Rank @ End
Summary
Jet!
Gameplay and Level Design
The settings are mostly futuristic with other themes. It's creative, but not overly so. I'd call it a tie with the last Riders.
The gameplay has changed based on the new gravity features, which was a cool way to shake things up. I'm still not a fan of turning, but being able to take shortcuts across walls is cool. I miss the boost in some ways, but in others the Gravity Dive is superior. And not running out of air every 5 seconds is a plus. I also miss being in control of the tricks, although this way is simpler and much easier to get the hang of.
Story and Characters
The story gets off to a fast start, though I rather miss the animated-type of opening. Unfortunately it slows. The story the Hero side of things is simple and just sorta' one thing leading to another. It's always nice to see them getting along, but there's not much going on.
Luckily things are better with Team Babylon. More unique and less familiar, the Rogues distinct personalities help make the game worth playing.
The nature of Sonic's and Jet's rivalry has changed--now Jet is an even match, making his cocky attitude a bit more justified.
As a whole this game incorporates more sci-fi than fantasy, in contrast to the previous Riders game, and I kinda' like it better. Since the game is already in a futuristic, hover-board setting, the switch make more sense.
Music and Voice Acting
The music is a spectacular combination of the first game's high energy and it's own dramatic tone. The slower "Catch Me if You Can" is a great example. It's not as fast and maybe not as taunting, but its more serious, mysterious mood makes it superior. "Ungravityfy" is also a gem. The electronic and natural mixes, like with Gigan Rocks/Device work well, with the game bringing together futuristic and cinematic.
I liked the 4kids cast in the first game, but they've improved with this one, especially with the Rogues. It's harder to tell Dan Green's take on Storm from Knuckles. Jason Griffith's bossy version of Jet is still hilarious but also more serious than previous. Bella Hudson does her usual sassy job with Wave.
Visuals and Graphics
While an improvement, they still aren't so good. Even the CG cutscnes. I've always been disappointed there wasn't an animated opening like in the first game.
Final Thoughts
GOTTA TRY HARDER
Final Ranking: B
For the Babylon side, I think Zero Grav out-did the original. However, for Team Hero, there's not much to make it stand out among any other Sonic game.
It gets extra points for changing up "the formula" by creating the "Gravity" gimmicks and even revolving the plot around the change.
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