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.

Sonic Adventure Review

Rank at the end.

Summary

Sonic Adventure took the Sonic series in a new direction.

Gameplay

Sonic Adventure is often misremembered as the first 3D Sonic game. It is a vast improvement over the likes of Sonic 3D Blast, though. It feels easier to control and less restricted. However, it's not as easy to adapt to as the 2D era, and is almost crude compared to the clarity of future games. The Light Dash, for example, required a charging time before use. 

The difference in speed and moves for the characters was a plus. Sonic Adventure created a different and unique style for each character, making "more" than just a Sonic game. It's a Tails game. A Knuckles game. So on.

Sonic, Tails, and Gamma are similar and work well despite the differences. Amy's would be fine if not for Zero, who is extremely distributive. Knuckles is more exploratory, which is nice yet not as speedy as the others. Big...

Big sits around and fishes (see also: Sega Bass Fishing). The slower pace did not sit well with players, permanently scarring the character. I prefer his moves in Sonic Heroes myself. The camera angles and just the entire process made a simple task difficult, and the style does not fit with the other characters.

The Chao Gardens were a nice addition, but are not as good as their replacement in SA2. They are boring, which is a shame since the Chao have a bigger role in this game's story.    

Characters and Story

Sonic

• Sonic's story seems basic, but since this is the first of it's type I'll give it a pass. 

Tails

• I wish future games did as much with Tails as this game. It seems like Tails struggling to save the day on his own is the most character development he'll ever get. 

Amy

• Even though she appeared in Sonic CD, this game further cemented Amy's peppy personality as an adoring fan girl. I like "Birdie," but Zero is torturous. From a plot standpoint, (despite the ending) it seems like Amy is still a damsel in distress.

Knuckles

• The main plot intertwines with Knuckles, considering the Echidna clan. It's nice to have his history expanded, but it doesn't affect him as much as expected. The story is not as memorable as it could have been. Oh, and he gets tricked...again.

Gamma

• Gamma is a rebel robot, and his journey from joining the E-series to turning on his creator and making the ultimate sacrifice is classic.   

Big

• Big simply wants his pal Froggy back. Fine. Simple like Big. But whole Frog eating part of Chaos or whatever? Bizarre. 

Super Sonic

• Tikal, Chaos, the past, the present--everything comes together. Super Sonic was epic, but the beginning part with Chaos turning on Eggman was a little slow.   

Visuals

There are many types of locations to explore, and the Adventure Fields added to this. Unfortunatly the graphics are clunky and have not aged well. It's hard to enjoy the small details like the ruins or the signs in Station Square when the overall set up is bulky and unappealing.

Along those lines, the cutscenes junky compared to future games. The original Dreamcast graphics are down right hideous. And the character mouth movements are very odd (and humorous).

The anime-style humans lack much detail and are bland. It maybe weird to say, but the humans in 06 were an improvement.

Voice Acting and Dialogue

Overall the voice acting was average or poor. Ryan Drummond as Sonic was fair, but defiantly not as good as Sonic's cartoon actor, Jaleel White.

Though Drummond would perfect his version by Heroes, his early Sonic (combined with some odd comments in the script) was a bit awkward. The same could be said for some of the others, like Deem Bristrow (Eggman).

However Amy's voice actor, Jennifer Douillard, was just plain bad. She improves later, but for this game Amy sounded awkward, bratty, and childish. Though the story gave her an emotional role, her portrayal didn't have such an emphasis. Tail's voice wasn't quite right, either. Pachacmac's voice is kinda' funny.

Ultimately the only Gamma's voice is perfect for the character (not as good as Omega).

The script was a bit odd with some phrases, but generally helped mold their distinct personalities.

Music

As with all good Sonic games, there is a variety in soundtrack, though there is arguably more of an edgy rock/metal vibe than seen in the classic days. Luckily Sonic Adventure shows how both slower and more intense paces can affect how a setting is perceived.

Overall the stage music is good. In comparison to the Sonic series as a whole I'd call it a bit average, though.

Vocal themes also varied. Songs like "It Doesn't Matter" and "My Sweet Passion" fit the characters well, though personally I've never been a huge fan of "Unknown from M.E" and I think "Believe in Myself" would have better suited Tails with male vocals. "Open Your Heart" is killer and is king over all the others, which is a plus since it's also the main theme.

Final Thoughts

• This game is overrated. SA2 is overrated, but it deserves that hype. Sonic Adventure is a fine game, but not nearly as flawless as it is remembered as. 
• For both the characters and style, this is a good game for fans. Not sure if it's best as an "entry" title. 
• Amy's hammer/jump move is fun. So was that Wack-A-Mole style thing she had to do. 
• The flash backs were a very interesting element.  
• I liked the afterward-pictures in the credits like Tikal with Chaos. 

Ranking (S is highest, E is lowest): B

It's kind of an average game. It has some great moments, and some not so great moments. Though it and inspired many subsequent titles, it's a bit bland. 

NOT Saved By Zero!

TSR: Who Got The Coolest Car?

Team Sonic Racing comes out this year, but most of the cars have already been seen through promotional and released art. Although we don't know all the names (like Tailgator, Vector's) we're ranking these cars based purely on looks because if Sonic is known for anything, it's his "way past cool" vibe.

1 Shadow

Shadow's car is looks awesome. It's better than his past vehicles, and--wow--better than Sonic's. Plus it really matches the "edgehog". 

2 Rouge

I really heart how much this matches Rouge. 

3 Silver

Futuristic, sleek. Roads? Where we're going we don't need--now wait a minute...

4 Sonic

Sonic's problem is his car looks too similar to previous titles. Honestly, I thought the one in Drift looked cooler. However, it's still pretty cool--just not "way past."

5 Blaze

I guess this is supposed to be a car fit for a princess & elegant, but its front just sorta' strikes me as ugly. Love the cat ears, though, and the colors.

6 Vector

Cool and snappy enough for even the Chaotix's head honcho.

7 Tails

It's seems a bit ugly but points for the retro look I guess? What a nerd.

8 Big

FROGGGYYYY would like this, now wouldn't he? I wouldn't exactly call it cool, but...interesting? Sure. 

9 Omega

I've got the power! It's sort of lame, but has a rough look to match it's driver. 
 
10 Chao

Wasn't too thrilled about the Chao in general, here. Why not Cream or Tikal or something? Anyway, this is a throwback to SA2, but no one really cares. 

11 Amy

Lame and not as cute as it's predecessors. Makes Amy look like an awkward mom or something.

12 Knuckles

Bland. A stereotypical power-type. Doesn't have much of a connection to Knux; Eggman could drive that thing and no one even would realize.

Sonic Adventure: Who has Best Gameplay?

With 6 unique characters and styles (and one Super form), which adventure-seeker is keeps players coming back (or staying away).  

Super Sonic
With incredible speed and lightning fast attacks, Sonic's transformation owns the top spot of this list.

Sonic
Sonic easily picks up speed. His light dash move is a bit more time consuming then later games, but overall the spin/homing attacks were easy to control and any problems were with the level design rather than the character himself.

Amy
Amy's gameplay is cute and I love how high she can jump with her hammer. Her increase in pace and hammer attacks are great. The horrible add-on: Zero, a robot who chases her 24/7. Still, I think she's really fun to play as.

Gamma
Gamma's was unique and interesting. I like the idea of a time limit instead of the time counter, and his aim seemed okay. A little slow, though, and he sucks around water. Don't take him to the Mystic Ruins Chao Garden!

Tails
Tails races Sonic for most levels, and all are pretty easy. Not a fan of the plane sub-level (same for Sonic)--mostly because of it's length. Tails was pretty fast and his flight was cool, but he was fairly basic overall.

Knuckles
Finding the shards was interesting, but kind of boring compared to others. In some cases, the levels can seem too long, and I thought fighting bosses with Knux was a little challenging (with gliding). Not bad, though.

Big
Sega, if I wanted to play Sega Bass Fishing, I'd play that. Big can be very frustrating--it's a unique concept, but I usually don't have the patience for it. It would better if fishing was an optional sub-level or something, but instead that's the whole level. Add in the fact that Big is slow (in more ways than one), and he is easily the worst character to play as in perhaps the entire series. He's better in heroes, though. HOOHEE. 

Team Sonic Racing Update: Why are Blaze, Sliver, and Vector a Team?

Team...Blaze? Sliver? VECTOR?!

The latest news: Blaze, Silver, and Vector are in the game as a team. This is a little odd, but we'll go over that after the recap.

What we already know: 

1. It's a car (/kart) racing game with Sonic & Co rather than other Sega characters. 
1. The last Sonic series racing game was Sonic Free Riders. 
2. The last All-Stars series (collection of Sega characters) racing game was Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed. 
2. Unlike previous titles, Team Sonic Racing is about teamwork rather than winning. 
1. This is the first to use "team-focused" gameplay since Sonic Heroes, and the first in a racing game. 
2. All team positions count towards a total, and the team with the most points wins. 
3. There will be a story mode. 
1. This will explain "why Sonic's driving a car."
2. It's unknown if there will be a story for each team (like in the past), or if it will be tied to gameplay (such as parts of Sonic Forces). 
4. Flight characters are instead technique characters while Speed and Power characters stay the same.



TECHNIQUE

5. Team Hero and Dark are in it, as well as Team Rose minus Cream. 
1. This means Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, Rouge, Omega, Amy, and Big are all playable. 
2. Eggman and several of his robots are playable. 
3. Chao (and Omochao) have taken Cream's place in Team Rose. 
4. Silver, Blaze, and Vector have formed "Team Vector."
5. Each team have a special move.   
6. The cars will be customizable for better skills or looks. 
7. Crush 40 made the title song for the game, "Green Light Ride."
1. This is the first time they've made one since Sonic and the Black Knight.
8. Wisps will serve as power-ups.
9. A one-shot comic will be made to go along with it. 
1. With IDW (Archie's replacement), of course. 
10. The game supposedly comes out this fall.  

So why the bleep is VECTOR on a team with BLAZE AND SLIVER? 

...

Background--

Blaze is a speed character; a princess from another dimension with pyrokinetic (fire) abilities and an introvert personality.

• She's good friends with Sonic, Cream, and Marine.
• Her nemesis is Dr. Eggman Nega. 
• In the Oylmic games she was in the "All-around" category rather than speed (because Sonic, Shadow, and Metal Sonic already took up the Sonic-side of the Speed types). She filled in as the power type for Team Rose in Sonic Runners, even though she's faster than Amy (I'm not sure Runners that canon because it seems very inaccurate).

Silver is a flight character from the future. He has psychokinesis, so he can move items with his mind and hover through the air for short periods of time. Despite being fairly fast he's no match for Sonic.

• He knew Blaze once but that time-frame was erased, although they both admit a familiarity with each other (the meet up again in Sonic Colors DS and Sonic Generations, and they both made appearances in the Riders series). 
• He is also enemies with Nega for unrelated reasons, and with Iblis, a being he later destroys. 
• Silver will likely be taking the technique role.

Vector is a power character, a detective, and the leading member of Team Chaotix (him, Espio, and Charmy). He and his team have been around since the "classic" days.

• Despite dreaming of riches and "the big case," Vector isn't nearly as ruthless as Rouge or Jet the Hawk, and will help anyone. 
• He previously filled in as the power type for Team Rose in Sonic Free Riders, hoping to win prize money. 
• Rumors say Vector's the leader, so he must get this team together for some reason. 

I get Silver and Blaze being put together because of their roles in Sonic 06, but I sure didn't except Vector to step in. 

1. He's clearly taking the power role so that the group fits.
2. I'm guessing there's no Cream, Charmy, or Marine because they're "too young" to drive (even though Tails is eight). 
1. This would explain why the Chaotix don't have a team. 
3. I'm also guessing that Silver and Blaze are more popular/recognized than the Chaotix or that Vector's the favorite of that team. Espio has been on solo missions, too, but he's a speed type, and they don't need one.   
4. It could also be story motivated--maybe Eggman Nega kidnaps Charmy or something (doubt that guy will show up on a console game, though). 

I'm not sure why this bunch came to be, but I'm glad to have them in the game. And after Sonic Forces, especially Blaze (she wasn't in it BUT SILVER WAS). 

WHAT?