#229 | Feb 2004
Hey Boomers! 
I hope nobody reading this is of a nervous disposition, because this sizzling issue may just be too hot to handle! With the brand new game Sonic Heroes arriving this week, was there ever any doubt that the UK’s Sega comic would be ready to give you the full scoop? Check out the very special Review Zone for details!
Don’t worry, though: you don’t need a videogame console for high-speed action. This issue STC has two more thrilling tales from the action heroes of Mobius: in the conclusion of his two-part story, Sonic is at the mercy of The Syndicate, while Knuckles experiences Trouble In Paradise as things go from bad to worse on the Floating Island. Keep an eye out for some old and new faces popping up.
When you’re looking to recover, why not chat with fellow STC fans? For e-mail discussion about the UK’s Sega comic, check out the Sonic the Comic mailing list! For almost seven years, the list has been the place to chat to both outspoken Boomers and former humes from the good old days, including artist Roberto Corona and all-round STC guru Nigel Kitching and. As well as hearing tales and learning about the creation of the comic, keep an eye on the list to see what your favourite creative humes are doing next!
And as if that wasn’t enough of a system overload for one issue, STC Online is proud to present the Message Zone where you can chat about all things STC!
But wait, there’s more! Now you can catch Sonic and his friends having more high-speed adventures in the brand new cartoon series, Sonic X! Tune in every Wednesday at 3.40 on ITV.
Let’s face it, Boomers: you’ve never had it so good! Not until next issue, anyway…
Noticeboard
Long-time Boomers will remember amazing creative duo Nigel Kitching and Richard Elson. From issue 7 to 184, these guys teamed up to bring you amazing adventures including the tales of the Brotherhood of Metallix, the introduction of Chaotix, and the rampage of Chaos.
But now, they’re teaming up again in the latest 2000AD for a gruesome five page adventure, “Krypt”. Be warned, this horrifying tale is not for faint-hearted Boomers!
Check out 2000AD #1375 today!
Plus, stay tuned for a nine part epic featuring the same team, beginning this spring in 2000AD 1387!
Follow us:
The Story So Far…
Sonic
Sonic is the super-fast hero of Mobius, and leads a gang of freedom fighters. He is totally committed to keeping Planet Mobius and its people safe.
Tails
Tails is an optimistic young fox who uses his two tails to fly for short periods. He is now a prisoner on the Death Carrier!
Dr. Robotnik
A laboratory accident long ago turned the kindly Professor Kintobor into the evil Doctor Robotnik! Now muted and driven mad from years of defeat, Robotnik has been rescued from his asylum…
See the rest of the Data Zone! (click here)
Dr. Zachary
This vengeful echidna has twice tried to claim the power of the Chaos Emeralds. With the Death Carrier warship at his disposal, he is now more dangerous than ever before!
Vichama the Echidna
This echidna criminal uses his brains as well as his brawn. He’s the Syndicate’s unknown quantity!
Rouge the Bat
A masterful thief with her own plans in mind, the question for everyone this issue is… what is Rouge up to? Study this issue carefully for a clue!
Amy Rose
Although Amy first met Sonic when she was claiming to be Sonic’s girlfriend, she has since proved a hero in her own right with her trusty crossbow. She has a wicked sense of humour and loves winding Sonic up!
Knuckles
Knuckles is the sole guardian of the Floating Island and its powerful Chaos Emeralds — but he has no memory of his lost people.
Buddy
This Prosecutor soldier was caught in an explosion of the Chaos Emeralds that turned him into the terrifying Chaos creature. Now he wants his lost powers back…
Big the Cat
A good-natured cat who discovered Chaos and re-named him Buddy.
Tikal
A seer who from the past. Tikal’s memories were repressed by a magic spell to stop her going mad from the time she spent trapped with Chaos.
Porker Lewis
Although he was once the technological whiz of Sonic’s gang, Porker lost his nerve after being held hostage on an alien planet for a month.<div class="row comicrow"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic1" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-100.jpg"><img class="comictb" src="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-101tb.jpg" alt=""/></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic1" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-101.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic1" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-102.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic1" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-103.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic1" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-104.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic1" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-105.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic1" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-106.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic1" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-107.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic2" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-201.jpg"><img class="comictb" src="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-201tb.jpg" alt=""/></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic2" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-202.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic2" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-203.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic2" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-204.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a class="comic2" href="http://www.stconline.co.uk/pages/229-205.jpg"></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><script src="http://www.stconline.co.uk/brand/jquery-1.11.3.min.js"></script> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><script src="http://www.stconline.co.uk/brand/jquery.colorbox.js"></script><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><script><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(document).ready(function(){<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> //Examples of how to assign the Colorbox event to elements<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".comic1").colorbox({rel:'comic1'});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".comic2").colorbox({rel:'comic2'});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".comic3").colorbox({rel:'comic3'});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".comic4").colorbox({rel:'comic4'});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".comic5").colorbox({rel:'comic5'});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".ajax").colorbox();<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".iframe").colorbox({iframe:true, width:"80%", height:"80%"});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".inline").colorbox({inline:true, width:"50%"});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $(".callbacks").colorbox({<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> onOpen:function(){ alert('onOpen: colorbox is about to open'); },<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> onLoad:function(){ alert('onLoad: colorbox has started to load the targeted content'); },<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> onComplete:function(){ alert('onComplete: colorbox has displayed the loaded content'); },<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> onCleanup:function(){ alert('onCleanup: colorbox has begun the close process'); },<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> onClosed:function(){ alert('onClosed: colorbox has completely closed'); }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> });<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $('.non-retina').colorbox({rel:'group5', transition:'none'})<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $('.retina').colorbox({rel:'group5', transition:'none', retinaImage:true, retinaUrl:true});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> //Example of preserving a JavaScript event for inline calls.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $("#click").click(function(){ <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> $('#click').css({"background-color":"#f00", "color":"#fff", "cursor":"inherit"}).text("Open this window again and this message will still be here.");<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> return false;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> });<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> });<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></script>
Available on: Xbox, GameCube, PlayStation 2 Game Type: Platform Players: 1-2 Publisher: SEGA Price: £29.99 – £39.99 Reviewer: Michael Corker
This year Sonic turns thirteen, but he’s not showing any signs of slowing down! In fact, if to prove all his naysayers wrong, the latest Sonic game to hit the streets is not only out on one system, but is having a big release on all three current consoles! Let’s hope the GameCube, PlayStation 2 and X-Box are ready for Sonic Heroes!
Sonic Heroes is visually more of a successor to the 2D MegaDrive games than the Adventure series. One look at the chequered hillsides and you won’t help but feel some nostalgia. But that’s where the nostalgia ends! The new twist with this game is that you don’t just control one character: you control three! If you want to play Sonic, you’d better brush up on Tails and Knuckles too!
In an innovative move, this game allows you to use Sonic’s speed, Knuckles’ raw power and Tails’ ability to fly to reach the end of each zone. Throughout the various levels you will need to switch between these three characters to be able to pass certain parts that would be impossible with just one of the characters.
There’s four teams altogether:
– Team Sonic, featuring Sonic, Tails and Knuckles;
– Team Dark, featuring Shadow, Rouge and E-123 Omega;
– Team Rose, featuring Amy, Cream the Rabbit, and Big;
– Team Chaotix, featuring Vector, Charmy and Espio.
Each team must traverse fourteen levels in a bid to stop Dr. Eggman (Robotnik) from taking over the world. The levels are basically the same for each team, but there are many differences in the paths each must take. The difficulty level also changes depending on which team you choose to use. While Team Sonic have the usual medium difficulty level, Team Dark has much more challenging levels, Team Rose is easier, and Team Chaotix have more alternative gameplay styles such as object collecting or hiding from Badniks!
As you would expect from these latest consoles, the game looks amazing, with crisp textures and smooth character models are all around. There’s also a wide variety of levels to look at so it never gets boring. You will take your team from sparking beaches to huge jungles and even through a fleet of airships! The level design also far surpasses anything seen so far in a 3D Sonic game.
The soundtrack to the game is about on par with the previous 3D outings, so if you liked them, you’ll love what’s on offer here. Particular stand-out tracks include “Hang Castle” and “Final Fortress”. Each team also gets a vocal track, and although all four are well done, none of them are as inspiring as past Sonic music, such as “Live and Learn” from Sonic Adventure 2.
The gameplay stays true to what people love about Sonic, his speed. While to begin with the character switching may seem cumbersome, it soon becomes second nature and won’t slow you down. The only team that really deviates from the fast gameplay is Chaotix, whose hunting levels can get quite tedious, especially if you weren’t fond of the Knuckles and Rouge levels from Sonic Adventure 2.
Story wise, this game is much lighter on plot than the Adventure games, and that can seem a bit jarring at first. But less story means being able to jump right into the levels without lengthy story sequences detracting from the gameplay.
Sonic Heroes boasts seven different 2-player modes, each of which have a variety of gameplay styles. While these pack in even more playability, the downside is that you need to have someone else to play with. While the 1-player mode features pretty intuitive artificial intelligence, the 2-player mode is sadly lacking in that department so unless you’ve got a friend or relative to hand, you won’t be playing these exciting levels very often, which is a shame.
Sonic Heroes is a great addition to the Sonic game library, and has all the best features from the Adventure games intact, while ditching the elements that didn’t work well. The team gameplay was a controversial move, but it’s ease of use and increased gameplay style has paid off. The controls can be a little tricky sometimes, and some levels can take some getting used to, but disregarding these small faults, this is a very entertaining game that won’t get old fast!
In an innovative move, this game allows you to use Sonic’s speed, Knuckles’ raw power and Tails’ ability to fly to reach the end of each zone. Throughout the various levels you will need to switch between these three characters to be able to pass certain parts that would be impossible with just one of the characters.
There’s four teams altogether:
– Team Sonic, featuring Sonic, Tails and Knuckles;
– Team Dark, featuring Shadow, Rouge and E-123 Omega;
– Team Rose, featuring Amy, Cream the Rabbit, and Big;
– Team Chaotix, featuring Vector, Charmy and Espio.
Each team must traverse fourteen levels in a bid to stop Dr. Eggman (Robotnik) from taking over the world. The levels are basically the same for each team, but there are many differences in the paths each must take. The difficulty level also changes depending on which team you choose to use. While Team Sonic have the usual medium difficulty level, Team Dark has much more challenging levels, Team Rose is easier, and Team Chaotix have more alternative gameplay styles such as object collecting or hiding from Badniks!
As you would expect from these latest consoles, the game looks amazing, with crisp textures and smooth character models are all around. There’s also a wide variety of levels to look at so it never gets boring. You will take your team from sparking beaches to huge jungles and even through a fleet of airships! The level design also far surpasses anything seen so far in a 3D Sonic game.
The soundtrack to the game is about on par with the previous 3D outings, so if you liked them, you’ll love what’s on offer here. Particular stand-out tracks include “Hang Castle” and “Final Fortress”. Each team also gets a vocal track, and although all four are well done, none of them are as inspiring as past Sonic music, such as “Live and Learn” from Sonic Adventure 2.
The gameplay stays true to what people love about Sonic, his speed. While to begin with the character switching may seem cumbersome, it soon becomes second nature and won’t slow you down. The only team that really deviates from the fast gameplay is Chaotix, whose hunting levels can get quite tedious, especially if you weren’t fond of the Knuckles and Rouge levels from Sonic Adventure 2.
Story wise, this game is much lighter on plot than the Adventure games, and that can seem a bit jarring at first. But less story means being able to jump right into the levels without lengthy story sequences detracting from the gameplay.
Sonic Heroes boasts seven different 2-player modes, each of which have a variety of gameplay styles. While these pack in even more playability, the downside is that you need to have someone else to play with. While the 1-player mode features pretty intuitive artificial intelligence, the 2-player mode is sadly lacking in that department so unless you’ve got a friend or relative to hand, you won’t be playing these exciting levels very often, which is a shame.
Sonic Heroes is a great addition to the Sonic game library, and has all the best features from the Adventure games intact, while ditching the elements that didn’t work well. The team gameplay was a controversial move, but it’s ease of use and increased gameplay style has paid off. The controls can be a little tricky sometimes, and some levels can take some getting used to, but disregarding these small faults, this is a very entertaining game that won’t get old fast!
Final Countdown!
 |
RavesSuper fast, thrilling, and immensely fun! |
 |
GravesSome levels can get very repetitive. |
| Graphics | 96 |
| Sound | 90 |
| Playability | 92 |
| Overall | 93 |
What did you think?
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Editor-in-Chief: Michael Corker Cover by: Michael Corker
Special thanks this issue to: Ed Reynolds, Zak Simmonds-Hurn, Michael Corker, and the rest of the STC team!
Sonic the Comic is copyright © Egmont Magazines Ltd. Sonic the Hedgehog and all related characters © SEGA.
Other characters belong to their creators. Used without permission. Published by the Sonic the Comic online team. This comic is only available on the internet.
Website by Pretty/Confused ©2017.