While a tad repetitive, Sonic Battle proves that Sega's blue mascot does do some things right besides dashing about.

User Rating: 7.5 | Sonic Battle GBA
This game can actually be quite a bit of fun! Combat is fast and furious, graphics look great thanks to the fluidly detailed sprites and nice looking 3D arenas. Story is, (wait for it...) surprisingly decent, and Sonic, Shadow, and the rest of the gang you know and love are all present and playable here. Even the copy-bot Emerl can be adjusted to suit your fighting needs with various moves, dashes, blocks and even stances. And when you take into account that Emerl can copy any move used by one of the many characters, (Eggman not included unfortunately,) the possibilities are endless!

Now, you know every game isn't without it's flaws, and in the case of SB, this is no different. First off, as much fun as the fighting can be, it can also get tiresome. When facing your opponent for a 10 KO match the fighting is fast and exciting! ...But when you win and your opponent mutters a few words and re-challenges you for another 10 KO round, it tends to make the battles drag on longer than they should. I mean, its fine the first few times, but keep in mind that this occurs mutliple fights throughout the story mode thus causing the game to have a repetitive feel. Nothing that ruins the combat, but is still an annoyance all the same.

Another thing that might grate the nerves is the music. While a select few tunes are catchy, (Rouge's nightclub particually stands out,) the rest is pretty forgettable. Plus the main menu song will have you rushing for the volume button at super sonic speed.

Problems aside though, Sonic Battle is a speedy brawler that will satisfy those looking to bash some furry skulls on the go. And any Sonic fan who's even romotely intrigued by fighting games would do well to check this one out!