Remember Sega’s Genesis game system? Remember the Dreamcast? Remember one of the legendary animated heroes of them both? Of course, the blue-speedball being referred to is Sonic the Hedgehog.

Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the more recognizable heroes of the video-game world. And the name “Sonic” on a game package usually meant fast-paced and enjoyable times in the gaming world. Many years have passed along the game trail since Sonic first wandered into the picture.

Would he ever return, and could he capture gaming imaginations on second-generation platforms like he once did so many years ago. Well, here comes Sonic Heroes, an Xbox release from Sega and Sonic Team. Sonic, his buddies and familiar enemies are back in action in a team-driven arcade adventure that present sterling three-dimensional graphics and animation. While the game play is predictable, and the storyline tired, the game sparkles with terrific eye candy. This is one of the very definitions of “lush” in relationship to the look of a game.

Players can choose between one of the four assembled teams. Each team has three members and each member represents three essential attributes – speed, flight and power. The tone or overall attribute of the team is based on which character is leading the team. For example: if you want ground speed, you want the blue character to lead. Red will give you fighting power and yellow will allow you to fly, as long as the power bar has anything in it, that is.  Each obstacle you meet can easily be overcome if you have the right leader in place.

As far as the storyline is concerned, Eggman is up to his old tricks, creating havoc in the world. Only the trio of Sonic Heroes can stand against him. There is Team Sonic, Team Dark, Team Rose and Team Chaotix. While each team has different characters, they all have similar capabilities. Each team’s talent depends on the one leading it at the moment. If you need to fly up to a high location, switch to the yellow member of the team and go airborne. Need to switch up leaders, that is a hot button away, or go through one of the special gates.

The game has an assortment of rings to snag, and other power-ups to aid you. Each team leader can engineer special attacks, so understanding which does what is important. One nice element is that the game has different paths for navigating through levels. This certainly will extend game replayability.

You can level up your characters in a number of ways, and having the right leader, and switching off has its advantages. Hitting a checkpoint increases the level of the leader at the time.

The game seems to have some difficulty attributed to the various teams. For example Team Rose seems to be a little easier to control and get through levels than the others, and Team Dark requires tighter control, with less room for error.

While the controls on the PS2 version are a little confusing, the Xbox control system is simplicity defined. Graphically the game is superb. The environments define the term ‘lush,’ and the animations and effects are terrific. The audio features some tired musical tracks, and while the vocal animations are solid, this is rather average.

Sonic Heroes is definitely long on graphics but a little short on original content. The game is fast-paced and entertaining, but somewhat repetitive. But this is Sonic, and while the blue hedgehog gets a little lost in the wide cast of characters, the game does have a familiarity about it. Sonic fans should really enjoy this revisit. If it is a portend of things to come then this is a solid beginning. This game will certainly appeal to Sonic fans, and to those who enjoy a good arcade-style adventure.
 

Gameplay: 7

This is somewhat predictable, and a little repetitive. Ramp, mobs, spring, repeat.

Graphics: 8.9

This game looks amazing. The environments are bursting with rich colors and the animation is fun and entertaining.

Sound: 7.2

Bright musical overtures that gets very old very fast. This is disco lounge music that repeats over and over. Add the customary “Hi-ya!” combat sounds, and a few peripheral effects and you have an audio track that is average at best.

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

The puzzles are not overly complex, nor is the maze-like levels tough to traverse successfully. This is, more or less, a button-mashing battle romp.

Concept: 7.1

Simple controls and interface, the game retreads familiar arcade-adventure ground.

Multiplayer: 7.5

This title allows two- and four-person split screen battles that are enjoyable but not exceptional.

Overall: 7.4

The game plays well on the Xbox with simplistic control schemes and fast-paced action. Sonic Heroes terrific three-dimensional look, rich graphics and simple game play will certainly entertain. The only problem is that this game lacks originality. The concept of the team play, and using different leaders and formations for different situations is find, but maybe a little overdone.