Sonic Unleashed Review

Rank @ End

Summary

This was bashed for its Werehog idea and stages, yet most Sonic fans enjoyed the game. Hint: I'm one of those fans.  

Gameplay and Level Design

Remember: upgrade the Werehog's attacks. Then it's no sweat.

The gameplay is split into two sections, day and night. The day stages at the time were a new idea, taking the Boost idea from rush and creating a style that switches between 2D and 3D. When I first played the game I really had a problem with pressing the buttons it asked for certain moves, and sometimes I still have trouble. Dark Gaia--60?--insane. Yet I like it in retrospect because it adds a bit of a challenge even now that the boost has become and over-used gimmick.

I also like that even though boosting through is possible, the game encourages exploration through the sun/moon medals, video tapes, records, and other items. Another likeable thing is the rings gained more of a purpose by helping fuel the boost. The trick system, while complex (^), looked cool. Overall the day stages were pretty fun, and the 2D areas weren't as bottomless-pit filled as in future games (cough, cough, SONICCOLORS). 

The Werehog stages are more complicated, but they serve the exploration idea even better. It is a forced slow down, but there are shortcuts and not every enemy needs beaten. In the beginning the game is a bit tougher in these stages, and longer. But as long as the player upgrades the moves/attacks, the gameplay will become a lot easier and smoother as a reward. Upgrade the attacks and then you can smash the buttons of your choice and defeat the enemies with ease. 

It's the Titans that really cause all the darn trouble. They knock Sonic off his feet and sometimes off buildings. Then the wizard ones power it back up sometimes, too. Using the "doorbell" move helps a lot but it can be difficult. 

The stage desings and hub worlds are awesome. Like with Soleanna in 06, they took real life ideas and it works even better with these choices. Altering the sky and lighting was also great. It was also cool that the Tornado returned. 

 

Story and Characters

The story, as wacky as it may be, is really nice. Sonic befriends Chip and there's a lot of focus on that friendship that can kinda' be expanded on (through...food). The script is pretty nice, not epically cheesy like later games or over-the-top like some games past. It seems just right. Serious moments, funny ones. I kinda' like how Amy was in this, where she was still on the hunt for Sonic but got a little more concerned later in the game. Tails was also in a good spot because he seemed smart and useful (though his introduction is not as good because he needs help...but he was even that way in the Secret Rings, so--)

As much as I love Chip, the mythology kinda' bugs me. There were fantasy-type "god" creatures in games before like Adventure and 06, but I don't know why, this one kinda' bothers me. Maybe it is because Eggman also shattered the earth in Sonic Advance 3, heh. 

This is the first game in a long time not to feature Knuckles or Shadow. In some ways, I would have rather seen them in it and have it be Sonic Adventure 3, but I'm glad they did not through the characters in just for the sake of having them there (cough, cough, Forces, Generations). And I also felt the more Sonic-focused story was worth it (unlike SONICCOLORS). 

Music and Voice Acting

The music is great. There's a lot of variety. The hub worlds are more atmospheric and the stages are faster, wilder beats. Both incorporate instruments based on the locations the worlds were inspired upon. There is also a nice contrast between day and night, and a lot of interesting jazz elements. "Endless Possibilities" has a lot of energy and confidence that really match the game's theme of exploration yet Sonic as a character as well. 

The voice acting is the best. I already like Jason Griffith's Sonic voice, but he does particularly well with this game. The hedgehog sounds a bit more mature but has not lost his attitude. The rougher Werehog voice is also awesome. Only complaint with it is that with one or 2 lines it sounds a bit like Jet the Hawk. Amy Palant has really worked on her voice for Tails, who sounds a lot more boyish. Lisa Ortiz also matured Amy's voice a bit. Chip is cute and adorable sounding. 

Overall the only one who did not quite live up to expectations was Dan Green (Professor Pickle) not because the voice was that bad, just because it sounded a lot like Knuckles to me (more so then Mephiles).     

Visuals and Graphics

UNLEASHED DID IT FIRST

The cutscenses, even the ones of lower quality, have aged GREAT. The entire game looks better than Forces, and the animation is expressive. That first cutscene! Wow. 

When playing through, the graphics are not as good as future games but still pretty good. The combination of cartoonish designs and realistic textures helped it age better, I think.  

Dark Gaia is creepy in design. I'm kinda' confused on Chip's looks, but he's cute. Yet the temple-transformation thing (kinda' anime-ish, maybe?) makes him pretty beast. Speaking of beast--

The Werehog design is not so bad. Not as sleek Sonic's usual looks, but powerful and tough. Way better than Boom Knuckles, anyway.  

Final Thoughts

• I (...and a lot of people, surprisingly?) would have liked it if Sonic continued to wear the Chip bracelet. As a sign of character development.  
• I guess in Black Knight it would have just gotten hidden under his armor, but WHAT'S COLORS EXCUSE?  
• Unfortunately by 2010 Sega found the antonym of character development and used that instead. 
• I love this game, but Sega would kinda' pluck some bad ideas out if it: 
• Boost to win
• Tails being a coward
• No Crush 40
• No Kncukles/Shadow/Rouge/Cream/etc

• Another idea reused in the future is having the results affect the characters' stance. Here it affects what the character says (as in games past) and the music as well. 
• This is probably the best version of hub worlds in a Sonic game to date. They were fun to explore and all looked very unique. The day/night idea was also nice visually. 
• The idea with the humans was interesting, becuase while most were cartoony and Pixar-like, there were a few that were more anime/almost more realistic, as if to bridge the gap between this game and games past. 
• I like all the different designs and backgrounds for them. 
• Wentos: AKA how to score as may rings as you want. 
• It's cool that there are optional acts and missions, I always prefer options to requirements.  
• Would have loved to see more "extra"/easter egg scenes in future games. Oh well.  
• WHOO! GO! FEELIN' GOOD! WHOO! WHOO! GO!
• HERE WE...GO!
• AWOOOOO!
• Egro>Orbot 

Final Ranking: S

It would be better without the Titan enemies, but I'm willing to overlook that. This game is really fun to play, has great audio and visuals, and a cool script/story that is not too dark but not too silly. This very well may be the best modern Sonic game. 

:)

Sonic Heroes Review

Rank @ End

Summary

BLAST AWAY! Do more characters=a better game? Uh...no?

Gameplay and Level Design

The level design is fair. There are some colorful additions and new ideas, namely the haunted theme. I don't really like the "chunky" look of some of the earlier levels like [shudders] Seaside Hill and Ocean Palace. Many of the levels are pretty long in length. 

The gameplay has its heart in the right place, but is not the best. I like the idea of team work, but unlike Sonic 2 where there's sort-of an optional thing for another player, this "team" thing is forced on the 1st player. It takes a long while to get used to the different moves, switching between characters, and even just balancing while flying. It needs a "learning period." Doing the Rose missions first helps.  

 

Story and Characters

This is a very character-focused game. Team Sonic has a pretty simplistic story, but it is fun to see the crew getting along and hanging out. Rose's is also pretty simple, but it's humorous and the first time we see Cream outside of Sonic Advance 2. Though where did Chocola even come from? 

The Chaotix have a fun story, though I wish the conclusion was not so obvious. Notably this team dodges Team Sonic because then they'd have to decide where to risk having the group recognize Knuckles. The wording when they first cross Eggman is careful for this reason (Knuckles Chaotix). 

Team Dark gets the best story, where the group hunts Eggman for their own reasons. Unfortunately the game does not decide what to do with Shadow. Does he get his memories back? Is he an android?   

This might be because the character was originally dead and Rouge was going to be a part of Team Rose (wtf). 

The game debuted Omega, Chocola, and introduced many "less known" characters like the Chaotix and Cream. I think they handled the intro well, but I can see how it would seem overwhelming. 

The plot twist is great for the game's story and for Metal Sonic's character. Before, he basically had the OVA for personality and that was basically just that he had Sonic's. Here we as a cold, creepier version. I wish they actually used the "Neo" design a bit before transforming him for 5 minutes, though.   

Music and Voice Acting

The music is pretty good. "Mystic Mansion" really got into the setting, and Bullet Station just sounds awesome. The main theme is good but tiresome. Of the team themes, only "This Machine" really works the best. "What I'm Made Of" is and always will be one of the most epic songs in the series. 

This is some of the best voice acting from the original cast, the other game probably being Sonic Battle. Ryan Drummond's voice for Sonic is happy and energetic, finally losing the sarcasm-awkwardness from the Adventure series. Just right. Jennifer Douillard has shown considerable improvement with Amy, putting a lot more into the role. Lani Minella's Rouge voice is also at it's best. 

I do have one main complaint, and it's for Charmy, who just sounds too girlish for a boy (the potato chips line still works though). 

Visuals and Graphics

The CG scenes are fair. The graphics aren't the best, but tolerable. Though do I have to sit through like 5 mintues of Metal Sonic transforming in thunder, rain, and lightning? 

Omega's design is a bit clunky for my taste, but the Chaotix redesigns are awesome. Rouge also wears a different outfit, which I might like better. Interesting to note that in the concept art her outfit was red and black, too, hm...

Final Thoughts

• The Special stage is crap. A-the boost is NOT like the modern boost, don't use it that way or you WILL PAY. B-you can get at least 6 of them by using Big and walking on the CELLING for some reason. C-you'll do fine and then--randomly come to a halt because you somehow fell. What is this, 06? 
• Sonic 2's is WAY WAY WAY better and it came out, you know, like 10 years before. 
• Ultimately I am glad they brought Shadow back, even if it meant SA2 lost a little meaning. However I'm not a huge fan of the android plot. 
• Also, the portrayal of Shadow himself in the game has been greatly exaggerated, I mean one minute he's all "space, did you say space" and the next he's all "some things never change," what the heck?! 
• Sorry, but Shadow the Hedgehog> Heroes Shadow.  The entire game is dedicated to the character's potential. Did it 100% work? No. Did it miss some opportunities with Team Dark? Yeah. But it gives still gives a better idea of "who" he is. 
• Plus "That way you guys can use your super powers," ugh, that's barely better than "you've got this, Sonic," ew.   
• This is the best we see of Metal Sonic, I think, yet the whole "Neo" idea is overrated. Forces may have been an opportunity to flesh out the character's personality when working under Eggman. Too bad.   
• Tails and Knuckles...just get bubbles...shinny little...WHY?
• Part of this game's problem is that Sonic himself is kinda' buried in all these characters. 
• Giving him a super transformation and no one else is NOT a solution. 
• So I'm confused about the sunset thing... 
• HOOHEE

Final Ranking: B 

Eh. What can I say? Beating this game is great, and it's really nice to see the characters work and talk together in the level, too. But it can be long, repetitive, and at points just...boring?

WHAT IF...Silver was replaced with Metal...hm.

Is IDW Amy...Amy?

Amy Rose has come along way from being chased and carried away by robots. Character development is a good thing, yet...I don't know how I feel about IDW Amy. 

Back when the series was announced I assumed Tangle would "be the new Sally," but it soon became clear that responsibility would fall upon Sonic's other main flame: Amy. 

 Though Knuckles headed the freedom fighters resistance in Sonic Forces, Flynn never bothered trying to make Knuckles into a leader. Instead Amy became the leader of the Restoration and helped keep people together during the Zombot rein of terror saga. Currently she's helping Cream out, and...let's just say her days of pulling out a hammer whenever Sonic talks to another girl are over. 

Amy's crush evolved her into a fan-girl. She did start to grow out of this once before, but then the games flipped her back where she started. Her Sonic Boom portrayal was more mature, but that was literally a whole other world. Still, it seemed to impact her in Forces. And now IDW? 

I think that might be the problem? She acts more like Boom Amy than Amy, except Sonic knows about her crush. On the other hand, Archie Amy never really hit the fan-girl faze, usually just being too young yet more mature than her game counterpart...so maybe it's Archie Amy without Sally around...?

I liked the crazy, angry, fan-girl Amy seen in the 2000s and maybe most famously in Sonic X.  Girlish and immature, it may she may not have had the calm of a leader, but that didn't stop Cream, Cheese, and Big from helping her. Amy's peppy and sometimes crazy attitude made her unique and memorable. 

Still, I didn't mind it when games like Sonic Unleashed tried to have her grow up a bit. I don't dislike Boom Amy, either, but she seems a bit cynical or judgmental, and that wasn't really a part of her personality before. 

If Amy had flaws, it was jealously and a quick temper--neither seem prevalent in IDW. In the comics the only problem she has is second-guessing herself. She doubts herself and then pulls herself together to get whatever she needs done...but isn't that just a bit too perfect? I'd like an outburst here or there, at least, but this version of Amy always keeps her annoyance under lock and key... 

I just don't know whether to applaud Flynn for developing Amy into a smart leader (without making her a clone of Sally), or criticize him for changing a character from the start instead of letting progress come on its own (she actually assumes this new role in her first appearance). 

Let's not get started on Blaze...

ShtH is Better than Heroes (Conclusion)

I like Sonic Heroes. It's a good character driven game and introduced some fascinating concepts. Unfortunately while it easily snags the title of "fan-favorite," Shadow the Hedgehog is teased. 

Heores was good, but it was not without it's flaws. ShtH had it's own problems, but overall it was a better game than Heroes: 

• Part 1--Attitude
• Part 2--Gameplay
• Part 3--Conflict
• Part 4--Scoring
• Part 5--Music
• Part 6--Levels
• Part 7--2-player
• Part 8--Main Character
• Part 9--Missions
• Part 10--Replay

Shadow was more experimental. It was character driven, but in a different way. Instead of focusing on the power of team work, its themes expanded to identity, revenge vs justice, and right vs wrong. 

Best way to use a keyboard.

I don't think ShtH was perfect, but it does not deserve to be treated like a big joke. They went overboard with the "edgy" qualities and over-dramatized the guns. No one complained about the GUNS in Sonic Forces because they were unrealistic and called a silly name (Wispon). The guns in ShtH were not realistic in the slightest: oversized, alien, and...whatever the heck the Omachao gun is. They were fun and helped differ the game from a typical Sonic one (though as a reminder, Gamma!). The game is not nearly as over-the-top as the intro.  

HUGE, CARTOONISH GUN

Between the two, there were many parts I felt tied. Graphics are practically the same. The plot varies--while the end twist was better in Heroes I'm not sure that applies to the whole game (a letter from Eggman saying he's taking over the world, seriously? Alien invasion was an epic way to start in comparison). Voice Acting also varied--for many of the original cast Heroes was their best game and for the 4kids ShtH was maybe their worst. However Charmy's voice in ShtH was still better than his original voice, and the same could be said about many other characters. Most notably with Shadow...David Humphrey was great, but Jason Griffith immediately matched the character perfect. Ryan Drummond was doing his best take on Sonic at that point, though. So those were all debatable points that I felt neither "won."

  

Shadow the Hedgehog still beat Heroes in many other categories, with replay value being the most notable. Again, while I don't hate Heroes, I don't think it quite deserves the credit it gets. Meanwhile ShtH deserves a lot more. 

A step farther: Shadow the Hedgehog deserves a sequel. Tails and Knuckles are good characters but to have them go solo would be out of character nowadays. Silver's backstory(s) are too unclear. I'd like to see a Blaze spin-off maybe the most, but she lacks the popularity and is not as easily recognized. 

Shadow can go off on his own, has clear origins, and is "the 2nd most popular character in the canon." Sonic 06 improved from Shadow the Hedgehog, and Forces showed there's still a chance for the character. If he were to star in his own title they could fix their mistakes while keeping what made the game fun. Unfortunately, Sega no longer takes risks, and a spin-off starring another character, Shadow or otherwise, WILL NEVER HAPPEN. We can hope for another "episode/story," though...     

SthH is better than Heroes (Part 9)

Part 9: Missions

Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Heroes has some similar ideas, but executed them differently. 

In Heroes, most of the teams simply had to make it to the goal in time, but Team Chaotix was cursed with a different outcome: doing random errands for their client. Eggman fully deserved the beating Charmy gave him.

In most of these levels the team would have to collect, interact with, or destroy something. For example, in Mystic Mansion they have to blow out all of the red torches. While the idea of exploration was nice for Knuckles and Rouge in the Adventure series, those two had different gameplay and an area designed differently to take advantage of that. 

Of course Seaside Hill for Chaotix is the same for them as with any other group...except they have to collect crabs! 

While the challenge kept them unique, some stages were better than others.

Additionally each level has an alternate goal for each team. Team Sonic, for example, has to complete the stage in a given time. They aren't very fun and seem tiresome. Except for emblems and A-ranks, there's not a real reason to work on them. 

Things are different in Shadow the Hedgehog. The missions are always optional, though they have to be completed in order to get any ending other than the pure neutral ones. Almost every stage therefore has the possibility to simply get to the goal in time.  

While similar to the Chaotix's style, there is more variety. Sometimes Shadow has to destroy a certain amount of enemies, or in other cases he has to take out a large tank or blimp. Similar to "Find the Lost Chao," Amy asks him to find Cream and then Cheese. Eggman asks Shadow to activate defense systems for him while Maria wants to help injured researchers in The Doom. There are more options and they fit the plot. They don't seem as random or demeaning. 

It also makes for good contrast, like in Central City where he has to either activate or sweep up bombs.  

Not all of them are easy. Both Black Doom and Espio expect a lot in Mad Matrix, and let's not forget finding the computer room with Vector. Still, it's balanced out by other stages. In the Ark Shadow can either shoot down the space colony's defenses or ride a Black Arms bird-thing around. Tails asks for help collecting rings in a stage where ringing a bell gives 50. 

Missions can be interesting and can reflect how well a player knows the game. However I'm a fan of options rather than requirements, and that makes ShtH the batter choice by far.    

ShtH is Better than Heroes (Part 8)

 Part 8: The Main Character

Sonic Heroes was a game that highlighted the benefits of trusting one another and teamwork while the less clear-cut Shadow the Hedgehog explored the trust's good and bad consequences. 

While Heroes did a great job with balancing the amount of characters fit into the game, Sonic himself was mostly just another Team leader. Shadow the Hedgehog, as the title suggests, was more focused on Shadow despite the inclusion of many other characters. 

The story for Team Hero is pretty simple. The rapport between Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails is the main attraction, perhaps highlighted best during the actual stages. In the story, though, there's little difference to make Sonic's role stand out. 

This is the first time he's taken his role-model position to the next level, actually leading Tails and Knuckles. Unfortunately the shift seems to go unnoticed. 

There is a moment of interest where Sonic admits he might not have made it to the end without Tails and Knuckles, but it's quickly replaced with in the Last Story with cheesy comments about the powers of team work and being "Sonic Heroes!"    

The Last Story was a great opportunity to contrast Sonic with his Metal double. That can be done with voice acting, appearance, and even "What I'm Made Of." But it's just not apart of the script or story. 

In Shadow the Hedgehog any path taken is about character development. Now, this game doesn't get too much weight for this because most of it is not CANON. Even if it's not all "real," it was still an important step forward.

In Heroes, Shadow worked with Omega and Rouge to track Eggman. Then he even suggested helping Team Hero in the ending. However, the game left many unresolved questions and used amnesia as an excuse to avoid them.  

The first cutscene establishes some important changes since Sonic Heroes. Mainly that he remembers a variation of Maria's death, but also that now (alone/no purpose) he's haunted and needs answers. Suspiciously Black Doom shows up at this exact moment and tells Shadow to go get the Chaos Emeralds.  

Shadow starts as neutral as possible. He's not aligned with a any character yet, not even Black Doom ("like it or not I have to believe him"). The reason he calls the humans pathetic is because his promise to Maria is lost in his head, replaced with GUN soldiers shooting her. He has no obligation to them--or hatred for them, at the start.

The game takes some unique twists, but mainly Shadow is good, bad, or neutral. 

• In "good" cutscenes Shadow doesn't like to admit weakness or friendship, but he shows respect where it's due. 
• The "neutral" cutscenes range from complete confidence to total depression. 
• The "bad" ones reveal that while Shadow can be loyal, he can also be a dangerous rebel. Either way he runs on ambition and a desire for revenge. 

The true end reveals a Shadow that's tired of being manipulated and just wants to move on. So he says goodbye to who ever he used to be and decides to "Never Turn Back." 

In Shadow the Hedgehog the supporting cast was the supporting cast. That was it. Sonic Heroes could have been Vector Heroes or Rouge Heroes or Amy Heroes because the attention was so divided. If it were a spin-off, it'd probably fine. But, again, it's a main game. In fellow multi-story main games like Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, or even Sonic 06, Sonic seemed to get the last moment to reveal something about his own character, like running off instead of taking credit, like saying goodbye to his than-dead rival, or even carefully watching a hint of a another life drift away.  

More centric, Shadow the Hedgehog was about Shadow. It showed sides to the character never seen before and sometimes never seen again, all while aiming to reestablish Shadow's role.      

Sonic Advance 2 Review

Summary

Hello Cream and Cheese. 

Characters and Gameplay

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Cream are each playable characters. There's a bit more of a story to this one, as Eggman has kidnapped Sonic's friends (and Cream's mother, Vanilla). Sonic frees the characters as he goes (Amy is unlocking after beating the game with the characters and emeralds). While there's a bit more to it than Sonic Advance, it's still fairly simplistic. 

Like with the previous title the game makes use of the differences between characters. Notably polite little Cream uses Cheese to attack, showing the newcomer's docile stance. The sprites' designs are cute and expressive. 

Simple controls reflect the spirit of the classic games. 

Level Design and Music

Music Plant is a personal favorite in both design and sound. Ice Paradise seems just like winter. As with the previous title, in general the music is nice but not of the same quality/not as memorable. 

The levels are a bit more unique. Music Plant obviously incorporates instruments. Hot Crater incorporates some different industrial themes, and the Techno Base is colorful. However there are still familiar themes with the hill-like Leaf Forest and the lit-up Ice Paradise. Generally the levels are better or equal to those in Sonic Advance. 

Sky Canyon--while attempting to create a unique location, is terrible--especially as Sonic. I consider bottomless pits a big no-no in 2-D gameplay, and Sky Canyon has far too many for only being the 5th zone.

Final Thoughts

• Cream and Cheese are adorable, and this her best gameplay style. 
• The bosses are too difficult, especially as Sonic. Sonic's the starter character--it should be easiest for him (it's easiest for Cream, but that's of little help when Sonic is the one to save everyone). 
• This is most frustrating since they are a part of the level, rather then separate. Dying after one of these bosses means the entire stage--both sections--must be completed again. 
• And the game only gives 2 lives, rather than the standard 3. 
• Getting the Chaos Emeralds, again, way too difficult. If this were an easy game, collecting special rings to access the Special Stage may be possible. But it's not. And collecting all those rings is only a chance at getting the emerald, not a guarantee. 
• And this has to be done over and over for all 7 and (to unlock things) for all characters?! That's crazy. 
• Looks like I won't be seeing the real ending anytime soon...
• Despite the challenges it's still ideal for a classic fans (and/or those with a Gameboy/DS, of course). 

Final Ranking: B

I think it's an improvement over Sonic Advance and a worthy sequel. Unfortunately it's not much more.  

Adding Cream was a clever way to spice up the simple story and give the character a bit of a backstory for up-coming games. Still, there are irritating portions in design that disrupt its appeal. As cute as the game is, some may lose interest.

Sonic Advance Review

 

Summary

The most underrated of all Sonic games?

Characters and Gameplay

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy are each playable characters as they fight Dr. Eggman. The style is very close to the classic games--it would be an easy transition from S3&K to Advance. 

In addition to moves from before, each has an attack, which I like. Amy is also able to jump higher. While I like Amy's hammering moves, she a bit more difficult. More for skilled players, which is ironic because typically Amy has the easier levels. 

Each character is very expressive and the sprites' designs are fair. 

Level Design and Music

The music is confident and brings a lot of styles that help set the scene, like how Secret Base sounds straight out of a spy movie or Ice Mountain is so calm. Cosmic Angel is awesome. However, the quality is not quite as good so some portions seem a bit loud or out of place.  

The Badniks are very cleverly made and unique. 

The levels borrow many of the same themes. Beach, snow, factory, etc. But somehow, be it the color choice or the backgrounds or the addition of some minor new elements...it manages to put a new spin on theme. 

Casino Paradise is a complete rip-off of Casino and Carnival Night as well as Twinkle Park, but I don't care! It looks so fun and the fireworks in the background were a nice touch.   

I also like the homage of the boss fights in the X Zone, but otherwise the bosses seem just a bit too difficult to be fun. 

Final Thoughts

• This is very underrated and often forgotten, which is a shame. People were always complaining that Sonic went 3-D, but he never really left 2-D. 
• Getting the Chaos Emeralds is insane and way too difficult. Looks like I won't be Super Sonic anytime soon! 

Final Ranking: B

Though I do think it lacks the attention it deserves, it borrows a great deal from the classic games and Sonic Adventure. Combined with the simple plot and it's just not very memorable.

It's still a nice merging of Modern and Classic Sonic.  

Sonic Drift Review

Summary

I like the art for this game so much better than I like the game. 

Gameplay

It plays similar to Sega racing games/other racing games of the time, with the addition of some Sonic elements like the item box (TV) and the spring. 

As with those other games, the main goal is less of trying to get in front and more of trying to stay on the road, as the grass and rows of obstacles will cause a drastic slow-down.

Apparently hitting another car will also cause a slow down. These combined with the AI...and there's not really a good way to win. 

There are different circuits, but they are the same locations. 

 

Levels and Characters

The levels are straight out of Sonic 1, but have different music. Not as good quality, not as likable. Though invincibility is yet another "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" remix. I recognize the visual similarities in the background, but the road and the area itself are very crude. 

I do like the expressions of the characters when they win/lose. Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Eggman are all playable. I like Sonic's flashy red car--it might match his personality better than his later blue one. Amy's car is creepy because apparently it's alive. Tails is kinda' retro--setting a trend? Eggman just rides his mobile.

As I mentioned I like the art, but even though each character has an advantage/weakness, it does not seem to make a difference who is used...none seem that helpful. 

 

Final Thoughts

I got access to this through the Mega Collection. In the 90s it was only in Japan, though Sonic Drift 2 would make to the US.

For a long time I thought the episode "The Mobuis 5000" of AoStH was made to kind of loosely tie-in to this before realizing that this came out in 1994 and Drift 2 in 95, so that's actually not possible (AoStH aired in 1993). AoStH did it first!

For being previously Japan-exclusive there's plenty of English.

I really prefer the riders series and the idea of "extreme gear." Hover boards, skates, bikes, yachts...less cliche and way cooler than any version of Mario Kart. 

Seeing this, it's hard to understand why anyone would complain about Team Sonic Racing. Say what you will about the modern era, it would be hard not to improve over this. 

Final Ranking: E

It's not exactly unplayable. You can try and play it...but why? 

I love the art and while I don't...hate the game, it would probably be in my top ten worst. 

Sonic Rush Review

Total Score is at the end.

Summary

Sonic Rush debuted the boost mechanic and characters Blaze the Cat and Dr. Eggman Nega.

Plot and Characters

• I love the story. Blaze is a very relatable and sympathetic character. Her introverted personality makes her a good contrast for Sonic. The friendship between her and Cream is cute, though I love seeing Cream with Amy, her friendship with Blaze feels more developed.
• This game shows both the ups and downs of having to do things alone and the importance of being able to rely on others.   
• The final story brings Sonic and Blaze together for an epic showdown and a sweet good bye. I've always admired the handshake scene and how it summarizes how far Blaze/her relationship with Sonic and Cream has come.
• Blaze has awesome qualities. Her backstory is a bit complex, but it's unique, too. Combined with her thoughts and sparkling fire powers, Blaze makes a new and welcome addition to the Sonic cast. 
•  Eggman Nega is very similar to Eggman, but it's revealed that he is more insane. This makes him a humorous yet dangerous foe. It was nice to see the two be the main villains (rather than a monster 3rd party again). 
• The inclusion of Knuckles and Amy is funny but doesn't feel necessary. 

Graphics, Visuals, and Level Design

• The graphics, being on a 15 year old DS game, are not good. For it's age, I'll call it average. 
• It features a bit of art in the game as well as expressions for the cutsenes. It's fair, I guess, and the expressions are nice at least. 
• The levels are mostly original and have interesting looks and backgrounds. It borrows some ideas from previous games, both classic and from the Advance series, but the locations have a bit more of a realistic look. 
• The added mechanics (hanglider, rocket, etc). It can be annoying. Some are fine, but the majority slow the stage down. 

Gameplay and Controls

• The boost is fueled by tricks, and it works well in the game. It brings a new, fast element that works properly and looks cool. 
• Many of the qualities of a classic game are still present, making it easier for a classic fan to transition. 
• The only cons are the A-B smashing that some of the bosses require and the parts were the R-button is necessary. That should have just been an extra move, and the A-B is frustrating. 

Music and Sound Effects

• The music is lively, energetic, and upbeat. It's funky use of voices can get tedious, though, sorta' making the music "an acquired taste." 
• The voices clips are good and match the characters' personalities. I like how genuine Sonic sounds when he says "Alright!" and how Blaze seems hopeful as she says, "Again." 
• Still, it would have been better if the cutscene lines were spoken (like on a main console).  

Final Thoughts

• The only way to dislike Sonic Rush is avoiding it. It's a very good game and I encourage playing it; it is key to understanding Blaze's character. 
• It's become a fan-favorite and that is a well earned title. 
• However, it's often forgotten in favor of other "main" titles like 06. 
• I am glad Blaze was in 06. It was fun to play as her. But it started a confusing problem.
• Along those lines, I think that Sonic/Blaze makes a better team than Silver/Blaze. I don't just mean as a couple, I mean as friends in general. Blaze and Sonic are opposite personalities, yet they share speed and a similar purpose. Combined with some of the tension of being former rivals and of different universes (literally), this is bound to create a story that benefits the both of them. 
• As for Sliver/Blaze plots, I feel as though Silver gains (for being seen as the caring friend) and Blaze is just "the friend." Her role to be constantly seems pushed aside for him.   
• It's also a shame we haven't seen Blaze and Cream interact much since this game. 
• It would have been a nice feature if the player could re-view cutscenes. 
• As for the Boost: when it started out, it was a new and exciting element. It was not an overused, boring excuse to breeze past a level like it is now. 

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

It has good values, characters, and gameplay. It's only main con is the A-B, and that's a small problem.