Reviewed on gamecube

Sonic Heroes

      Reviewed By: Michael
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER
GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: Gamecube, XboX, PS2
Produced by: Sega/Sonic Team
Price Range: $51-60
Learning curve time: 1-30 min.
Age level: Children (Older)
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Overall Rating:
Genre: Adventure
Christian Rating: 3 of 5
   (some objectionable elements)
Gameplay: 4 of 5
   (good)
Violence: 4 of 5
   (barely present)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

Sonic Heroes.  Illustration copyrighted.
This game seemed to be based on the old classic Sonic from the Genesis system with a few twists, which are the 3D environment, instead of two characters, there are three used at once, the game play, and there is a bit of a story throughout the game.

In this Sonic game Eggman, once again, tries to take over the world with his massive army of robot servants at his command. The four teams, Team Sonic, Team Chaotix, Team Dark, and Team Rose, go through obstacles to try to reach and defeat Eggman from taking over the world. And that's it!

The single player game play in this Sonic game is more unique than any other Sonic game. Each team has three usable members and each have their own unique class, a power character, speed character, and fly character. Each class is need to progress through the stages encountered (e.g. power would be used to nock down blockages). Also there added moves (not many) to the characters than from the last game. Another uniqueness to this game, from the other Adventure games, is that there are no Chao, which will be a relief to some.

The down side to the single player is that it gets repetitive. Basically each team is same as the other, only different color, some different species, and voices. And the stages are the same as the other teams only Team Rose is easy mode, Team Sonic is medium and longer, and Team Dark is hard mode and the longest. The Team Chaotix is special because there are certain items required to complete the stage, yet the stages are the same. Plus, like the other two Sonic Adventures, you must complete the stages with rank “As” to fully complete the game.

And if you liked the multi player for the other Sonic games and you like this single player mode on this game, then you will enjoy the this. Basically you must race against your friend to the goal ring. And there are other modes too that are playable once unlocked. The first mode is unlocked right away and the next is the battle mode, which you go up against another team. And there is a mini, user friendly kart race and more.

However the down side is that the multi player mode is that it's a killer to unlock. You must acquire 20 emblems to unlock one multi player mode. Sure it's easy to get the first three, but after it gets a lot more difficult. Plus each mode has only three stages each.

Screenshot

Surprisingly there are a few offence elements in this game. First off one of the characters (Amy) uses the name “God” in vain after acquiring a 1up. This doesn't't happen often, but it is there. Another problem found with this game was that Roug the Bat has a body figure of a human woman and reveals a little too much. And the last offence was that the Chaos Emeralds contain this power to transform Sonic into Super Sonic, making him invincible for a period of time. Like the other games, these Chaos Emeralds are not posed as containing any magic.

The main theme or value that can be found out of this game is that it teaches team work. Throughout the game it is impossible to make it through without all three classes. So basically it shows how people with differences have great value.

Overall if you are a big fan of Sonic and the Sonic Adventure games, you will like Sonic Heroes just as much. Though, the part about God's name used in vain may detract you. Other than that, this game is an enjoyable one.

Year of Release—2004




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.

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