Sonic Adventure

"A VERY Good Game. People Who Dismiss it Have Zero Taste... Just Like Robotnik."

Ah yes the ever popular Sonic Adventure. Though it was a launch title, the person I bought my Dreamcast off of (my neighbour) never bought Sonic Adventure, thus I was stuck with getting it. So a cool 8 dollars later, and I bring it home to start playing it. Instantly, I am thrilled that there is a Sonic game of this calibre is still around. Aside from the voice acting (which, as I mentioned in a previous review, I couldn't care less about), this game is superb with a capital S. From the game play, to the graphics, to the sounds, everything is this game is well done. Game play will dictate to you just how good this game really is.

Game play: 9/10

This game is an excellent pick up and play game, and it is quirky in that it is a good pick up and play game, yet it will take you a good week/2 weeks or so to beat. Sonic Adventure follows in the tradition of past Sonic games, in that you can play each level with a specific character (in this case; Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Big, and E-102). It is interesting in that, while there are only 4 main levels, there are over 9 different zones (with each character's respective zones being unique to themselves). Along with 3 different mini-games, there is nonstop gaming. For the first time ever though, the boss you face is not Robotnik (rather a different, "creature)." There are also the same power-ups as in the other sonic games, as well as new items that you can use to, "get ahead," of the competition. Every character also has their own items, weapons, attributes, and of course their own moves/attacks. The in-game drones are also well made, and fun/easy to interact with. They will also help you a lot when playing through the game. Game play is top notch, how's the story?

Story: 9/10

Brilliant story (as if there is such a thing as a bad Sonic story...), with many different twists. One day, the town of... wherever is overrun by a creature. This creature happens to be (can't say), and it has the ability to get stronger and stronger. The entire story revolves around the chaos emeralds, and this creature (except Amy, Big, and E-102; their stories are self indulgence). The way that every character's story ties in with the main story though is fascinating. Great story, as are the graphics.

Graphics: 10/10

The best element of the game. Everything in this game is incredibly detailed, and everything looks great. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles all look the same as in previous games, and Amy looks slightly different. Big looks hilarious, and all of the other robots look amazing. The level design is just superb, and one can tell that Sonic Team did a good job making them. Certain FMV sequences are also very well done, as they are animated, yet they aren't animated in the same way as the game is. Are the sounds just as good as the graphics?

Sounds: 10/10

Yay! All of the classic Sonic in-game sounds are back! They all sound the same, but better! The real highlight of the sounds though is the music. Holy crap this music is amazing, well worth a download (if you can find it). Notable tracks are all of the character's themes (especially Super Sonic), and the them of Station Square. Wow amazing sounds, just like this next game element...

Replay ability: 9/10

This game can be replayed to a fairly large extent. As I stated above, it is a good pick up and play game, and it is also a game where you will spend a good week/2 weeks playing. Once it is beaten though, you can opt to get higher rankings in the certain zones you play in. It isn't necessary, though its fun. The mini-games are also fun to repeat playing (getting a higher score, getting a faster time, all add to the replay ability).

Buy or Rent?

Being a Dreamcast game, it cannot be rented, however it is in fairly high demand, therefore buy it. Its a shade below Sonic Adventure 2, but its still a VERY good game. Just like with Sonic Adventure 2, there are different editions of this game (my copy for example, is the one with the demo disk for SA2), therefore you have many different buy options you can choose from.

This little ditty here has become one of my top ten favourite games of all time (bumping MK2 off the list), and it looks to stay there forever. This is another game where I have put the music on my ipod, it is just that memorable. I wish I could put the game itself on my ipod, it too is just that memorable. With a killer cast, a great story, amazing graphics and sound, and a decent play time, why shouldn't it be? "Open your heart, its gonna be O..K!"

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/07/07, Updated 09/11/09

Game Release: Sonic Adventure (US, 09/09/99)