Yuji Naka

The way I see it, the problem that plagues Sonic Adventure 2 is its simplicity; none of the two-button gameplay has any depth worth mentioning. Out of the three shallow modes of play the game offers, the Tails stages are the worst offenders, where you lumber around in a mech robot shooting everything in sight.

According to the ESRB, this game contains: Violence

Ill readily admit that Ive never been the worlds biggest Sonic fan, but I know a good game when I see it. When it comes to Sonic Adventure 2, I dont see it. Rather than beat around the bush, Im just going to cut to the chase here.

Game Description: When longtime Sega mascot Sonic the Hedgehog made his debut on the Dreamcast console in Sonic Adventure, gamers were stunned. Sega had not only used the game to show off the tremendous possibilities of the then-new hardware, but they had reinvigorated the platform-style arcade adventure genre with massive, intricate levels, gleefully distracting minigames, and even a new kind of virtual pet, called a Chao, that could be combined with other pets, traded with friends, and even exchanged over the Internet. Sonic Adventure 2 ups the ante of its predecessor with all-new puzzles and levels, and even faster action reminiscent of the early Genesis-era games. Knuckles and Tails are back, as are the Chao pets (who can now talk!).

Chi may think that Phantasy Star Online is the beginning of a technology which will uplift and unite the planet into a happy and harmonious future, but I happen to be a bigger fan of Blade Runner than 2001. Personally, I found that PSO was the perfect technology to usher in a new age of missed potential and overrated boredom, rather than something which broke down global barriers and enlightened me.

PSO is videogame with grand ambitions of uniting game players on global scale over the Internet for the purpose of entertainment. This isn't a new concept since the Internet was commercialized, but it never became a reality for a number of reasons.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Animated Blood, Animated Violence

Game Description: The realm of Phantasy Star Online has increased. Phantasy Star Online, Version 2 includes all the original content from Phantasy Star Online, but expands the world with more levels, more features, and more evil to combat. You can import your existing character or create a new one as you strive to reach level 200 and master the game's new ultimate difficulty setting. Players from around the globe can now compete in Battle Mode as they face each other in deathmatch-style combat. Play Lobby Ball with up to 12 players while you chat and get a game going. Discover new and more powerful monsters, unearth rare items, and experience the passing of time as day turns into night in this persistent online world. Phantasy Star Online, Version 2 continues the evolution of the original revolutionary gaming experience.

For sheer spectacle, this is a game that would be difficult to top. However, it's downright disappointing that it couldn't be a more worthwhile playing experience. To say that Sonic Adventure is a treat for the senses would be an understatement, but that doesn't automatically translate into "fun game." Don't get me wrong, the game certainly has its moments, but the prevailing feeling here is that Sonic Team spent too much time trying to make the game look cool (no doubt the result of the pressure to make up for lost time) and not enough time thinking of ways to make it play better.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Animated Violence