Preview: One last fling with 'Sonic Adventure 2'?

Platform: Sega Dreamcast

From...

By Major Mike

(IDG) -- Sonic is returning in what could be his last appearance on a Sega console.

For the famed mascot's 10th anniversary, Sonic Team is pulling out all the stops with "Sonic Adventure 2," complete with six playable characters and several two-player modes. Judging from an early playable version of the game, "SA2" should satisfy seasoned series vets and newcomers alike with its easy-to-pick-up, responsive controls and diverse gameplay.

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"SA2"'s six playable characters will be divided into two "teams": Heroes and Dark Side. In addition to Sonic, the Hero team will be rounded out by Tails and Knuckles; on the Dark Side will be Sonic's arch-nemesis Dr. Robotnik; Shadow; a black-furred hedgehog on roller-skates; and Rouge, a female bat who possesses abilities similar to Knuckles'. Yet every adventure is unique to each character. For example, Tails will pilot a heavily armed mech through a prison and will use his weapons to free his caged friends; Rouge will collect valuable gems in several gigantic 3-D environments; and Sonic's sequences will have the traditional run-and-collect-the-rings play mechanics. In addition to the one-player games will be several two-player modes that range from racing to mech combat.

In the preview version, "Sonic Adventure 2"'s biggest grabber was the visuals, which flew by at unfaltering -- and blinding -- speeds. Even the two-player split-screen games never suffered from slowdown or other distortion. The graphics were also loaded with color and splashy effects, although some characters sported bulky polygons that become a nagging distraction -- especially during close-ups in the various cinematic cut-scenes. Not as noteworthy was the audio track, which was composed of workmanlike music selections and kiddy character voices. Let's hope that the minor rough spots in the preview are smoothed out before the game hits shelves, creating one of Sonic's finest adventures.

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