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By Daniel Boutros
[Author's Bio]

Gamasutra

August 4, 2006

A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games

Introduction
ArrowPlatform Games

CASE STUDIES
ArrowSuper Mario Bros. 3
ArrowRayman
ArrowSonic the Hedgehog 2
ArrowCrash Bandicoot
ArrowSonic Adventure
ArrowSuper Mario Sunshine
ArrowJak & Daxter
ArrowNew Super Mario Bros.

VISUALS
ArrowPt. 1
ArrowPt. 2
ArrowPt. 3
ArrowPt. 4

CONTROLS
ArrowPt. 1
ArrowPt. 2
ArrowPt. 3
ArrowPt. 4

REWARD ELEMENTS
ArrowPt. 1
ArrowPt. 2
ArrowPt. 3
ArrowPt. 4
ArrowPt. 5

CHALLENGE AND REWARD DESIGN
ArrowPt. 1
ArrowPt. 2
ArrowPt. 3

SHORT-TERM CHALLENGE DESIGN
ArrowPt. 1
ArrowPt. 2

CONCLUSION
ArrowConclusion
ArrowClosing Opinion
Arrow2006 Final Thoughts

 



Features

A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games
arrowarrow PreviousNext arrowarrow(Page 7/31) [Article Start]


Sonic Adventure

  • TOTAL WORLDWIDE SALES AS OF JUNE 2006 = 2.5 million
  • Gamerankings Score:  87.2%
  • Sega Dreamcast
  • Number of Players:  1. 2-player option is a short-term secret mode
  • US Release:  Sep 9th 1999
  • ESRB Rating:  E

Sonic’s first full 3D adventure was clearly a labour of love, as displayed by the sprawling and beautiful environments and the ambitious and well-realised multiple-character story perspective feature.

The game displayed an almost entirely new persona from its 2D counterpart, emanating a more uniquely stylised and unique look to its 16bit counterparts.

The 3-dimensional update scaled down the open and vast level designs that were familiar throughout the 2D episodes and went for a far more linear and focused layout that limited the player to only a handful of off-path areas to explore for bonuses. Some found this off-putting.

One change was well received however - the inclusion of a multi-story viewpoint.
In short, you could play as six different characters, each with its own view on the main narrative and a suitable twist on the core game engine - another platform first, courtesy of Sonic.


arrowarrow PreviousNext arrowarrow(Page 7/31) [Article Start]


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