Art style is nice, it gives the game a sort of a Sonic CD feel to it. The level sets are based on pre-existing Sonic games (like Labyrinth Zone and Casino Night).
Overall though, this is a game to get only if you haven't played Sonic 1, 2 or 3 in a while. Otherwise I would recommend getting the older ones. This one is fairly conservative.
If you're looking for a fresh 2D Sonic fix, I would recommend waiting another month for Sonic Colors; it looks like a much more exciting game than Sonic 4. While Sonic Colors does switch to the 3D view occasionally, it is only the high speed rail-running stuff from Sonic Adventure that was really fun; none of the annoying slow stuff. Sonic Colors feels like the more natural sequel to Sonic 3, while it maintains the essence of the Genesis series, it doesn't sacrifice the progress Sega made in later games; but does cut away all of the wrong paths (no swords, were-wolves, fetch quest, or any attempts to try to force a pure 3D experience on the players when the series is 2D at heart).
Although,
If you're a huge fan of the originals, and have played them all in the past year, I would highly recommend Sonic 4 - but don't get it over 1, 2, or 3 - just based on the fact that 1, 2, and 3 are available for a cheaper price. On difficulty, it is probably Sonic 3 level - easier than Sonic 1, and much easier than Sonic 2 which I find the most difficult of the three by quite a bit (if only for just Metropolis Zone, Sky Chase, Wing Fortress, and the Death Egg).
Overall though, this is a game to get only if you haven't played Sonic 1, 2 or 3 in a while. Otherwise I would recommend getting the older ones. This one is fairly conservative.
If you're looking for a fresh 2D Sonic fix, I would recommend waiting another month for Sonic Colors; it looks like a much more exciting game than Sonic 4. While Sonic Colors does switch to the 3D view occasionally, it is only the high speed rail-running stuff from Sonic Adventure that was really fun; none of the annoying slow stuff. Sonic Colors feels like the more natural sequel to Sonic 3, while it maintains the essence of the Genesis series, it doesn't sacrifice the progress Sega made in later games; but does cut away all of the wrong paths (no swords, were-wolves, fetch quest, or any attempts to try to force a pure 3D experience on the players when the series is 2D at heart).
Although,
If you're a huge fan of the originals, and have played them all in the past year, I would highly recommend Sonic 4 - but don't get it over 1, 2, or 3 - just based on the fact that 1, 2, and 3 are available for a cheaper price. On difficulty, it is probably Sonic 3 level - easier than Sonic 1, and much easier than Sonic 2 which I find the most difficult of the three by quite a bit (if only for just Metropolis Zone, Sky Chase, Wing Fortress, and the Death Egg).
-Insert Inspiring Quote-
