Sonic Heroes

"Teamwork at the speed of sound"

Sonic Heroes is a typical Sonic game that tries to improve the series with new gameplay functions. Too bad it really isn't much of a difference.

Gameplay: 7
The gameplay is team based, every team has 3 characters and you need all 3 to finish a level. Each team has a member for strength, speed and one with the ability to fly. Levels can be completed by going different routes according to your favorite character. The difficulty level is based on which team you pick. Team Sonic for normal, Team Dark for hard and Team Rose for easy. Finally Team Chaotix is just an extra that could be seen as normal.

The game is really fun to play, unfortunately there is always one spot in a level where you will lose almost, if not all, your lives. This can be really frustrating after a while since you have to start all over after a game over.

There is a multiplayer, but if you buy the game for multiplayer you should buy it for a console. It's really hard for 2 people to play on the computer unless you use joypads. Multiplayer levels must be unlocked in the main game.

Story: 7
Not really much of a story, just a main objective for the 4 different teams. Team Sonic is going after Robotnik/Eggman because he will try another attempt to take over the planet. Team Dark is also hunting for Robotnik/Eggman but for less noble reasons. Team Rose is mainly trying to find Sonic, it's Amy's team after all. Finally Team Chaotix is a detective bureau with a few missions from a mystery employer. The story is told by a few cutscenes at the end of each chapter.

Graphics: 9
Exactly what you would expect from a 3D Sonic game. A bit of a shame they didn't try anything new with this one, just going for the plastic look again. On the other hand it isn't really a problem since they are cartoon characters after all.

Sound: 9
Hey, the sound is fine. Really gives you the feeling of summertime. Together with the cutscenes the game sounds like a beach-party at certain times.

Play Time/ Replayability: about 4-5 hours a team should do it to finish one storyline. Replayability is improved by a level select mode of every mission you completed. The addition of the Chaos Emeralds improves it a lot on top of that since you have to get all to get Super Sonic.

Final Recommendation: I had fun with it and I think every Sonic fan will appreciate this game. It's really fun to play after a long hard day. Probably a buy if you are a Sonic fan, rent if you aren't.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/02/05