A New Era of Adventure Begins...
Name: Sonic Adventure - All nations
Other Names (Nicknames): SA, Adventure (1), Adventure DX, SADX, "The Last Good Sonic Game"
Release Dates:
December 23rd, 1998 - Japan
September 9th, 1999 - USA
October 14th, 1999 - Japan (as Sonic Adventure International)
October 14th, 1999 - Europe
Quality: 128-Bit, 3D Platformer
Game System(s): Sega Dreamcast
Also released on:
(1). GameCube/PC - Sonic Adventure Deluxe: Director's Cut (a ported version of Sonic Adventure, with enhanced graphics and bonus features such as mini missions, playable Metal Sonic, the enhanced Chao features from the sequel, and all of the Game Gear/Master System Sonic games, the latter of which the PC version lacks)
(2). PlayStation Network/Xbox Live Arcade - Sonic Adventure (the GameCube port re-released as Adventure, with most of the Deluxe content separate as downloadable additions)
Developer(s): Sonic Team
Publisher(s): Sega
Credits: See Sonic Retro.
Character Introductions: E-102 "Gamma", Big the Cat, Chaos, Tikal the Echidna, Pachacamac, and the Chao (including Omochao).
Region Game Takes Place On: Various locations on Earth.
Concept Introductions:
Sonic Adventure was the series' first fully 3D platformer. Many of the staples (powerups, SFX, etc.) were carried over, of course, but quite a bit was changed, as you might expect. Sonic, in particular, had his gameplay changed to fit the additional dimension. In order to keep the feeling of bashing one badnik to the next without too much difficulty, the Homing Attack was given to him, which has itself been a staple ever since.
Indeed, many of the series' more modern traits started here, such as radically diverse characters and gameplay styles, stronger narrative, and much, much bold experimentation. To this day, however, its effectiveness is up for debate.
Concept Deductions: There are no Special Stages in Sonic Adventure. Although, the Chaos Emeralds are a major asset to the storyline, they are found on the ground like any normal jewels. The powerups change appearance once again, looking more like transparent balloon capsules. Many of the action stages are not meant for speed like all of the old games, but instead vary depending on which character you're using. (I.E.: Big's levels use a gameplay style that focuses on going to bodies of water and fishing for his pet frog, and Knuckles' action stages revolve around treasure hunting for Master Emerald shards.) Only Sonic's action stages emphasize the old-school style of gameplay. Also, as mentioned, the levels are now called Action Stages instead of Zones (this, among many other things, disappointed many veteran fans). Other than that, not much else was changed, surprisingly.
Main Framework: There is a heavy sense of structure here. The game remains grounded, despite various issues.
Storyline:
One somewhat stormy night in the Central City suburb of Station Square, Sonic the Hedgehog was returning from a lengthy vacay of his usual roaming the globe for thrills. After stopping for a moment to bask in the coolness of the city (and, well, himself), he noticed the Station Square Police Department mobilizing towards City Hall. Immediately feeling something was up, he followed.
It seemed that a water monster had randomly shown up in town, one that was impervious to the police’s attempts to subdue it. Seeing a fun opportunity to save lives, Sonic quickly stepped in, dusting off his Homing Attack in order to take the monster down. After a few hits, however, it escaped to the sewers. Sonic was satisfied with the outcome, but couldn’t help but feel that something bigger would be on the horizon.
Sadly, he was right. His old nemesis, Doctor Robotnik, was behind it all, and looking forward to unleashing “Chaos”…
Personal Criticism/Opinion (by Ryan the Game Master):
*sigh* This game has not aged well in the eyes of many. While it rocked everyone's faces off at first, over time, Sonic Adventure has drawn everyone's ire for the very things it started: stronger (yet corny) narrative, a bigger cast, broader gameplay, Dr. Robotnik's "Eggman" moniker being brought Stateside, the Chao, etc, etc, etc. All the things critics and purists know and loathe about Sonic started here, and this game's rep only got worse with the port(s).
For just as many, however, this was the very game that introduced a new generation of gamers to Sonic the Hedgehog, and for that, Adventure deserves respect. I, for one, was just excited to play something that wasn't on my Genesis. Before Adventure came out, I'd been playing the same games (Sonic 1 - 3D Blast) over and over and over and over again, simply because they were all I had. Here comes the Dreamcast and BAM! I was floored by how much things had improved. The gameplay was better, the stakes for the story were higher, Sonic and the gang had great voices (and personality) to flesh them out, and everything was just made well. It was a great starting point for a new era of Sonic, and there was no way I was going back!
The game's not perfect, though. The character models for the humans leave a lot to be desired and it seems like there's plenty that could have been added. The game has SO much more that can be done to it in every aspect. But, most games have that, I suppose.
All in all, where would Sonic be if not for this game? Still running and jumping with no innovation? Most likely. Would he be better off for it? To most, yes. Not to me, though. I'd be bored as hell if that were the case, especially after all this game has done. Sonic Adventure started many milestones and, love it or hate it, brought Sonic back in a big way.
GAMER'S PERSPECTIVE:
Replay value? The emblems warrant more than one playthrough. Also, there's the Chao to look after, and the Deluxe port offers even more to do with its Mission Mode and the Game Gear games.
Graphics? Mind-blowing for its time. You simply didn't see a Sonic game on a scale like this. The lighting, the environments, the models on the characters, everything was done well. The only complaint I have is the human NPCs. Those models could've been done a lot better.
Music & Sound Effects? Almost every music genre was covered here and the game's better for it. Each tune matches the area (and character) it was made for. Jun Senoue, as always, knows what he's doing when composing music or this series. The sound effects are what you'd expect from a Sonic game. Oh, and for the record, this would be the last time you'd hear the classic "bwop" jumping sound from everyone on a console game for a while (Amy would keep it for a couple of games, at least). Future games would use that annoyingly generic "whoosh" sound for the jumping. Also, Sonic (at least) wouldn't have the correct spinball form again until Unleashed.
Ah, I almost forgot about what seems to be the most controversial topic for this series: voice acting. I'll be brief: For the most part, everyone was voiced very well.
What? When I say brief, I usually mean brief.
Storyline? FINALLY, a tangible story worth telling. Not only was it actually present, but it was told well and involved more than a few real world influences. Pretty damn sweet.
*cue level completion jingle*
OVERALL RANK? I give Sonic Adventure an
Other Names (Nicknames): SA, Adventure (1), Adventure DX, SADX, "The Last Good Sonic Game"
Release Dates:
December 23rd, 1998 - Japan
September 9th, 1999 - USA
October 14th, 1999 - Japan (as Sonic Adventure International)
October 14th, 1999 - Europe
Quality: 128-Bit, 3D Platformer
Game System(s): Sega Dreamcast
Also released on:
(1). GameCube/PC - Sonic Adventure Deluxe: Director's Cut (a ported version of Sonic Adventure, with enhanced graphics and bonus features such as mini missions, playable Metal Sonic, the enhanced Chao features from the sequel, and all of the Game Gear/Master System Sonic games, the latter of which the PC version lacks)
(2). PlayStation Network/Xbox Live Arcade - Sonic Adventure (the GameCube port re-released as Adventure, with most of the Deluxe content separate as downloadable additions)
Developer(s): Sonic Team
Publisher(s): Sega
Credits: See Sonic Retro.
Character Introductions: E-102 "Gamma", Big the Cat, Chaos, Tikal the Echidna, Pachacamac, and the Chao (including Omochao).
Region Game Takes Place On: Various locations on Earth.
Concept Introductions:
Sonic Adventure was the series' first fully 3D platformer. Many of the staples (powerups, SFX, etc.) were carried over, of course, but quite a bit was changed, as you might expect. Sonic, in particular, had his gameplay changed to fit the additional dimension. In order to keep the feeling of bashing one badnik to the next without too much difficulty, the Homing Attack was given to him, which has itself been a staple ever since.
Indeed, many of the series' more modern traits started here, such as radically diverse characters and gameplay styles, stronger narrative, and much, much bold experimentation. To this day, however, its effectiveness is up for debate.
Concept Deductions: There are no Special Stages in Sonic Adventure. Although, the Chaos Emeralds are a major asset to the storyline, they are found on the ground like any normal jewels. The powerups change appearance once again, looking more like transparent balloon capsules. Many of the action stages are not meant for speed like all of the old games, but instead vary depending on which character you're using. (I.E.: Big's levels use a gameplay style that focuses on going to bodies of water and fishing for his pet frog, and Knuckles' action stages revolve around treasure hunting for Master Emerald shards.) Only Sonic's action stages emphasize the old-school style of gameplay. Also, as mentioned, the levels are now called Action Stages instead of Zones (this, among many other things, disappointed many veteran fans). Other than that, not much else was changed, surprisingly.
Main Framework: There is a heavy sense of structure here. The game remains grounded, despite various issues.
Storyline:
One somewhat stormy night in the Central City suburb of Station Square, Sonic the Hedgehog was returning from a lengthy vacay of his usual roaming the globe for thrills. After stopping for a moment to bask in the coolness of the city (and, well, himself), he noticed the Station Square Police Department mobilizing towards City Hall. Immediately feeling something was up, he followed.
It seemed that a water monster had randomly shown up in town, one that was impervious to the police’s attempts to subdue it. Seeing a fun opportunity to save lives, Sonic quickly stepped in, dusting off his Homing Attack in order to take the monster down. After a few hits, however, it escaped to the sewers. Sonic was satisfied with the outcome, but couldn’t help but feel that something bigger would be on the horizon.
Sadly, he was right. His old nemesis, Doctor Robotnik, was behind it all, and looking forward to unleashing “Chaos”…
Personal Criticism/Opinion (by Ryan the Game Master):
*sigh* This game has not aged well in the eyes of many. While it rocked everyone's faces off at first, over time, Sonic Adventure has drawn everyone's ire for the very things it started: stronger (yet corny) narrative, a bigger cast, broader gameplay, Dr. Robotnik's "Eggman" moniker being brought Stateside, the Chao, etc, etc, etc. All the things critics and purists know and loathe about Sonic started here, and this game's rep only got worse with the port(s).
For just as many, however, this was the very game that introduced a new generation of gamers to Sonic the Hedgehog, and for that, Adventure deserves respect. I, for one, was just excited to play something that wasn't on my Genesis. Before Adventure came out, I'd been playing the same games (Sonic 1 - 3D Blast) over and over and over and over again, simply because they were all I had. Here comes the Dreamcast and BAM! I was floored by how much things had improved. The gameplay was better, the stakes for the story were higher, Sonic and the gang had great voices (and personality) to flesh them out, and everything was just made well. It was a great starting point for a new era of Sonic, and there was no way I was going back!
The game's not perfect, though. The character models for the humans leave a lot to be desired and it seems like there's plenty that could have been added. The game has SO much more that can be done to it in every aspect. But, most games have that, I suppose.
All in all, where would Sonic be if not for this game? Still running and jumping with no innovation? Most likely. Would he be better off for it? To most, yes. Not to me, though. I'd be bored as hell if that were the case, especially after all this game has done. Sonic Adventure started many milestones and, love it or hate it, brought Sonic back in a big way.
GAMER'S PERSPECTIVE:
Replay value? The emblems warrant more than one playthrough. Also, there's the Chao to look after, and the Deluxe port offers even more to do with its Mission Mode and the Game Gear games.
Graphics? Mind-blowing for its time. You simply didn't see a Sonic game on a scale like this. The lighting, the environments, the models on the characters, everything was done well. The only complaint I have is the human NPCs. Those models could've been done a lot better.
Music & Sound Effects? Almost every music genre was covered here and the game's better for it. Each tune matches the area (and character) it was made for. Jun Senoue, as always, knows what he's doing when composing music or this series. The sound effects are what you'd expect from a Sonic game. Oh, and for the record, this would be the last time you'd hear the classic "bwop" jumping sound from everyone on a console game for a while (Amy would keep it for a couple of games, at least). Future games would use that annoyingly generic "whoosh" sound for the jumping. Also, Sonic (at least) wouldn't have the correct spinball form again until Unleashed.
Ah, I almost forgot about what seems to be the most controversial topic for this series: voice acting. I'll be brief: For the most part, everyone was voiced very well.
What? When I say brief, I usually mean brief.
Storyline? FINALLY, a tangible story worth telling. Not only was it actually present, but it was told well and involved more than a few real world influences. Pretty damn sweet.
*cue level completion jingle*
OVERALL RANK? I give Sonic Adventure an