Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sonic Rush takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS’s dual screens to deliver a thrilling, fast-paced experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Players race through 14 unique levels—referred to as “acts”—with a view that spans both screens, offering a larger-than-life perspective on Sonic’s trademark loops, springs, and high-speed platforming challenges. The addition of gimmicks like bungee ropes, giant waterwheels, and springboards ensures that each act brings new surprises and obstacles to master.

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The game offers two playable heroes: Sonic the Hedgehog and Blaze the Cat, each with four primary moves and a set of “trick actions.” Successfully chaining tricks fills the Tension Gauge, and once full, you can unleash a Boost that propels your character at breakneck speed through levels or into enemies. This Boost mechanic adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, rewarding skilled players who can maintain combos and gauge management for maximum speed and efficiency.

Beyond the main acts, Sonic Rush features Boss Acts set in fully realized 3D on the top screen, where timing and precision become crucial as you dodge attacks and counter Dr. Eggman’s contraptions. Special Stages introduce a different flavor of gameplay on the touch screen, requiring stylus control to guide Sonic or Blaze toward a Chaos Emerald—offering a refreshing change of pace. Rounding out the package are Time Attack and Battle Play modes, which boost replay value by challenging players to set record times and compete head-to-head via local wireless play.

Graphics

Sonic Rush retains the iconic, colorful art style of the Sonic franchise, while also pushing the DS hardware in inventive ways. The dual-screen presentation not only expands the vertical playfield but also allows for dynamic visual effects like screen-spanning loops and vertical traps that feel big and impactful on the handheld display. The sprite-based characters remain crisp and animated, bringing Sonic and Blaze to life with smooth running cycles and expressive idle animations.

One standout is the 3D boss encounters. While the main levels are crafted with high-resolution sprites, boss battles transition to a polygonal environment on the top screen, demonstrating the DS’s versatility. These sequences feel weighty and immersive, offering a distinct visual contrast to the 2D acts below. The blend of 2D and 3D assets helps keep the presentation fresh throughout the entire adventure.

Environmental details—from glistening water in aquatic stages to the metallic sheen of Eggman’s machinery—are rendered with surprising clarity. Backgrounds are layered with parallax scrolling that gives depth to forests, deserts, and futuristic zones alike. Power-ups, rings, and collectibles sparkle with a satisfying pop, ensuring that every leap, spin dash, and mid-air trick feels visually rewarding. Overall, Sonic Rush’s graphics showcase the DS at its best, marrying speed with spectacle.

Story

The story in Sonic Rush is straightforward but engaging, kicking off when Dr. Eggman hatches another sinister plot and a mysterious Emerald is inadvertently revealed. Before Sonic can investigate, an unfamiliar figure snatches the artifact and disappears in a flash of green flame. Intrigued and pursuing the trail, Sonic speeds into the unknown—and soon encounters Blaze the Cat, a royal guardian from another dimension seeking to recover the runaway Emerald herself.

The narrative unfolds across the levels through brief cutscenes between acts, capturing the rivalry and eventual camaraderie between Sonic and Blaze. Their playful banter and mutual respect add depth to the high-speed platforming, giving players a reason to switch perspectives between the two heroes. Regular cameos from beloved characters like Tails, Amy Rose, Cream the Rabbit, and Knuckles the Echidna sprinkle in fan-favorite moments without detracting from the central plot.

While the storyline doesn’t reinvent the wheel—Dr. Eggman’s schemes are predictably over-the-top—it serves as a solid framework for the action. The introduction of Blaze and her alternate dimension raises the stakes and expands Sonic’s universe in intriguing ways. Fans will appreciate the sense of discovery as new zones and boss challenges reveal more about Eggman’s plan and the power of the Emeralds at the heart of the mystery.

Overall Experience

Sonic Rush stands out as one of the most polished platformers on the Nintendo DS, balancing lightning-fast gameplay with accessible mechanics that reward both beginners and seasoned Sonic veterans. The dual-screen format never feels gimmicky; instead, it enhances visibility and sense of scale, making each loop and jump feel larger than life. Combos, Boosts, and the Tension Gauge system add strategic depth to what could otherwise be a straightforward speed run.

Replayability is a key strength. Beyond completing acts, players can chase gold medals, perfect time runs in Time Attack mode, and challenge friends in Battle Play. The Special Stages on the touch screen inject variety and showcase the DS’s unique controls, ensuring that the pace never becomes monotonous. Collecting hidden Red Rings and gathering all Chaos Emeralds also encourage thorough exploration of each act.

For anyone seeking a portable Sonic adventure that captures the essence of the classic games while offering new twists, Sonic Rush delivers in spades. Its vibrant visuals, energetic soundtrack, and tight level design make it a must-have for both DS owners and platforming enthusiasts. Fast, fun, and brimming with replay value, Sonic Rush sets a high bar for handheld action titles.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10