Sonic returns to handhelds
Enter SNK, a company that had a solution to Sega's missing handheld problem. After negotiating with Sega, the company let SNK bring Sonic to its handheld gaming device (introduced in July 1999), the NeoGeo Pocket Color.
While SNK is up against serious competition from Nintendo's Game Boy platform, Sonic the Hedgehog - Pocket Adventure may be the game SNK needs to attract gamers to its US$69.99 platform. Based loosely on Sonic 2 for the Sega Genesis, the game proves to be quite addictive and playable for its size. The game features a trial room for time trials, a puzzle room for building Sonic-inspired puzzles, and even includes a duel room where one can race against another NGPC Sonic player via a special cable. First reactions are good as the graphics move along smoothly, levels are challenging, and the NGPC's controls feel quick and responsive. And with the device's ability to support almost 40 hours of gameplay - you'll have enough hours to play without having to worry about running to the store for a fresh set of batteries.
Gamers will be able to pick up Sonic the Hedgehog - Pocket Adventure for the NeoGeo Pocket Color early this December for $34.95. Don't have a NeoGeo Pocket Color yet? When the game releases, gamers will also be able to pick up a special platinum silver or blue colored and Sonic and NeoGeo Pocket bundle for $99.95.
So far, SNK and Sega haven't talked about how closely their relationship might grow into other potential NGPC releases, but considering that Sega let Sonic leap to the new handheld, there could be quite a future in the relationship between the two companies. With Sonic jumping to the NGPC and SNK's King of Fighters R2 Dreamcast game that comes equipped with a connection cable letting NGPC users train characters for later use on the Dreamcast, future agreements between SNK and Sega seem likely.
For now, the pocket-sized version of Sonic may be just what SNK needs to make its system a success. If you enjoyed Sonic on the Genesis and would love to play the game on long trips, this might be your fix. You'll just have to wait until after December 4 to get one, or you can preorder the special bundle at SNK's US web site.
Other places you'll be able to find the NeoGeo Pocket Color include:
Amazon.com
Ames Department Stores
Babbages/Software Etc.
DVDExpress.com
Ebworld.com
Electronics Boutique
Etoys.com
Fry's Electronics
Hollywood Video (67 select locations)
K.B. Toy Stores
KBkids.com
Montgomery Wards (100 select locations)
Toysrus.com
ToyTime.com