Sonic Battle Review

Summary

Underrated and too easily forgotten. 

 

Plot and Characters

Battle is a great example of combining an easy-going, comedic atmosphere and one that's more thoughtful and concerning. 

Sonic's story is a lead-in, and as a whole not too involved plot-wise, but it sets up the basics and transitions the player into learning how to play. It's important, looking back, for both initially establishing Emerl as a "worthless" robot and creating a link (pun!) between Sonic and Emerl. 

Honestly, Tails and Rouge's stories were rather lame and the characters were probably better outside of their stories (as support) rather than as main characters. Meanwhile Knuckles and Amy each had a funny element to theirs and it kept the story moving while developing Emerl. 

The lengths that Cream and Emerl are willing to go to for each other in Cream's story is sweet. Also on the deeper side, Shadow's story debates "weapons" and purpose. The most emotional of the 8, Emerl's story shows how far the robot has come, the relationships he has formed, and the impact he leaves behind. 

Overall this is one of the best handheld plots, if not one of the best in general. 

Gameplay and Controls

Since this was released on the Gameboy, the controls should be simple. However, there are many combinations, even with only mainly A, B, and the D-pad. Though a new player should have plenty of opportunities to master this combination (as with any fighting-type game) it can be overwhelming.  

It plays out much better than other methods (such as those seen in Sonic Chronicles) though it can easily lead to frustration. Since every level is virtually the same, it can also lead to annoyance and/or boredom. 

While it's a fair fighting game, it's a fighting game, making this more of a spin-off in gameplay. 

Music and Sound Effects

The music is not as good quality and can get annoying. Seems kind of loud/harsh in some cases, but it can still be enjoyable. For example, I like the Battle elements mixed with Green Hill (for Green Hill). Fairly good tempo, which is important since every level is a fight, but some of the lower quality/high pitched parts can get irritating.  

Though they were limited to select phrases, the voice cast did an exceptional job. Everyone sounds in character and has the right energy, making lines like "Time to Party!" "Stone Fists!" and "Didn't even break a sweat!" memorable. 

The effects for the moves were unique and work fine except for the annoying beeping with one of Gamma's moves. 

Visuals and Design

The "Sonic Advance" type of sprites have actually aged well. It may have been more primitive, but it looks a lot better than other 3D sprites. The amount of variety in how the attacks are portrayed (as well as the variety in attacks) is admirable. 

The character/cutscene art is accurate, but some characters like Rouge only have 2 different expressions while others have more like 4. The maps are colorful, though it is a bit off (would Angel Island really be so close to Central City, etc). I think the "Club Rouge" idea was interesting. 

The locations during the battles, however, leave much to be desired. Rather lame, most have rectangles or squares that get in the way. Ultimately the background can be a nuisance. 

Final Thoughts

• Using the cheat codes and getting Emerl's special moves are very important because the final boss is very hard. 
• Tails' stupid virtual training is insane. 
• There is a TERRIBLE challenge Rouge gives Emerl, which is torture and/or impossible without any good special moves. 
• It's annoying when the cutscene makes it seem like you're about to fight 1 enemy but somehow you're fighting 3.  
• Editing/collecting skills with Emerl was kinda' like a precursor to the Avatar (Forces).  
• The Gerald's journals were a fascinating addition. 
• There has been confusion over when this game is set, and I think after Shadow the Hedgehog makes the most sense. 
• In Japan it was released before Heroes, but Shadow's reappearance as well as allusions to Team Dark imply it was after that game. 
• In America it was released after Heroes. 
• However, Shadow is not suffering from Amnesia as he was in Sonic Heroes-Shadow the Hedgehog, further implying the game is set sometime after the Black Arms invasion, but before the events of Sonic Advance 3 and than assumingly before Sonic Rush-forward. 
• The Sonic Battle Arc of Sonic X was important for Cream and strengthened her character. However, it's a much looser adaptation than the adventure sagas, and I wish that was more well-known.

Ranking (S is best, E is worst): B

This game has a touching story and some notable character development. However, it also suffers poorer quality elements and tedious difficulty levels. Among portable and main games alike, it does not fit in as well because of its different gameplay.

While the the characters and plot is certainly A-rank (maybe S-Rank) worthy, the rest of it tilts more average, resulting in a modest B. 

BLACK KNIGHT