Bells and Whistles don't mean a thing if the game's too short and simple.
If you feel graphics and sounds are enough to make a great game, go ahead and move on to the next player review because you may not agree with my point of view.
Sonic Rivals is a 3D-looking game that moves and feels like a 3D platform game much in the mold of such classics as the PS2's Jak and Daxter and Crash Bandicoot. The special effects are very nice, and the dynamic cinematography (is this correct term when referring to games?) make your first few trips through each level very easy on the eyes. The fact that the sound effects are well produced and executed further add to the experience.
The gameplay isn't bad either... despite the fact that it plays like a 2D racing game (which I normally hate)... mostly because the controls are simple and straightforward (which I normally like). Your first races are actually fun, mainly because you're exploring new territory with easy controls and a great presentation.
But then some things begin sinking in:
Like the simplicity. There isn't much to do per level but run and jump through a series of obstacles at high speed. There's no thinking required (then again, perhaps its designed to really be this way), except to memorize which areas you should jump over or which areas you should simply run through. Once you've done that, that's it - that level is virtually a done deal, meaning any further play is a simple re-run (literally). Like the length. The game is too short and repetitive. There are only 6 levels, with each level containing 3 sub-levels (2 races and a boss level). You can finish 6 consecutive sub-levels within one hour, without really breaking a sweat. The three game modes (story, cup circuit and challenge) use the same levels but add small twists that add nothing to replay value. Blechh.
Like the story. Unimpressive and unengaging.
Like the value. I paid how much for this stuff? (Should have rented it first).
Overall, I think I picked up a game that was intended for an entirely different target market (probably kids will love it). Rent the game if you're looking for plain and simple fun for a few hours. Don't buy it at full price if you're looking for something with some meat on it. Oh and by the way, there's NO help available; you'll have to feel through the controls the way I did. This little detail didn't help improve my opinion, either.