Game | | Sonic Heroes | Format | | PS2 (version tested), Gamecube, X Box | Publisher: | | Capcom | Release date: | | Out now |
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When the world was introduced to Sonic in 1990, it immediately loved him. He was good-looking, loud, and the fastest thing we had ever seen in a videogame. Fourteen years on and Sonic is essentially the same, even better looking (now hi-res is with us), still loud and his speed has not diminished with age. You would have thought his knees would have gone or that he would be a road pancake by now, but no he is still zooming about fighting to stop Dr Robotnik from taking over the world once more. Does he never stop for a saucer of milk or some bread? Anyway, this time Sonic has two of his mates along to help him out; Sonic, Tails and Knuckles forming a team designed to overcome any of the many (and repetitive) obstacles in there way as quickly as possible. At the start of the game you have four teams from which to choose. These are made up from different characters previously seen in other Sonic games and have one fast member (e.g. Sonic), a powerful character (e.g. Knuckles), and a flyer (e.g. Tails).  Does he never stop for a saucer of milk or some bread? | | Dr Leevil |
As you progress through the levels, you switch team leader to either sprint, blast or fly your way past the next obstruction. Secret Level should have a team - The Kid would be the one that runs fast but can't punch his way out of a wet paper bag, Phil Utility would be the strong one who is always smashing things up, and Dave Vague would obviously be the one that is always flying! I, Dr Leevil would no doubt be the evil genius intent on dominating the world - hopefully with my own flying saucer too! The game initially looks and plays OK but turns tedious very quickly. Despite the lush visuals of the game the scenery becomes repetitive and almost impossible to handle with poor overall control and some camera angles that remind me of a good weekend out! In general the game falls short of the mark. Having seen Nintendo's Super Mario Sunshine, Sonic appears pixelated, lacking in depth and a tired extension of what has been before. Pity really, and the Sonic license now needs taking in different directions rather than sticking to the same 14-year-old formula. About time that Sonic was road kill. 5/10 Dr Leevil | 
