Sega plans to delist more classic Sonic reissues due to their presence in the coming Sonic Originsannounced the Japanese developer via official press release this morning.
Sonic Originswhich launches on June 23 for home consoles and PC, remaster the first three the hedgehog Sonic games from Sega Genesis with the aptly named Sega CD follow-up Sonic CD. Sega specifically named this collection as the reason why the four Sonic games will virtually not be available piecemeal on digital storefronts after May 20th.
“There are a few exceptions,” the press release explains. “Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2 will remain available via Sega Ages on the Nintendo Switch and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will still be playable via Sega Genesis on Nintendo Switch Online. “
Although delisting generally does not make games you have already purchased unplayable, the tactic is still considered anti-consumer because it limits people’s ability to buy single games at a reduced price. In some cases, such as with BioShock and Dead Islandthe newer reissues lack previous features or also have new bugs.
But hey, by spending some more money on Sonic Origins, you get character animations on the main menu! It’s not at all a weird thing to lock behind a deluxe edition payment wall.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that Sonic Origins will team up with Denuvo, a controversial anti-piracy measure, on PC.
Denuvo has long been a thorn in the side of PC gamers, and any mention of the technology has provoked serious public outcry. And with good reason: That often destroys games purchased legally while also does little to actually fight piracy. When Denuvo was added Eternal doom in 2020, for example, the negative reaction led to it being removed from the first-person shooter after only one week.
Sonic Origins It seems like a really cool project, it’s just the noise around the collection that has hit everyone. I’m sure it’s going to be fun to revisit these classic games, but Sega is really doing a whole “one step forward, two steps back” routine here that has left a sour taste in many people’s mouths.
Kotaku contacted Sega to comment on this situation, but did not respond before the announcement.