Review of Sonic the Gizoid - Episode 1

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gyldenboy

Sonic the Gizoid - Episode 1 Review
By gyldenboy on 26 December 2010


Pros: gameplay, graphics, music, customization, variety of ways to play

Cons: resource hog, bugs, needs more sound effects, cutscenes need music/se

Should be called a beta

After playing with the game for a while, I finally decided to write a review for what I feel is one of the best games here.

Or rather, what I still think of as a beta. As this game still has it's share of bugs, that I believe the creator should rename this to a beta. For instance, how many times can you unlock 'Drill Stomp' for one boss? If you play past the level after the Robotnik boss fight, you'll see what I mean.

I also believe, there should be more sound effects. Particularly if you die. There was a point in time I died, and I was like “What the deuce?!” Not knowing, I probably ran into a spike trap, but how would I have known for sure? (shrugs)

I should also note, this game struggles on single core computers with low RAM. My first time running this, on AMD 3700+ (2.2 Single Core I believe) with 1.6 RAM, it really lags. This has nothing to do with GPU in this case, as some of you might argue. So, anyone who wants to try this game, may have to wait for a later version or try a computer with more power in terms of processing. Although, I'd still recommend a good video card.

Now, you maybe thinking I'm ragging on this game. But really, I'm just being thorough. That's why, I ask episode one be called a beta. I don't want my score to be considered the final score. This game has a lot potential.

While the engine, is nothing new. How it is used, does stretch it to new realms. I know, this kicks more butt, then Sonic 3.

“Whalloping websnappers!” You said it, 1960's Spiderman. This game is amazing.

And, I certainly like the joke made in reference to StH3 when you meet Knuckles. What you get is a game many Sonic fans want, actual speed and a variety of ways of doing things in a level.

Since your character, Gizoid, is this game's ultimate bad _ _ _ (and you fill in the blank there), has access to a plethora of different unlockable moves. Even in this small episode. Which is a refreshing take on 2d Sonic genre. Admittedly, this is common place in the 3d cousins of Sonic, but only a small percentage of those are actually good.

The plot in this game, is decent. Your main protagonist has memory problems. Possibly, from watching things you can't unsee, off of Websoup mentally scarring him to the point he's forgotten who he is - or a bad knock to the head. It's not really clear. What is, is that Gizoid seems to be a highly adaptable robot with not affiliation to Robotnik or (dare I say it?), Sonic Heroes.

The dialogue, is decent. A few good jokes come to memory. Cutscenes, er..comic-like captions maybe more appropriate. Actually look pretty good. Although, it might be even more stunning if done more like a comic. Rather then text in a box with picture. Not knocking it, just saying. However, the cutscenes do need a little more work. As they can be a little slow faring without music and sound effects. Sound effect animations would be good too, but this suggestion is minor.

The graphics are stunning. I can't really tell if these were pulled from other games, or if they were made by contributors to the project. Even if they were taken from other games, I can't say I blame him since this is a hobby game.

The music is wonderful. Especially that sick remix of the chemical plant, in stage 3. That made me want to replay that stage most. Most of the boss themes are great. All of it, seems to suit Gizoid perfectly, with their techno theme to it.

The workshop interface is nicely done. It adds a whole other element of gameplay to the mix and even allows you to alter the colors of the character.

The game in many ways even seems to relate more to the comic book version of Sonic then the Sega version. Well, when I last read the Sonic Comics something like, many years ago. (laughs) Which I guess, might not be true now.

At anyrate, you've got a solid beta here. That's sure to entertain those with the right specs for a few hours, even for being such a short beta. For those on the fence about trying it, I suggest you pick it up today. This is definitely a recommendation.

Assumed needed specs can be found here:
Dual Core or higher (1.5x2? I use 2.2x2)
RAM (2GB? I use 4GB)
Decent GPU (?)

Well, I'd like to thank all those who involved in Sonic the Gizoid, and of course the game designer. I hope to see an episode 2 beta soon.

Edits: Pardon the previous version. I've adjusted my notes on the story accordingly. Fixed mention of train chasing level, it is indeed selectable in trial mode. Minor grammar fixes.

  1. antonhuckleberry

    antonhuckleb... said about 1 year ago

    (Late reply) Ah then may as well do bug fixes and such then, lots of little bits I want to improve on, then leave major changes to episode 2...maybe lol, I'm not organised, my bad. Thanks again for your comments, I'll defiantly take them on board!

  2. gyldenboy

    gyldenboy said about 1 year ago

    Sounds good man. I wouldn't stress over those doubts too much. New versions only help improve the overall experience, regardless of what happens to old save files. Besides, you can create different versions to sync up together. Example, Ep1 ver2 would sync up with Ep2 ver2. Leaving the old version, with usable save files. There's other methods too. At anyrate, this is just food for thought, good sir.

    Keep up the good work. ^^

  3. antonhuckleberry

    antonhuckleb... said about 1 year ago

    Hey, just wanted to say thanks for such a thorough review, much appreciated! Some good points and critique, just so you know you can replay the racing level: in the workshop, go to levels, then trials and its the first one.

    Yeah the games far from perfect, and I might release another version, though using the same save file with an edited game seems to have random effects, so might mean people have to restart their game progress which I'm not sure about doing.

    Thanks again!

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