Sonic Heroes

The Hedgehog returns but is he in heroic form?

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I must confess to being something of a 3D platform game snob, having avoided Sonic's most recent outings in favour of something a little meatier where possible, but noting the buzz Sega were generating around this latest all-formats outing, I reasoned that it might be time to return to the visions of my youth and once again confront the blue-spiked one. Our reunion began on a positive note, as the presentation of Sonic Heroes impressed me with its stylish and colourful take on the former 2D flatness of yester-Sonic, and, on paper, the breadth of the game coupled with some interesting multiplayer options conspired to whet my appetite further.

Unfortunately, matters rapidly descended into the mediocre, as I became painfully aware of the camera's failings, this common 3D platformer blight painfully manifesting itself in Sonic's latest. However, despite being generally linear, the levels are at least very eye-pleasing and do offer an interesting blend of slow 'puzzling' game play and excellent moments of intensive adrenaline-fuelled abandon, rekindling Sonic's insane dashes through levels of the past. There are fourteen levels in total too, and to progress you'll generally need to switch between your three characters in order to select the most appropriate skill for the problem at hand.

With this element of Sonic Heroes gameplay in mind, the skills of the three characters are very well-balanced, Sonic is the fastest and makes rapid collection of rings possible, as well as having a nifty charging-attack skill, meanwhile Tails can fly and use his comrades as devastating weapons with Nuckles, finally, being able to bust rocks and enemies with his mighty fist - even catching the odd air-pocket to soar occasionally. Certainly these skills make for some interesting instances during play, but it is perhaps the manner in which the designers force a pre-ordained choice on you to progress that annoys the most, meaning that you never feel truly 'free' to progress in a manner of your choice - rather you're constantly seeking to discover what the designers had in mind, which is sadly usually the most obvious and uninspiring option.

It is fortunate then that some of the boss battles can be appropriately taxing and fun, whilst the cut-scenes too are mildly diverting. However, it is with reference to our trio of heroes that I must once again be the barer of bad news, as despite the controls generally proving simple and effective I did find switching character an occasional problem with some confusing outcomes, an annoyance exaggerated further by the crimes of the camera which often left me fuming.

The Sonic Team's relative nativity concerning the 3D platform genre was once again highlighted by the frequency of death-by-ledge syndrome which has made such titles as this infuriating for many years, and it is a shame that more often than not this predictable, dull and off-putting demise has not been re-thought in this game. Next time around the developers certainly need to take a good long look at what Prince of Persia achieves, and why it is the most absorbing, original and un-annoying 3D platform title in ages.

And yet Sonic being the likeable little fella he is, I find it hard not to cut the wee chap some slack, and will do so by highlighting some of this game's pleasures, such as the sense of pace and out-of-control mayhem which never ceases to please, or the impressive (if linear) level design, which is brought to life by the excellent visuals and original design. Even the multiplayer modes are worth a look, and with fourteen levels and four team to play with if this is your cup of tea its not going to stew too quickly. Sadly however, it seems to be the bigger faults which spoil Sonic Heroes, the camera angle, the predictable and uninspired puzzles and progression - indeed it is these complications, in the main unnecessary appendages added to make the game 3D and 'cutting-edge' that result in its downfall. Where as the fun is to be had in the retro stuff you'd have found in Mega Drive Sonic, the speed, the colour, the mini-games, the characters, the attitude - the unambiguous and simple fun - which thankfully save this game from being entirely lame.

What the Sonic Team need to do then is work out how to make a 'modern' 3D platformer properly, or stick to the old-fashioned arcade nonsense they do best. Maybe then Mr Sonic's next outing will live up to his name, after all, as a recent survey proved, Sonic is still the nation's best-loved videogame character.

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By Luke Guttridge