Sonic Labyrinth 1995 By: Sega

Overview:

We've all played a Sonic game we didn't like. Whether it was the graphics, the music, or the game play, there was just something about it we couldn't warm up to. For the GameGear, this title would be Sonic Labyrinth.
The first problem lies in the game play; Sonic moves at a snail's pace. The story isn't too bad, but for a Sonic game, it's unacceptable. Speed-down shoes is a joke. Try to think of Mario with a downgraded jump and you'll understand the frustration of it all.
The music is poor as well, pretty bland and not all that memorable. However, the graphics are decent enough and Sonic looks like he should. But graphics never push a game through and Sonic Labyrinth is no exception. On the whole, Sonic Labyrinth is a poor addition to the series of games featuring our favorite blue dude with an attitude, and I would not recommend it.

Directions:

Sonic Labyrinth is composed of four different worlds, and within each world is a length of four zones to go through.

During the first three zones out of the four in each world, you need to find each of the three keys that are scattered across the levels. Once you're able to do so, you can access the goal gate to finish. Keep in mind, though: you have a time limit and there really is no time for you to explore.

Enemies will be around the levels and will try to stop Sonic from reaching the goal. If one hits you when you have no keys, you stand frozen for ten seconds. However, if you get hit with your keys, they are scattered about and you have to re-collect them before they return to their original spots. If you can defeat an enemy, though, five seconds is added to your timer.

Sonic's attacks are lessened a good deal with the speed-down shoes. His speed is also very sluggish and you think this leaves you open to attack. On the contrary, there is a way you can fight back: the spin dash. Press either button 1 or 2 to start the spin and you'll notice an arrow bar beside Sonic. As you hold the spin button, the bar will go back and forth from one highlighted arrow to four, the latter being the strongest dash and the former being the weakest. After releasing the button, you go zooming depending on how much the spin is charged but if you push the button again, you can stop with a skid. This is your means of attack but it can be a trifle difficult to control.

Like with the previous Sonic games, power-ups are scattered about the levels and are at your disposal. However, these power-ups are shown by small triangles and to activate them, all you need to do is touch them. A few examples of these power-ups are the Power Sneaker which increases your walking distance for a limited time, the Invincibility which makes you immune to enemy attacks for a limited time, and the Hourglass which adds a very helpful 30 seconds onto your timer.