"Sonic Rush: one of the best platformers out on the DS- but not perfect"

Since the most recent high profile Sonic games on home consoles, the Sonic Adventure series, Sonic Heroes and Sonic Riders, have been more than a little departure from the games' 2D, blindingly fast roots, it's good to see Sega and Sonic Team taking a return to all that was loved about the series- the speed, the unique level design and gameplay execution and, oh of course, the speed.

Sonic Rush represents the Sonic of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, with the focus firmly back on gameplay. The fancy 3D graphics, treasure hunts and shooting sections of Sonic's recent soirees into the world of adventure games are, for the most part, stripped out of the package to reveal a purer, more concentrated Sonic experience, and one that firmly brings Sonic into the next handheld generation.

Graphics:
As has already been stated, the graphics of Sonic Rush are, for the most part, in 2D, but that's not to say they're dull nor do they not use the DS hardware to its potential. The detailed backgrounds to each of the stages are in keeping with those of Sonic's so-called “Glory Years”, featuring familiar sights such as forests, temples and the sky- tying in beautifully with the overall feel and graphical style. These backgrounds rarely lose their impact, although a distinct few are noticeably weaker, particularly when entering an area where the player will only be for a short period of time, for example the inside of a hollow tree. Although detracting slightly from the environmental effects, overall the backgrounds are certainly spectacular, however chances are that you won't be able to savour them- or any of the graphics for that matter- in the way that you would on any 2D game due to the blinding speed that Sonic and the screen moves at.

The character and enemy sprites in the main bodies of the levels look reasonable when still, a very rare occurrence, however in movement they truly come to life, with a blur-style effect trailing them adding to the illusion of breakneck speed, yet remaining crystal clear at even the highest speeds the game throws at them. My one criticism of the character graphics is the quite heavy slowdown that, while not occurring frequently, still is very irritating and can go so far as to cause a death and a repeat of that section of the level, before reaching the slowdown once again.

A large and significant departure from the graphical style of the bulk of the game occurs in the bosses, 3D style encounters played out on a circular or linear plane. These encounters are routinely impressive, even if some of the later bosses are very similar graphically to those already defeated, and are some of the high points of the game in graphical terms.
Graphics- 8/10

Sound:
The sound is one of the largest departures from the classic 2D Sonic formula. Instead of employing the traditional, catchy, tunes of the Genesis/Mega Drive era, the background music in Sonic Rush seems to be based more on the songs of the recent 3D Sonic games, with singing featured on many of the tracks, as opposed to the primarily instrumental pieces of the previous games. Overall, the style is vastly different, and a change that I'm not particularly fond of, with the music detracting from the game as opposed to adding to it. Still, the sound effects are excellent, with many from past Sonic games, such as the jump sound, making appearances. The other side of the game's sound, the voice acting in several cut scenes, is adequate, yet hardly spectacular, with a distinctly grainy quality through the DS' speakers. Although I may seem very negative overall towards the sound in the game, it is by no means diabolical, with several of the songs in the game actually being very good and, although it is not to my tastes, the sound by no means ruins the game- after all, you can always, as I did, turn it down or off!
Sound- 6/10

Gameplay:
Gameplay has always been at the heart of the Sonic games, and is what has made the franchise such a big success. With the classic speed of the game at the heart of Sonic Rush, it is as faithful as ever to the winning formula that Sonic Team has honed over the years. With the normal stages running across both screens, Sonic Rush certainly makes good use of the DS' dual screens, extending the field of play in such a way that it has allowed Sonic Team to create levels unlike those in any Sonic game before. Whilst the standard themes of forests, water, sand and the ever-loved casino are still here, they manifest themselves in a totally different way due to the vertically focused gameplay- being that much taller there is space for many more hidden secrets such as rings (the game's form of life) and powerups, as well as creating multiple paths through each level, keeping it fresher for longer.

The other large and noticeable change to Sonic Rush is the introduction of a “trick bar”, something becoming ever more present in games of all genres today. However, as opposed to simply being a gimmick or distraction, this bar, powered and filled by tricks created from hammering button combinations, generally in mid-air, is actually central to the gameplay. Instead of the rather frustrating loss of speed after colliding with either an enemy or wall in previous Sonic games, a simple tap of a button enables the boost in Sonic Rush, bringing you back to a high level of speed and livening up gameplay to no end. This bar is also vital in terms of the much loved special stages, as it is required to be full at at least 100% (it actually fills to 300% when full) in order to enter the stage- through portals in the main levels.

The special stage itself is similar in style and goal to those in Sonic 2 on the Genesis/Mega Drive, with Sonic's role being to gather a set target of rings in a half-pipe whilst avoiding bombs and other evils. However, as opposed to the traditional use of the D-pad in this stage, the touch screen and stylus are used. This form of control is very responsive and works well overall, playing to the handheld's strengths, and the stages themselves provide a challenge- with the strong concept really paying off.

Although, in many ways excellent, the gameplay is not perfect, with the level design itself occasionally, however rarely, causing problems, with pits and spikes positioned in such a way that at times, when running at high speed, it is almost inevitable that you will die unless you know exactly where they are. Thankfully, like many other faults of the game, these instances are rare and are by no means a game breaker, simply detracting slightly from the otherwise excellent gameplay.
Gameplay- 9/10

Story:
The stories have never been particularly strong in Sonic games, generally simply being Dr Robotnik/Eggman trying to destroy the world and Sonic having to defeat him with the power of the chaos emeralds. Sonic Rush takes the story slightly further, making for one of the better tales in the franchise- told with some quite charming and cute cut scenes and some not-quite-so charming voice acting. Put simply, the story is good for a Sonic game, but still not up to those of other genres.
Story- 7/10

Longevity/Replay Value:
A reasonable length game if going for all of the optional extras such as the chaos emeralds and playing through with both characters (at times a bit of a chore due to similar gameplay styles and the same levels), Sonic Rush is a game that you might want to play again, but it won't keep you going for years as some platformers will. The multiplayer, whilst playable with only one game card, isn't anything special and is unlikely to keep you playing for long- with only the time trials having any real replay value outside the main story.
Longevity/Replay Value- 7/10

Overall:
Graphics- 8/10
Sound- 6/10
Gameplay- 9/10
Story- 7/10
Longevity/Replay Value- 7/10

Overall- 8/10

After the relative disappointments of the recent 3D Sonic games, Sonic is back with a solid, but not perfect game that truly takes advantage of the DS' strengths. The game is a welcome return to the Sonic games of yore, and Sonic Rush provides a Solid Sonic game that surpasses many of Sonic Team's recent efforts and has the right to be mentioned in the same breath as their classics.

Would I recommend it to you? If you have, as I have, yearned for a return to the Sonic games of the classic era then yes, Sonic Rush is definitely worth buying. It is also a worthy introduction to the series, and one that will whet your appetite for more.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/13/06