Nintendo just announced thatSonic the Hedgehog Spinballis coming to its Nintendo Switch Online service as part one of the Sega Genesis games included in the Expansion Pack. This comes at a busy time forSonic the Hedgehog,as theSonic Originscollection was recently announced as well.Originscontains the first three mainlineSonicgames andSonic CDas well as bonus features like an Anniversary Mode with infinite lives and a Mirror Mode.
Sonic Originsincludes the first mainSonicgames — the reason the series gained its popularity that continues today. That said,Sonicis more than just the main titles, there are countless spin-offs and side games. That is why the timing ofSonic the Hegdehog’s Spinball’sre-release is impeccable.Spinballis the perfect companion piece toOrigins— the firstSonicgames are best enjoyed with the firstSonicspin-off.
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Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball’s Release
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinballwas released in 1993, following the massively popularSonic the Hedgehogand its sequel, released the two years prior. WhileSonichas many spin-offsnow,Spinballwas the first. The game fully capitalizes onSonic’siconic speedy gameplay and successfully merges it with the game of pinball.Spinballwas well received at the time, and even had a Game Boy Advance sequel in the form ofSonic Spinball Partyin 2003.
SinceSpinball,many otherSonicspin-offs have come and gone. There is the hoverboard racingSonic Ridersseries, the puzzle gameDr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine,and the edgy, broodingShadow the Hedgehog.Despite the fact thatSpinballprecedes all of these games, it is still one of the most belovedSonicspin-offs. Fans will be happy to see that the game is still getting attention and seeing re-releases nearly thirty years later.
Lastly,Spinballcame at the peak ofSonic’sinitial popularity. The mainline games are what caused the series to blow up, sure, but the time also brought multipleSoniccartoon series, spin-off games, merch, and more —Sonicbecame a cultural phenomenon. That is whySpinball’sre-release is perfectly timed. The game is one of the major parts ofSonic’searly history, so playing it alongsideOriginsis like looking into a window to gaming in the 90s.
How Sonic Spinball ties into Sonic Origins
Sonic Originsis a celebration for the series, which is fitting asSonichad its 30th anniversary just last year. The first threeSonic the Hedgehoggames andCDare among the most popular in the series, so bundling them together with plenty of bonus features is appealing for new and old fans alike.Sonic Originsis controversialas a result of its convoluted pre-order bonuses, but the collection has seen a positive reception overall. It is a shame that no olderSonicspin-offs are included as part of the package, but the re-release ofSpinballhelps to ease that pain.
Overall, it is an exciting time to be aSonicfan. Players can experience the four classicSonicgames through theSonic Originscollection, and then have some more 90’sSonicgoodness with the release ofSpinballon Nintendo Switch Online. This hype for classicSonicwill hopefully transition well to modernSonic,as the brand-newSonic Frontiersis set to release at the end of this year.
Sonic The Hedgehog Spinballis available now on Nintendo Switch Online.
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