Sonic Origins - Plus Expansion Pack
Last updated: 2026-02-14
- Amy introduced as a playable character.
- Inclusion of Game Gear games appreciated.
- Variety of gameplay experiences offered.
- Game Gear emulation quality criticized.
- DLC pricing concerns among players.
- Amy's gameplay received criticism.
Emotions
Players are disappointed due to the exclusion of Knuckles in Sonic CD from the base game, the poor quality and performance of the Game Gear versions, and the perceived overpricing of the DLC. Additionally, the lack of new content, unskippable credits, changed music, and the overall feeling of the DLC being a cash grab contribute to this sentiment.
Frustration stems from the DLC locking basic content like Knuckles in Sonic CD, the inclusion of inferior Game Gear games, and performance issues such as crashes and poor emulation. Players also feel frustrated by the pricing strategy, the removal of Amy from the base game, and the negative impact on the game's performance on platforms like Steam Deck.
Satisfaction comes from the addition of new playable characters like Amy and Knuckles, as well as the inclusion of Game Gear titles. Players appreciate Amy's unique abilities and the completeness of the package, finding value in the fresh experience and additional content provided by the DLC.
Anger is primarily driven by the pricing strategy, which includes charging for content that players feel should have been included at launch for free. The poor emulation performance, lack of new features, and unresolved issues further exacerbate this sentiment, making players feel unfairly treated.
Players express love for the characters and the overall fun experienced in the game. This emotion is driven by a deep appreciation for the game's elements and the enjoyment derived from playing it.
Verdict
Mostly negative
Summary
Positive 29% · Negative 71%. Score: 71 / 100
Verdict
Predatory
Summary
The user reviews highlight significant issues with the monetization strategy of the game's DLC. Key concerns include the perception of Day-1 DLC, where content feels like it was cut from the base game to be sold separately, and the overpricing of the DLC compared to its value. Additionally, the confusing pricing structure penalizes early adopters, making them pay more for the same content that new buyers get at a lower price. These issues contribute to a negative perception of the game's monetization practices. Score: 90 / 100
Top points
- Day-1 DLC / Content Cut from Base Game - High
- Overpriced DLC - High
- Confusing Pricing Structure - Medium
Verdict
Broken
Summary
The Steam Deck experience for this game is marred by significant issues related to Denuvo Anti-tamper software, which causes lagging and performance problems. Additionally, there is a lack of quality-of-life improvements and concerns about pricing and content accessibility. These issues collectively detract from the overall user experience. Score: 100 / 100
Top points
- DRM Issues - High
- Lack of Quality of Life Improvements - Medium
- Pricing and Content Accessibility - Medium
Positives:
- Players appreciate the addition of Amy Rose as a playable character in all four classic Sonic games. She is praised for her unique moveset, including abilities like the Hammer Spin and Hammer Rush, which add variety and fun to the gameplay.
- The collection includes 12 Game Gear titles, which players find to be a nice addition. These games are well-emulated with improved sound and offer a variety of gameplay experiences, including some solid platformers.
- Players appreciate the inclusion of Knuckles as a playable character in Sonic CD, with his own unique paths and routes. This addition is seen as a great enhancement to the game.
- The collection offers a variety of gameplay experiences beyond the main Sonic series, including pinball, racing, and puzzle games. This diversity is appreciated by players.
- Players generally have a positive reception of Sonic Origins, appreciating the quality assurance, the inclusion of new features, and the overall experience of playing classic Sonic games in a modern package.
Negatives:
- Players express a strong preference for Master System versions of the games over the Game Gear versions. The Master System versions are considered superior and many users are disappointed that they were not included instead.
- The emulation of Game Gear games is reported to be of low quality, with issues such as choppy gameplay, visual problems, and input latency. Many users have noted that the games run poorly and have annoying black borders.
- There are significant concerns about the pricing of the DLC. Many users feel that the additional content is not worth the price and consider it overpriced or even a ripoff.
- Amy's gameplay is criticized for feeling underpowered and not very innovative compared to other characters. Many users find her moveset and implementation lacking.
- Users are disappointed that Knuckles in Sonic CD was not included in the base game at launch and is instead locked behind DLC. Many believe it should have been a free update or part of the original release.
Gameplay:
- Amy Rose is included as a playable character in all main titles, adding a new dimension to gameplay with her unique moveset and abilities.
- Amy has a unique moveset that includes a Hammer Spin, Hammer Rush, and an enhanced drop dash ability using her hammer, providing a fresh gameplay experience.
- The collection includes a variety of Game Gear titles, specifically 12 Sonic games and 12 additional games from the Game Gear library.
- The collection offers a variety of gameplay styles, including racing, pinball, maze games, and exploration-focused games.
- The collection includes extra missions, mirror mode, extreme missions, and an exclusive unlockable mode called 'Surprise', adding more content and replayability.
Performance:
- There are widespread audio issues reported, including out-of-sync sound, terrible audio ducking/clipping, and high-pitched sounds. Specific games like Sonic CD and Sonic 3 have notable sound problems.
- The game experiences significant framerate issues, including stuttering frames and dreadful framerate performance. This affects the overall gameplay experience negatively.
- The game runs poorly on certain hardware like the Steam Deck and experiences lagging issues with integrated graphics, as well as crashing problems.
- Game Gear games have seen performance improvements after recent updates, particularly the 2.0.1 update, which has enhanced their playability.
- Platform games suffer from input delays and low resolution, which can cause frustrating mistakes and negatively impact gameplay.
Recommendations:
- Many reviews suggest waiting for a sale or discount before purchasing the DLC or the base game. This is a common recommendation due to the perceived high price.
- The DLC is recommended for hardcore Sonic fans, especially those interested in the Game Gear titles and Amy Rose. However, the price is considered high, so buying on sale is advised.
- Some reviews indicate that the DLC is not worth the price due to unresolved issues, lack of improvements, and lackluster experiences. A few reviews even recommend a refund.
- Some reviews suggest waiting to see if bugs are fixed before deciding to support the product.
- A few reviews recommend buying the DLC only if it is purchased with the base game.
Miscellaneous:
- Players reported that the physical version of the game is incomplete, lacking some features or content.
- There is a concern among players about the DLC having an expiration date, which limits access to additional content over time.
- Players noted a discrepancy in the pricing of the game at release, which may have caused confusion or dissatisfaction.
