Sonic Robo Blast 2
Version: 2.2.9 Web: www.srb2.org
Sonic Robo Blast 2, or SRB2 for short, is a colourful, completely unofficial 3D game featuring Sonic the Hedgehog-like character. The fun thing is that while this a free community-made implementation of the original Sonic series that was once released for the Sega Genesis console, the actual SRB2 engine is based on Doom. To be more precise, the game makes use of the open source Doom Legacy engine (which is still actively maintained). Consequently, it’s not a classic platformer, but rather a first-person… runner! The artwork, the bright and happy ambiance and numerous in-house engine tweaks prevented us from saying ‘shooter’, especially since Sonic doesn’t actually shoot enemies – he jumps over them!
SRB2 has a branching level system. There are several level packs called zones, each consisting of two or three levels (‘acts’), along with bonus and multiplayer stages. At very least there are around 25 single-player levels to enjoy. Three main characters are available: Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. Another set of hidden characters includes Amy, Fang and Metal Sonic. The characters differ by the looks and special abilities – jump height, crawling, and so on. Whomever you play with, it’s the good old WASD keys that move the character, and the mouse for looking around. However, the camera in SRB2 has been adjusted to show Sonic (or anyone) from a third-person view and also change the run direction by moving the mouse. It takes some time to get used to, and that’s why we recommend taking the in-game tutorial. There you’ll have a safe playground to hone the Sonic abilities, such as double-jumping (‘thok’), shooting itself fast forward (‘spindash’) and so on.
The first level in SRB2 gives the impression of a safe and peaceful place with grass, flowers and collectable golden rings. Some bad guys (‘badniks’) are puttering about, but they’re too slow compared with the lightning-fast Sonic. His galloping speed is mind-blowing, and the lack of ascension ability can be compensated by finding the propeller-fly power-up somewhere inside a zone.