Sonic Adventure is still a good game, starting to show its age, cheesier than Stilton but still definitely worth a look.
This version, now available for download from Xbox Live (and soon PSN) is pretty much a direct port from the original Dreamcast version. While there have been slight tweaks in the polishing of character models and slight adjustments to control sensitivity there really isn't much new here for those who played the original aside from the potential to either uphold or put a stake through your feelings of nostalgia towards this game. The game itself hasn't aged unbelievably well. There are plenty of visual oddities; from the appalling mouth synching on the characters, to awkward and strange slow speed character animations, but at high speeds (the way the game is meant to be played) everything works A-ok. One thing that does affect the elements of travelling at high speeds during the game is the fact that some of the games levels, open world environments, side activities and unfortunately many of the cut-scenes don't happen at a fast pace allowing some of the games age to really show through. These sections do bring the game down slightly however do provide a decent enough amount of colour and general sonic themed fluff to be acceptable between the much more enjoyable portions of the game.
New comers to this game may be shocked by the opening to the game featuring a fight locked on to one of the games bosses in the centre of a circular arena, thinking it as slow a little strange and pretty shallow, and arguably in any other game this kind of event just would be, but being pretty sure that nostalgia isn't clouding my judgment here, these sections just add in to the total experience and while not ideal at times, they do add a bit of variety between some awesome high speed over acrobatic action stages within the game.
Something also worth noting here is that there are actually 6 completely different characters to play as through the games story, each with their own scenarios to complete and their own playing styles. The Sonic and Tales sections are arguably the best of the 6 available here, but there is fun to be found in all 6, just in varying amounts.
To cut a long story short. Sonic Adventure is still a very playable and enjoyable game but is showing some of its age. Those looking for an excuse to play the original Dreamcast version again may find that excuse on the Live Arcade/PSN just don't expect anything in the way of new features. Newcomers would be best to check out the demo on Xbox Live or PSN decide to enjoy one of the games excellent high speed action stages and then decide from there. Dated, a little tired but still with quite a bit of speed and charm once it gets rolling, Sonic Adventure still has some decent fun to be found within it, and with trophy and achievement support as well as slightly fine tuned controls and a tiny little facelift is technically better than ever.