Not to be confused with Sonic Adventure 2: Battle.

Sonic Battle (ソニックバトル, Sonikku Batoru^?) is a fighting video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team for the Game Boy Advance, and released by Sega in late 2003 in Japan, with a worldwide release by THQ in early 2004. As a spin-off, it marks the series' return to the fighting genre for the first time since Sonic the Fighters (1996).

The main gameplay of Battle is set in pseudo-3D environments. There are ten playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Rouge, Amy, Cream, Shadow, Emerl, Chaos Gamma, and Chaos. All characters share basic fighting maneuvers, including punching combos, healing, blocking, and special attacks. In Story Mode, which unfolds sequentially across the characters' individual narratives, players unlock new moves that can be used by Emerl, the game's central character.

Battle's story centers around Emerl, an ancient weapon whose real name is the "Gizoid", uncovered by Doctor Eggman through Gerald Robotnik's journal entries. After failing to activate the robot, Eggman discards it, only for it to be found by Sonic. Through his encounters with the hedgehog and his friends, Emerl turns from a soulless robot into a fun-loving robot with personality traits from those he meets. However, while the heroes bond with their new friend, Eggman plans to reclaim the robot for his own use.

Sonic Battle received lukewarm reviews, with praise for its visuals and character-driven narrative, though some criticized the repetitive nature of Story Mode and the limited variety in character movesets. The game's story was continued in Sonic Advance 3 (2004).

Plot[]

Storylines[]

Around 4,000 years ago, an advanced civilization known as the "Fourth Great Civilization" harnessed Chaos Emerald energy to create a sentient weapon of mass destruction called the Gizoid, which could learn and adapt new combat moves by participating in battles. However, the Gizoid's immense power eventually led to the civilization's downfall and its own disappearance.

Fifty years ago, while working on Project Shadow, Professor Gerald Robotnik discovered the dormant Gizoid in a warehouse. Recognizing its potential danger, he attempted to control it but failed. After the Gizoid went on a rampage, Gerald reprogrammed it to have a "soul" to prevent it from becoming a weapon of mass destruction. After G.U.N.'s raid on the ARK, the Gizoid was sealed, remaining dormant until it was discovered by Doctor Eggman.

The narrative of Sonic Battle spans eight storylines, each starring the main playable characters. In order, these are Sonic, Tails, Rouge, Knuckles, Amy, Cream, Shadow, and Emerl. Unlike most games, these stories occur in order, one after another, although Rouge's and Shadow's stories begin after the immediate beginning of Sonic's storyline.

Sonic the Hedgehog[]

Eggman attempts to train the Gizoid using a Chaos Emerald, but when it does not respond, he discards it. Sonic the Hedgehog later finds the damaged Gizoid on Emerald Beach and takes it to Tails for repairs.^[2]

As Sonic and Tails work on the Gizoid, they encounter various opponents: Shadow attempts to destroy the Gizoid but is thwarted by Sonic, while Rouge expresses interest in the robot but leaves after losing a duel. Tails eventually discovers the Gizoid's capabilities: it can absorb Chaos Emerald energy, speak properly, and learn combat techniques by observing or being attacked.

Sonic names the Gizoid "Emerl" and trains it. To further understand its powers, Sonic and Tails take Emerl to Knuckles, although not before encountering Chaos Gamma. Knuckles initially mistakes Emerl for an enemy and attacks. After defeating the echidna, Emerl gains another Chaos Emerald, but Sonic is concerned by its repeated utterance of the word "Battle".

Miles "Tails" Prower[]

Concerned about Emerl's unknown nature, and unable to research him due to his broken computer, Miles "Tails" Prower takes Emerl to Central City to use the Central Lab there for a full examination. However, they are initially denied entry due to restricted access. Luckily, Rouge appears and agrees to help Tails get in, but he must defeat her in a battle first. After winning, Tails receives her pass and enters the lab to analyze Emerl's data.

Tails makes a shocking discovery: Emerl is a weapon with the ability to acquire any form of weaponry indefinitely, but this capability can lead to overload and loss of control. When Tails accesses restricted data, he and Emerl are attacked by Guard Robos. They escape but encounter Shadow, who intends to destroy Emerl before he collects all seven Chaos Emeralds. The battle is interrupted by Rouge, allowing Tails and Emerl to escape to the Holy Summit.

After some misunderstandings with Knuckles and a confrontation with Chaos Gamma, the duo returns to Emerald Town and reunites with Sonic. Before they can share their findings, Rouge arrives and warns that Emerl is the world's deadliest weapon, which Tails confirms. Sonic, skeptical, believes Emerl can be reprogrammed, but Tails counters that his computer malfunctioned while connected to the robot and that they were chased by Guard Robos. Rouge suggests using the Chaos Emeralds to reset Emerl but is unsure how to proceed. Before leaving, she advises Sonic to have Emerl listen to her. Knuckles arrives, and Sonic humorously tells Emerl to ignore him, embarrassing Tails.

Rouge the Bat[]

Three days ago,^{[note 1]} Rouge the Bat was ordered by the president of the United Federation to go to the Central Lab to gather information on the Gizoid, which had been unearthered. She eventually confronted Doctor Eggman, who was accessing the local computer from outside the lab and had learned that he needed the seven Chaos Emeralds and a keyword to form a link with the Gizoid. Eggman revealed that he had discarded the Gizoid and used the robot's data to mass-produce E-121 Phis, powered by fragments of a crushed Chaos Emerald. Eggman deployed one of these creations to battle Rouge, but she easily destroyed it, claiming its Emerald Shard. Realizing he needed the original robot, Eggman fled in search of it. Rouge in the aftermath researched about the Gizoid and resolved to find it, aiming to train it as a thief. Excited, she headed to Emerald Beach, only to discover that Sonic had already taken the Gizoid.

Back in the present, Rouge has successfully convinced Sonic to allow Emerl, as the Gizoid is now named, to listen to her commands. However, stealing the robot would require getting around Sonic and Tails. Amy arrives, prompting Sonic to leave and order Emerl to obey her. Rouge sees her chance to take Emerl and battles Amy, defeating her and escaping with the robot.

As Amy and Tails rush to inform Sonic, Rouge and Emerl go to Night Babylon. On their way, they have several confrontiations with Amy and Chaos Gamma. At Club "Rouge", Rouge finds Shadow resting and prepares to train Emerl. After training, they rob a jewelry store rumored to have a Chaos Emerald at Emerald Town. Although the robbery is a success, Emerl absorbs the gem, fully unlocking his ability to speak. Sonic soon arrives with Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, leading to a confrontation as Rouge tries to extricate herself from the situation.

Knuckles the Echidna[]

Emerl's ability to grow stronger through battle experience piques Knuckles the Echidna's interest. Convinced that Sonic will not train Emerl to reach his full potential, he goes to Tails' Lab to train the robot himself. Meanwhile, Doctor Eggman sends E-121 Phi robots to capture Emerl.

After a quick training match, Knuckles and Emerl learn about a Phi wrecking havoc in Night Babylon, and go to stop it. In their way, they meet Rouge, who explains Eggman's experiments with powering robots using Chaos Emerald shards. When they reach Night Babylon, Emerl is mistaken for a Phi and temporarily abandons Knuckles. Once reunited, they defeat two Phis and collect their Emerald shards, with Rouge providing another shard.

Back at Tails' lab, Knuckles and Emerl learn they need two more shards to form a complete Chaos Emerald. They train at Emerald Beach, where they encounter Eggman and defeat two more Phis, collecting their shards. The doctor lures them to his base, "Gimme Shelter", where he paralyzes Knuckles and plans to use Emerl for his newest superweapon, the Final Egg Blaster. After the villain leaves, Emerl defeats Chaos Gamma and frees Knuckles. They escape and return to Tails' lab, where the fox creates a new Chaos Emerald for Emerl. Despite Knuckles' request for secrecy about being tricked, Emerl humorously reveals it to Sonic, leaving Knuckles embarrassed.

Amy Rose[]

Amy Rose searches for Sonic in Emerald Town, guided by her cards. After inadvertently learning his location from Tails, she follows Sonic and Emerl to Emerald Beach despite Tails' attempts to stop her. There, she becomes frustrated with Emerl's rudeness. When Sonic leaves, she feels abandoned and vows to prove herself as a good mother. Soon, she witnesses Emerl battling two E-121 Phis. Despite initially scolding him, she joins the fight, and together they defeat the robots, collecting two Chaos Emerald shards. Determined to make Emerl a "full-grown boy", Amy resolves to collect more shards.

Returning to her apartment in Central City, Amy introduces Emerl to Cream and Cheese, who have been helping her train. After a long session of training, Emerl detects a Chaos Emerald nearby, and he and Amy set off to find it. Emerl tracks the Emerald to Night Babylon, where they face two more Phis and collect their shards. They follow the final shard to Club "Rouge", where they confront Rouge. After a battle, they defeat her, and she reluctantly gives them the shard, warning them about Eggman's potential trickery. Emerl detects another Emerald, but Rouge informs them that it is with Shadow, who has been resting for a while.

At his lab, Tails combines the shards into a complete Chaos Emerald, restoring Emerl's full power. When Sonic arrives, Amy proudly declares that she has turned Emerl into a "full-grown boy". Embarassed, Sonic rushes off.

Cream the Rabbit[]

After training with Amy, Cream the Rabbit is left with Emerl while Amy goes to buy a "Super Diet Machine". Meanwhile, Sonic and Tails, aware of a rumored Chaos Emerald nearby, leave Emerl with Cream, suspecting that Doctor Eggman is plotting something. Just as they depart, Eggman appears, having fabricated the Emerald rumor to capture Emerl. He paralyzes the robot and takes him and Cream to Gimme Shelter.

Trapped in Gimme Shelter, Cream and Emerl are watched by Chaos Gamma and three Phis. Once Emerl regains movement, they face off against Guard Robos and Phis, defeating them and claiming their Emerald shards. Disturbed by the robot's violence, Cream cries, prompting Emerl to comfort her. During a call with Eggman, the doctor inadvertently reveals his plan to use them as bait to capture Sonic and mentions a key in the workshop that can open a duct for their escape.

Cream and Emerl head to the workshop, defeating more Phis and collecting their shards and the key. When they reach the duct, they encounter Chaos Gamma, who is now empowered by an Emerald shard. Emerl refuses to fight, not wanting to upset Cream, so she takes on Chaos Gamma herself. After escaping to the nearby depot, they train to prepare for their next battle.

When they check the computer, they find Eggman trying to convince Sonic that he has captured them, but the hedgehog does not believe him. Once the call ends, Cream and Emerl confront Chaos Gamma again, defeating him and claiming his shard to create a full Chaos Emerald, which Emerl absorbs. Eggman arrives, furious at his robots' failure. The duo tricks him into his own trap, leaving him paralyzed. They then call Sonic to show him the doctor's defeat, prompting the hedgehog to come to their rescue while a humiliated Eggman vows revenge.

Shadow the Hedgehog[]

Some time ago,^{[note 2]} Shadow the Hedgehog heard a voice calling to him, speaking of a power that should not exist. This led him to Gimme Shelter, Doctor Eggman's base, where he discovered Emerl, which he recognized as the source of the voice. There, he met Rouge, who explained that the robot was an ancient weapon created over 4,000 years ago. Soon after, they were attacked by Guard Robos, but managed to defeat them. However, one of the robots severely injured Shadow, prompting Rouge to take him to Club "Rouge" for recovery.

In the present, Shadow, nearing the end of his recovery, wakes to find Rouge informing him that Emerl is at Emerald Beach. Upon arriving, he encounters Sonic, who argues that Emerl and Shadow possess "hearts" and would never use their power for evil. Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by Emerl, who demands Shadow's Chaos Emerald to gain power. Sonic suggests Emerl accompany Shadow to uncover his true identity and Eggman's plans.

As they travel, Shadow and Emerl are attacked by Chaos Gamma in Central City. They defeat their adversary, with Shadow reminding Emerl that this fate awaits all weapons of war. They infiltrate Gimme Shelter, where Shadow contemplates their shared "souls" and "hearts". Rouge joins them, explaining that Gerald Robotnik gave them these attributes to ensure they would never fight back, even when created as weapons. Shadow, having no other choice, gives Emerl his Chaos Emerald and commands him to "bring hope to humanity", successfully freeing Emerl from Eggman's control.

Afterward, Shadow decides to fight Emerl one last time to prove who is strongest. However, Emerl wants to see Sonic and his friends one last time. Shadow allows this, and they battle at the Central Highway. Afterward, Sonic challenges Emerl to a simultaneous battle with Shadow. Emerl thanks his friends for protecting him, feeling joy instead of concern. Shadow leaves, believing a weapon should not have feelings. Sonic encourages Emerl to live life to the fullest and offers him further training.

Emerl[]

Emerl, having realized he shares the same "soul" as Shadow, has harnessed all seven Chaos Emeralds. Despite the destruction of all Phis and the ineffectiveness of Chaos Gamma, Doctor Eggman remains determined to conquer the world. He appears while Sonic is training with Emerl in Central City, boasting about the Final Egg Blaster installed in his new Death Egg. He declares his intent to dominate the world, leaving Tails concerned about a potential trap. The heroes head to the Holy Summit when they learn that the Death Egg is flying over its skies.

At Holy Summit, Knuckles explains that the Death Egg's arrival has caused Chaos to appear and guard the spaceship. Tails brings a warp transporter, but it has limited charges. Emerl decides to confront Eggman on the Death Egg while Sonic and his friends watch from a monitor. There, the doctor pretends to plead for mercy, only to trap Emerl in the Final Egg Blaster, showcasing its destructive power by obliterating stars. He establishes a link with Emerl, who struggles to contain the overwhelming power, causing him to go haywire and aim the blaster at Earth. Sonic uses the recharged warp transporter to reach Emerl.

"Someday... If this world finally knows true peace... If this world no longer needs weapons or wars... If we can make this world a truly peaceful place when we're older... If we can make a world where there's only laughter... Do you think we'll be able to play with Emerl again?" "Yeah! Definitely!" — Tails and Sonic after the destruction of Emerl

With only thirty seconds left before the blaster fires, Sonic battles Emerl. At the last moment, the blaster is deactivated, but Emerl is severely damaged. As the robot contemplates his existence, Sonic, growing anxious, urges him to return home and play with his friends. Tragically, Emerl is destroyed, a final safeguard programmed by Gerald. As his friends mourn Emerl, Sonic optimistically assures them that they will reunite with him once the world no longer needs weapons.

Characters[]

Image	Character	Biography
	Emerl	Emerl is capable of strengthening himself by adquiring his opponent's moves. Collect as many moves as possible and customize Emerl's fighting skills![3]
	Sonic the Hedgehog	Sonic is a hedgehog who runs at supersonic speed. Check out his excellent balance of attack, defense moves and ability to run at super-sonic speeds. Knock-out opponents by using a snappy dance-inspired move![3]
	Miles "Tails" Prower	"Tails" has invented a number of unique combined moves. Create a variety of combos with his consecutive attacks and inventions.[3]
	Knuckles the Echidna	Knuckles is an enthusiastic fighter who can knock down opponents with a single hit. Keep punching opponents to defeat them quickly![3]
	Amy Rose	Amy is a cheerful and energetic girl who attacks opponents with her Piko Piko Hammer. You may win a battle simply by swinging it around.[3]
	Shadow the Hedgehog	Shadow can move from place to place without being detected. He will vanish and attack, and then appear again. Watch out for his ultimate speed![3]
	Cream the Rabbit	Cream always has a constant companion in her best friend, Cheese. Joining hands, Cream and Cheese not only work well together, but also give each other courage![3]
	Rouge the Bat	Rouge is the "world's greatest thief." There's no doubt that her battle style will rock your world![3]
	Dr. Eggman	Dr. Eggman, a genius scientist, is always hatching plots to take over the world. He was allegedly in the process of attempting to use Emerl for an unknown purpose....[3]

Gameplay[]

Sonic Battle is very different from normal Sonic games in terms of gameplay, being a fighting game instead of a fast-paced action-adventure platformer. In story mode, players can explore the overworld, which is made up of Emerald Town, Holy Summit, Central City, Night Babylon, and Gimme Shelter, though during some parts of the story only certain maps can be visited. However, every map can be accessed during Emerl's story. By going to a selectable area, the player may train with other characters, fight E-121 Phis, or continue the plot.

Battles take place on three dimensional arenas with 2D sprites and are split up into Point, Survival, and Time modes. Point Battles require the player to be the first to get a certain amount of points by KO'ing other characters participating in the battle. Survival requires the player to defeat all opposing characters by KO'ing them until they run out of lives. Time Battles require the player to reach a certain objective within a certain amount of time.

Before the battle starts and before the player re-enters the battle after being knocked out, they are able to select from three different Special Attacks:

• Shot: Long-range Attack.^[4] attacks are mid-to-long range attacks which can be directed in any of the eight directions (with the exception of Shadow's Chaos Magic, which can only be aimed in the four primary directions).

• Power: Direct Attack.^[4] These attacks are typically signature attacks of the character and vary between each character. These attacks normally focus a lot of damage in one go.

• Set/Trap: Mine Blast.^[4] This attack involves the character placing or releasing an explosive trap which launches the opponent upward and briefly blinds anyone hit.

The player can also use Special Moves, which can be selected from the following options before the battle begins or while paused:^[5]

• Ground is the basic Special Attack, used when the character is on the ground.
• Aerial is a variant of a special attack used while the character is in the air and is often an air-to-ground attack.
• Guard automatically protects the playable character from opponents' moves in the same category, even if already in hitstun/flinching from another attack. For example, if Guard is on Shot, all Shot moves are automatically blocked until the character die and resets the Guard to block another type of special upon respawning.

All characters are also capable of healing themselves at varying speeds. Defending from special attacks and healing allows characters to fill up the Ichikoro Gauge. When this gauge is full, the character flashes and their next special attack will be a one-hit K.O. if it hits. However, it will instantly fill the gauge of anyone who blocks the attack.

In Story Mode, after a battle when Emerl is present, Emerl gains Skill Points based on how well the player fought: winning earns 1 point; winning without losing a life earns 2 points; exiting at one point in Tails' story or winning without losing a life while battling two optional Phis earns 3 points; winning without getting hit earns 5 points; and winning without getting hit while battling two optional Phis earns 6 points. Giving an Emerald Shard or a Chaos Emerald to Emerl gives him 10 points. These points allow skills that Emerl has copied from the battle to be selected as part of Emerl's moveset. These skills are ranked one to six stars, with each star being worth five points. The total point worth of the skills cannot exceed the total number of Skill Points Emerl has, and the maximum amount of obtainable Skill Points is 500.

Controls[]

Button formation	Movement[5]
	Move
x2	Dash
	Jump
	Guard
Hold	HP Recovery
x2	Rotate Map
	Light Attack
x3	Combo
+	Heavy Attack / Upper Attack
Jump >	Air Attack
Dash >	Dash Attack
	Special Move
during Heavy Attack	Chase opponent
Chase >	Pursuit Attack
Chase and Attack > towards opponent	Wall Counter

Characters[]

Playable characters[]

• Amy Rose
• Chaos
• Chaos Gamma (only appearance)
• Cheese
• Cream the Rabbit
• Emerl (first appearance)
• Knuckles the Echidna
• Miles "Tails" Prower
• Rouge the Bat
• Shadow the Hedgehog
• Sonic the Hedgehog

Non-playable characters[]

• Dr. Eggman
• E-121 Phi (only appearance)
• Gerald Robotnik (mentioned)
• Guard Robo (only appearance)
• Maria Robotnik (mentioned)
• President (mentioned)

Arenas[]

All arenas except for Death Egg can be used in Battle Mode.

• Emerald Beach (Sonic)
• Tails' Lab (Tails, Virtual Training in Emerl's)
• Chao Ruins (Knuckles)
• Battle Highway (Shadow)
• Club "Rouge" (Rouge)
• Amy's Room (Amy)
• Library (Cream)
• Metal Depot (Chaos Gamma)
• Holy Summit (Chaos)
• Death Egg (Emerl)
• Colosseum (Virtual Training and Battle Mode)
• Green Hill (Battle Mode)

Other Modes[]

Besides the main Story Mode and Battle Arena fights, there are a number of other game modes available for single or multiplayer by connecting the Game Boy Advance with up to three others via a link cable.

Edit[]

The Edit Screen^[6] allows the player to configure the attacks and appearance of Emerl for use in the game's Story Mode. Skill Points are needed to adjust these settings, with the following options available to adjust:

• Move^[6]
  • Running Skill: A skill related to the velocity of Map movement.
  • Dashing Skill: Captured skill of a Character's dashing movement.
  • Jumping Skill: Captured skill of a Character's jumping movement.
  • Air Action: Captured skill of a Character's aerial action.
  • Guard Skill: Captured skill of a Character's Guarding movement.
  • Heal Skill: Captured skill of a Character's movement when the HP is being recovered.

• Attack^[7]
  • First Attack: First attack made when executing a combo.
  • Second Attack: Second attack made when executing a combo.
  • Third Attack: Third attack made when executing a combo.
  • Heavy Attack: Skill to blow opponents away.
  • Upper Attack: Skill to knocking [sic] opponents upwards.
  • Dash Attack: Skill to attack while dashing.
  • Air Attack: Skill to attack while jumping.
  • Pursuit Attack: Skill to inflict Pursuit Attack.
  • Ground Shot: Special move in which Shot has been added to a Ground Attack.
  • Air Shot: Special move in which Shot has been added to an Air Attack.
  • Ground Power: Special move in which [Power] has been added to a Ground Attack.
  • Air Power: Special move in which Power has been added to an Air Attack.
  • Ground Trap: Special move in which Mine is set to a Ground Attack.
  • Air Trap: Special move in which Mine is set to an Air Attack.

• Others^[8]
  • Fighting Pose: A skill shown when a character is not moving.
  • Strength Support: A special skill to strengthen the internal defense ability.
  • Attack Support: A special skill to stimulate the internal attack ability.
  • Support of Others: A special, but mysterious skill.
  • Color 1: A skill to modify the color of the horn.
  • Color 2: A skill to change the body color.
  • Color 3: A skill to alter the color of details such as fists.

Battle Mode[]

In Battle Mode^[9] players can select characters and arenas to spar in. It can be played in either single-player or multiplayer mode, with the latter using the Game Boy Advance Link Cable.

The players can alter the mode's rules to have unique gameplay styles, with the following options available:^[9]

• KO: Sets the number of opponents required to defeat in order to win. Options include 5, 10, 15, 30, and 99 enemies.
• Time: Sets the game's time limit, with options of two, three, five, or ten minutes.
• Survival: Sets the number of lives the player, or players, have when beginning Battle Mode. Options include 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30 lives.

Challenge Mode[]

Challenge Mode^[10] allows the player to fight up to fifteen consecutive battles against computer controlled enemies, depending on how well they do. Any of the eight playable characters can be chosen, with the enemies varies depending on this choice. Three difficulty levels are able to be played, ranging from one ring (easiest) to three rings (hardest).^[10] This mode is won upon the player winning five rounds, though the computer will win if the player loses ten.

Training Mode[]

Training Mode^[11] is where the player can practice various battle styles and combo moves. The character, character's moveset, opponents, opponents movesets, and map can all be customized.

Mini Games[]

In Mini Games, two-dimensional mini games can be selected. These games are largely unrelated to the fighting motif, with them all being multiplayer unless noted otherwise. The mini games are as follows:

Image	Mini game	Unlock requirement	Playable character(s)
	Soniclash!	N/A	Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow
	Tails' Fly & Get	Beat Tails' episode in Story Mode	Tails, Cream, Gamma, Rouge
	Knuckles' Mine Hunt (single-player)	Beat Knuckles' episode in Story Mode	Knuckles
	Amy's Treasure Island	Beat Amy's episode in Story Mode	Amy, Cream, Knuckles, Rouge
	Shadow's Speed Demon	Beat Shadow's episode in Story Mode	Shadow, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles

Secret Combo Cards[]

Combo Cards representing each character can be obtained by entering a code at the Sonic Team building in the Central City area during Emerl's story. These skills are worth six stars (30 skill points). When activated, Emerl will perform a rapid combo consisting of that character's techniques. This assault cannot be cancelled once it's activated unless it's interrupted by an enemy attacking the user or blocking it.

• Sonic: 75619
• Tails: OTrOI
• Knuckles: yU3Da
• Amy: alogK
• Cream: ZAhan
• Shadow: ArmIa
• Rouge: AhnVo
• Gamma: tSueT
• Chaos: EkiTa

Reception[]

Reception
Aggregate scores
Aggregator	Score
GameRankings	69.34%[12]
Metacritic	69%[13]
Review scores
Publication	Score
Game Informer	6/10[14]
GamePro	3.5/5[15]
GameSpot	7.7/10[16]
GameSpy	3/5[17]
IGN	8/10[18]
Nintendo Power	7.4/10[14]
X-Play	3/5

The game received generally mixed to positive reviews from critics. According to review aggregator site Metacritic, the game has a score of 69 out of 100 based on 28 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".^[13] According to GameRankings, the game has a score of 69.34%.^[12] While some critics praised the game's "surprisingly deep arena-fighting gameplay", graphics, and multiplayer mode, others dismissed it for its "limited moveset" and use of 2-D sprites on a 3-D fighting arena.

IGN gave the game a positive review, saying "It does try hard to be what Smash Bros. is, and even though the game doesn't quite reach the same status Nintendo and HAL created for the Nintendo consoles, Sonic Battle has enough stuff to make it one of the top original fighters on the Game Boy Advance system."^[18] GameSpy also gave a positive review, saying "A solid and pleasantly deep arena beat 'em up with lots of longevity, and through the presence of [Sonic the Hedgehog] and his posse adds absolutely nothing to the game, it's nice to see them getting work in these tough economic times."^[17] Nintendo Power gave a more mixed review, saying the "moves are limited, but the overall experience is tons of fun."^[14] GamePro also gave a mixed review, criticizing the game's story mode, saying "The biggest problem with Sonic Battle is the poor game design in Story mode. Earning Skill Points, and thereby new abilities for Emerl the Robot, is a grueling ordeal."^[15] GameStyle gave a more negative review, saying that "fighting really isn't Sonic's strength - at least not with regard to good gameplay."

Adaptations[]

Sonic X[]

The storyline of Sonic Battle was loosely adapted for TV in episodes 45 and 46 of Sonic X, entitled "Prize Fights" and "A Wild Win," respectively.

Trivia[]

• Oddly, the seven Chaos Emeralds are all green in this game, and the Master Emerald does not have its own separate sprite. Meanwhile, Emerald Shards also have their own sprites.
• Strangely, when Sonic gets the Master Emerald, he states "A Master Emerald," though this is most likely a typo.
• When Chaos Gamma appears before Sonic, Tails, and Emerl, Sonic and Tails quickly mistaken him as Gamma, whom they haven't seen since Sonic Adventure. Knuckles and Amy also mistake him as Gamma. Rouge notes that he looks similar to Omega.
  • Even though Knuckles seems to remember Gamma, the two have never actually met. Knuckles merely followed him to get to the Egg Carrier.

• Knuckles is depicted as living on Holy Summit near the Master Emerald in this game, and no mention of Angel Island is made. It is unknown if the Holy Summit is intended to be part of Angel Island, or if this is simply a plot inconsistency with other games in the series.
• The Japanese version has a language option where players can switch between Japanese to English. Some differences and mistranslations can be seen.
  • One example is in the beginning of Rouge's story where she calls the hacker, who is Eggman, a "dirty bastard" for hacking the Central Computer.
  • Another example is the menu, where the game asks if the player is going to continue the story or play a different episode. The whole menu text itself is different in the English releases of the game and has a massive mistranslation (pictured on the right).
• This is the first post-Sonic Adventure game with 2D artwork on the front cover not illustrated by Yuji Uekawa.
  • The artwork resembles the style of Puyo Pop Fever, another game made by Sonic Team.
• Dr. Eggman's base in the game, "Gimme Shelter," shares the name with the popular Rolling Stones song.
• In the Shibuya Downtown course in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, Sonic Battle artwork can be seen on a plane.
• In Virtual Training, even though the player receives the same amount of lives as the opponents, getting K.O.'d once will end the Virtual Training session.
• This is the first time that Shadow, Rouge, and Chaos are featured playable characters on the Game Boy Advance.
  • This is also the first time they make an appearance on a handheld system.
  • This is also their only appearance on the Game Boy Advance.
  • This is the only handheld system Chaos was featured on before being on the Nintendo Switch.

Videos[]

Notes[]

References[]

External links[]

• Official website (Japanese)
• Official website (North American)
• Sonic Battle at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia