Sonic Adventure

Sonic Adventure

Developed by: Sonic Team (Sega)
Published by: Sega

A console is successful only because of its games and not because of its boasts impressive technical specifications. To evaluate the Dreamcast's potential, I obtained two full-version games, which are not available on any other platform (PC or console), Sonic Adventure and NFL 2K.

Action and Adventure

A console would not be complete without an action adventure game. Nintendo has Mario 64, Sony has Crash Bandicoot, and Sega has Sonic Adventure. As you probably guessed, Sonic Adventure is best described as an Action-Adventure game - the game play is even divided up between these two.

Getting airborne

Sonic and pal

The "Adventure Field" is the central mode of the game and is where most of the storyline progresses. In this mode, there are typically no enemies and involves solving simple puzzles such as discovering new keys and entering new areas. There are no time limits or goals in this part of the game which means you can explore the environment at your own pace. There are three main adventure fields set in a city, a jungle, and later Dr Robotnik's (Eggman) ship.

A very Sonic-esque loop du-loop

Running through a resort town

Progressing through these "Adventure Fields" ends up taking you to the Action Stage which is more like the traditional Sonic games for the Sega Genesis. Within the city, for example, you have the option of heading to the beach, the casino, the amusement park, and even city hall. The goals in the Action Stages vary depending on which of the six characters you select. Sonic, for example, must progress though the level and destroy the capsule to free the animals. Tails, on the other hand, typically has to beat Sonic to the end of the level. Knuckles has to search for 3 emerald fragments per stage. Sonic's storyline is the primary storyline and thus he gets the gameplay with the most depth. For each of the other five characters, you get to play the game from their perspective on the story which is pretty fun. Although I wouldn't count it as a total of six independent games, it's still a significant portion. Once you complete the quests for all six characters, a seventh "Super Sonic" character is released which lets you play for the "real" ending.