Sega has given some details on the future compilation of Sonic games. Between the high price, pre-order bonuses and shameful DLC, fans are going to feel cheated.
Sega had broadcast a conference on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of sa mascotte Sonicin May 2021. This was the opportunity for the editor to reveal Sonic Origins, yet another compilation of old games for fans. But what looked like a way to offer a nice nostalgic trip is turning into a fiasco, due to the commercial policy chosen by Sega.
« They had the means to make a great compilation and they do that “, entrusts to Numerama a lover of the hedgehog, dismayed by the decisions of Sega. After sharing a trailer on April 20, 2022, the company updated the official website to clarify the contours of the launch scheduled for June 23 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch and PC. Between the high price for oldies, the existence of a Deluxe Edition or the shameful DLCs, Sega has it all wrong.
Sega always finds a way to tarnish Sega’s reputation
Sonic Origins will therefore cost €39.99, which seems expensive to (re)play at Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles et Sonic CD. The bill will rise squarely to € 44.99 for the Digital Deluxe version – the one that fans will want at all costs. Note that you will not even be entitled to a nice physical box, the compilation being only offered in digital format (for the moment…).
Added to this is the need to pre-order to get a DLC that will bring together some more or less useful bonuses (100 coins, Mirror mode, Letterbox background). More serious, Sega, very stingy, charges for content that should be offered in the basic version: difficult missions, character animations in the main menu or even additional music extracted from Mega Drive games. Integrated into the Digital Deluxe edition, these elements can be purchased later, thanks to a Premium Fun Pack and a Classic Music Pack. Yes, it’s complicated.
Everything is summarized in this screenshot filled with information that is sometimes difficult to understand :
Sega’s policy is so outlandish that a line is dedicated to the “main game” (spoiler: it comes with both versions). Known for its sometimes mocking humor, Devolver Digital has allowed itself a small spade against Sega. In a tweet published on April 20, the publisher presents a guide to help players choose the right version of Trek to Yomi with obvious criteria (incredible adventure, incredible graphics, remarkable soundtrack…). All the boxes are checked every time.
In short, Sega is once again pulling the rope, surfing on the popularity of its flagship character. Some are not fooled and recall that older Sonic compilations were much better endowed…