Sonic Climax

Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the biggest video game franchise and it has numerous spin-offs in different genres. Fan-made games have also appeared, and players have a multitude of versions to enjoy. Sonic Climax is an arcade-type game that puts you in control of the famous hedgehog in a new adventure.

This game does not require to be installed as it can be played straight after it has been opened. It needs few computer resources to run on your computer and it starts in windowed mode. The graphics are basic and offer the classic looks that most players are accustomed to see. The resolution is pretty small by today's standards, but you can easily get over them.

The controls are keyboard based and can easily be mastered. Unfortunately, you cannot remap them to meet your preferences and you have to discover them by pressing random buttons. There is no controls manual to help you get started.

Sonic is the only character available from the entire franchise. You can run, jump, activate power-ups and collect rings. It is not as fast-paced as other games out there, but on the other hand, you can see where you are going. It provides a challenge since there are new power-ups that can easily drive you out of the map and get you killed.

A drawback to this game is the lack of context. You do not know what you are supposed to do or who you should defeat. The only dangers to your health are the occasional gaps and jumps. You cannot control any other characters, such as Tails or Knuckles.

To summarize, Sonic Climax is worth trying out, as it provides some cool touches here and there. It does not surprise you, but it makes you keep playing.