Kicking this new type of review I wanted it to be something similar to a game that's came out just recently. Originally it was going to be the Original Pokemon Red/Blue versions since all I see now is how tons of people are enjoying the latest versions X/Y. Then a friend of mine recommended one of the old Sonic games based on 2 things: I've cosplayed as Shadow and the newest game Sonic Lost World just came out...like yesterday. So with that being said I wanna take a look back and review my favorite Sonic the Hedgehog game, Sonic Adventure 2!
This sequel to the widely popular Sonic Adventure on the Sega DreamCast was released back in June of 2001. The version I played however was the Nintendo Gamecube port titled Sonic Adventure 2 Battle. This also kicked off the partnership that Nintendo and Sega have today. The difference between the 2 ports is the addition of a 2 player mode with various battle modes. The game picks up some time after the first game leaves off with an opening of Sonic being wrongfully arrested by the G.U.N military unit for stealing a Chaos Emerald.
This also introduced series mainstays Shadow the Hedgehog and Rouge the Bat. Gameplay wise you are started with 2 stories to choose from, Hero and Dark. Each story plays out in the perspective of 3 characters from the respective side. Hero gives you control of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles whereas Dark puts you in the shoes of Shadow, Dr. Eggman, and Rouge. As the story progresses you play through levels which are designated a character and each of them have a specific play-style.
Sonic and Shadow are your basic Speed levels where you just run through the stage to the Goal Ring clearing obstacles and enemies along the way. Tails and Eggman pilot mini Gundam like mechs and you are able to shoot through all the enemies that stand in your way. The more enemies you lock on to, the more points you rack up. Finally, Knuckles and Rouge play exactly the same way as the former character did in the previous game. This being you hunt down 3 pieces of the shattered Master Emerald as fast as you can using a radar at the bottom of the screen.
It should be noted that when I played this at a much younger age, the Master Emerald stages frustrated me to no end. And there are some of the later levels in the Hero Story which are very complex and creative in terms of level design. The music is arguably one of the standout elements in this game, I'm even confident in saying this was at the peak of Jun Senoue's music composing with also the help of rock band Crush 40 who helped write the main theme "Live and Learn" for the game. The guitar riffs and play outs are absolutely killer and definite favorite of mine. I've even got some of these tracks on my iPod!
I should probably touch on the multiplayer aspect that the GCN port added quick. You are given a choice between either a Speed Race, Treasure Hunt or Shootout similar to the way the main story is played with their different stages. As you collect rings you are given the ability to use powers to defeat your opponent or halt them in getting to the goal. The character selection opens up a bit too with Speed Races adding Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, Treasure Hunts give Tikal and Chaos 0 from the first Adventure game etc. Their is also an in-depth Chao raising system that is just absolutely adorable.
So where exactly can you play this now? Gamecube games and Dreamcast games are pretty difficult to find unless you go to an old toy store that sells massive collections of old games. Your best bet would be to download the recent HD Remakes that both this and its previous entry received on Xbox Live or the Playstation Network. As I said in the beginning, this was one of the last great 3D Sonic games before its eventual decline to what it's known now thanks to failures and under-achieving games like Sonic 06, Sonic Unleashed, and the Sonic Storybook games (Secret Rings and Black Knight). Yes the camera can be a bit troublesome but not too terrible to render this game unplayable.
Should you play this game?
Yes, this was an amazing game from it's story to the gameplay and the killer music. Go for the HD remakes if you can.
