3.5/5 ★ – MechaniChris's review of Sonic Adventure 2: Battle.

It’s definitely better than the first game in almost every way, streamlining the experience to a more focused and level based system. I also think that juggling through three characters throughout each story mode is a better way to handle the story mode, rather than having to play the exact same story 6 times. Granted, you do still play the same story a second time, but as the bad guys! Which is always a fun addition to a game. That said, I was a bit disappointed that the Darkside Story played basically identically to the hero story. I wondered why Tails was always in his ship mech, and then it became apparent when I realized that he was just the Robotnik analog. I’d have liked some different playstyles for the other characters, but I get why they did it. The other major knocks are similar to the first Adventure. Clunky controls, and an absolutely abysmal camera. At least the first game gave you SOME control of it and this one has none. Otherwise, this is probably the pinnacle of the 3D games, or so I’ve heard. It does at least FEEL like Sonic in a way that the previous game did not. Has more of the retro future vibe and I actually enjoyed the story this time, as opposed to the last one which was nothing. Shadow IS kinda cool! I get why kids like him. Sonic was only ever cool in 2D and comes off like an enormous dweeb in these games. Also Rouge? What the hell man? You can’t be this horny when you’re making a Sonic game. She makes Candy Kong look like a nun.