Everyone went Dreamcast crazy last week thanks to its anniversary coinciding with that of the PlayStation. So it’s fitting that SEGA have pulled their fingers out and delivered on one of their promises. Sonic Adventure has finally hit Xbox LIVE Arcade.
Sonic Adventure is widely regarded as one of the 3D Sonic games that is actually worth playing. It’s not without its problems, but it’s certainly a good game. And it has an absolutely kick-ass soundtrack. Not to mention the second most emo final boss theme of all time. (The most emo final boss theme of all time is that of Dissidia Final Fantasy. Those who have never witnessed its overwrought majesty should take a moment to enjoy that link.)
The re-release of Sonic Adventure has upscaled 720p graphics and Dolby Digital sound. The Dreamcast original had clean, crisp graphics anyway, so they should look great in HD.
“This week marked the eleventh anniversary of the Dreamcast’s arrival,” said Haruku Satomi, VP of Digital Business at SEGA of America. “We feel there’s no better way to honor that milestone than by providing both new and veteran gamers with the chance to experience Sonic’s first thrilling 3D adventure in high definition!”
Those who were worried about the lack of Visual Memory Unit support for the HD consoles needn’t worry. The Chao Garden mini-game is present and correct, albeit tweaked for the lack of a portable device. And Achievement whores can rejoice in the fact that there are apparently 250 points worth of Gamerscore to acquire. Why 250 and not 200? Perhaps it’s a special treat for these Dreamcast re-releases.
“But lo!” cry the PlayStation 3 owners, rather overdramatically. “Verily, didst they not say we should also be supping from the bounty of Sonic?”
Never fear. Sonic Adventure may already out on XBLA today for a very reasonable 800 Microsoft Points. But it is also coming to PSN, albeit a little late, on September 22. Why? No official word. But it’s probably fair to assume that big bags of money were involved. Don’t complain; at least it’s coming, and pretty soon.
This re-release will hopefully give people some faith that SEGA are going to make good on their word. A new generation of gamers will be able to enjoy some Dreamcast classics. Crazy Taxi is following Sonic very soon. And Chu Chu Rocket is coming to Apple’s iOS-based devices. It certainly looks like SEGA are keen to recapture their glory days.
Now, how about a re-release of the most amazing game of all time:Â Typing of the Dead? Make it happen, SEGA.
