View source for Sonic Labyrinth

{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox video game
| image = Sonic Labyrinth Coverart.png
| caption = European cover art
| developer = Minato Giken
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| director = Noboru Machida<br>Hideaki Katagiri
| designer = Kazuhiro Tanaka
| composer = Atsuko Iwanaga
| series = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
| released = {{vgrelease|UK|October 1995<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine|title=Game Gear Review: Sonic Labyrinth|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/95/MeanMachinesSega37UK.pdf#page=88|magazine=Mean Machines Sega|issue=37|date=November 1995|pages=88|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401184000/http://retrocdn.net/images/9/95/MeanMachinesSega37UK.pdf#page=88|archive-date=1 April 2016|access-date=17 August 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>|EU|November 1995<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine|last=Maueröder|first=Petra|date=January 1996|title=Review: Sonic Labyrinth|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/2/21/SegaMagazin_DE_26.pdf#page=83|magazine=Sega Magazin|lang=de|issue=26|pages=83|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810110759/https://retrocdn.net/images/2/21/SegaMagazin_DE_26.pdf#page=83|archive-date=10 August 2018|access-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>|JP|November 17, 1995|NA|November 1995}}
| genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[Puzzle video game|puzzle]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| platforms = [[Game Gear]]
| title = Sonic Labyrinth
}}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Sonic Labyrinth'''''|ソニックラビリンス|Sonikku Rabirinsu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1995 [[Action game|action]]-[[Puzzle video game|puzzle]] [[video game]] developed by Minato Giken and published by [[Sega]] for the [[Game Gear]]. The game features [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] exploring maze-like stages from an [[Isometric computer graphics|isometric]] perspective. [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]] has robbed Sonic of his trademark speed, making him walk abnormally slow but still able to utilize the [[spin dash]].

Upon release, critical reception to the game was mixed: many critics found the game a unique addition to the ''Sonic'' library but flawed by convoluted controls and repetitive gameplay. In retrospect, however, it has received generally negative reviews and is considered among the worst ''Sonic'' games ever released. Despite this, the game has been re-released multiple times in the following years.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Sonic_Labyrinth_screenshot.png|thumb|left|Sonic exploring a stage]]
''Sonic Labyrinth'' is an [[Action game|action]] and [[Puzzle video game|puzzle]] game with [[pinball]] elements.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" /> It is presented in an [[Isometric computer graphics|isometric]] perspective,<ref name=":6" /> and has been compared to ''[[Marble Madness]]''.<ref name=":3" /> Series villain [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]] has tricked [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] into wearing special shoes designed to rob him of his speed, so Sonic must collect the [[Chaos Emeralds]] to release the shoes from his feet.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":6" />

The player controls Sonic, navigating him through maze-like stages filled with enemies and obstacles that hinder his path.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> Sonic walks uncharacteristically slowly,<ref name=":6" /> but can roll into a ball and dash across the levels to take out enemies and avoid danger.<ref name=":3" /> This spin dash move can be charged for extra speed and damage.<ref name=":3" /> Sonic must collect three keys in each stage and bring them to the goal to advance to the next level.<ref name=":6" /> Sometimes the keys may be hidden within enemies.<ref name=":3" /> The game has four zones, each containing three stages. After each set of three stages, there is a bonus round of collecting [[Rings (Sonic the Hedgehog)|rings]] and a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] battle.<ref name=":6" />  Collecting 100 rings in the bonus round will net the player an extra [[Life (gaming)|life]].<ref name=":3" /> A [[time attack]] mode is also available.<ref name=":6" />

==Development and release==
''Sonic Labyrinth'' was developed by Minato Giken,<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/eshop/sonic_labyrinth_gamegear|title=Review: Sonic Labyrinth (3DS eShop / GG)|last=Newton|first=James|date=15 May 2012|work=Nintendo Life|access-date=10 August 2018|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160920174215/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/eshop/sonic_labyrinth_gamegear|archive-date=20 September 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=The History of Sonic the Hedgehog|last1=Pétronille|first1=Marc|last2=Audureau|first2=William|publisher=Pix'n Love|year=2014|isbn=978-1-926778-96-9|page=193}}</ref> and published by [[Sega]].<ref name=":1" /> It was released in Japan on November 17, 1995,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/labyrinth/|title=ソニックラビリンスのご紹介｜ＳＥＧＡ バーチャルコンソール公式|website=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029050733/http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/labyrinth/|archive-date=29 October 2017|url-status=live|access-date=9 August 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> in North America that November,<ref name=":8">{{Cite magazine|date=December 1995|title=Next Wave: Sonic Labyrinth|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/8/80/EGM_US_077.pdf#page=182|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=77|pages=182|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810110740/https://retrocdn.net/images/8/80/EGM_US_077.pdf#page=182|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and in Europe around October<ref name=":2" /> or November.<ref name=":1" /> The game was included in ''[[Sonic Adventure DX]]'' (2003) as an unlockable bonus,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/34741/grinding-game-gears-an-overview-of-sonics-portable-origins|title=Grinding Game Gears: An Overview of Sonic's Portable Origins|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|date=21 June 2013|website=Nintendo World Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313153721/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/34741/grinding-game-gears-an-overview-of-sonics-portable-origins|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live|access-date=10 August 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and in the compilation ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' (2004).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/04/sonic-mega-collection-plus|title=Sonic Mega Collection Plus|last=Goldstein|first=Hilary|date=3 November 2004|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522020337/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/563/563266p1.html|archive-date=22 May 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It was rereleased for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] on the Japanese [[Nintendo eShop|eShop]] digital distribution platform on May 16, 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000009968|title=ソニックラビリンス {{!}} ニンテンドー3DS {{!}} 任天堂|work=Nintendo|access-date=9 August 2018|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130204532/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000009968|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It was later released in Europe on May 10, 2012,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Virtual-Console-Nintendo-3DS-/Sonic-Labyrinth--275858.html|title=Sonic Labyrinth|website=Nintendo of Europe|language=en-GB|access-date=9 August 2018}}</ref> and in North America on June 17, 2013.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/eKX2obOabUS4BkI1h_IIeW8mmBdgVxCk|title=Sonic Labyrinth|website=Nintendo|language=en-us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810072609/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/eKX2obOabUS4BkI1h_IIeW8mmBdgVxCk|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=9 August 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The North American release came as part of a campaign by Nintendo to release [[8-bit]] games on the 3DS eShop following a drought of releases on the distribution service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/nintendos-8-bit-summer-announced-for-the-3ds-eshop|title=Nintendo's "8-Bit Summer" Announced for the 3DS eShop|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=21 June 2012|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=9 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810072912/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/nintendos-8-bit-summer-announced-for-the-3ds-eshop|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The game does not take advantage of the system's 3D [[Stereoscopic video game|stereoscopic functionality]].<ref name=":0" /> It was also included alongside the other Game Gear games in the series in ''[[Sonic Origins Plus]]'', released on June 23, 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=2023-03-23 |title=Sonic Origins Plus Adds Amy As Playable Character, Game Gear Games, And More This June |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/23/sonic-origins-plus-adds-amy-as-playable-character-game-gear-games-and-more-this-june |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323162108/https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/23/sonic-origins-plus-adds-amy-as-playable-character-game-gear-games-and-more-this-june |archive-date=2023-03-23 |access-date=2023-07-09 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{video game reviews
|EGM = 6/10, 4/10, 4.5/10, 4.5/10<br/><ref name=":4"/>
|GamePro = See note:{{efn|''GamePro'' gave component scores of 4.5 graphics, 3.5 sound, 4.0 control, and 4.5 fun factor out of 5.<ref name=":3"/>}}
|Fam = 4/10, 6/10, 5/10, 7/10<ref name="famitsu">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Famitsu|Weekly Famitsu]]|title=New Game Cross Review|date=November 24, 1995|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|language=Japanese|issue=362|p=31
|last1=Tsūshin
|first1=Hamamura 
|authorlink=Hirokazu Hamamura
|last2=Hada
|first2=Takayuki
|last3=Watanabe
|first3=Miki
|last4=Uchisawa
|first4=Goro}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]''
|rev1Score = 76%<ref name=":2"/>
|rev2 = ''Mega Fun''
|rev2Score = 59%<ref name=":5"/>
|rev3 = ''Sega Magazin''
|rev3Score = 81%<ref name=":1"/>
}}
Critical reception to ''Sonic Labyrinth'' was mixed. Multiple reviewers wrote about difficulties controlling Sonic as he bounced wildly around the levels.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine|date=January 1996|title=Review Crew: Sonic Labyrinth|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/e/eb/EGM_US_078.pdf#page=48|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=78|pages=48|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810105328/https://retrocdn.net/images/e/eb/EGM_US_078.pdf#page=48|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite magazine|date=January 1996|title=Test Mixed: Sonic Labyrinth|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/94/MegaFun_DE_1996-01.pdf#page=72|magazine=Mega Fun|language=de|pages=72|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810105237/https://retrocdn.net/images/9/94/MegaFun_DE_1996-01.pdf#page=72|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]'' wrote that "you can get through each level with a bit of practise but you're left wondering how you did it."<ref name=":2" /> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' (''EGM'') did not like the game's isometric perspective, thinking it contributed to problems directing Sonic around.<ref name=":4" /> ''[[GamePro]]'' wrote that small screen made it occasionally difficult to see what was occurring.<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|date=January 1996|title=ProReview: Sonic Labyrinth|url=https://archive.org/stream/GamePro_Issue_078_January_1996#page/n113|magazine=GamePro|issue=78|pages=112}}</ref> They did like the graphics however, as did ''EGM'' and ''Mean Machines Sega'', the latter which thought they echoed the graphics of ''[[SegaSonic the Hedgehog]]'' (1993).<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" />

Reflecting their positive thoughts, ''Mega Fun'' thought ''Sonic Labyrinth'' featured innovative gameplay.<ref name=":5" /> ''GamePro'' and ''Famitsu'' both compared the game to ''Marble Madness''.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=famitsu/> ''Sega Magazin'' thought the game was challenging with sophisticated level design.<ref name=":1" /> ''GamePro'' believed it was the most interesting of the recent ''Sonic'' additions to the Game Gear library.<ref name=":3" /> One reviewer at ''Mean Machines Sega'' thought it was a good puzzle game to play in short segments, and may be worth the time for fans of ''Sonic'' games, pinball, or puzzles. However another critic from the same magazine thought the game was frustrating and repetitive.<ref name=":2" /> ''EGM'' also thought the game became repetitious after a few levels and would be boring for more experienced players, although ''Sonic'' fans may enjoy it. They concluded their thoughts writing: "This title overall tried to mix the standard side-scrolling ''Sonic'' game with a worthless pinball title and failed. In turn, this one just comes up short in both playability and enjoyment, causing boredom after the first few stages."<ref name=":4" />

Retrospectively, reception has been negative and is frequently described as one of the worst ''Sonic'' games. In a retrospective review, ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' gave the game a "poor" 4 out of 10 score. They criticized the controls and illogical level design, and the start-stop nature of the gameplay. They also wrote about Sonic's lack of speed when walking on foot, which they thought was baffling for a ''Sonic'' game.<ref name=":6" /> ''[[USGamer|USgamer]]'' called it "a poor man's version of ''Marble Madness'', taking the worst of that game and the worst of ''Sonic'' and cramming it into one title. Absolutely dire."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|title=Gotta Go Fast: Ranking All of The Sonic The Hedgehog Games|website=USgamer.net|date=18 August 2017 |language=en|access-date=9 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825025119/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''Nintendo World Report'' called it "a demented version of ''Sonic 3D Blast''", drawing similarities through its isometric style.<ref name=":7" /> ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' called it "a dreadful game with an identity crisis" and "one of the worst ''Sonic'' games ever".<ref>{{cite web |last1=East |first1=Thomas |title=Sonic Labyrinth review |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/38075/sonic-labyrinth-3ds-review/ |website=Official Nintendo Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719202449/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/38075/sonic-labyrinth-3ds-review/ |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |date=May 16, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Sonic the Hedgehog}}
{{Portal bar|Video games|1990s}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sonic Labyrinth}}
[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:Game Gear games]]
[[Category:Game Gear-only games]]
[[Category:Minato Giken games]]
[[Category:Platformers]]
[[Category:Puzzle video games]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog spinoff games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games for Nintendo 3DS]]
[[Category:Isometric platformer]]