Sonic Battle - An Underrated Gem
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- The year 2004 proved to be a pivotal time for Sonic Team. SEGA experienced success in the Sonic Adventure and Sonic Advance games. In addition, the new hit anime Sonic X was highly popular among kids. And of course, how can anyone forget about the Sonic McDonalds toy line? Only 6 days after the release of Sonic Heroes, SEGA released Sonic Battle for the gameboy advance in North America on January 5th, 2004. In the meantime, development for Sonic Advance 3 and Shadow the Hedgehog was underway. Sonic Battle received mixed to positive reviews during its initial release, but how does it hold up today? I hope you enjoy this in depth look at Sonic Battle, one of the most impactful Sonic games I have ever played.
0:00 - Introducing Sonic Battle!
02:05 - Sonic Battle's Legacy
04:08 - Childhood Memories
09:08 - Battle Mode and Controls
16:20 - Challenge Mode
18:31 - Other Features
19:40 - The Story Mode
21:19 - Sonic's Chapter
32:29 - Tails' Chapter
39:22 - Rouge's Chapter
49:34 - Knuckles' Chapter
58:24 - Amy's Chapter
01:01:18 - TW - ED
01:07:57 - Cream's Chapter
01:14:01 - Shadow's Chapter
01:28:05 - Emerl's Chapter
01:44:24 - Conclusion
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Shadow’s characterization in this game is so good, I wish they’d go back and see this and realize he’s more then just a smug asshole
Shadow was one of the few characters handed well
A true GBA classic. Unlocking a new move you were aiming for is a dopamine hit like I’ve never experience in a game before
As a kid, this was probably the first game I played that didn't have a happy ending. I was so confused and upset that I kept looking for information on a sequel because I thought the story had to be continued. "Emerl has to come back, right?" I thought. I kept searching 'Sonic Battle 2' but only got results for 'Sonic Adventure 2: *Battle*'. Nothing. It made no sense to me that I won the game, but Emerl still dies, and everyone just has to live with it. It showed me that video games can tell stories more complex than simply "good triumphs, the end".
The fact that TO THIS DAY i still have yet to meet or find anyone online who has collected ALL of the skills is a testament to how badly this game does not f*ck around.
I’ve said this before, but Sonic Battle DESPERATELY needs another shot. It has so much going for it, but the fact that it was on the GBA made multiplayer really hard to do in 2004, and next to impossible now. Imagine a brand new Sonic fighting game on Switch or PS5 or something, with both local and online multiplayer, a huge cast of characters to choose from, and a much less repetitive singleplayer campaign. I think it could be done, if that fan game I forgot the name of is anything to go by.
I 100% agree! I hope that Sonic Team gives Sonic Battle another try, the game has so much potential and they already have the foundation to refer from. It would be cool to have more characters involved like Espio, Silver and Blaze!
Sonic Battle is one of the best Sonic fighting games to play.
Agreed can't get enough of it
Yes, one of best, out of all of the two of them...
Just like how Sonic Chronicles is the best Sonic RPG
Almost 2 hours of Sonic Battle appreciation?
Yes please 🤩
Battle is truly TRULY one of my favorite games.
I first played it when I was just 4-5 years old, so I have so many great memories with it.
Time and time again I’ve played and replayed it over the years & it never becomes dull to me.
Honestly, this is the first time I’ve seen someone else who has such a great and deep passion for this game as I do.
Emerl is my number one.
My absolute number one.
Out of every character in all fiction, be Disney, Mario, Pokémon, Puyo, cartoons, comics, novels, ANYTHING!
Emerl is and always will be my eternal number one.
I’m truly TURLY surprised and super happy to see that someone shares so many opinions about this game as I do.
About 98% of what you said, I completely agree with.
Some things, I obviously understood very different, since I was just starting to learn how to read & I was veeeery naive and dense as a child, but having replayed it so many times over, I did understand things that I couldn’t back then.
On thing’s for sure though, the ending ALWAYS brings me to tears.
Makes sense considering how much I love Emerl, only for him to die at the end of his debut game.
I really miss him.
Gemerl is a fantastic spiritual successor, but he’s not Emerl.
He’s his own character, which I love him for, but I really miss Emerl.
From fooling around with Sonic, discovering with Tails, training with Knuckles, getting played by Rouge, bonding with Amy, growing with Cream & discovering the truth and meaning of their existences with Shadow…he may not have been around for long, but the impact he had on everyone was just as big as they had on him.
And the ending for me too, always felt as if they weren’t talking about their world anymore, as if it wasn’t about the game, their message felt as if they were trying to reach us players in the real world, to wake us up from the pain that war can bring…
I would really love to see Sonic Battle shine again someday.
A remake would be one of my greatest joys in life, but simply seeing it again as it used to be, in GBA online for example, or a collection or something, would be super magnificent as well.
This game, means so much to me, being one of my first video games ever, Emerl being my favorite character ever…honestly, this video made me real glad to be on CZcams today.
One of the greatest videos I’ve ever seen.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart: thank you so very much for bringing such great attention, time, detail and love to this game that means so much to me~
I love this game so much! I love how the characters are just so lively, and I love how depending on a character's personality, their moves can sometimes be very goofy, like Tails creating a giant hand that flicks people in the air. But what Eggman did to Emerl shows that as much of a fun and goofy villain he is, he is still a villain. He's so sadistically petty, and if there's any way he can ruin Sonic's day, he will find it.
Funnily enough, Battle was released before Heroes by around a month, so I imagine it would have been confusing for the audience to see Shadow back among the cast along with Rouge saying that Gamma looks like Omega.
I got Sonic Battle before ever learning about Sonic Adventure 2 and Heroes. When I was a kid, I assumed that Battle was Rouge and Shadow’s first appearance… which in hindsight doesn’t make any sense, but my 8 year old self never questioned it! 😆
Dang
I can't believe this video doesn't have any more views !!!! 😭😭
This summary, review, commentary of Battle is absolute gold! The only vid that did Battle justice
Thank you so much for your support, Wowie! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the video and I’m honored that you think so highly of my Sonic Battle analysis! ☺️❤️
The birth of the sonic sprite fighting animations that ruled my childhood
The amount of time put it into this video just to have the algorithm not share it is a crime. Hope this video, along with the channel, grows.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, I greatly appreciate it! 💙
@@VoicedByMandy
No problem 👊😎👌
This is one of my favorite Sonic games hands down. Not only was this one of the first handful of Sonic games I had ever played as a kid, but I think the first one I had ever owned. Watching this video and hearing the clear love for this game makes me want to play the same copy of Sonic Battle that I have had for almost 20 years and play it on the same GBA that I still have (not sure how I saw ANYTHING on that little machine lol) I have an SP and DS Lite, so I'm good.
What a hell of a side story. I could gush about this game and if I was able to articulate my thoughts as well as you did in this video I would make one about this game, but I briefly want to touch on a couple elements about this game.
I absolutely love how the characters are expressed through pixel art. This is some of the finest I have seen I this style hands down. I always get a kick seeing Sonic characters I fighting action, so this game speaks to me deeply. Seeing all the cool moves the characters can do and how it shines a light on a bit of who they are is incredible. Sonic Frontiers shows Sonic as a fighter very well and Battle set that stage to me.
The next thing I'd like to mention is not necessarily the story, which I do greatly enjoy, but the character interactions. As goofy as fighting games can be to justify why characters, that would otherwise get along, would be bonking each other over the head, it really sells me on their interactions. I love Sonic characters interacting with one another, especially those that don't often share screen time together. I wish mainline games would have more of this, but really I think that is why spin-offs/side stories serve such an important purpose in series like Sonic.
I would love for a spiritual sequel to this game. Not that it would have to somehow time to Sonic Battle, but carry a similar energy, flair and attitude. When I get the chance to I always bring up a dream Sonic game outside of mainline titles for me would be a Sonic fighting game in a similar vein to the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series, that also incorporates some elements of Sonic Battle. A little ray of hope was given to me when someone had asked Morio Kishimoto, the director of Sonic Frontiers if he has played the UNS series and if Sonic could fit into that. I don't remember what was said, but Kishimoto seemingly found the idea interesting and that he would bring the idea back to Sonic Team. Absolutely no confirmation that that will result in anything, but I was through the roof reading that thread.
Anyway this comment has gone far too long, but I truly love this game and will make it a point to play it again the next chance I get. I love the Advance trilogy in general and this game fits snuggly into that series. Thanks for making videos on these games.
I just found your channel mostly becuase I find your voice really soothing but the fact you do a lot of sonic content too, man where tf are the people??? You’re doing an amazing job ♥️
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I’m planning to upload more Sonic content in the future. 😊
Thank you for this video. Sonic Battle has been one of my favorite games when I was a kid, and a lot of its lines, themes, music and style stuck to me all these years. It has my favorite story of all Sonic games, even if I don't think they did Amy justice as well. It was when I finally could understand those characters personalities and connect deeply with them. You captured my exact feelings about playing this for the first time, and watching the video made me relive so many moments. I cried at the ending, as I always do. It's such a beautiful tragic ending. It's so sad these days most of the reviews for this game are lukewarm and people usually focus on things such as some difficult spikes. I really wish this game was fully reimagined, with proper balance, deeper gameplay and give Amy a chance to be her own character, but keep the rest of the story as it is.
Man, what a lilttle nostalgia trip. Sonic battle was so formitive for me. It cemented my love for the series and introduced me to some weirdly adult themes, like death. Idk it's just so extremely unique
While the story to Sonic Battle is well-written, it's also a harsh reminder that Sonic is mostly a children's franchise at the end of the day.
The various writers who get handed the reins will view certain characters as nothing more than vessels for comedy (or just punching bags), which would explain why Amy & Knuckles are depicted so obnoxiously here. It makes the game kind of difficult for me to re-visit these days because I know they have the capacity to be much more reasonable.
P.S. Keep up the awesome work and articulate voice ^^
I agree and I see this in other games and tv shows as well. Nowadays marketing is pushed to younger kids because that’s what makes the money… But I am looking forward to Frontiers and Prime. It seems like the writers are opening it up for their older audiences to enjoy!
And thank you so much for your kind comment. 😊 I certainly will, and I am aiming to have my next video out within the next few weeks or so!
Frontiers > Prime?
This game is my entire childhood. Wish we’d get it on NSO or a remaster on modern consoles with online, it would be amazing.
I love sonic battle to pieces but woah you had a lot to say about it. Thanks for shedding some light on the game anyway
This Video Is An Underrated Gem
Emerl is the best character in this series and he deserved better.
The specific way Shadow speaks about himself and Emerl in this game is interesting to me, because of the implications that this game is set after _Shadow the Hedgehog._ It's very similar to the way he speaks in the "Shadow's Second Death...?" ending, that he's a terrible failed experiment gone deadly wrong, and the world would be better without him in it. I tend to believe that at least parts of this path are the canon route through the game (meaning that yes, Shadow and Vector did in fact Find The Computer Room), and this game tells the story of how he begins to recover, but it also might be part of the reason that he becomes closed-off again later on. I've battled with depression for years now, and I know recovery is non-linear and sometimes you get worse after getting better, so this resonates with me a lot.
Amy's character in this game, on the other hand, is... well, it's a choice. I really don't know what SEGA and their writers wanted us to think of Amy at the time of these games, I feel like a lot of the Sonic fans who don't like Amy were probably onboarded during this era, because the overriding vibe is that she's _meant_ to come across as annoying and clingy, or outright delusional at worst.
I do find Cream's storyline a bit weird, but I think it's fairly easy to shift to something that doesn't feel like it jars with the other games, by having her issue stem not from destroying robots, which she's done plenty of, but from how much Emerl enjoys doing it. Because Emerl _does_ really like fighting, and Cream's story comes at a point in the game where he has five Emeralds already, so he's getting dangerously close to peak power without being fully mature yet. I think in a full HD remake of the game, I'd like to see the accompanying cutscenes show Emerl actively dismantling the robots bit-by-bit, to really settle how terrifying this side of him is.
Also I love Knuckles' story. Just a red himbo and a kid running around and causing problems on accident because they're both being a bit dense but also they can bench-press buildings so nobody can actually stop them.
I also really like Rouge's role in this one. This is only her third appearance in release order and fourth chronologically, so characters like Sonic and Tails are still hesitant to trust her fully, whereas they grow to like her a lot more by 06, and she's just fully part of the friend group by Generations and the newest game. Sonic isn't a particularly subtle series, but I've always liked the way characters are shown slowly warming up to each other over multiple games instead of just immediately becoming best friends.
I'd love for this game to get that full-on remake and be brought back into the limelight, but I doubt it will happen, mostly because the ending does not fit with the vibe the writers and directors, especially Ian Flynn, want to give the series. Like, the ending of this game is as clear a refutation of the morality espoused by the good guys in IDW as possible. Emerl tries to encourage Eggman to be better, and all that results is Eggman rejecting the offered hand and immediately causing Emerl to have an agonising, fatal meltdown that comes within 30 seconds of ending the world. If Emerl had just cold-cocked Eggman and dragged his ass to jail after setting the Death Egg to self-destruct, he'd still be alive.
Also the game's legacy is defined way more by the Sonic X adaptation (heavily emphasising Cream and downplaying every other character, including Emerl himself) than its own release.
Loving this video so far. I think I started watching it a while back and lost it, but now it's back. I'm currently remaking Sonic Battle in Unity right now, so I've been listening to this while working on it and it's been great to hear your thoughts on it so far! Keep it up.
Found you through your shorts and was VERY pleased to find this video. I've been desperately needing an incredibly thorough Sonic Battle video, and yours perfectly captures both what I love about it and what it was like being a kid playing this game. Also your voice is very soothing! Keep up the great work, looking forward to digging into your other work.
I know you’re kind of joking about the tarot cards but in sonic CD her tarot cards told her where to go and are the reason she met sonic so it makes sense she would take a lot of credence in what they say
They did pretty much drop the fact that she’s into things like tarot cards and fortune telling though
1:41:00 imagine shadow was just smiling because in the end, he was kinda right 😂
Been watching all your content. Its honestly amazing, keep it up
I know I'm a little late since it's been 6 days but I just wanted to say how much I love your videos there so underrated and the sonic advance series are my favorite sonic games and I can't wait for you to talk about sonic advanced 3 that is probably my favorite out of all of them I love the team mechanic and I just can't wait for the next video also have a nice day!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed my content, and I’m excited to wrap up my Sonic Advance 3 video. 😊 Thank you so much for your patience as well, and I hope you have a great day too! 😁✨
Im going to cry! Your chanel is so underrated! Same goes to Sonic battle! From the art derection to the story I love this game so much! Very much enjoyed this video!💖🌟
Mandy I see me and had the same mind frame with the Era of the GBA!!❤💯💯
I remembee randomly coming across and emulating this game when I was looking for GBA games to play years ago. Sadly never grew up with a GBA, I would've loved this game especially as a huge sonic fan around this time. Really interesting video from start to finish, looking forward to the other ones you put out!
Thank you so much for your comment! 😊 Sonic Battle is definitely a niche game, but I’m glad you got to experience the game regardless.
This is the best video about Sonic Battle i've ever seen, thank you for your hard work, it was a really fun watch! I'm looking forward to the Advance 3 video ^^
I don't know how familiar you are with Sonic X, but if you're ever planing to make a video about it, or just watch for only your own enjoyment, PLEASE watch the Japanese version with english subs, it's a experience any Sonic fan should have in my opinion, and i feel like you will find it as special as i did
Thank you so much for your kind comment, I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed it! 😄💙
I have watched parts of the English dub here and there, but haven’t had the time to sit down and watch the Japanese dub. Though I plan to in the future because I have heard wonderful things about the jp version of Sonic X!
@@VoicedByMandy JP Sonic X is one of my favorite things in the franchise in general, it's really special to me, so i hope more people can have this experience too, i hope it comes your time and you love it too
Specially the third season, the Metarex Saga, it's one of the best storys in the franchise
@@VioletaVolnutt agreed
I did the same for the knuckles fight against the robos lol
You gotta do what you gotta do 😆
I always thought of night Babylons theme to have more of a deltarune vibe😅
Please come back and create another video. Sonic Heroes has cream in it and sonic frontiers is a good new game. They're also been talk about another 2D advanced-like Dimps sonic game coming out
A new video essay is set to come out very soon. 😁 Thank you so much for your support!
Emerl is part of the Sonic characters that are good because they remain dead, what's the deal with that ?
The closest comparison to another fighting game would be... power stone?
Been recently playing sonic battle and forgot yeah this game is super fun still I love a ton of stuff from it like the storyline and gameplay emerl customization but man the grind is so bad and I've played some really rough rpgs where the grind gets bad it can just turn me off to but battle I think beats a lot of those rpgs out but once you honestly grind it out enough to get to customize emerl man that shit is worth it just hate you having to wait to play as emerl after that when you got a really good setup is so much fun but sucks cause I really want to play emerl
I actually really want to play sonic battle I gotta get on my computer
This game.....best sonic gba story there is
There is a video where you can beat him without special attacks on youtube
Amy's story could've been interesting if it was treated with an ounce of sincerity but the writers are hacks
Algorithm fuel ⛽
Much appreciated! 🙏💙
There is a video where he can beat him without sp attacks.
Dang! I’ll have to check that out. I thought it was impossible! 🤯
Not really
It is possible
69th like 😎
I always thought of it as GBA power stone. I'm hoping it gets on nso so I can finally play multiplayer
NICE! And same, I hope that the sonic advance trilogy and battle will be ported someday.
Aye another girl that fell for Rouge as a kid? Please make a Rouge video and talk abt how much you fell in love w her thank you.
Someday 😜
@@VoicedByMandyLooking forward to it! ;)