Sonic Rivals 2 Reveiw

Rank @ End

Summary

The more things change, the more they stay the same...

Visuals, Level Design, and Graphics

The graphics are horrible. The game art/card art or whatever is fine, but other than that...visually, this handheld game may be one of the worst. As far as setting, they try to do new things, but the graphics are just so bad they are barely salvageable.  

On the other hand I liked the different "racer"/etc outfits. Looked neat/funny. 

Gameplay

The idea of racing the other characters is a clever way to capitalize on the idea of speed. This type of gameplay, where almost every level is a race where the players also attack each other, likely inspired many of Sega's future apps. It's a neat idea, and if it worked as well as the Metal Sonic race of Sonic CD or a 2-D version of the Sonic/Shadow race in SA2, it would be awesome. Unfortunately it's not at the same quality. 

Even though the controls should be simple, they can get confusing. Press this button, press that button! I liked the special moves, but some work better in this case than others. For example, Tails' flight is virtually useless because of the level design--not a good choice. If the "rush" boost wasn't used so much nowadays, "Sonic Boom" might not bother me, but this version of the boost seems so inferior. I think Shadow's "Chaos Control" as well as Silver's "Psychic Control" are the best. 

Even though it's 2-D, it does not play out nearly as smoothly as the classic games or the Advance or Rush series. There are also rival fights/challenges that would be nice as a bonus mission but are instead required and therefore unwelcome. The boss fights varied from being what I'd expect to something more frustrating.     

Story and Characters

Each character is linked to another. Playing Sonic's story, for example, also means playing as Tails, even though Tails has a separate story. This is a little excessive--maybe it should have been one story per pair rather than per character. 

Sonic and Tails have a pretty basic story, but the character interactions are funny. This game is kind of like Heroes in that sense, driven by the characters involved. Only instead of all working together, the different pairs turn on each other, ha ha. 

The plot involving Rouge and Knuckles is like SA2, and though they are allies it works just as well. Silver and Espio seem like and odd combination, but it was a smart way to include the two. Shadow and Metal Sonic may be Sonic's biggest rivals, but it's still odd to see them together. Since Metal doesn't talk, it's more of Shadow's story (which is fine by me!) but Metal proves he isn't totally worthless in the end. 

Like with the first one, it would be nice if there was more of an explanation with Nega. Also, while I like that some characters get "the full story" and others think it's just Eggman, I think Sonic should have at least been suspicious. Considering Heroes and the first Rivals, being fooled a 3rd time makes the Sonic seem like an idiot. 

Music and Sound Effects

The music is pretty harsh and not very memorable. The Mystic Haunt one was okay. "Race to Win" is awesome/impressive for a handheld, but it could get annoying being in the first level. 

One of the main advantages in comparison to the last Rivals game and the Rush series is that the cutscene audio is not as limited. Whereas previous games just had small clips ("getreadytobeschooled," etc), every character had several sayings and spoke during the cutscenes. Though the cutscenes were still limited, it was nice to actually hear the characters talk.    

Mike Pollock handles the shift between Eggmans with ease. Pete Capella seemed to perfect his version of Silver, which wasn't that bad to begin with. I've begun to wonder if it was maybe a script issue rather than voice acting, but this is another case where Kathleen Delaney's Rouge voice better than in Sonic X. Amy Palant's Tails has the opposite effect, though. Her voice for him was great in season 3 but seemed higher-pitched in the games for some reason. Most of the voice acting was perfect, and the cast did a good job. 

Metal Sonic had no voice, so he was basically voiced by Eggman, lol. 

Final Thoughts

• This is a good game for those who like the characters and their various personalities and abilities. However, Sonic's own role isn't the biggest.
• I liked that even though, for example, Shadow and Rouge were not allies in this game, they weren't at each others' throats, either. The same could be said for Knuckles among Sonic/Tails.    
• It would have been interesting to see a Rivals 3 (---with Blaze the Cat). Maybe they could have upgraded things. 
• The races in Sonic Generations were inspired from these.   
• Silver calling Tails HALF-PINT is the best Silver quote. "It's no use" is nothing. 

 

Final Ranking: C 

This is another case where the characters make the game very enjoyable, but eliminating that does not leave much behind. Barfy graphics, cute plot. 

Okay, I guess he noticed the laugh was off...

Best Villain (Part 7--Conclusion)

For me, the "best villain" is an obvious three-way tie.

Robotnik, for his continued perseverance. For having the deepest connection to Sonic and the franchise. His history. His hilarity. Nostalgia, too.

Mephiles, for being a threat like no other. For his creepy way of twisting the truth. For pitting characters against each other. His dark need to destroy...his actions in Shadow's story. 

And Merlina, for being understandable. For the plot twist. For being persuasive and relatable in comparison. Being kind at heart but on the outside sad, cold, malicious, and deadly.

Best Villain? Part 3: Better

Neo Metal Sonic and Dr. Eggman Nega--two unique fiends that almost win. And like to pretend they are Eggman... 

Metal Sonic was just one of Eggman's robots...until the doc's attempts to perfect the creation ended with him locked away in room (luckily he had a walkie-talkie with him, huh Chaotix?). Metal Sonic decided that he was the "real Sonic." Masquerading as Eggman ("Don't worry boys, those were the easy ones!") allowed him to copy the data of those involved so that he could become unstoppable. 

He has a chilling redesign but it's short lived. Metal Sonic turns to Metal Overlord, having more of a metal-dragon appearance. The transformation scenes are a little long for my taste. Sonic's voice actor Ryan Drummond also voiced Metal, adding to the creepy similarities between Sonic and "the REAL" Sonic.

Metal Sonic is defeated, of course, but he was able to trick most of the characters and nearly defeated them all. Even his creator, Eggman, was not allowed to stand between Metal's need to defeat Sonic. 

   

Nega worked with Dr. Eggman in Sonic Rush, claiming to be his counterpart from another dimension. The two wreaked havoc for Sonic and Blaze. In the Rivals series, he impersonates Eggman twice (now revealed as a descendant of Ivo Robotnik, not of another dimension). He almost destroys the world with future technology and the Ifrit. Later (SRA) he returns to working alongside with Ivo/Eggman and tries to take control over dimensions.  

He has taken on Sonic, Blaze, Silver, Shadow, Espio, and Metal Sonic on separate occasions. He's also fooled numerous characters into thinking he is Eggman. He shares Eggman's intellegence but may be more insane. Although he looks like "our" Eggman, he has his own personality. Dr. Eggman Nega is notably willing to "cross the line" and seems to want to destroy the world rather than conquer it (unlike Ivo/Eggman). 

Unfortunately Nega is often forgotten due to only appearing on hand-held games. 

Both these characters are interesting and add to their stories for the better. They surpass the "Erazor" level, but they can't survive without Eggman around, too.   

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.