Sonic Labyrinth

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 I rate this game:3.75

Sonic Labyrinth is a puzzle/platform game for the Sega Game Gear, released 17 November, 1995 in Japan and sometime during November 1995 in the US and October 1995 in Europe. It is also playable on Sonic Adventure DX and in the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox editions of Sonic Mega Collection Plus. The game features isometric 3D gameplay similar to Sonic 3D. Sonic and Eggman are the only characters in this game.
Sonic must move around a pinball-like arena, using his power to roll into a ball to defeat Badniks and pick up keys in order to exit through the GOAL door to clear the stage. The only move Sonic can use in the game is the Spin Dash, because Doctor Ivo Robotnik secretly replaced his famous red Power Sneakers with another pair: the Slow-Down Boots which took away his ability to run fast or jump, and could not be removed without the use of Chaos Emerald energy. Sonic does retain his ability to walk; however there is a time limit in each stage so it is best to move quickly. Fortunately, the Slow-Down Boots have no effect on Sonic's Spin Dash, which Sonic will have to rely on in order to escape the Labyrinth in one piece.

Stages

In Sonic Labyrinth, there are a total of four Zones, each containing three Acts and a Boss. The goal of the first three Acts is to help Sonic locate three keys hidden throughout the stages and then head to the GOAL door. Rings do not appear during these Acts, but the keys provide protection in a similar way: if Sonic is damaged while holding any keys, he will drop them nearby, negating the damage but forcing him to pick up the keys before they disappear and return to their starting positions.
Throughout the stages are many enemies just waiting to attack the unsuspecting Sonic, so the player must remain aware of his surroundings. The only time Sonic is able to collect rings is during levels with Boss fights. Sonic begins each Boss Act rolling down a steep incline with many Rings, and as with most Sonic games collecting 100 earns the player an extra life. The end of the incline drops Sonic into an arena where Sonic battles the boss. Rings may also spawn periodically in the boss arena in case the player takes damage. Upon defeating the boss, Sonic is awarded a Chaos Emerald.

Zones

• Labyrinth of the Sky
• Labyrinth of the Sea
• Labyrinth of the Factory
• Labyrinth of the Castle
• Bonus Stage (Sonic Labyrinth)

Reception

The game was criticized by critics and Sonic fans for taking away Sonic's ability to run, the clunky control of the mandatory Spin Dash, bland graphics and music. The gameplay was non intuitive, often very frustrating, and created an almost pointless gaming experience.