M2's exceptional work.

Available on: Wii, 3DS