Sonic Heroes

 GameCube
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 295 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 194 out of 295
  2. Mixed: 79 out of 295
  3. Negative: 22 out of 295
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  1. CecilyB.
    Jan 2, 2004
    8
    it's sonic...even though in the demo there where i few bugs...i'm sure they fixed them,the cutscenes look wonderful, when i seen them online.a nd with a good comeback, shadow returns! most of the english voice actors who lent there voices in sonic adventure 1 & 2 are back with a vengeance...i can't wait to hear how team chaotix, and cream the rabbit sounds.
  2. Markc
    Dec 7, 2003
    10
    i give this game a 10 because i have played it on a bonus disc the graphics are overwelming this out does many gamecube games by far
  3. William
    Feb 2, 2004
    8
    Alright here's a comment that is inbetween. The Gameplay is fun and it's pretty cool. There also a change in difficultly unlike the past 3D Sonic Games(and I love the 3D & 2D Sonic Series). The Game is pretty much a solid action/platformer worthy for most of it price. The Problems I feel that should be address is the Camera(which Sonic Team still needs to correct), also the game Alright here's a comment that is inbetween. The Gameplay is fun and it's pretty cool. There also a change in difficultly unlike the past 3D Sonic Games(and I love the 3D & 2D Sonic Series). The Game is pretty much a solid action/platformer worthy for most of it price. The Problems I feel that should be address is the Camera(which Sonic Team still needs to correct), also the game can be a bit frustrating(Especially on Team Chaotix), and also the levels are somewhat the same except for Length, Enemies, etc. It depends more on Difficulty. One more thing the GC version has English Voices which may annoy some people who can't stand them (I like them, but I want to hjear the japanese ones). Other than that, this is a very good game that brings to mind that Sonic Team is getting Some Idea (especially Yuji Naka). This is worth the price of admission easily if you are a fan of atleast recent Sonic Games(Even the GameCube ports). One Note: Use team Rose first to get adjusted and the fact they can get the emeralds easier will help(Use Big, he'll get it in almost no time if you're good enough to dodge the bombs and get the spheres)… Expand
  4. [Anonymous]
    Oct 24, 2004
    8
    It's a really good game but many of the Sonic games have almost the same concept so it was really easy for me to beat...overall, this game will be great for adventure lovers.
  5. Agamecritic
    Feb 18, 2004
    7
    Where's the plot? The awesome plots that existed in the Sonic Adventure games, (as well as the Sonic fast speeds) are not present here at all.
  6. Liz
    Jul 31, 2005
    5
    It's all right, the graphics are ok and the sound is fine, but it is repetitive and chauvinist. team rose is the one that centers around girls and is a heck of a lot easeir then team sonic and the rest,the BOY is the powerfull one.Amy may be the leader but she is far from importent.and if your going to be feminist, at least put antother girl in there instead of big!and the otherIt's all right, the graphics are ok and the sound is fine, but it is repetitive and chauvinist. team rose is the one that centers around girls and is a heck of a lot easeir then team sonic and the rest,the BOY is the powerfull one.Amy may be the leader but she is far from importent.and if your going to be feminist, at least put antother girl in there instead of big!and the other girl(Rouge)is big breasted and has hardly any importance!i know all of the other games are like this but come on!and aside from that it has a crappy camra angle,rent,do NOT buy.… Expand
  7. StevenEvans0
    Nov 3, 2011
    8
    While it was too different at first, I really came to connect with this game and get drawn into the story and unique gameplay. While it had many of the same elements from past Sonic game, it was completely different in it's own way with it's vast uniqueness int he formula of using three characters at once. I really enjoyed it! One of my favorite final bosses ever -- Metal Overlord.
  8. TheBlueBadger
    Nov 29, 2011
    8
    Sonic Heroes seems to be that marmite Sonic game that some people liked and others hated. Perhaps it's the nostalgia talking but I'm a pretty big fan of this game. The stages are huge and don't feel repetitive, at least until near the end when you die and the last checkpoint was miles off. The team idea is often shot down but in my opinion it works. Switching between the three charactersSonic Heroes seems to be that marmite Sonic game that some people liked and others hated. Perhaps it's the nostalgia talking but I'm a pretty big fan of this game. The stages are huge and don't feel repetitive, at least until near the end when you die and the last checkpoint was miles off. The team idea is often shot down but in my opinion it works. Switching between the three characters feels smooth since they all move at similar speed (no giant contrast like in Sonic Unleashed) and they're all easy to use. The graphics were great back then, and even today they're really nice to look at. The voice acting is a mixed bag. Sonic, Tails, Charmy and Team Rose get on my nerves sometimes but other than that it's pretty high quality stuff. This is a step down from Sonic Adventure, but not a huge nosedive like many make it out to be.… Expand
  9. Nero97
    Jan 26, 2012
    9
    This is my favorite Sonic game. It's different. You have three characters with you, one fast, one flying and one strong. That's what makes this game good compared to the other sonics. You play with everyone nice: Sonic, Espio, Knuckles, Shadow, etc. You have really nice cutscenes and an epic last battle. Sometimes it's a little bit repetitive, thought...
  10. christab
    Apr 4, 2012
    6
    sonic heroes sonic best of gc, pathetic graphics, the game succeeded, emerald fashion a bit difficult but enjoyable. mode has 2 person disappointing story mode successful battle against the boss as successful
  11. MrSonicFan
    May 7, 2013
    8
    Sonic's first original game not on a SEGA console. And it was a great start. The story is no where near as complex as in Sonic Adventure 1 or Sonic Adventure 2. But to me that is the way it should be. Sonic games don't need big plots. The gameplay is similar to SA1&2 but with a new team gimmick. And it works well. The control though is noticeably worse than SA1&2 it's really slippery. ButSonic's first original game not on a SEGA console. And it was a great start. The story is no where near as complex as in Sonic Adventure 1 or Sonic Adventure 2. But to me that is the way it should be. Sonic games don't need big plots. The gameplay is similar to SA1&2 but with a new team gimmick. And it works well. The control though is noticeably worse than SA1&2 it's really slippery. But the level design is really good in alot of places like grand metropolis. Sonic Heroes is a gorgeous looking GameCube game. It's really looks like a 2D sonic game brought into the 3D world. For example the checkerboard walls in Seaside hill. The soundtracks is great. Sonic Heroes in my opinion is better than SA1. And much better than SA2. I recommend it to anyone who likes platformers… Expand
  12. sonicfan2000
    Jun 12, 2015
    10
    Sonic Heroes is almost controversial throughout the Sonic fanbase. Opinions range from either amazing to okay, or to just downright awful. But the honest to goodness truth here is, that Sonic Heroes is underrated. This is an extremely fun game and I highly recommend it. The game isnt perfect but its close, why this game got it nearly 100% right! Lets look at the pros of this game first. 1.Sonic Heroes is almost controversial throughout the Sonic fanbase. Opinions range from either amazing to okay, or to just downright awful. But the honest to goodness truth here is, that Sonic Heroes is underrated. This is an extremely fun game and I highly recommend it. The game isnt perfect but its close, why this game got it nearly 100% right! Lets look at the pros of this game first. 1. Graphics. Now i know alot of people cover this when talking about Heroes, but the graphics are just beautiful! They have slimply held up amazing over all these years since its release! 2. Story. Alot of people criticize the story, but its nothing too shabby. But Team Dark's story is the most interesting and detailed. I won't go into detail though, I'd hate to spoil the game for readers. 3. Level design. The level design is very enjoyable, filled with unique gimmicks such as grinding rails, thrill rides, twists and turns, speed (of course), and the like. 4. Soundtrack. Boy is this one of the best Sonic soundtracks to date! Each game stage has a memorable theme that sets the vibe for the setting that you're in. Oh and the main theme and final boss theme will be guaranteed to be stuck in your head as well! 5. Voice acting. Not much to say here but this only has one flaw. They picked the wrong voice for Tails. They should've just used his Adventure actor, i have no idea why they didn't. Now for the cons. Only one real significant con and that is the controls and camera. Now i like my Sonic games with insane/run off the screen speed, but it can get a little out of hand sometimes, often leading to running into an enemy, falling off the level, etc. You can also thank the camera for parts of these problems. It can be deceving at times, especially the more open environment spaced out levels, whether you close miss a rail or miss a platform because the camera throws your aim off. But in the end, its a fun and memorable experience for almost any kind of gamer. If possible, avoid the PS2 version, due to existing issues such as low framerate, which is not present in other versions. The game used an engine so it could be easily ported to other systems, but was ported directly from the GameCube, which is why you hear that the GameCube version has the least issues. I highly recommend this game. Also available on XBOX and PC.… Expand
  13. greninjaX
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    this is it. the best sonic game ever made. why didn't they make more like this? this is perfect
  14. MaxPesky
    Jun 3, 2019
    8
    I Pretty Love this game, as I played, I was a little little little kid, like, toddler, I Would Love this Freaking Game, The PC Version Was Good Enough, I grand I enjoyed this game,
  15. MaxShibe
    Sep 7, 2019
    7
    It's..Nothing amazing, but not terrible either. The soundtrack and level variety are gold, but it get's repetitive and it's so slippery.
  16. 2bitplayss
    Nov 11, 2021
    8
    i recently played it for the first time and its a lot of fun i really liked this gimmick and i like that they choose this with more characters then having a lot of different play styles because i would probably not like most of them..

    anyway this game has a fun story great levels and design great music the controls are a little weird in the beginning and i kinda got confused by    i recently played it for the first time and its a lot of fun i really liked this gimmick and i like that they choose this with more characters then having a lot of different play styles because i would probably not like most of them..

    anyway this game has a fun story
    great levels and design
    great music

    the controls are a little weird in the beginning and i kinda got confused by switcing characters
    (you press y to switch to tails for example but now i want to be knuckels so i press y again because i assume it rotates in a circle but instead i switched to sonic becauming confused and pressingg random buttons.... but once you get used to that its a really fun time)
    overall a great sonic game    … Expand
  17. E102Gamma
    Nov 15, 2021
    3
    Lets start with the positives:
    Music - Excellent as always
    Art direction - As good as one can make it in 2003. The levels look amazing. Story - Back to basics in all but one campaign. Its not exactly a plus but this was the very first big Sonic game released on all the major consoles of the time. It would make sense to hold back on the exposition, lore, and world building. Now then,    Lets start with the positives:
    Music - Excellent as always
    Art direction - As good as one can make it in 2003. The levels look amazing.
    Story - Back to basics in all but one campaign. Its not exactly a plus but this was the very first big Sonic game released on all the major consoles of the time. It would make sense to hold back on the exposition, lore, and world building.

    Now then, everything else. This was the very first time the heads of Sonic Team promised to bring Sonic "back to his roots" a promise that would be made nearly every single time the series got a new game. I don't believe they understand what the phrase means. In the game, the player controls three characters at a time. Sonic Team wanted to make a game focused around a single gameplay format, like the classics, but they didn't want to relinquish any of the supporting cast so this was the result. Sonic Heroes was made on the same engine as Sonic Adventures 1 and 2; two games that pushed the engine and the Dreamcast to its absolute limits. Now the team had to get it working on four separate pieces of hardware. What resulted is a game less stable than both of the prior installments at their worst. Both of the Adventure games' instability can be excused because:

    1. It's often easy to avoid.
    2. All the characters control comfortably and have a very simple move-set.
    3. 3D was still in its early stages. Nearly all 3D games of the 90s had plenty of instability. Comparing 90s 3D gaming to everything afterwards is like comparing NES games to the SNES.

    Most of the flaws with the Adventure games were excused in their time because 3D was still a developing innovation. There were hurdles that couldn't be jumped over, but by 2003 those hurdles had been all but demolished and to see Sonic Team still struggling to climb over them was disappointing. I won't talk about the gameplay in detail. Its main problems are instability and obnoxious controls. The four selectable teams on the menu are separate campaigns in disguise. Don't be fooled. You have to play the game 4 times in order to see the end of the story with little to no variation. It's like having to play Sonic 3 as Sonic, then Tails, and then Knuckles in order to play Death Egg Zone onward.

    Levels - 3
    Visuals - 8
    Story - 6
    Bosses - 0    … Expand
  18. Firefade
    Aug 25, 2013
    10
    This is one of the first games I ever played. Even though there are flaws, my nostalgia is to strong to hate it. The game is looks amazing. the voice acting is meh. Fantastic gameplay.
  19. GamecubeLover
    Jul 3, 2016
    10
    This game never makes me mad at all. Probably cause I'm good at the game. Well anyways, the game's controls feel good and fresh and the graphics look smooth and amazing. The story is cliche but it's alright. Gameplay is awesome and there is a lot of variety. I do recommend this game. One of the best gamecube and sega's best game of the blue blur.
  20. DarkerSonic06
    Jul 7, 2018
    1
    Why SEGA?Why? SADX and SA2 had one of the best level design in the series, and what did you to Heroes ?The level design is crap and its just Generations without Boost. Why do we have Team Dark and Chaotix.Why didnt Shadow can be dead? He is comepletely unuseful in the games since SA2
  21. DeVr33z
    Dec 24, 2010
    6
    It's an okay linear adventure game, but at the same time it kinda sucks. Which makes the fact that it's the best 3D Sonic game I've ever played seem even more tragic. There was a little fun to be had but otherwise you should avoid Sonic Heroes if you can.
  22. Watermelon789
    Jul 13, 2011
    6
    Colorful graphics but bland in detail, to crude. Sometimes the unresponsive control slips away and make undesireable deaths, boring platforms and awful voice is avoidable. So, what now? fun? maybe a little.....
  23. bunniebon
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    Very polished, way more polished than the PS2 and Xbox versions. Sonic Heroes didn't try to be new it tried to...be sonic. I like the game very much and I would recommend it.
  24. yoshi564
    Dec 3, 2016
    10
    The other versions are sorta....ehh..lets just say didn't turn out well but the Gamecube version was more solid and controled very nicely. Back than this game was received greatly but now people make fun of it just because its different but legend of zelda the wind waker is different and everyone loves that game, oh sonic is just bad cause one game. (I don't wanna say the game's name)
  25. Vickly
    Mar 16, 2004
    4
    A big failure in my opinion. I had thought that with the release of the awesome sonic adventure games, nothing could go wrong with this one, I was sadly mistaken. They still had not cleared up the bad camera angles, and you had to do virtually the same thing for each team. Very easy to beat, and the characters look a little too shiny. No plot at all, I really did not like it.
  26. HunterB.
    Jan 3, 2004
    10
    It helps you to know all the heroes and villians of sonic. It is sorta like sonic dx. And it has awesome graphics.
  27. LinusJ.
    Jan 8, 2004
    10
    It rocks.
  28. Bigguy
    Jan 9, 2004
    10
    This game is totally cool. i like practically played it non stop when i got it. last night we were alone and i beat off while staring at sonics ass on the screen. just playing it gives me a chub. thanks sonic.
  29. JohnB.
    Jan 15, 2004
    3
    Notice how all the users here only comment on graphics and sound. These people obviously have shallow taste in games and would buy anything if it had "sweet 3-d graphics and cool sound". People, not all games of the new millenium have to be 3-D. In fact, ever since sonic went 3-d, his games have lost much of its fans, flavor, and popularity. People don't realize that all you do in Notice how all the users here only comment on graphics and sound. These people obviously have shallow taste in games and would buy anything if it had "sweet 3-d graphics and cool sound". People, not all games of the new millenium have to be 3-D. In fact, ever since sonic went 3-d, his games have lost much of its fans, flavor, and popularity. People don't realize that all you do in this game is run foward and let the computer automatically hold you by the hand through the levels. Terrible game...shame on you Sega.… Expand
  30. DanielM.
    Nov 9, 2004
    8
    Fast fun but won't last long.
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best GameCube Game of 2004
4
#4 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004
2
#2 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 49
  3. Negative: 1 out of 49
  1. Weekly Famitsu
    80
    8 / 8 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold [Vol 786]
  2. GMR Magazine
    70
    The glorious 3D speed rush is still broken by moments where you will csream with rage inspired by whatever sadism or idiocy has kept Sonic Team from fixing its camera and control schemes after five years of 3D Sonic games.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    60
    The camera is crap, the scale is awkward, the story and characters are basic and cringe-worthy, the combat is tedious, the platforming and puzzling is too basic, and I was well bored of it by the time I conquered the final level with the first of the four Teams, which wasn't even that long after I first grabbed it out of the shrink-wrap.
    Read full review
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