Going Platinum: Sonic Origins Sends Me Back to the Genesis of My Own Gaming History

Old frontiers

Platinum Trophy #38: Sonic Origins

Date Earned: 18th June 2022

Dopamine Index:

I don't remember the name of the earliest game I played, but it was on a floppy disk, and it was a compilation of a few short games. One involved a maze of doors for which you had to find matching keys; another involved a large machine covered in buttons and levers, and it acted as one giant puzzle box.

If we exclude this strange selection, and a handful of other PC oddities, Sonic the Hedgehog was probably the first "proper" game I recall playing.

The arrival of the SEGA Mega Drive (or Genesis if you must) in our house was, I think, the point at which I became as obsessed with video games as I am, and its flagship series is definitely part of that picture.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2, in particular, was a favourite of mine. I enjoy all the character's Mega Drive adventures, but that's the one I would play repeatedly.

I grew up a Sonic kid, then, with Mario largely relegated to his Game Boy outings — mostly Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. What a banger.

But yes, it was that blue hedgehog on the living room telly.

I don't think I was ever that good at playing, and at the time, I didn't even realise the significance of the emeralds you get from the special stages. I just loved zooming around, bopping enemies, and making it a little further every time. Well, sometimes.

Of course, I would never have thought that, some 30 years later, I'd be playing these nostalgic favourites in a professional capacity via Sonic Origins.

I realise the compilation has its flaws, but having all those classic games accessible on modern hardware is a real pleasure. I can transport myself back whenever I want. Playing Sonic's old school games just makes me happy.

I recall the Trophy list for Origins being pretty easy. You have to clear each game, but you also need to explore the full package — play Boss Rush mode, earn those Coins for the Museum, and so on.

None of the tasks are very taxing, though, and I now have the platinum representing some of my favourite games from my youth. Similar to Disney Classic Games: Aladdin & The Lion King, it's a little bizarre to have Trophies for Sonic's Mega Drive titles.

Cheers, Sonic Origins.

Do you have the platinum Trophy for Unpacking on PS5? Tell us in the comments section below.