Platform: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Sega
Price: $40
Sonic Rush is probably the first portable Sonic game that I’ve played and liked. The previous Game Boy Advance versions were all right, but they always seemed to lack that sense of speed that the old 2D Genesis games had. Actually, Sonic Rush is probably the first Sonic game I’ve liked at all since Sonic 2, as I really haven’t cared much for the 3D Adventure titles either. So yeah, if you were a fan of the old Sonic games, you’re in for a treat with Sonic Rush on the Nintendo DS.
The storyline is streamed into a classic Sonic vs. Robotnik (or, as they’ve begun to use the proper translation, Eggman) with a few twists thrown in here and there as the game progresses. The main focus, however, isn’t really on the story as much as it is on the actual gameplay. The first level reeks of old school Sonic, and instantly throws in a numerous amount of loops, springboards, and speed boosts to thrust you into the game.
Sonic retains his classic charged up ball move, but you can also tap a button (or hold it down) to increase his speed while running and allow him to plow thru enemies or move objects. Second level is your “Water Temple” level, and the third a Casino-ish level, etc. There’s quite a bit of old school Sonic love in the level designs, but enough innovation and clever layout that makes them all seem fresh and new.
The dual screen does take a bit getting used to, mostly because of the gap in between throwing you off, but the game doesn’t like to jar you back and forth between screens very often, so you’ll find the transition smooth enough. Your boss battles will take place solely on the top screen as well, which keeps things simple and clean.
Once you beat the first level, you unlock the option of choosing a new female character, Blaze, as a playable. All in all she possess the same skill sets as Sonic, so there’s not a whole lot of difference between the two other than visually and the direction the story will take you. You’ll end up doing each level with either character, but you’ll do them in a slightly different order, such as Blaze’s first level being Sonic’s third, etc.
The difficulty level takes a bit getting used to, especially if you haven’t played a 2D Sonic in a while. I died quite a few times on the first couple of levels, before finally getting the hang of things, so a bit of patience is key in the beginning. There’s enough levels and gradual difficulty to keep the game in your DS for quite a bit longer than you would suspect, and it really makes the game worth the price.
The graphics look beautiful, right on par with Sonic 3 or Sonic and Knuckles. There’s a lot done with the 2D models, and some of the levels will make use of a “3D” gimmick or two. The music is right up there with the other Sonic games, generally just being a catchy upbeat tune of some sort, nothing that’s going to win an award but definitely on par with what’s come before.
If I had and problems with the game, it’d be those elements in the levels that force you to stop or slow down, such as multiple platform jumping, or hitching a ride on an explosive bomb. They really break up the action when you encounter them, and it’d be a bit more fun without them really. Other than that, Sonic Rush is an excellent addition to the franchise, and another fantastic reason to own a Nintendo DS this winter.
- Dustin Chadwell currently resides in Ohio, USA. He's been playing video games since the Atari 2600, and believes he can whoop anyone's ass in Joust, and Galaga. Probably not Halo 2 though. New technology tends to confuse him.