Sonic Adventure (Limited Edition)

Sonic Adventure (Limited Edition)

Sega Dreamcast

Difficulty: Hard

Length: Medium

Appropriate Age Groups: 5-10, 11-17, 18-25, 26-34, 35+

Reviewed by: Rich Hernandez

Review:

We've all downloaded clips off the net and we're all guilty of wanting to see the Sega mascot back in action. But so what? It's not our fault that Sega nearly abandoned the "Blue Blur" for the Saturn. Think about it, we haven't seen a really good Sonic game since the Sega CD days! Sonic CD was the best game (next to the original) and it came out on a system that WAS destined to never make it in the gaming market. Since then, Sega never utilized their mascot for the Saturn, the devoted Sega fans have been without their favorite mascot for a long time! But now he's back better than ever, in 128-bit splendor!!

Considering this is Sega's first entry title into the 128-bit market, it's an excellent first step. From the moment you sit back, turn on the Dreamcast and watch the killer Sonic Adventure intro, you know this title is going to rock. Once I pulled myself away from watching the intro, I picked up the controller to find out what this game can do. You immediately feel a sense of good control with Sonic, and later the other characters who include: Amy, Miles "Tails" Prower, Knuckles the Echdina (?), Big the Cat, and Ed-102 (the bad robot gone good) as he moves fluidly over the high graphic terrain.

Also, Sonic (as do other characters) has a "lock on" attack that he can use to keep an enemy in sight and always be able to face them when needed (much like Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time). The only flaw that I've felt with the control isn't really the control of the character but actually the camera angle. As you move around corners sometimes the camera has to "catch up" leaving you open to an attack. It kind of upset me that there were any flaws, but fortunately this one is real minor and it barely affects the game as you play. I was just hoping it would have been tweaked better since the Japanese version had the same problem.

Graphics:

Sonic Adventure is kind of an unbelievable game to me. I mean, you'll play it, play it some more, and then play it some more, and you just can't believe what you're playing (It must be some weird trance side-effect that Sega didn't test for the Dreamcast). Sonic in 3D. Sonic in 3D with the best damn graphics ever on a home system. Ah ha! That's where the problem lies; Sonic has never been in a 3D game that was any good, and with graphics this incredible it's hard not to be mesmerized. Though it does make it a little tough to get through the levels.

Sound:

Very detailed and rich, the music of Sonic Adventure is excellent. Unlike many games, Sonic Adventure has songs that include well done lyrics (including the nifty intro rock song).

Enjoyment:

Considering this is a first generation title for the Dreamcast, this game is incredible! You'll play it over and over just to see Sonic in all his 128-bit glory, not to mention play through the well designed (though sometimes a bit over done) levels. Put simply, it's a blast to play!

Replay Value:

Since the levels don't require tons of thought, and the gameplay is relatively simple (after you've got a hang of the 3D play), this game is easy to get into over and over.

Documentation:

Basic with appealing artwork. No extra goodies though.

Comments? Send feedback to mailto:editor@allgame.com?subject=Sonic Adventure (Limited Edition) - Review (H 18657).