• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Feb 11, 2002
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 28
  2. Negative: 1 out of 28
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  1. The fact that most gamers have seen all of this before makes it a bit more difficult to see this game's strengths, while making its weaknesses that much more apparent.
  2. 80
    A fairly solid title, but it falls short of the mark for a big "Sonic" release.
  3. Game Informer
    75
    The Sonic levels are explosive as ever, although the control isn't nearly as refined as it should be. The rest of the stages in the game are poorly concocted and void of fun. [Mar 2002, p.81]
  4. Even on a system where you'd never expect to see the blue streak, there are plenty of classic wide-eyed moments of joy following the heels of the world's fastest, most arrogant hedgehog.
  5. 87
    If you’ve played or owned the Dreamcast version though, there isn’t much new to do.
  6. 80
    Aside from the camera-angle blemish, Sonic 2 for the Gamecube is still loads of fun.
  7. Games Radar
    87
    Despite the messy structure, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle is still up there with the best of them, knocking most of the competition for six. And that's what counts. [GamesMaster Magazine]
  8. The graphics are flawless. Super-smooth, fast, seamless environments stretch on as far as the eye can see. While the GameCube should easily be able to do this, it's the frenetic pace that makes it most impressive.
  9. 84
    Blazes across your screen with incredible graphics, addictive gameplay, and deep play options. Sure, it's not flawless, but it's definitely worth playing.
  10. The way the Advance interacts with the Cube is flawless, and if you have Sonic Advance (and we recommend you pick it up), it's a nice touch, with lots of promise for future games.
  11. If you can keep yourself from blinking, you might be able to help the little furry freak collect his golden rings, like some sort of crank-addicted Hobbit.
  12. Nintendo Power
    84
    A sprawling, complicated adventure. [Mar 2002, p.132]
  13. A particularly good example of why SEGA and Sonic Team are so revered within the games industry.

Awards & Rankings

59
4
#4 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2002
7
#7 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2002
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 331 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 18 out of 331
  1. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    I found this game in a box in the attic and thought that I would try it out as the last time I played it way about 6 years ago. This game isI found this game in a box in the attic and thought that I would try it out as the last time I played it way about 6 years ago. This game is the best sonic I have ever played and I have played my fair share. Its a really fun game for the younger the older generations so I would buy it if you can with a 2nd hand gamecube because it is worth it at the end of the day. Full Review »
  2. Sep 11, 2021
    10
    Simply incredible!!! History perhaps being the best of the series, phases with varied gameplay but without losing the essence of Sonic and ofSimply incredible!!! History perhaps being the best of the series, phases with varied gameplay but without losing the essence of Sonic and of course, the first appearance of Shadow and Rouge.
    But there may be things that can be annoying, like the fact that we can't choose who to play with, just the hero campaign or the dark campaign. Besides, the gameplay hasn't aged so well, but it's not all bad.

    But other than that this game is great, I recommend it highly!
    Full Review »
  3. Jun 9, 2016
    10
    Camera is awkward sometimes but the gameplay has a lot and the music is cheesy but great! The controls are way better than the dreamcastCamera is awkward sometimes but the gameplay has a lot and the music is cheesy but great! The controls are way better than the dreamcast version since the game didn't really age well on that system. And it is 100% nostalgic. I love this game and you should too! Full Review »