Produced by: SNK/Sega

Genre: Platform

Players: Two, via link-up

We've already seen the shock combination of SNK VS Capcom on the NeoGeo Pocket, and now we have another surprising release in the form of Sonic Pocket Adventure. It's a sign of the times that Sega have allowed their most important character appear on a machine not made by them, but Sega's need for cash means we can now enjoy Sonic in true portable form.

Sonic Pocket Adventure basically follows the plot of the second MegaDrive/Genesis Sonic (which is no bad thing, as Sonic 2 is generally agreed to be the best of the console Sonic games). The level structure is similar, but not exactly tha same, and the stages have been designed with the NeoGeo in mind. In terms of visuals, Sonic PA is impressive. The Sonic sprite is made up of four colors, which is an improvement over other NGPC games, and at times the backgrounds only appear to be a few colors shy of their Genesis counterparts. The trademark Sonic "speed" is retained, and thanks to the blur-free NGPC screen, following the action is just as easy as it was on the console versions of the series. The biggest surprise is that the Genesis Sonic 2 bonus stage is replicated in Pocket Adventure - and it actually moves faster and more smoothly than it's home console parent! The music is also lifted from the Genesis originals, mainly from Sonic 3, which is no bad thing.

In terms of challenge, Sonic PA offers nothing more than a couple of days play before it is completed, but that's not the end - the real challenge is finding the "puzzle pieces" located in and around the levels. These pieces are assembled to form pictures of the various characters, and are well hidded within each stage. This feature extends the games life span dramatically, as their are a stack of puzzle pieces to unearth. Extra features add to the replay value (albet to a much lesser extent), such as time trail and two player competition modes.

All in all, SPA shows just how far the NGPC can be pushed, and is a worthy addition to the Sonic series. However, despite the "puzzle" aspect, it does suffer from the same problem as the Genesis Sonics - once it's over, there's very little to bring you back. While it lasts, SPA is immense fun. All Sonic fans should not hesiste to buy the game, but those who are new to Sonic should test the water first, as the out-of-control gameplay is not suited to everyone. The game remains a solid addition to SNK's lineup, and if any title can push the NGPC into the hearts (and palms) of the Western world, it's Sonic.

4 out of 5