Sonic Rumble takes place in the massively diverse and vibrant world of Sonic the Hedgehog, a series which has been stealing the hearts of game players since the beginning of time, with it's fast-paced gameplay and memorable characters.

The action takes place in a magical world of Christmas Island It's a story-line even for hardcore fans of the series. The evil Dr.Eggman is back to his old tricks again. This time, the Chaos Emeralds, magic gems that store energy, have been snatched from the island and hidden in new locations. Sonic and his trusty sidekick Tails, as well as the ever-iling Knuckles, will have to collect all of the emeralds and thwart Eggman's machinations. The adventure has some puzzle and exploration elements endearingly woven into it, so it's more than a pure race to the finish.

The combat system is arguably Sonic Rumble’s most unique inclusion. Unlike other Sonic games that prioritize speed, this one is very combat-oriented. Players compete in one-on-one showdowns and scramble for rings as they undertake a series of familiar Sonic team-up missions. Combat is turn-based, which sounds strange for a series known for fast action, but it fits remarkably well. Each character is equipped with a number of moves and abilities, and players have to pick the right time to attack, defend or pull off various special moves. This provides an extra level of strategic depth, which is both exciting and welcome.

The graphics of the game, are pretty neat, not very close to other games, but on their own way they are charming. The character drawings are lively and evocative of feeling, and the backdrops of Christmas Island are luminously detailed. Lush jungles, icy mountains, each stage looks different and feels different, creating a great visual to play against. Another highlight is the music by the gifted Spencer Nilsen. It does a great job of capturing the fast-paced, action-packed, adventurous feel of the game The music is awesome and catchy; it’s hard to forget.

Sonic Rumble and various game modes make the game challenging to put down once it got a hold of you. Beyond a story mode, there's multiplayer racing, a co-op campaign and so much bloody mini-games, including the excellent Battle Dojo that pits one player against the other in both racing and conflict. Multiplayer mode is especially entertaining, as it allows friends and family to put themselves to the test in a variety of free-for-all skirmishes.

While its interactivity style is unique upon itself, Sonic Rumble maintains the very essence that makes the Sonic series such a phenomenon. The characters are just as charming and eccentric as people remember and the game is as light-hearted and fun as we would expect. It may not be the fastest or most action-packed film in the series, but its more leisurely pace and its possibilities provide another kind of thrill.

All in all, Sonic Rumble is a neat little game in the Sonic the Hedgehog lineup. It mixes adventure, combat and exploration in such a lovely way that, combined with the cute graphics and fun gameplay, it is a game that is really worth the while. If you're a Sonic fan though whether for some of his older or newer content, Sonic Rumble is a fun and unique adventure that is sure to leave you with a smile.

By Jerry | Copyright © Character100 - All Rights Reserved