Introduction
Basic information
Developer Name: Sonic Team
Full Name: Sonic Adventure 2 (battle)
Release Date: June 19, 2001
Released on: Dreamcast (original), later on GameCube, PC, Xbox 360, PS3, and more
Cross Play: No
Initial thoughts
I’ve played Sonic Adventure 2 more times than I can count. I’ve raised armies of Chao, unlocked every emblem, and replayed the final battle more times than I’d like to admit. Despite knowing every corner of this game, I still groan every time I load into Mad Space. But I’ll still play through it because that’s how much this game means to me.
This might just be the best Sonic game ever made. Flawed? Yes. Dated? A little. But no other Sonic title hits the same highs or nails the emotional tone like this one.
Story and setting
Plot overview
The story is split between Hero and Dark campaigns, letting you play as both Sonic and Shadow’s teams. It’s a tale of revenge, sacrifice, mistaken identities, and ultimate redemption. Shadow’s origin and his connection to Maria and Gerald Robotnik adds a surprisingly emotional weight, and the final story where both sides unite to save the world hits so hard.
World building and immersion
From outer space to military bases to lush forests, SA2 packs a wide variety of levels. The lore behind the ARK and Project Shadow is rich, especially for a Sonic game, and it manages to immerse you in its world, even when the pacing occasionally stumbles.
Character development
Shadow is the clear standout here, but everyone gets their moment. Sonic shows his usual confidence and heart, Eggman is given surprising depth, and the Tails/Eggman rivalry builds tension in clever ways. There’s a sense of purpose in every mission that helps you feel connected to the characters.
Emotional impact
The ending… you know the one. Shadow’s sacrifice is legendary. It’s one of those gaming moments that sticks with you for life.
Rating for story and setting
I have visited multiple aspects of the story and after some thought and objective thinking, I rated the story and setting with a 9.5
Gameplay and mechanics
Core gameplay mechanics
The game features three distinct playstyles:
Speed (Sonic/Shadow): Fast, smooth, and exhilarating.
Mech Shooting (Tails/Eggman): Slower but fun, with strategic combat.
Treasure Hunting (Knuckles/Rouge): The most divisive, thanks to levels like Mad Space.
Despite the variance in quality across styles, the game delivers solid and memorable gameplay.
Difficulty and balance
Some levels are tough, and treasure hunting stages can get frustrating. But the challenge feels fair—most of the time. Getting A ranks in some levels is difficult but feels fair with some practice.
Pacing of the game
The Hero/Dark split is brilliant, but treasure hunting stages often slow the pacing down. Speed levels? Always hype and ramp the pacing back up.
Innovation and uniqueness
At the time, this was revolutionary for Sonic. It combined cinematic storytelling, multiple perspectives, and an engaging 3D Chao Garden that felt like a game within a game.
Controls and user interface
Slightly stiff by modern standards, but still responsive. The camera can be a pain, but you adjust. (This was kind of the norm for older games.)
Microtransactions
Zero. Everything is unlockable through gameplay. Though, you might need the Battle DLC, since the last four emblems are locked behind this.
Rating
After combing through many of the mechanics, the pacing and other factors of this game, I rated the gameplay and mechanics with a 9.
Graphics and art style
Quality of graphics and art direction
For a 2001 game, Sonic Adventure 2 was visually striking. The art direction holds up thanks to bold character models, great level variety, and iconic designs. Also, Big the Cat is hidden in scenes, try mashing the A button in certain scenes, and he shows up!
Technical performances
Occasional jank and camera issues, but the game rarely breaks. It’s surprisingly stable.
Environment and design uniqueness
The levels range from cityscapes to pyramids to space stations. Even now, the diversity and visual identity of each stage stands out. Some games nowadays even fail to diversify like this.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style an objective rating. There are many things to consider, but ultimately, I rated this section with a 8.5.
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the game
Absolute bangers. Every level has a unique theme, from Escape from the City to Live & Learn, and they still go hard today. Small sidenote, they are in my Spotify list.
Sound effects quality
Sound effects are punchy and iconic, from ring pickups to Chao cries. There is not much else to add, they are perfect.
Voice Acting
Here’s one of the game’s biggest flaws: music is too loud, and voices are too quiet. You often can’t hear what characters are saying during cutscenes without subtitles. But the performances themselves? Iconic, even if slightly cheesy.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with a 9.
Replayability
Game Length and content volume
Around 10–12 hours for the main story, but completing everything? That’s dozens of hours of replay value. I think it easily adds up to about fifty hours!
Extra Content
Chao Garden. Emblems. A ranking missions. Hard mode. There is so much to do in this game if you do the extra content, raising Chao will take a lot of time. Even if you use glitches like duplication.
Replay value
Through the roof. Raising Chao alone is an addiction. There’s always another emblem to chase or a new strategy to beat your best times.
Rating
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to rate the replayability and game length of Sonic Adventure with a 10.
Suggestions and comparisons
Suggestions and feedback
Fix the voice/music volume imbalance.
Tweak camera and radar systems for treasure hunting levels.
Remake it already, Sega!
Comparisons
Compared to other 3D Sonic games, SA2 still stands at the top. Generations may be tighter, but it lacks the emotional resonance. Forces tries but can’t compete. Frontiers is bold, but SA2 is iconic.
Personal experiences and anecdotes
I’ve played this game more than almost any other. I know the lines, I’ve raised hundreds of Chao, I’ve screamed at Mad Space—and I still come back to it. There is no denying it, I love the story, the ending, the epic final boss fight with Super Sonic and Super Shadow, and that Live & Learn moment still gives me chills. I bob to the beat while I could beat the Biolizard in space blindfolded.
This game might not be perfect on paper, but for me—and many fans—it is perfect. A Sonic Adventure 3 or a full remake of SA2 would be a dream come true.
Rating
Taking in all the personal experiences with Sonic Adventure 2, I give it a personal rating of 10.
Last words
Pros
- Fantastic dual-story narrative with emotional weight
- Shadow the Hedgehog's unforgettable debut
- Legendary soundtrack (Live & Learn, Escape from the City, etc.)
- Three unique gameplay styles
- Addictive and adorable Chao Garden
- Split campaigns offer excellent replay value
- Iconic level design in stages like City Escape and Final Rush
- Memorable boss fights and cinematic final battle
- Tons of content and unlockables
- Improved challenge with mission variety
- Awesome art direction and bold environments
- Distinct personalities across the entire cast
- Co-op and 2-player battle modes
- Strong character development for a Sonic game
- Fun mini-games like kart racing (Even if the controls are jank)
- It still plays well today
Cons
- Music is way too loud, voices too soft in cutscenes
- Treasure hunting levels (especially Mad Space) can be frustrating
Sonic Adventure 2 may be flawed in ways that are hard to ignore—but it is also brilliant, heartfelt, and unforgettable. It captures what makes Sonic special and elevates it with emotional storytelling, fantastic music, and sheer style. No other Sonic game quite delivers the same magic.
It deserves a 9.6, but let’s be honest…Final Rating: 10/10 – because this game earned it.
FINAL RATING
10
Please let me know what you think of Sonic Adventure 2 in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to see you in the next review!
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Accurate review altough the voices too low could be influenced by DSP and/or speaker setup.
Sonic Adventure 2 is definitely a nostalgic favorite. Shadow’s story and the Chao Garden still hold up today
There was a time I kind of owned a GameCube and we had this amazing game. I spent a lot of time with these tiny Chao creatures. The game was quite fast and I died a lot in the platforming sections.
Um I think you guys used the wrong screenshots, also spoilers about Shadow 🙁 I haven’t played yet, so basically the game is perfect, glad I have another opinion, definitely gonna play when i get a pc.
I completely agree with the negative aspect of the music; it’s really annoying to listen to it so loud. I can’t find any negative aspects; I think the review is spot on! I’d also like to add that the designs for this game are incredible; they’ve made history in the industry 🙂
To be honest i dont know if this a a concept or on purpose but text review alone doesnt really help to imagine how game is played for someone who didnt yet played it, no informations about gameplay or some details that would help to imagine the game. But luckly there is also video which will i guess will do just this. PS – Those cats, those lovely cats are getting into everywhere xD From time to time likes to try a new places for variety. All screentshot are from famous Little Kitty Big City (template i guess). PS2 – Wanted to ask you (or someone else who used it) again about dreamcast platform, did you used it? About technical/multimedia aspects, did it had better audio/video or some special in this department in compare to other consoles? I ask because i discovered that as the only it shares main chipset (not longer produced unfortun) with my old favorite multimedia device (i record with it too) so im just curious, probably you didnt noticed such details but anyway wanted to ask in case 😉
Cute Shadow, lol.
I found the game way too difficult myself in many ways,
but I have fond memories of the great music, and how fun the mini-games were too, not just the main story.
It’s such a good game!🐑
The images are from little kitty big city xD nice review tho!!
Thanks for the review, which makes you want to take a look, even if the game isn’t very new.
nice to see it’s still getting good reviews. Can’t say a lot about it though, not my jam. But why am I seeing Little Kitty Big City screenshots? ^
maybe I’ll try this one out some day 🤔
I really liked this Sonic. It brings back good memories.
I’m gonna try it some day, cuz looks good. However I don’t know if 10/10 will be proper for that, I even don’t saw anyone else rated it similar, but perhaps I’d give 8 or 9/10 due to issues.
Wasnt familiar with gameplay, didnt expect a lot of different game mods.
Looks like a good Sonic game
Everyone needs to play Sonic when they want to go fast. This one may be old, but it still holds its charm. Well, except that camera, which plagues lots of old games, like you mentioned. XD
I love the sound of a variety of game modes, and the levels seem really fun and exciting to explore! I’m happy it has a nice story too and great boss battles! Will definitely play one day 🙂
I never had much interest in Sonic games, but this is one I could see myself playing! Thanks for another cool review! 🙂
As soon as possible im going to play it.
I’ve always hesitated to play Sonic in 3D, but why not!
I like review. I agree with advantages and disadvantages of this game.
The first game I have in mind when I get to playing more games from the Dreamcast library 🙂
Sonic!!
A friend of mine told me a *lot* about this game and really loves it. He also said that it’s probably too old for my taste, though… That’s why I skipped it from the Octovault. 😅
Glad you love it though! I am sure it deserved the 9/10… Okay, 10/10. Mad Space, though…