Sonic Adventure 2 (Video Game Review)

Sonic Adventure 2 originally released back in 2001 for SEGA Dreamcast and was later re-released with bonus content for Nintendo Gamecube, and now, Sonic Adventure 2 has made its way to PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade as part of the SEGA Heritage collection, which will see the release of classic SEGA titles with improved high definition graphics, bonus developer commentary and other nice enhancements. If you've never played Sonic Adventure 2, then you're missing out on one of the most iconic Sonic the Hedgehog titles ever created, but luckily, there's never been a better time to try out this revolutionary game than right now.

In Sonic Adventure 2, you can play as one of six characters: Sonic, Tails and Knuckles fight for the good side, while Shadow, Eggman and Rouge battle for their own nefarious reasons. Each character will have their own set of missions and their own storyline to follow, but all want possession of the Chaos Emeralds and will do anything to stop their enemies from obtaining them. The various storylines intertwine at key moments throughout the game, as Eggman frees Shadow from his prison and the two team up to conquer the world with the assistance of Rouge. Of course, Knuckles wants to keep the Master Emerald in the Sky where it belongs and Sonic and Tails just want some peace and quiet so they can enjoy some chili dogs uninterrupted! The game's intertwining storyline is one of the strongest features in the game and one of the key reasons the game continues to be many fans' favorite Sonic game ever.

Sonic Adventure 2 is full of iconic moments from Sonic racing through city streets with a rampaging truck hot on his heels to the epic confrontation between Sonic and Shadow. This is a 3D Sonic game with a similar playstyle to its predecessor, but it still remains an enjoyable title over 10 years after its release. Of course, the new high definition graphics help make Sonic Adventure 2 look not quite as aged, even if a cumbersome camera comes into play every now and again. The game's voiceover isn't superb either, but with such bizarre characters, they retain a bit of their natural charm with the game's silly dialogue. In addition to the game's various campaigns, you'll once again be allowed to raise your own Chao to earn bonus items and for bragging rights among your friends, and you can head into some multiplayer mini-games such as racing modes with friends as well. There's a lot of content packed into Sonic Adventure 2 that will keep you busy for hours on end and enjoying every second of it.

The new SEGA Heritage collection release of Sonic Adventure 2 is a welcome release that is great for fans of the series and even better for those who didn't get to try out the game the first time around. The addition of HD graphics and developer commentary only make a classic title that much better, and picking up Sonic Adventure 2 is the perfect way to get yourself ready for the release of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed next month. Sonic's back and better than ever in this enhanced version of the game, and you'd be denying yourself a tremendously fun experience by not picking up Sonic Adventure 2. Learn the mysterious origins of Rouge and Shadow by picking up Sonic Adventure 2 for PlayStation Network or Xbox LIVE Arcade today!

Sonic Adventure 2 is now available for purchase on PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade for $14.99 or 1200 Microsoft Points respectively. Sonic Adventure 2 is rated E by the ESRB for Mild Cartoon Violence & Mild Lyrics. For more information on the game, check out the official Sonic Adventure 2 webpage.

Game Features:

Players 1-2

High Definition Graphics

Developer Interviews

DLC Support

Trophy/Achievement Support

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: SEGA
Platforms: PlayStation Network & Xbox LIVE Arcade(reviewed)
Release Date: October 2, 2012

Score: 9 out of 10