Sonic Labyrinth

Sonic Labyrinth is a puzzle/platformer for the Sega Game Gear, released 17 November, 1995 in Japan and sometime during 1995 in the US and 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 (Doctor Eggman in the new games) secretly replaced his famous red shoes with another pair: the Slow-Down Boots that took away his ability to run fast or jump, and they cannot be removed at all without the use of Chaos Emerald energy. Sonic does retain his ability to walk and Spin Dash, however there is a time limit in each stage so it is best to move quickly.

Stages
In Sonic Labyrinth, there are a total of four Zones, each containing three Acts and a Boss. The goal is to help Sonic locate three keys hidden throughout the stages and then head to the GOAL door.

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 Boss fights (and before fights as Sonic is rolling down a steep incline toward the Boss). With the keys in hand, Sonic can withstand a few attacks by enemies.

Reception
When released, Sonic Labyrinth fared poorly in terms of sales on the market. The game was also heavily criticized by critics and Sonic fans for its almost complete lack of speed, clunky control, bland graphics and music. The gameplay was non intuitive, often very frustrating, and created an almost pointless gaming experience.

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