As a gamer with a history dating back to the Radioshack color pc era, I’ve witnessed the evolution of gaming through numerous consoles and phases. Recently, I’ve embarked on my first adventure with the Dreamcast, and my last 30 hours have been dedicated to exploring the enchanting world of “Sonic Adventure.”
This game caters to true gaming enthusiasts, offering not only the standard “complete the level” missions but also the challenging “A & B” missions for each level. The B missions task you with collecting 50+ coins, providing a moderate challenge. However, it’s the A missions that truly test your gaming skills, requiring you to finish a level within a specified time limit. Achieving the elusive A ranking in every level becomes an addictive pursuit, setting “Sonic Adventure” apart from other 3D platformers like “Mario 64” by introducing a time factor that adds a satisfying layer of pressure.
Let’s delve into the game’s graphics, music/sound effects, and gameplay, all from my perspective. The graphics, running at either 640×480 @ 30 fps or 640×240 @ 60 fps depending on the stage, are unparalleled on home consoles or PCs. The textures and background bitmaps are incredibly crisp, devoid of any pixelation. Explosions, water effects, and more are rendered with jaw-dropping realism. The missile and explosion effects during the first Eggman boss encounter left me astonished; they’re nearly video-like in quality.
The game boasts the best sound quality of any gaming machine, thanks to the powerful Yamaha 64 channel processor. The musical tracks span a variety of genres, including hip-hop, tribal, and dance/techno, offering something for everyone. The background music is available in the options section for your listening pleasure, a thoughtful addition. The sound effects, while straightforward, get the job done, and the classic ring “clang” and quality voice samples add to the nostalgia.
In terms of gameplay, it feels exactly as it should. Sonic’s control is tight and responsive, with adjustments required for his different speeds. Jumping and attacking in 3D work seamlessly. The auto-track attack feature simplifies combat, allowing you to jump in the general direction of enemies or power-ups and attack effortlessly.
No game is without its flaws, and “Sonic Adventure” has its share. The most glaring issue is camera angles, which, while mostly good, occasionally present odd and disorienting views. This becomes noticeable when Sonic dashes through curved tunnels at high speeds, where the camera lags behind, potentially leaving you vulnerable to unseen obstacles. While the L and R buttons can adjust the angle, it can be cumbersome during boss battles, leaving room for improvement.
The game is not without its glitches, some of which are attributed to faulty game discs. These range from poor collision detection causing camera problems to instances of being “stuck.” Lagging sound effects, where an effect repeats until disc access occurs, is another issue.
Lastly, the boss battles could have been more challenging. They often follow a pattern of initial defeats followed by victory once you’ve learned the attack sequence. A more occasional straightforward yet genuinely difficult boss would have added depth to the gameplay.
In summary, let’s take a closer look at each level:
Emerald Coast (Stage One): A straightforward level with secret shortcuts that require exploration to earn the elusive A rating.
Windy Valley (Stage Two): A visually stunning level showcasing the Dreamcast’s power, with winding curves, high speeds, and a tornado. Some pop-up issues due to the distant horizon.
Casinopolis (Stage 3): A mix of racing against Sonic and mini pinball games that offer entertainment. Tricky but fun.
Icecap (Stage 4): Frustrating at times due to unclear direction and precise icicle jumps. Snowboarding is enjoyable but challenging due to control issues.
Twinkle Park (Stage 5): One of the best stages with varied textures and moving objects. Glitches occur with sound effects persisting beyond TNT barrels.
Speed Highway (Stage 6): A visually impressive level with rocking techno music. Camera angles can be an issue, but it’s a favorite for its audio and speed.
Red Mountain (Stage 7): Offers multiple paths but lacks clear direction. Slower and more complex, this level might not be for everyone.
Sky Deck (Stage 8): Highlights the Dreamcast’s processing power but suffers from significant slowdown in intense scenes. A challenging, long stage.
Lost World (Stage 9): Combines adventure elements with Sonic’s speed. Features cool lighting effects and challenging A rating requirements.
Final Egg (Stage 10): A somewhat underwhelming final stage, with a bit of everything but no standout features.
In conclusion, “Sonic Adventure” embodies what a game should be: challenging, enjoyable, and replete with replay value. While it has its flaws, it’s a testament to the golden era of gaming when titles offered a blend of fun and difficulty that is somewhat rare today.
The Review
Sonic Adventure
"Sonic Adventure" delivers a nostalgic gaming experience for Dreamcast enthusiasts. With challenging missions, impeccable graphics, and a diverse musical score, the game offers hours of thrilling gameplay. While it excels in many aspects, occasional camera angle issues and minor glitches mar the experience. Each level presents unique challenges, making it a memorable journey for players seeking a balance of fun and difficulty.
PROS
- Challenging Gameplay
- Impressive Graphics
- Diverse Music
- Varied Levels
CONS
- Glitches
- Control Issues