Tails Adventure

"Go find your Game Gear"

Introduction
Right. Tails Adventures is a strange game where you play a sonic's trusty sidekick, Tails. However, Tails is pretty much defenseless. Playing with his animal friends happily when all of a sudden some evil ducks are basically doing what they do best, be evil. But on with the review.

Graphics
At todays standards they are pretty bad, but at the time, they pushed the GG to the limits. On SADX, the graphics are clearer, but I say a good effort on sega's part. Well done.
Score: 7/10

Story
Ahh, unlike most old-school games, this actually has a good plot. Not RPG style. However, in the manual is a decent explanation. Some ducks have invaded tails' beloved island. With a few bombs and his flying skills, can he save the day?
Score: 9/10

Control and the system
Apart from the GG rather strange layout, the control is ok, flying could be easier though. The GG's control is rather unresponsive sometimes, a pain on underwater levels where you are being shot by fast moving bullets. On SADX it is slightly better. Around average for this one.

The system involves collecting gadgets to help Tails progress. This works rather well. You need certain items to get through certain levels. But you can only carry four items. This can be a pain if you get to one point and don't have the required object. Though it is quite obvious when you need items, the most recent ones are usually required. There are rings which you lose some of when you are hit. To increase your maximum ring count, get a chaos emerald. These also increase your flying time. There are also special gadgets like the radio, which are just an easter egg really. The system really shines out in this game. The only black mark on this is that you move rather slow, but this is Tails, not Sonic. And to compensate for it you can get a speed up boot gadget which improves your speed. This system is really unique and is what makes this game so popular.
Control Score: 7/10
System Score: 9.5/10

Game length
This will last you for ages. The game has over fifteen levels to explore. You must revisit levels sometimes when you get more abilities. You even get a mini robot to help you explore. This opens the levels more, though it is optional except at a few points. There is a password system which will allow you to quit after any level. The only drawback is they take a few minutes to enter. Trust me though, you will need it, as you won't be completing this in 20 minutes. Throughout this lengthy game, it normally retains its fun, which is a very rare quality. Only sometimes it becomes tedious.
Score: 8.5/10

Music and Sound effects
Music can be a bore if you are in a lengthy level, which is why everybody loves the radio. Changing the music every now and again is a wonderful idea. Sound effects are good. From flying to getting hit, this area is A-OK.
Score: 8/10

Challenge
This game is definitely a challenge. Definitely. I find it rather tricky. This is definitely only of the tougher games out there. Although this is heavily due to the underwater levels which just become a pain to me. However, this game is also fun. Which is just great.
Score: 8/10

Replay Value
Well, there won't be much to explore after you complete it once. Collecting all the emeralds is rather easy, so it shouldn't have much left. Getting the optional items perhaps. However, this game does have one thing which piles up the replay value. It is so addictive, you'll complete it and put it down, and pick it again a few months later. Definitely a good quality.
Score: 7.5/10

Other
All the way through, I mentioned how the qualities of this game are rare. Well actually, the game itself for GG is. I found Tails Adventures in a game shop by chance. I didn't realize how lucky I was. Now you can get this on Sonic Adventure DX for gamecube. So it is easy to get hold of. Provided you can unlock it.

Overall
A good game, which is worthy of owning, even if you aren't interested, for bragging rights. However, you will be interested, because this game is good. Though you are unlikely to get the GG version. You may have to go for Sonic Adventure DX instead. I recommend you buy it if you see it.
Total Score: 8/10 A good game, just missed because of the Game Gears death. Thanks to SADX for reviving it's fun for many others.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/14/03