Spark 3 builds a lot on the last game, with a better sense of overall control (especially in high speed scenarios and loops), larger levels, and fun stage gimmicks. Probably one of (if not the best) 3D Sonic-like games so far. Controls are tight and make sense. Speed is exhilarating but never out of control. Levels are just the right length with multiple paths, shortcuts, and optional collectibles. When focusing on high speed platforming, this game has extremely high highs.
This game also offers a lot of optional challenge levels, some of which are just as fun as the main levels, which is impressive.
In my opinion, the combat is still pretty weak in this game, but also still stays out of the way for those who want to skip it outside of the bosses.
Unfortunately, just like the last game, the story is unnecessary, ridiculous, and so self-serious. I couldn't figure out how to skip cutscenes, which is awful considering the ridiculous length of some of them and their general bland presentation (some are just stills put on a TV screen with some text... and these tended to be the longest!). I really hope that future installments simplify the story, or get someone else to write it entirely.
One last note is that this game does not hide its inspiration at all, for better or worse. several levels feel directly ripped from Sonic Adventure 2. Luckily, these levels often play far better than the original counterparts, but I would like to see more originality in future games, like the protest city levels.
This game also offers a lot of optional challenge levels, some of which are just as fun as the main levels, which is impressive.
In my opinion, the combat is still pretty weak in this game, but also still stays out of the way for those who want to skip it outside of the bosses.
Unfortunately, just like the last game, the story is unnecessary, ridiculous, and so self-serious. I couldn't figure out how to skip cutscenes, which is awful considering the ridiculous length of some of them and their general bland presentation (some are just stills put on a TV screen with some text... and these tended to be the longest!). I really hope that future installments simplify the story, or get someone else to write it entirely.
One last note is that this game does not hide its inspiration at all, for better or worse. several levels feel directly ripped from Sonic Adventure 2. Luckily, these levels often play far better than the original counterparts, but I would like to see more originality in future games, like the protest city levels.