Sonic Adventure

Reviewed By: Trask Milton
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: Sega Dreamcast
Produced by: Sega
Price Range: $40-50
Learning curve time: 20 mins.
Age level: All
ESRB Rating: Everyone

Genre: Action/adventure
Christian Rating: 4 of 5
   (slightly offensive)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 3 of 5
   (mild)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

Sega's blue rodent mascot is back, in a 3D world, on Sega's Dreamcast system. I've always liked Sonic the Hedgehog, and this game is an excellent title for almost anyone.

As with all Sonic games, you assume the role of Sonic. At different points in the game you also act as other characters including Knuckles, Amy, Tails, Big the Cat, and E-102 the Robot. This is a 3D platformer which is in some ways similar to "Mario64", but in other ways completely different. As with all Sonic games, the game is very fast pace, and Sonic (as well as other characters) moves around all of the different stages for several reasons: in search of the Chaos Emeralds to stop Chaos, a water-based monster, and to stop Dr. Robotnik.

Screenshot from 'Sonic Adventure' This game is action-adventure, but also has a gripping story, tons of dialogue (for an adventure game), plot twists galore, incredible graphics, good music, and fun characters.

Aside from all of the atrractiveness of the game, in “Sonic Adventure” there are some elements that Christians would find offensive. During the game, there is an encounter with the spirit of Tikal, an ancient princess, and Chaos is referred to by Dr. Robotnik, as "the God of Destruction". Other than that, I found little offensive material in this game, and would recommend it to anyone.

Year of Release—1999

Believe it or not, Sonic Adventure is the subject of much controversy in the Sonic fan community. Everything from the new look, to the RPG-esque "adventure fields", to the new characters, to the simple fact that the gameplay is 3D has met with mixed reception by hardcore fans. Myself, I love it. All of it. First off, the Sonic gameplay is *totally* maintained in 3D, especially in Sonic's quest. What's more, each character has a unique gameplay style and goal, so no two characters play the same, and you really get a variety of gameplay experiences in one package. The “adventure fields” are disliked by many, but I found them to be really helpful in drawing me into the Sonic universe (I'll never forget the experience of getting lost in the Mystic Ruins forest). The storyline is phenomenal (although the dialogue is often extremely dorky, and the voice acting is… eh…) The graphics are terrific, the music is truly awesome (for a video game), the control is dead-on, and everything about this game just rocks. If you're a Sonic fan, a Sega fan, or you just own a Dreamcast, I highly recommend this game. My Ratings: [5/5]
—Bart Smith, age 18

In most adventure games there are some blatantly occult characters like witches, false gods, magic spells, satanic symbols etc. But in Sonic Adventure, you will find barely anything that would be offensive. Sega really did a good job, and this game really deserves an “E” rating. I'm very impressed. This is probably the cleanest adventure game I've seen yet. My Ratings: [5/5]
—Nick Smith, age 15

One of THE best ever! Great story and awesome graphics! Check it out. My Ratings: [4/5]
—Christopher, age 18

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.