Sega wants to “remove the digital versions of” Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knucklesand Sonic CD from May 20, according to a press release sent to several websites (via Gamers). The advertising is extremely easy on details. (You could read it faster than a speedrunner could do Green Hill Zone 1), but it does mention that the games that are drawn will be shown in the upcoming Sonic Origins collection.
Currently, this mostly seems like a problem for PC players. The games are not available individually on PlayStation Store and only 2 and CD can be purchased separately on Xbox. However, all the games are available on Steam. Sega says you will be able to buy the Sega Ages versions of Sonic 1 and 2 on Nintendo Switch or games 2 with Nintendo Switch Online Plus.
Origin is not set to release until June 23, which means there will be a month-long break where you can not easily buy, e.g. Sonic CD. Even if one ignores the gap, it’s still annoying that Sega removes the possibility of legally buying games individually and not bundled with other games you might not want.
This is especially true thanks to the prices. Sonic Origins will be $ 40, whereas the games that are delisted will cost $ 5 each on Steam. Of course, those who are inside Origin will be remastered and come with other features like new game animations, a museum feature and more, but if you do not care or only want one or two of these games, you may suddenly have to pay much more.
I say “can” because the press release is pretty short on details, leaving a few things unclear. Sonic Origins is long from the first collection of games that Sega has released. What about Sega Genesis classics collection (aka Sega Mega Drive and Genesis classics on Steam)? On Switch and other consoles it has Sonic 1 and 2and the PC version even includes Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Will these collections just be a few games easier for people who buy them after May 20th?
The edge tried to reach Sega through the company’s press page, but has not been able to reach anyone who could answer these questions. We will let you know if we hear back.