Plot. Dr. Robotnik has seized control of Mt. Mobius and turned it into a mechanical base. Utilizing energy produced by magma flowing under the volcano, this new monstrosity (the Veg-O-Fortress) has the power to transform helpless animals into robots at an alarming rate. Sonic and Tails mount an aerial assault, which fails as the plane is hit, and Sonic falls into the water, but is ultimately saved and taken to the subterranean levels. Now Sonic must once again put an end to the schemes of the mad scientist.
Concept. Players guide Sonic throughout four pinball tables: the subterranean levels, geothermal powerhouse, a machine factory, and the launchpad system. After beating the three first stages, players access a bonus stage that is very similar to a traditional pinball game, where they have to free animals by destroying Robotnik's capsules, and many other enemies. After successfully completing a bonus stage, they obtain higher scores.
Design. The game is a 2d sidescroll game, and the pinball system was actually a genius idea. I believe that the idea came from Sonic 2 with the Casino Night Zone, which ironically has a pinball game where Sonic can obtain rings for many lives, but if he scores three Robotnik faces, then he obtains a penalty where he's depleted of rings. This game is really good and enjoyable to play, because it distances itself from the traditional gameplay of the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Music and Sound. The sound effects were very well made, and the music is memorable with a mixture of rock and hip-hop. Howard Drossin was the composer of the game, and he did a great job with it. My favorite theme is that of the machine stage, which is like rock and trance mixed together, also the boss themes were bad-ass as well.
Memories. In 1995 I played this game during sleepovers and visits at my cousin's house. We usually enjoyed playing this game and it was fun, sometimes to take a break we would go outside and play some basketball and stickball, or ride rollerblades and bikes. When he got new games, sometimes we would take a break from Spinball and play games like Street Fighter II: Championship Edition, 3 Ninjas Kick Back, Sonic 1 and 2 and NBA Action 95, oh memories.
Rantings. The stages I hated the most were the Lava Powerhouse and the Launchpad System. These stages were always getting on my nerves because sometimes you unexpectedly fell into lava or other hazards. This game can be staggering at times, and it can test your nerves at times.
Good Aspects. This game has many good qualities, and I give the developers credit for going from platforming to pinball with this Sonic game. The game has good replay value, and it's on the Wii Virtual Console for 800 Wii Points. This is a great game to play and I recommend it.
Overall. My final score for this game is a 7 out of 10