In Sonic Origins, players can play Sonic classics with remastered versions of the original titles, coupled with the ability to play multiplayer. Sonic Origins is a multi-game collection that brings together the 2D Sonic titles from the Sega Genesis: Sonic the Hedgehog 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD. There's still no word on bringing back some classic Sonic 3D titles, though. Fans of the classics will love the remastered versions that Sega helped redevelop, as well as new features, content, modes, and more. In addition, players can join with friends in local co-op; at this time, there is no online play supported for these retro comebacks.
Sonic Origins has a variety of ways to experience the four titles compiled into a $40 package. First, they can play Classic Mode, which puts the screen resolution at 4:3, as they first appeared on the Sega Genesis. Then, after beating the game, players can try Mirror Mode, which reverses the stage and has Sonic run from right to left. There is also Anniversary Mode, which gives players unlimited lives and a revamped, full-screen resolution. Adding to this are missions to get coins, unlockable content, challenges, and special stages in Sonic Origins.
Sonic Origins allows for multiplayer co-op on two of the four titles: Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. The original Sonic 2 allowed a local co-op for two players; one was Sonic, and the other joined in as Tails. Sonic 3 & Knuckles had a similar dynamic where one person could be Sonic, and the other person could be Tails or Knuckles. True to the original titles, Sonic Origins offers players local co-op as the only multiplayer option for both Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles; as of now, there are no plans to make Sonic Origins or even the next planned title for 2022, Sonic Frontiers, an online multiplayer game.
How to Play Sonic Origins With Friends
To set up a multiplayer game of Sonic Origins, ensure the second controller is connected and specify playing 2-player. The original game, and its remastered version in Sonic Origins, is set up so that Sonic is the only consequential character. If the second player dies as Tails, he comes back to life. Tails and the second player can collect rings, kill enemies, and fly around behind Sonic. If Sonic dies; however, both characters die.
Sonic 2 and, Sonic 3 & Knuckles have a competitive mode where players can race against each other instead of playing cooperatively. This only works for two players in a local co-op. Each player can race through a series of levels, and whoever gets the fastest time wins the competition, which works well with the fanbase's tendency to compare the Sonic characters' power. This dedicated second multiplayer mode was added to Sonic Origins to fill up the game with new content. It's worth pointing out that none of the multiplayer modes can be played online, so rankings and completion times are only locally based.
Sonic Origins is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and Epic.