Sonic Adventure
Score: 90% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Sega Developer: Sonic Team Media: CD/1 Players: 1 Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Platformer (3D)
Graphics & Sound: Sonic Adventure is, without a doubt, the most impressive display of graphical prowess the 3D genre has ever seen. Be it texture quality, special effects, level design, or even just the overall appeal of the characters, Sonic looks brilliant. If this is what 3D action/adventure is going to be like on the Dreamcast in the future, we are definitely in for a treat. The game gives you a very cinematic feel. Each character you encounter has its own ‘theme music,’ along with a unique voice that fits the character. If you have ever played any of the Sonic games back in the Genesis days, then you will be surprised to hear some familiar sound effects, such as the ‘ding’ noise heard when collecting rings.
Gameplay: Sonic Adventure‘s main gameplay is found in the ‘Adventure Mode.’ The Adventure Mode is comprised of two areas. One area is called the Adventure Field and contains a variety of events that are encountered in the course of the overall adventure story. The other area is called an Action Stage. In an Action Stage, each individual character must fulfill a unique goal in order to clear the stage successfully. You can choose from six playable characters throughout the game. Sonic is the only playable character from the start, but as Sonic meets the other characters, you are then able to play them. Each character has there own versions of levels to play, and as you play with each character, you begin to learn more and more of the story. Each character sees different parts of the overall story, so playing through the game with each character will leave you with the complete picture. Somehow, the Sonic Team has managed to transfer the fun factor of the original into a 3D version. Everything, including the speed found in the original is intact.
Difficulty: The levels found in Sonic Adventure are not too extremely difficult. Early levels are a breeze to complete, but as you get further into the game, you will encounter more challenging levels, along with numerous boss encounters that help add to the difficulty. Levels offer great replay value as you are presented with extra challenges when you re-enter a completed level. There are also various mini-games ranging from Mario Kart-like races, to Whack-A-Mole-type games... even a virtual pet called the Chao that you must raise. Sonic, like Mario and Crash, can hold the interests of adults and children alike.
Game Mechanics: Sonic Adventure’s controls are very simple, and for the most part, anyone can pick up the game and begin playing. Each individual character is given their own unique moves. Sonic, being the speed demon that he is, has the spin dash attack, while his buddy Tail’s main attack is his tail attack. There are a number of power-ups that each character will receive throughout the game that will help enhance each character’s moves. Sonic, for example, receives a bracelet that allows him to learn the super dash. Overall, Sonic Adventure is a great game, and a welcome addition to the Dreamcast library. After all, it’s games like these that help bring out the child in all of us.
-Raider, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Duran
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