View source for Sonic Adventure 2

{{Short description|2001 video game}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Sonic Adventure 2
| image = Sonic Adventure 2 cover.png
| caption = Dreamcast cover art by Yuji Uekawa
| developer = [[Sonic Team USA]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| producer = [[Yuji Naka]]
| director = [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]]
| designer = Takashi Iizuka
| writer = Shiro Maekawa
| series = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
| artist = Kazuyuki Hoshino<br>Yuji Uekawa
| composer = {{unbulleted list|[[Jun Senoue]]|Fumie Kumatani|[[Tomoya Ohtani]]|Kenichi Tokoi}}
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Dreamcast]]|[[GameCube]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Windows]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|June 19, 2001}}|
'''Dreamcast'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 19, 2001|WW|June 23, 2001}}
'''GameCube'''{{vgrelease|JP|December 20, 2001|NA|February 12, 2002|EU|May 3, 2002|AUS|May 17, 2002}}
'''PlayStation 3, Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|WW|October 2, 2012}}
'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|WW|November 20, 2012}}}}
| genre = [[Platform game|Platform]], [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]], [[third-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Sonic Adventure 2'''''|ソニックアドベンチャー2|Sonikku Adobenchā Tsū|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2001 [[platform game]] developed by [[Sonic Team USA]] and published by [[Sega]] for the [[Dreamcast]]. It features two [[Conflict between good and evil|good-vs-evil]] stories: [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]], [[Miles "Tails" Prower]], and [[Knuckles the Echidna]] attempt to save the world, while [[Shadow the Hedgehog]], [[Doctor Eggman]], and [[Rouge the Bat]] attempt to conquer it. The stories are divided into three gameplay styles: fast-paced platforming for Sonic and Shadow, [[third-person shooter|third-person shooting]] for Tails and Eggman, and [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] exploration for Knuckles and Rouge. Like previous ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' games, the player completes [[Level (video games)|levels]] while collecting [[Rings (Sonic the Hedgehog)|rings]] and defeating enemies. Outside the main gameplay, they can interact with [[Chao (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Chao]], a [[virtual pet]], and compete in [[multiplayer]] battles.

After the release of ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (1998), [[Sonic Team]] was downsized and a portion of the staff moved to San Francisco to establish Sonic Team USA. They worked on ''Adventure 2'' for a year and a half, with [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]] directing and [[Yuji Naka]] producing. Developed during a tumultuous period in [[History of Sega|Sega's history]], ''Adventure 2'' had a significantly smaller development team than the first game. Sonic Team USA streamlined the design to emphasize faster, more [[action game|action]]-oriented gameplay, giving each character roughly equal gameplay time. The levels were influenced by American locations such as San Francisco and [[Yosemite National Park]]. The soundtrack—composed by [[Jun Senoue]], Fumie Kumatani, [[Tomoya Ohtani]], and Kenichi Tokoi—spans genres including [[pop-punk]], [[glam metal]], [[hip-hop]], [[jazz]] and orchestral arrangements, and features several metal singers.

''Sonic Adventure 2'' was released in June 2001, coinciding with the franchise's tenth anniversary. It was the final ''Sonic'' game for a Sega console, released in the months after Sega discontinued the Dreamcast and transitioned to [[third-party developer|third-party development]]. Later in 2001, it was [[porting|ported]] to the [[GameCube]] as '''''Sonic Adventure 2 Battle''''', the first ''Sonic'' game for a [[Nintendo]] console. ''Adventure 2'' received positive reviews, with praise for its gameplay variety, visuals, and music but criticism for its [[Virtual camera system|camera]], voice acting, and plot. Although reviews of ''Battle'' were more mixed, it sold 1.7&nbsp;million copies worldwide, becoming one of the [[List of best-selling Nintendo GameCube video games|bestselling GameCube games]] and the bestselling third-party GameCube game. Following ''Adventure 2'', ''Sonic'' became a [[multiplatform]] franchise, beginning with ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' (2003).

''Sonic Adventure 2'' introduced ''Sonic'' to a wider audience with its GameCube port. It originated characters and elements used in later games; Shadow became one of the most popular ''Sonic'' characters and featured in the spin-offs ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' (2005) and ''[[Shadow Generations]]'' (2024). ''Adventure 2'' remains popular among ''Sonic'' fans and was rereleased for the [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], and [[Windows]] in 2012. Its first level, City Escape, is considered one of the greatest opening stages in a video game. ''Adventure 2'' has been ranked among the best ''Sonic'' games, although it has been characterized as divisive, particularly for its emphasis on multiple characters. Its story has been adapted in media including in the [[anime]] series ''[[Sonic X]]'' (2003–2006) and the live-action film ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (2024).

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Sonic_Adventure_2_gameplay_styles.png|thumb|left|The three gameplay styles of ''Sonic Adventure 2'' (from top to bottom, left to right): fast-paced [[platformer|platforming]] for [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] and [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]]; [[shoot 'em up#Multidirectional shooters|multidirectional shooting]] for [[Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Tails]] and [[Doctor Eggman]]; and [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] exploration for [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] and [[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]]]
''Sonic Adventure 2'' is a 3D [[platform game]] divided into two campaigns: Hero and Dark. In the Hero campaign, players control Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, who fight to save the world; in the Dark campaign, players control Shadow the Hedgehog, Doctor Eggman and Rouge the Bat, fighting to conquer it. Each campaign cycles through [[level (video gaming)|levels]] of its three characters, telling different sides of the story. Levels have a variety of themes (such as cities, jungles, desert pyramids and outer space),<ref name="PS: Review">{{cite web |last1=Nathan |first1=Michalik |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Review (PS3) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psn/sonic_adventure_2 |website=[[Push Square]] |access-date=April 16, 2024 |date=October 16, 2012 |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525024323/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psn/sonic_adventure_2 |url-status=live }}</ref> with some followed by [[boss (video gaming)|boss]] fights. The two campaigns' stories occur in parallel; completing both campaigns unlocks a final story with all six characters, culminating in a final boss fight.<ref name="reviewIGN"/>

Sonic and Shadow play fast-paced levels, emphasizing platforming.<ref name="gs review"/> Their homing attack can lock on to robots created by Eggman and GUN, and they can [[Grind (sport)|grind]] on rails. Tails's and Eggman's levels are slower and oriented towards [[shoot 'em up#Multidirectional shooters|multidirectional shooting]]; they are confined to [[mecha|mechs]] in which they can jump short heights, hover and shoot enemies. Knuckles's and Rouge's levels are open and feature [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] gameplay with treasure hunting; in each level, they must find three shards of the [[Sonic the Hedgehog#Chaos Emeralds|Master Emerald]]. Their search is guided by radar and [[puzzle video game|puzzle]]-based clues from harmless robots.<ref name="reviewIGN"/> Knuckles and Rouge can glide, defeat enemies with punches and kicks,<ref name="gs review"/> and scale walls, digging into them to find [[power-up]]s.<ref>''Sonic Adventure 2'' (Dreamcast) [https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sega_Dreamcast/Manual/formated/Sonic_Adventure_2_-_2001_-_Sega.pdf instruction manual], pp. 12–13. (PDF)</ref>

''Adventure 2'' has the [[health (gaming)|health]] system found in many other ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'' games. The player collects [[Sonic the Hedgehog#Rings (Sonic the Hedgehog)|rings]] scattered throughout the levels; being hit by an enemy while holding rings causes the player to drop them all, while being hit without rings causes them to lose a [[Life (video games)|life]]. Tails and Eggman have health bars, which are slowly refilled by collecting rings. Dying with no lives results in a [[game over]] screen.<ref>''Sonic Adventure 2'' (Dreamcast) instruction manual, p. 19.</ref> The characters can obtain permanent upgrades that grant them new abilities; for example, one upgrade allows Sonic and Shadow to dash along a sequential trail of rings to reach distant platforms, one gives Tails and Eggman hover jets that slows their descent to cross large gaps, while another lets Knuckles and Rouge dig into the ground to uncover treasure and Master Emerald pieces.<ref>''Sonic Adventure 2'' (Dreamcast) instruction manual, p. 21.</ref>

Separate from the main campaigns, the player can raise Chao as [[digital pet|virtual pets]].<ref name="reviewIGN"/> They have five attributes (Swim, Fly, Run, Power and Stamina) and a moral continuum from Hero to Dark. From the moment they hatch, their stats can be increased with Chaos Drives or small animals, found in the main stages, which empower them to compete in karate<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 23, 2001|quote='''Chao Doctor:''' Rules of Chao Karate are simple. If your Chao starts crying or falls out of the ring, your Chao loses.}}</ref> and racing [[minigame]]s.<ref name="gs review"/> Their alignment gradually changes based on their affection for the characters; for example, a Chao which likes Tails will gradually become more heroic. Playing with Chao increases affection, and when a Chao becomes fully Hero or Dark, it assumes that form permanently.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|developer=Sega Studio USA|publisher=Sega|date=June 23, 2001|quote='''Chao Doctor:''' Only pet your Chao when it's good and don't spoil your Chao or it may turn out to be naughty. Sometimes spoiled rotten Chao are still cute, though.}}</ref> Although Chao eventually die, if they receive enough affection during their lives they reincarnate.<ref name="laboratory">{{cite web|title=CHAO Laboratory|url=http://www.sonicteam.com/chao/index.html|publisher=[[Sega]]/[[Sonic Team]]|access-date=December 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030801080715/http://www.sonicteam.com/chao/index.html|archive-date=August 1, 2003}}</ref>

''Adventure 2'' has 180 emblems, earned for a variety of tasks.<ref>''Sonic Adventure 2'' (Dreamcast) instruction manual, p. 26.</ref> Each level has five missions; only the first is required to continue the campaign, and other missions include completing a [[Balance (game design)#Difficulty level|harder]] version of a level and collecting 100 rings. The player earns emblems by completing missions and other tasks, many related to Chao raising. Collecting all the emblems unlocks a 3D version of the [[Green Hill Zone]] stage from the original ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2|publisher=Sega|developer=Sega Studio USA|date=June 23, 2001|quote='''Caption:''' Extra Stage: Green Hill|level=Green Hill}}</ref>

The game has several two-player modes. Players may race on foot through new (or altered) levels, have shoot-'em-up battles in mechs,<ref name="gs review"/> hunt for Master Emerald shards<ref>''Sonic Adventure 2'' (Dreamcast) instruction manual, p. 23.</ref> or race in [[go-kart]]s.<ref name="gs review"/> A few characters are playable in these modes, but not in the main game; [[Sonic Adventure#Plot|Tikal]] and [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters#Chaos|Chaos]] from the original ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' are playable in the treasure-hunting game,<ref>''Sonic Adventure 2: Battle'' (GameCube) [https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_GameCube//Manual/formated/Sonic_Adventure_2-_Battle_-_2002_-_Sega.pdf instruction manual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017061913/https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_GameCube//Manual/formated/Sonic_Adventure_2-_Battle_-_2002_-_Sega.pdf |date=October 17, 2021 }}, pp. 22–23. (PDF)</ref> as are [[Amy Rose]] and [[Metal Sonic]] in the foot-racing levels<ref>''Sonic Adventure 2: Battle'' (GameCube) instruction manual, pp. 18–19.</ref> and mechs piloted by Chao and [[Big the Cat]] (replaced by a Dark Chao in ''Battle'') in the shooting levels.<ref>''Sonic Adventure 2: Battle'' (GameCube) instruction manual, pp. 20–21.</ref>

==Plot==
{{See also|List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters}}
Doctor Eggman learns of a secret weapon from the diary of his deceased grandfather, [[Professor Gerald Robotnik]], and infiltrates a high-security [[Guardian Units of Nations]] (GUN) facility to revive it with a [[Chaos Emerald]]. The weapon—Shadow, a black hedgehog who proclaims himself the "Ultimate Lifeform"—offers to help Eggman conquer the world, telling him to rendezvous at an abandoned space colony, the ARK, with more Chaos Emeralds. Shadow has vowed to fulfill a promise he made to his friend, Eggman's cousin [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters#Maria Robotnik|Maria]], before she died; the [[amnesia]]c Shadow interprets the promise as one of revenge. Shadow steals a Chaos Emerald, and GUN arrests Sonic after mistaking him for Shadow.

Knuckles encounters Eggman and Rouge, a government spy, attempting to steal the [[Master Emerald]]. He stops them by shattering it and searches for the scattered shards to repair it. Rouge follows Eggman to the ARK, where Shadow shows Eggman the Eclipse Cannon, another weapon created by Gerald. Shadow plans to charge the cannon with the seven Chaos Emeralds and use it to take over the world. Rouge offers her services and gives Shadow and Eggman another Chaos Emerald to gain their trust. Tails and Amy infiltrate GUN's base and rescue Sonic, while Rouge retrieves three emeralds from the base before Eggman destroys it. Eggman makes a global broadcast in which he threatens to destroy the planet if he is not accepted as Earth's ruler in a day. He demonstrates the cannon's power by destroying half of the Moon. Sonic, Tails, and Amy meet up with Knuckles and use a Chaos Emerald to track the others to the ARK.

Knuckles separates from the group and finishes repairing the Master Emerald. On the ARK, Tails gives Sonic a counterfeit Chaos Emerald to destroy the Eclipse Cannon. As Sonic is about to use it, Eggman captures Tails and Amy, forcing Sonic to return and rescue them. Sonic tries to trick Eggman with the fake emerald, but Eggman deduces the plan and jettisons him in an escape pod rigged with explosives. Sonic uses the power of the fake emerald to escape; Eggman sneaks away with the last emerald and arms the Eclipse Cannon. The ARK suddenly starts falling, and a prerecorded message from Gerald is broadcast globally: he programmed the ARK to collide with Earth if the emeralds were used, a retaliation against the government for condemning his research and killing his colleagues, including Maria. Everyone but Shadow works together to access the cannon's core and neutralize the ARK using the Master Emerald.

Amy pleads for Shadow's help, and he remembers that he promised Maria to help mankind, not destroy it. Shadow joins Sonic and Knuckles in the core as they encounter the Biolizard, a colossal lizard and prototype Ultimate Lifeform. Knuckles deactivates the Chaos Emeralds with the Master Emerald, but the Biolizard fuses with the cannon to continue the ARK's collision course. Sonic and Shadow use the emeralds to transform into their [[Sonic the Hedgehog#Gameplay|super forms]], destroy the Biolizard, and put the ARK back into a stable orbit. This depletes Shadow's energy and he plummets to Earth, content in fulfilling his promise to Maria. The people on Earth celebrate as the group returns, and Sonic bids Shadow farewell.

==Development==
===Conception===
{{multiple images
| direction = horizontal
| align = right
| total_width = 300
| image1 = Yuji Naka' - Magic - Monaco - 2015-03-21- P1030036 (cropped).jpg
| image2 = A signing with mr takashi iizuka (Cropped 2).jpg
| footer = [[Yuji Naka]] (''left'') and [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]] (''right'') produced and directed ''Sonic Adventure 2'', respectively.
| alt1 = A picture of Yuji Naka
| alt2 = A picture of Takashi Iizuka
}}
''Sonic Adventure'', the first [[3D platformer]] in Sega's ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' franchise, was developed by [[Sonic Team]] and released for the [[Dreamcast]] in Japan in 1998. Although the game was a critical and commercial success, Dreamcast sales struggled to meet Sega's expectations. The ''Adventure'' team was downsized,<ref name="GI: SonicWrong" /> and Sega assigned ''Adventure''{{'s}} director, [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]], to relocate to San Francisco, California, to establish [[Sonic Team USA]].{{sfn|Petronille|Audureau|2013|pp=106}}{{sfn|Smith|2006|pp=24–29}} Sega wanted to repeat the pattern of developing a game in Japan and its sequel in the US as it had done with the original ''Sonic'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' (1992).{{sfn|Petronille|Audureau|2013|pp=106}} Only 11 staff members—significantly smaller than ''Adventure''{{'s}} team of 120—joined Iizuka,{{sfn|Petronille|Audureau|2013|pp=106}} and they began working on ''Sonic Adventure 2'' after they spent six months [[video game localization|localizing]] ''Adventure'' for the West.<ref name="GI: SonicWrong" /><ref name="IGN: Iizuka">{{cite web |last1=Chau |first1=Anthony |title=Interview With Sonic Adventure 2 Director Takashi Iizuka |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/04/interview-with-sonic-adventure-2-director-takashi-iizuka |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 31, 2024 |date=June 5, 2001 |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216182830/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/04/interview-with-sonic-adventure-2-director-takashi-iizuka |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shiro Maekawa, who wrote portions of Sega's ''[[Panzer Dragoon Saga]]'' (1998) and joined Sonic Team during ''Adventure''{{'s}} production, conceived and wrote ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} story.<ref name="Sega: 006" /> Maekawa accepted the role after he learned did not need to be an artist to create a story or [[storyboard]]s. Because ''Adventure 2'' would be the first ''Sonic'' game released during the 21st century, Maekawa wanted a substantial portion of the story to take place in space. The rest of Sonic Team was apprehensive, but Maekawa convinced them.<ref name="Sega: 006" /> Maekawa drew influence from the manga and anime he had enjoyed since childhood, including ''[[Please Save My Earth]]'' (1986–1994).<ref name="Sega: 006">{{cite web |title=006:前川 司郎 |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannelOld/creators/006/index.html |website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher=[[Sega]] |access-date=January 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308142010/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannelOld/creators/006/index.html |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |language=ja |trans-title=Creators Interview 006: Maekawa Shirou|date=August 21, 2006}}</ref> As Maekawa disliked Sonic as a character, he used ''Adventure 2'' as an opportunity to revise him to suit his tastes.<ref name="Sega: 006" />

Among Sonic Team's unimplemented ''Adventure'' concepts was a black hedgehog who rivaled Sonic's [[Cool (aesthetic)|coolness]].<ref name="Sega: 006" /><ref name="Stadium: OnStage">{{cite web |author1=Paul.STR337 |title=Summer of Sonic 2011: Sonic Team on Stage |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2011/07/sos-2011-stage-interview-barrels-brown-sonic-and-crash-bandicoot-discussed/ |website=Sonic Stadium |date=July 18, 2011 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170309182542/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2011/07/sos-2011-stage-interview-barrels-brown-sonic-and-crash-bandicoot-discussed/ |archive-date=March 9, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The idea was revived during ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} brainstorming sessions.<ref name="Stadium: OnStage" /> The rival was initially villainous,<ref name="Euro: Sketches">{{cite web |last1=Nightingale |first1=Ed |title=Sega showcases Shadow the Hedgehog design, in never-before-seen sketches |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sega-showcases-shadow-the-hedgehog-design-in-never-before-seen-sketches |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=October 28, 2024 |date=October 28, 2024 |archive-date=November 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102124335/https://www.eurogamer.net/sega-showcases-shadow-the-hedgehog-design-in-never-before-seen-sketches |url-status=live }}</ref> but Iizuka decided to appeal to American audiences with an [[antihero]], a popular archetype in the US.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Takashi Iizuka Answers Our Burning Sonic x Shadow Generations Questions|date=June 8, 2024|access-date=June 9, 2024|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV5406Ua9FM|via=[[YouTube]]|people=Iizuka, Takashi; Keys, Austin; Lawanson, Akeem|archive-date=September 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921165901/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV5406Ua9FM|url-status=live}}</ref> He cited the [[Image Comics]] character [[Spawn (character)|Spawn]] as an influence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Foster |first1=George |title=Sonic Team Head Says Shadow Being Inspired By Vegeta Is A "Myth", Fans Prove Him Wrong |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-x-shadow-generations-dragon-ball-z-vegeta-team-lead-says-not-inspired-myth-fans-prove-him-wrong/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=July 10, 2024 |date=July 7, 2024 |archive-date=July 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708113556/https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-x-shadow-generations-dragon-ball-z-vegeta-team-lead-says-not-inspired-myth-fans-prove-him-wrong/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Maekawa struggled to develop the concept until writing lines for a scene in which Sonic confronts the hedgehog for impersonating him. Maekawa settled on a delicate, pure character who would refer to himself using the more humble [[Japanese pronoun]] {{Nihongo|''boku''|僕}}.<ref name="Sega: 006" /> He was originally named Terios the Prisoner,<ref name="Euro: Sketches" />{{sfn|Petronille|Audureau|2013|pp=248–249}} but was renamed Shadow after another new character, a bat, who became Rouge.<ref>{{cite web |author1=[[Sega]] |title=Happy Monday! Here’s some original Sonic Adventure 2 concept art, featuring an early look at Shadow and Rouge. (~1999.) |url=https://sonicthehedgehog.tumblr.com/post/172280890958/happy-monday-heres-some-original-sonic-adventure |website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher=[[Tumblr]] |access-date=April 10, 2024 |date=2018 |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006011839/https://sonicthehedgehog.tumblr.com/post/172280890958/happy-monday-heres-some-original-sonic-adventure |url-status=live }}</ref> Sonic Team saw Shadow as a one-off character who would not appear in subsequent ''Sonic'' games.{{sfn|Petronille|Audureau|2013|pp=248–249}}

As with the first ''Adventure'', Iizuka directed ''Adventure 2'' while [[Yuji Naka]], the ''Sonic'' franchise's co-creator, produced it.<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Notis |first1=Ari |title=Report: Balan Wonderworld Creator Yuji Naka Is No Longer With Square Enix |url=https://kotaku.com/report-balan-wonderworld-creator-yuji-naka-is-no-longe-1847035190 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=June 4, 2021 |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315211129/https://kotaku.com/report-balan-wonderworld-creator-yuji-naka-is-no-longe-1847035190 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} development lasted around a year and a half,<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /> and a total of 15 or 16 people worked on it. Three or four staff were recruited from Sega's [[arcade game]] division. Iizuka said that the team had to change their work ethic and prioritize efficiency to adapt to the reduced manpower. He recalled: "Each member of the staff had to be as efficient as possible, using the smallest amount of time and money they could!"{{sfn|Petronille|Audureau|2013|pp=106}}

===Design===
Iizuka summarized ''Sonic Adventure 2''{{'s}} development as "trying to make the impossible possible", as Sonic Team USA had to overcome the challenge of creating a game comparable in scope to the first ''Adventure'' with less than a tenth of the staff.<ref name="GI: SonicWrong" /> Despite this, he considered ''Adventure 2'' the most fun ''Sonic'' game to develop, as the small team meant "we were able to condense all the good elements from the previous game, and deliver a story and game that was satisfying to players everywhere".<ref name="GI: 30Yrs">{{cite web |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=Sonic Team Looks Back At The Blue Blur's First 30 Years |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2022/04/07/sonic-team-looks-back-at-the-blue-blurs-first-30-years |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407233226/https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2022/04/07/sonic-team-looks-back-at-the-blue-blurs-first-30-years |url-status=live |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |website=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=April 2, 2024 |date=April 7, 2022}}</ref> Due to the smaller staff, Sonic Team USA split ''Adventure 2'' into two campaigns featuring character teams instead of ''Adventure''{{'s}} format of six starring individual characters.<ref name="GI: SonicWrong" /> ''Adventure 2'' uses the same [[game engine]], with improved [[Texture mapping|texture]] quality and [[collision detection]].{{sfn|''Game Informer'' staff|2000|p=74}}

{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = horizontal
| footer            = ''Sonic Adventure 2''{{'s}} scenery was inspired by San Francisco (''left'') and [[Yosemite National Park]].
| alt1              = Aerial photo of hill in San Francisco, with many multistory buildings
| alt2              = Aerial photo of wooded valley between mountain ranges against a blue sky
| footer_align      = left
| image1            = Russian Hill.jpg
| width1            = 240
| image2            = Glacierpoint.jpg
| width2            = 200
}}

Sonic Team designed ''Adventure 2'' as faster and more [[action game|action]]-oriented compared to the slower, more story-focused ''Adventure''.<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /> Whereas Sonic Team had tried to include as much content as possible in ''Adventure'', for ''Adventure 2'' they concentrated on the elements they deemed necessary.{{sfn|''Retro Gamer'' staff|2011|pp=34–35}} Iizuka noted that players who prioritized action found much of ''Adventure''{{'s}} content pointless, so Sonic Team USA sought to streamline the experience while retaining ''Adventure''{{'s}} "bulkiness".<ref name="BTS" /> They removed the [[Overworld|hub worlds]] in favor of linear level progression more in line with the older ''Sonic'' games,<ref name="GSpot: SA2Hands-On">{{cite web |last1=Stahl |first1=Ben |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Hands-On |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-2-hands-on/1100-2662976/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322130558/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-2-hands-on/1100-2662976/ |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |date=December 8, 2000}}</ref> and divided action and exploration sequences among the characters rather than mixing them.<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /> Each level was tailored for its character,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic Heroes – 2004 Developer Interview |url=https://shmuplations.com/sonicheroes/ |website=Shmuplations |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522102337/https://shmuplations.com/sonicheroes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and unlike ''Adventure'', in which some playable characters had short campaigns, all six ''Adventure 2'' characters have roughly equal gameplay time.<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" />

Iizuka said ''Adventure 2'' was designed to have "more of an American flavor" than ''Adventure'', since it was developed in the US.<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /> The art director, [[Kazuyuki Hoshino]], noted Sonic was a character designed to appeal to Western sensibilities, and working in the US allowed Sonic Team USA to capture an American atmosphere more successfully.<ref name="BTS" /> The levels, drawn from Maekawa's story and setting,<ref name="Sega: 006" /> were inspired by American locations such as  [[Yosemite National Park]] (where the team vacationed) and the [[San Francisco Bay Area]]. Iizuka said they did not intend to "create a simulation of San Francisco" but rather to reflect the influence of their surroundings.<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /> The staff frequently received [[parking ticket]]s from authorities; as a joke, they included the authorities' cars in a level where Sonic could destroy them.<ref name="BTS" /> The month ''Adventure 2'' was to be [[released to manufacturing]], one artist suggested adding Green Hill Zone, the original ''Sonic the Hedgehog''{{'s}} first stage. Iizuka liked the idea but expected the rest of the team to object, so he, the artist, and a programmer spent a week working on it separately.<ref name="BTS" />

Among Sonic Team USA's goals were a [[frame rate]] of 60 frames per second (FPS) to make the gameplay feel faster and a multiplayer mode.<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /><ref name="GSpot: Naka">{{cite web |last1=Torres |first1=Ricardo |title=Sonic the Hedgehog turns 10 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-turns-10/1100-2782086/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=March 31, 2024 |date=July 2, 2001 |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331160622/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-turns-10/1100-2782086/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Achieving 60 FPS required some design tweaks, but Naka said Sonic Team's experience with the Dreamcast hardware made it possible.<ref name="GSpot: Naka" /> He felt that by then, Sonic Team had "gotten to the point where we can tap the full power of the console and deliver a much better experience to users".<ref name="IGN: Naka">{{cite web |last1=Justice |first1=Brandon |last2=Chau |first2=Anthony |title=Interview With SEGA Legend, Yuji Naka |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/02/interview-with-sega-legend-yuji-naka |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 31, 2024 |date=February 2, 2001 |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208052653/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/02/interview-with-sega-legend-yuji-naka |url-status=live }}</ref> Sonic Team USA gave Sonic more abilities, such as grinding on rails, to add rhythm to ensure the gameplay was not only about speed.<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /> Sega collaborated with [[Soap (shoes)|Soap]], a company that produced shoes with plastic concavities in the sole for rail grinding, to have Sonic wear a pair of Soap shoes rather than his traditional boots.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Coulsen |first1=Josh |title=Sonic Frontiers Newsletter Subscribers Can Get Adventure 2-Themed "Soap Shoes" |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-frontiers-newsletter-subscriber-adventure-2-soap-shoes/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=October 4, 2022 |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511091537/https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-frontiers-newsletter-subscriber-adventure-2-soap-shoes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Soap [[product placement]] appears throughout the game as well.<ref name="Poly: Escape" /> Like ''Adventure'', Sonic Team USA included Chao to add [[replay value]].<ref name="BTS">{{cite AV media|title=Behind the Scenes|people=Iizuka, Takashi; Hoshino, Kazuyuki|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=October 2, 2012|medium=video interview unlockable in the 2012 rerelease}}</ref> Iizuka described the Chao as a "relatively neutral entity" in ''Adventure'', so in ''Adventure 2'', Sonic Team USA added the ability to raise "Hero" and "Dark" Chao to reflect the conflict between good and evil. Sonic Team USA gave Chao the ability to socialize and interact,<ref name="IGN: Iizuka" /> which Naka felt "took [them] a step closer to a real [[artificial life form]]".<ref name="GSpot: Naka" />

===Music===
{{see also|Music of Sonic the Hedgehog|l1=Music of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''}}
[[File:Crush 40.JPG|thumb|As [[Crush 40]], [[Jun Senoue]] (''left'') and [[Johnny Gioeli]] (''right'') recorded the ''Adventure 2'' theme, "Live & Learn".]]

''Sonic Adventure 2''{{'s}} soundtrack was composed by [[Jun Senoue]],<ref name="Senoue">{{cite web |title=Interviews: Jun Senoue |url=http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_jun_senoue_soa2.html |website=RocketBaby |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021229060709/http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_jun_senoue_soa2.html |archive-date=December 29, 2002 |date=July 1, 2001}}</ref> Fumie Kumatani,<ref name="Kumatani">{{cite web |title=Interviews: Fumie Kumatani |url=http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_fumie_kumatani_soa2.html |website=RocketBaby |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021211215844/http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_fumie_kumatani_soa2.html |archive-date=December 11, 2002 |date=July 1, 2001}}</ref> [[Tomoya Ohtani]],<ref name="Ohtani">{{cite web |title=Interviews: Tomoya Ohtani |url=http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_tomoya_ohtani_soa2.html |website=RocketBaby |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030120182208/http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_tomoya_ohtani_soa2.html |archive-date=January 20, 2003 |date=July 1, 2001}}</ref> and Kenichi Tokoi,<ref name="Tokoi">{{cite web |title=Interviews: Kenichi Tokoi |url=http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_kenichi_tokoi_soa2.html |website=RocketBaby |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030103172234/http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_kenichi_tokoi_soa2.html |archive-date=January 3, 2003 |date=July 1, 2001}}</ref> with Senoue as the lead composer and sound director.<ref name="senoueinterview">{{cite web|title=Jun Senoue: Sound Director and Main Composer for the Sonic Adventure Series|url=http://www.sega.com:80/segascream/developers/post_interviews.jhtml?article=int_junsenoue|publisher=[[Sega]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021120201236/http://www.sega.com/segascream/developers/post_interviews.jhtml?article=int_junsenoue|archive-date=November 20, 2002|access-date=March 11, 2020|url-status=dead|date=2002}}</ref> Senoue, Kumatani and Tokoi returned from ''Adventure'',<ref name="Senoue" /><ref name="Kumatani" /><ref name="Tokoi" /> while Ohtani made his first contributions to a ''Sonic'' game.<ref name="VGMO: Ohtani">{{cite web |last1=Greening |first1=Chris |title=Tomoya Ohtani Interview: Sonic Music for a New Generation |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/tomoyaohtaniinterview/ |website=Video Game Music Online |date=December 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218113222/http://www.vgmonline.net/tomoyaohtaniinterview/ |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Senoue began writing in April 2000;<ref name="senoueinterview" /> he worked closely with Sonic Team USA regarding ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} structure, design, and characters.<ref name="GI: Senoue">{{cite web |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=Crush 40 Guitarist Jun Senoue Talks The Band's Creation And The Evolution Of Sonic Music |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2021/08/21/crush-40-guitarist-jun-senoue-talks-the-bands-creation-and-the-evolution-of |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821200741/https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2021/08/21/crush-40-guitarist-jun-senoue-talks-the-bands-creation-and-the-evolution-of |url-status=live |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |website=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=April 3, 2024 |date=August 21, 2023}}</ref> Half the music was produced in the US, while the other half was produced in Japan.<ref name="Tokoi" /> Like Iizuka, Senoue considered ''Adventure 2'' his favorite ''Sonic'' game to work on, as he found working with a small team in a new environment invigorating.<ref name="GI: 30Yrs" />

Senoue wanted the soundtrack to stand out rather than merely serve as background music. He was not entirely satisfied with the first ''Adventure'' soundtrack, feeling some tracks did not fit, and sought to compose music that suited the atmosphere of each area.<ref name="senoueinterview" /> He said the music team made a pact "to write songs that promoted the game's speed and situations while keeping the best tempo of the stage".<ref name="senoueinterview" /> They decided to compose each character's level themes in a different genre and divided the work by which genre each composer was most interested in.<ref name="Kumatani" /><ref name="Tokoi" /> For instance, Knuckles' stages feature [[rap music]] composed by Ohtani,<ref name="VGMO: Ohtani" /> who wanted to focus on a new musical element.<ref name="Ohtani" /> Tokoi said the soundtrack explores more genres than the first game's,<ref name="Tokoi" /> and other genres include [[pop-punk]], [[glam metal]],<ref name="Vice: OST">{{cite web |last1=Troper |first1=Morgan |title=The 'Sonic Adventure 2' Soundtrack Was Era-Defining and Awesome |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-sonic-adventure-2-soundtrack-was-era-defining-and-awesome/ |website=[[Vice Media|Vice]] |access-date=April 3, 2024 |date=August 6, 2017 |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403134800/https://www.vice.com/en/article/qvk7gw/the-sonic-adventure-2-soundtrack-was-era-defining-and-awesome |url-status=live }}</ref> and orchestral arrangements.<ref name="gamepro">{{cite magazine|url=http://gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/14761.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060102014915/http://gamepro.com/sega/dreamcast/games/reviews/14761.shtml |archive-date=January 2, 2006 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=June 19, 2001 |author=Four-Eyed Dragon |title=Sonic Adventure 2 |access-date=February 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Singers featured in the soundtrack include [[Johnny Gioeli]] of [[Hardline (band)|Hardline]], [[Ted Poley]] of [[Danger Danger]], [[Tony Harnell]] of [[TNT (Norwegian band)|TNT]], and [[Paul Shortino]] of [[Rough Cutt]].<ref name="senoueinterview" /><ref name="Vice: OST" /> The soundtrack is divided into level-specific tracks and character themes, with [[leitmotif]]s similar to [[Music in professional wrestling|professional wrestler entrance music]].<ref name="Vice: OST" /> Senoue reused most of the character theme lyrics from the first ''Adventure'', but wrote new music.<ref name="senoueinterview" /> As [[Crush 40]], he and Gioeli produced the main theme, "Live & Learn". Senoue recorded the introduction for the [[#Sonic Adventure 2: The Trial|''Adventure 2'' demo]]; he worked on the rest later and completed it within a day,<ref name="GI: Senoue" /> while Gioeli wrote the lyrics.<ref name="Fanbyte: Crush40">{{Cite web|title=Sonic Youth: The History and Impact of Crush 40|url=https://www.fanbyte.com/features/sonic-youth-the-history-and-impact-of-crush-40/|last=Aitchison|first=Sean|date=January 10, 2020|website=Fanbyte|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426023945/https://www.fanbyte.com/features/sonic-youth-the-history-and-impact-of-crush-40/|archive-date=April 26, 2020|access-date=May 10, 2020}}</ref> Senoue then sent a [[Demo (music)|demo]] to Gioeli to record his vocals.<ref name="GI: Senoue" /> Gioeli, who was paid {{US$}}3,000 for his work, said that he managed the recording and composition based on Senoue's demos.<ref name="Poly: LaLLawsuit" /> {{Interlanguage link|Takeshi Taneda|lt=Takeshi Taneda|ja|種子田健|WD=}} played bass and Katsuji Kirita of [[Gargoyle (band)|Gargoyle]] and [[the Cro-Magnons]] played drums.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=2 Nights 2 Remember! "Crush 40-Live In Tokyo 2014" report showing two new songs|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2014/02/07/74153.html|date=April 7, 2014|website=Inside Games Japan|publisher=IID, Inc.|language=ja|access-date=May 11, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702223045/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2014/02/07/74153.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="crush40">{{cite web|title=Crush 40 History|url=http://www.junsenoue.com/content/view/1/14|last=Gill|first=Parminder|date=April 10, 2005|website=junsenoue.com|publisher=[[Jun Senoue]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130073822/http://junsenoue.com/content/view/1/14|archive-date=January 30, 2008|access-date=January 7, 2008}}</ref> Poley wrote and performed "Escape from the City", the first level's theme. He found writing [[video game music]] different, as "you have to have a lot of action and alliteration. It creates a whole mood and there's no time for breath—the song is over in a minute and a half, and it's intense."<ref name="Vice: Glam">{{cite web |last1=McDonald |first1=Andy |title=How Sonic the Hedgehog Kept Glam Rock Alive After its Grungy Demise |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-sonic-the-hedgehog-kept-glam-rock-alive-after-its-grungy-demise-430/ |website=[[Vice Media|Vice]] |access-date=April 3, 2024 |date=June 23, 2016 |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108194059/https://www.vice.com/en/article/jmkqx7/how-sonic-the-hedgehog-kept-glam-rock-alive-after-its-grungy-demise-430 |url-status=live }}</ref> The rapper Hunnid-P performed Knuckles' level themes.<ref name="Vice: OST" />

Senoue made a demo for each track using an [[ADAT]] system to track guitars or vocals and a [[Yamaha Corporation|Yamaha]] digital console or [[Mackie (company)|Mackie]] analog mixer for [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]]. He edited tracks with his [[Macintosh]] before testing them in-game. Once Senoue was satisfied and received Sonic Team USA's approval, he finished [[Music sequencer|sequencing]] and sent demos to prepare for the [[recording session]]s. The soundtrack was recorded across five sessions in Los Angeles, New York City and Tokyo. While he enjoyed studio work, Senoue described the last three months as chaotic, as he had to travel between Tokyo, San Francisco and Los Angeles within weeks to write and record music. Senoue finished the soundtrack in February 2001, after which he worked on the sound effects.<ref name="senoueinterview" />

==Release==
Sega planned to release ''Sonic Adventure 2'' between the 2000 [[Christmas shopping season]] and early 2001;{{sfn|''ODCM'' staff|2000|p=10}} ''[[GameSpot]]'' reported a February 2001 release date.<ref name="GSpot: SA2Hands-On" /> In late 2000, Sega informed journalists that ''Adventure 2'' had been delayed to later in 2001.{{sfn|''ODCM'' staff|2000|p=10}} ''Adventure 2'' was released on June 19, 2001, in North America and June 23 in other countries.<ref name="IGN: HandsOnBDay" /><ref name="IGN: AmazingBDay" />

===Marketing===
Sega announced ''Sonic Adventure 2'' at [[E3]] in May 2000 with a trailer premiere behind closed doors and a press release. ''[[Game Informer]]'' reported that it was 40% complete at that time.{{sfn|''Game Informer'' staff|2000|p=74}} Sega released the trailer online when it launched Sonic Team's website on June 30,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |title=First Direct Feed Footage of Sonic Adventure 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/01/first-direct-feed-footage-of-sonic-adventure-2 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=July 1, 2000 |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415060714/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/01/first-direct-feed-footage-of-sonic-adventure-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> and allowed journalists to play a [[game demo|demo]] version in December.<ref name="GSpot: SA2Hands-On" /><ref name="IGN: First" /> {{anchor|Sonic Adventure 2: The Trial}}Early copies of Sonic Team's ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]'', released in Japan in December and worldwide in January 2001,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kollin |first1=Mike |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Demo Hits Japan This December |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/19/sonic-adventure-2-demo-hits-japan-this-december |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=October 19, 2000 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328113616/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/19/sonic-adventure-2-demo-hits-japan-this-december |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Chau |first1=Anthony |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Demo! |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/09/sonic-adventure-2-demo |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=January 9, 2001}}</ref> were bundled with the demo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pso-includes-sonic-2-demo/1100-2642227/|title=PSO Includes Sonic 2 Demo|last=Sato|first=Yukiyoshi Ike|date=May 17, 2006|website=[[GameSpot]]|language=en-US|access-date=May 28, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161151/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pso-includes-sonic-2-demo/1100-2642227/|archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref> It features the opening cutscene and level,<ref name="IGN: First">{{cite web |last1=Chau |first1=Anthony |title=Sonic Adventure 2: First Impressions |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/09/sonic-adventure-2-first-impressions |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=December 9, 2000}}</ref> ending with a trailer showcasing later levels.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bramwell |first1=Tom |title=Sonic Adventure 2 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/p-sonica2-dc |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=January 14, 2001 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328113616/https://www.eurogamer.net/p-sonica2-dc |url-status=live }}</ref> Sega showcased ''Adventure 2'' again at E3 2001.<ref name="Euro: E301">{{cite web |last1=Bramwell |first1=Tom |title=E3 2001 – Dreamcast |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/p-dreamcaste3 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=May 18, 2001}}</ref>

On June 13, 2001, [[Archie Comics]] published a brief adaptation in its ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic book, written by Karl Bollers and penciled by [[Patrick Spaziante]]. According to [[Ken Penders]], one of the series' writers, the creative team was unable to adapt the story in full due to Sonic Team's desire for secrecy; they were only able to work from the demo and a few screenshots.{{sfn|Penders|2001|p=27}} Penders said they considered adapting the story in a separate ''[[List of Archie Comics' Sonic the Hedgehog publications#Comics|Super Special]]'' issue, but Archie had ceased publishing [[One-shot (comics)|one-shots]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=P. |first1=Andrew |title=Ken Penders Archie Chat: Sonic Adventure 2 Will Be Focus of Sonic #98 |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/news/comics/ken-penders-archie-chat-sonic-adventure-2-will-be-focus-of-sonic-98/ |website=Sonic Stadium |access-date=May 19, 2024 |date=February 28, 2001 |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519134209/https://www.sonicstadium.org/news/comics/ken-penders-archie-chat-sonic-adventure-2-will-be-focus-of-sonic-98/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Adventure 2''{{'s}} worldwide release coincided with ''Sonic''{{'s}} tenth anniversary,<ref name="IGN: AmazingBDay" /> and Sega marked the occasion in its marketing.<ref name="RPS: Played">{{cite web |last1=Irwin |first1=Dave |title=Have You Played... Sonic Adventure 2? |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-you-played-sonic-adventure-2 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=July 23, 2020 |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521212530/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-you-played-sonic-adventure-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Japan, Sega offered a limited edition "Birthday Pack" for two days that included ''Adventure 2'', a gold disc containing [[Music of Sonic the Hedgehog|''Sonic'' music]], a commemorative gold coin, and a 17-page booklet detailing the series' history.<ref name="IGN: HandsOnBDay">{{cite web |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |title=Hands On with The Sonic Birthday Pack |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/25/hands-on-with-the-sonic-birthday-pack |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=June 26, 2001 |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124113407/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/25/hands-on-with-the-sonic-birthday-pack |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IGN: AmazingBDay">{{cite web |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |title=The Amazing Sonic Birthday Package |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/23/the-amazing-sonic-birthday-package |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 |date=May 24, 2001 |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124113406/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/23/the-amazing-sonic-birthday-package |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 30, Sega held a celebration at a [[Software Etc.]] in [[San Jose, California]], where attendees could have birthday cake, partake in giveaways, and receive Naka's autograph.<ref name="GSpot: Naka" />

===GameCube port===
{{see also|History of Sega}}
{{multiple images
| direction = horizontal
| align = right
| total_width = 300
| image1 = Dreamcast-Console-Set.jpg
| image2 = GameCube-Set.jpg
| footer = ''Sonic Adventure 2''{{'s}} [[Dreamcast]] (''left'') release was ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''{{'s}} final appearance on a [[Sega]] console, while the [[GameCube]] (''right'') port marked its first appearance on a [[Nintendo]] console.}}

''Sonic Adventure 2'' was released during a tumultuous period in [[History of Sega|Sega's history]]. Amidst competition from [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]'s [[PlayStation 2]], a lack of support from important [[third-party developer]]s, and conflict within Sega, Dreamcast sales failed to meet Sega's expectations.<ref name="GI: SonicWrong">{{cite web |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=Where Sonic Went Wrong |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/11/14/where-sonic-went-wrong.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513023218/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/11/14/where-sonic-went-wrong.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|archive-date=2021-05-13 |website=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=March 27, 2024 |url-status=live |date=November 14, 2016}}</ref> [[Peter Moore (businessman)|Peter Moore]], the president and chief operating officer of Sega of America, said the Dreamcast would need to sell five million units in the US by the end of 2000 to remain a viable platform, but Sega fell short of this goal with three million units sold.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_51/b3712200.htm|title=Sega vs. Sony: Pow! Biff! Whack!|author=Edwards, Cliff|date=December 18, 2000|magazine=Bloomberg BusinessWeek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203025342/http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_51/b3712200.htm|archive-date=December 3, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfn|Kent|2001|pages=581, 588}} Moreover, Sega's attempts to spur sales through lower prices and cash rebates caused escalating financial losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/techreviews/games/2001-01-23-dreamcast.htm|title=Dreamcast may be discontinued, Sega says|date=January 24, 2001|work=[[USA Today]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225010445/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/techreviews/games/2001-01-23-dreamcast.htm|archive-date=December 25, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref> On January 31, 2001, Sega announced it was discontinuing the Dreamcast to become a third-party developer, although it remained committed to releasing [[Video game developer#First-party developer|first-party]] Dreamcast software through 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-drastic-restructuring/1100-2680518/|title=Sega announces drastic restructuring|last=Ahmed|first=Shahed|date=January 31, 2001|website=[[GameSpot]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510200945/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-drastic-restructuring/1100-2680518/|archive-date=May 10, 2015}}</ref> The third-party transition made ''Adventure 2'' one of the last major Dreamcast [[Platform exclusivity|exclusives]] and the final ''Sonic'' game for a Sega console.<ref name="Euro: E301" /><ref name="VB: Retrospective">{{cite web |last1=Barsanti |first1=Sam |title=Sonic Adventure 2 HD runs back to the beginning of the franchise's fall (review) |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/sonic-adventure-2-hd-runs-back-to-the-beginning-of-the-franchises-fall-review/ |website=[[VentureBeat]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=October 5, 2012 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328112103/https://venturebeat.com/games/sonic-adventure-2-hd-runs-back-to-the-beginning-of-the-franchises-fall-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Much of Sonic Team's staff, including Naka, opposed the move as they had already entered pre-production on ''[[Sonic Adventure 3]]'', but were unable to fight it.{{sfn|Petronille|Audureau|2013|pp=77}}

In April 2001, Sega announced Sonic Team was working on a game for [[Nintendo]]'s [[GameCube]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |last2=Mirabella III |first2=Fran |title=Sega Pledges GameCube Support |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/18/sega-pledges-gamecube-support |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=April 19, 2001}}</ref> Sonic Team kept the project a secret until its reveal at [[Nintendo Space World]] in August.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sega's Got Secrets |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/08/14/segas-got-secrets |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=August 15, 2001 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328125058/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/08/14/segas-got-secrets |url-status=live }}</ref> Naka liked the GameCube hardware,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic on GameCube? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/03/sonic-on-gamecube-2 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=May 4, 2001}}</ref> and advised Sonic Team fans to purchase GameCubes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chau |first1=Anthony |title=Chatting With SEGA Developers |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/22/chatting-with-sega-developers |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=May 22, 2001}}</ref> Shortly before Space World, Sega confirmed rumors that the project was a [[porting|port]] of ''Sonic Adventure 2'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Spaceworld 2001: First Sonic Adventure Screens |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/08/22/spaceworld-2001-first-sonic-adventure-screens |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=August 23, 2001 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328125059/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/08/22/spaceworld-2001-first-sonic-adventure-screens |url-status=live }}</ref> subtitled ''Battle''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |title=TGS 2001: Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Update |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/12/tgs-2001-sonic-adventure-2-battle-update |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=October 13, 2001 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328132955/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/12/tgs-2001-sonic-adventure-2-battle-update |url-status=live }}</ref> This marked ''Sonic''{{'s}} first appearance on a Nintendo console, which ''GameSpot'' called "an unbelievable milestone of epic proportions".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ahmed |first1=Shahed |title=Space World 2001: New Sonic Adventure 2 media |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/space-world-2001-new-sonic-adventure-2-media/1100-2807762/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=August 24, 2001 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328125059/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/space-world-2001-new-sonic-adventure-2-media/1100-2807762/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sonic Team left the single-player gameplay mostly unchanged, but added multiplayer options such as new maps and characters. ''Battle'' replaces the VMU's implementation with connectivity with the [[Game Boy Advance]] (GBA) game ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' (2001), facilitated through the [[GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable|GameCube – GBA link cable]]. Visually, ''Battle'' features [[Texture mapping|texture]] resolution increases, though some textures are blurrier, while colors are brighter.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Torres |first1=Ricardo |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Preview |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-2-battle-preview/1100-2841247/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=May 17, 2006 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328125058/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-2-battle-preview/1100-2841247/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Battle'' was released in Japan on December 20, 2001, in North America on February 11, 2002,<ref name="NWR: Review">{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=Michael |title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/3866/sonic-adventure-2-battle-gamecube |website=Nintendo World Report |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=February 27, 2002 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328184200/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/3866/sonic-adventure-2-battle-gamecube |url-status=live }}</ref> in Europe on May 3, 2002,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (2002) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/games/gamecube/sonic_adventure_2_battle |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328184200/https://www.nintendolife.com/games/gamecube/sonic_adventure_2_battle |url-status=live }}</ref> and in Australia on May 17, 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/hip-to-be-square-20020511-gdf9p9.html|title=Hip to be square|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=May 11, 2002|access-date=May 31, 2024|archive-date=May 31, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531105255/https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/hip-to-be-square-20020511-gdf9p9.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sales===
The Dreamcast version of ''Sonic Adventure 2'' sold more than 84,000 copies during its first week in Japan (a franchise record),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/11/in-contrast-to-its-middling-response-in-the-west-sonic-frontiers-is-selling-off-its-head-in-japan/|title=In Contrast To Its Middling Response In The West, Sonic Frontiers Is Selling Off Its Head In Japan|last=Smith|first=David|date=November 18, 2022|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=March 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128094050/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/11/in-contrast-to-its-middling-response-in-the-west-sonic-frontiers-is-selling-off-its-head-in-japan/|archive-date=January 28, 2023|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a total of around 500,000 copies worldwide. ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' wrote that these numbers were impressive given that the Dreamcast had already been discontinued.<ref name="Escapist: Important">{{cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/20-years-later-sonic-adventure-2-battle-might-be-the-seriess-most-important-game/|title=20 Years Later, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle Might Be the Series's Most Important Game|last=Lab|first=Jesse|date=April 24, 2022|website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|access-date=March 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126114636/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/20-years-later-sonic-adventure-2-battle-might-be-the-seriess-most-important-game/|archive-date=January 26, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, the GameCube version sold almost 50,000 copies during its first month,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/06/new-sonic-battle-screens|website=[[IGN]]|title=New Sonic Battle Screens|date=January 5, 2002|access-date=December 28, 2014|archive-date=December 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229000317/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/06/new-sonic-battle-screens|url-status=live}}</ref> and had sold 192,186 by December 23, 2002.<ref name="japanchartsgc">{{cite web|url=http://garaph.info/softwaregroup.php?grid=S111|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218072047/http://garaph.info/softwaregroup.php?grid=S111|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-02-18|title= Nintendo Gamecube Japanese Ranking|publisher=Garaph ([[Media Create]])|date=May 6, 2007|access-date=2008-05-29}}</ref> In North America, it was the bestselling GameCube game between January and August 2002, selling 465,000 copies. By August 2002, it had sold more than a million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |title=Graphs: Sega's Year-to-Date |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/03/graphs-segas-year-to-date |access-date=November 3, 2021 |work=[[IGN]] |date=October 3, 2002}}</ref> Cumulative sales reached 1.7&nbsp;million,<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> and by July 2006, it had earned $44 million in the US. According to ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]],'' it was the 42nd-bestselling game for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, or [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] between January 2000 and July 2006 in the US.<ref name="nextgensales2">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century|author1=Campbell, Colin |author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 |work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is one of the [[List of best-selling Nintendo GameCube video games|bestselling GameCube games]] and the bestselling third-party GameCube game.<ref>{{cite web|title=US Platinum Videogame Chart|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|publisher=The Magic Box|date=December 27, 2007|access-date=December 5, 2008|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009200207/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 26, 2019|title=These Are The Best-Selling Third-Party Games On Nintendo Platforms In America|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/11/these_are_the_best-selling_third-party_games_on_nintendo_platforms_in_america|last=Doolan|first=Liam|access-date=April 11, 2024|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|archive-date=April 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418005721/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/11/these_are_the_best-selling_third-party_games_on_nintendo_platforms_in_america|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = (DC) 89/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-adventure-2/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast|website=[[Metacritic]]|date=November 25, 2014|title=Sonic Adventure 2 for Dreamcast Reviews|access-date=November 1, 2023|archive-date=December 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227061211/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/sonic-adventure-2|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(GCN) 73/100<ref name="metacritic.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-adventure-2/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle on Metacritic for GameCube|website=Metacritic|access-date=December 28, 2014|archive-date=November 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106222101/https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-adventure-2/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Edge = 7/10<ref name="edge">{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020208225050/http://www.gamesradar.com/published/reviews/game_review_460.html |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/published/reviews/game_review_460.html |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |title=Sonic Adventure 2 |archive-date=February 8, 2002 |access-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| Fam = 9/10, 8/10, 7/10, 9/10 (DC)<ref name="fam2001">{{cite magazine|title=Dreamcast|magazine=ファミ通クロスレビュー2001パーフェクトガイド|trans-magazine=[[Famitsu|Weekly Famitsu Cross Review 2001 Perfect Guide]]|year=2002|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|language=Japanese|location=Tokyo|ref=GBA-rev|author=''Famitsu'' staff|p=100}}</ref><br/>
9/10, 8/10, 8/10, 8/10 (GC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Nintendo GameCube|magazine=ファミ通クロスレビュー2001パーフェクトガイド|trans-magazine=[[Famitsu|Weekly Famitsu Cross Review 2001 Perfect Guide]]|year=2002|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|language=Japanese|location=Tokyo|ref=GBA-rev|author=''Famitsu'' staff|p=125}}</ref>
| GamePro = 4.5/5<ref name="gamepro"/>
| GameRev = B<ref name="grev">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sonic-adventure-2|publisher=[[Game Revolution]]|access-date=December 28, 2014|title=Sonic Adventure 2 Review|date=July 1, 2001|last=Liu|first=Johnny|archive-date=April 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418222028/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sonic-adventure-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.6/10<ref name="gs review">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/sonic-adventure-2/reviews/sonic-adventure-2-review-2777051/|title=Sonic Adventure 2 Review|website=GameSpot|last=Ahmed|first=Shahed|date=June 19, 2001|access-date=December 27, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518200416/http://uk.gamespot.com/sonic-adventure-2/reviews/sonic-adventure-2-review-2777051/|archive-date=May 18, 2013}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.4/10<ref name="reviewIGN">{{cite web|date=June 22, 2001|url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/164/164855p1.html|website=[[IGN]]|last=Chau|first=Anthony|title=Sonic Adventure 2 Review|access-date=November 2, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304232908/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/164/164855p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NGen = 3/5<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|last=Fischer|first=Blake|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|volume=4|issue=9|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=September 2001|pages=64–65}}</ref>
}}

''Sonic Adventure 2'' received "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="Metacritic"/> Critics appreciated its multiple playing styles. According to ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' and Four-Eyed Dragon of ''[[GamePro]]'', the three styles and bonus features such as Chao gardens were engaging.<ref name="gamepro"/><ref name="edge"/> Johnny Liu of ''[[GameRevolution]]'' praised its [[replay value]] of multiple playing styles and 180 different goals.<ref name="grev"/> Anthony Chau of ''[[IGN]]'' called it one of the best ''Sonic'' games: "If this is the last ''Sonic'' game in these declining Dreamcast years, it's satisfying to know that the DC didn't go out with a bang, but with a sonic boom."<ref name="reviewIGN"/> In 2022, ''IGN'' named it one of the best Dreamcast games.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-dreamcast-games | title=The 10 Best Dreamcast Games | date=May 18, 2022 | access-date=May 27, 2022 | archive-date=May 27, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527190135/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-dreamcast-games | url-status=live }}</ref>

The camera was panned. Shahed Ahmed of ''[[GameSpot]]'' criticized the "cardinal sin" of 3D platform games: forcing players to jump to an out-of-frame platform. Although players can re-orient the camera with the trigger buttons, it reverts when the character moves.<ref name="gs review"/> According to Chau and Liu, this made searching cramped sections of Knuckles' and Rouge's levels frustrating.<ref name="reviewIGN"/><ref name="grev"/> ''Edge'' found camera problems permeating the game, with no significant improvement from ''Adventure''.<ref name="edge"/>

The visuals received positive reviews. Liu called them "sweet, sweet eye-crack".<ref name="grev"/> Four-Eyed Dragon wrote that the game "is simply jaw-dropping beautiful," citing its detailed backgrounds and scenery and the characters' extensive color palettes.<ref name="gamepro"/> According to Chau, the game had "some of the best textures ever seen" and was one of the most beautiful Dreamcast games.<ref name="reviewIGN"/> ''Edge'' was impressed by the texture detail and [[draw distance]],<ref name="edge"/> and Chau, Liu and Ahmed praised its 60-frame-per-second [[Rendering (computer graphics)|rendering]] speed.<ref name="reviewIGN"/><ref name="gs review"/><ref name="grev"/>

Senoue's soundtrack also received positive reviews. According to Ahmed, the music was an improvement over ''Adventure''{{'s}} "campy [[glam-rock]] and [[J-pop]] soundtrack", with less emphasis on lyrics,<ref name="gs review"/> while Liu appreciated its more "understated" approach.<ref name="grev"/> Four-Eyed Dragon called the music "an eclectic mix of orchestrated masterpieces, guitar tunes, and melodic [[hip hop music|hip-hop]] voices" that "gracefully fill the game's ambiance to a perfect pitch."<ref name="gamepro"/> Reactions to the voice acting were divided; according to Ahmed, "the voice acting, and the lip-synching in particular, is executed quite well,"<ref name="gs review"/> and Liu and Chau found the English voices inferior to the Japanese ones.<ref name="reviewIGN"/><ref name="grev"/>

The plot was derided, although its presentation was well received. Ahmed wrote, "Throughout the game the plot becomes more and more scattered and lackluster," not focusing long enough on one element to execute it meaningfully.<ref name="gs review"/> Although Liu agreed that despite the game's ambitious scope and themes it failed to advance the series' core plot beyond the [[Sega Genesis]] ''Sonic'' games,<ref name="grev"/> ''Edge'' appreciated the story's presentation from both perspectives: hero and villain.<ref name="edge"/>

Despite high review scores for the Dreamcast version, the GameCube version released six months later received mixed reviews: respective Metacritic and [[GameRankings]] scores of 73 percent and 72.33 percent.<ref name="metacritic.com"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/533012-sonic-adventure-2-battle/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630100754/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/533012-sonic-adventure-2-battle/index.html|archive-date=June 30, 2017|access-date=December 28, 2014|publisher=GameRankings}}</ref> Critics generally felt that it was not significantly improved from the Dreamcast original.<ref name="ign battle">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/08/sonic-adventure-2-battle|website=IGN|title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle|date=February 8, 2002|last=Mirabella|first=Fran III|access-date=December 28, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222233738/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/08/sonic-adventure-2-battle|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/10/sonic_adventure_2_battle_retro|publisher=NintendoLife|title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle|last=Reese|first=Mark|date=October 6, 2011|access-date=December 28, 2014|archive-date=September 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926181255/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/10/sonic_adventure_2_battle_retro|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Shane Bettenhausen of ''[[GameSpy]]'' saw ''Adventure 2 Battle'' as noticeably superior; in addition to its upgrades, its action was better suited to the GameCube's controller than the Dreamcast's.<ref name="spy">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813035908/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/february02/sa2bgc/ |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/february02/sa2bgc/ |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (GCN) |archive-date=August 13, 2006 |access-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Accolades ===
''Sonic Adventure 2'' received several accolades, including the 2001 ''IGN''{{'}}s Editors' Choice Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/games/editors-choice?sortBy=score&sortOrder=desc&startIndex=350|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229005733/http://www.ign.com/games/editors-choice?sortBy=score&sortOrder=desc&startIndex=350|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 29, 2014|website=IGN|title=Game Reviews|access-date=December 28, 2014}}</ref> ''[[ScrewAttack]]'' called it the [[ScrewAttack's Top 10|fifth-best Dreamcast game]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screwattack.com/shows/originals/screwattack-top-10s/top-10-dreamcast-games |title=Top 10 Dreamcast Games |series=''[[ScrewAttack's Top 10]]'' |publisher=ScrewAttack |access-date=July 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201130412/http://www.screwattack.com/shows/originals/screwattack-top-10s/top-10-dreamcast-games |archive-date=December 1, 2012 }}</ref> and ''[[GamesRadar]]'' rated it the tenth-greatest Dreamcast game out of 25: "Despite trailing off significantly in recent years, the 3D side of the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' franchise had a surprisingly stellar start with the ''Sonic Adventure'' entries, and the 2001 sequel really amped up the action."<ref>{{cite web | access-date=February 2, 2013 | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-dreamcast-games-all-time/ | title=Best Dreamcast games of all time | publisher=[[GamesRadar]] | author=GamesRadar Staff | date=April 19, 2012 | archive-date=July 26, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726142519/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-dreamcast-games-all-time/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2014, ''IGN'''s Luke Karmali called ''Battle'' his tenth-favorite game of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/15/luke-karmalis-top-10-games-of-all-time|website=IGN|title=Luke Karmali's Top 10 Games of All Time|date=February 15, 2014|access-date=December 28, 2014|last=Karmali|first=Luke|archive-date=December 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224182507/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/15/luke-karmalis-top-10-games-of-all-time|url-status=live}}</ref> In a video interview with [[Sonic Team]] studio head Takashi Iizuka, he says ''Sonic Adventure 2'' is his favourite game in the series.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Rkjyqq5XI&t=208s | title=Sonic Frontiers: 123 Rapid-Fire Questions with Takashi Iizuka | website=YouTube | access-date=July 13, 2022 | archive-date=July 13, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713195532/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Rkjyqq5XI&t=208s | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Post-release==
Development on the next game, ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' (2003), began at Sonic Team USA shortly after ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} completion. Iizuka chose to develop it as a standalone game rather than a sequel to appeal to a broader audience.{{sfn|''Nintendo Power'' staff|2004|p=50}} ''Heroes'' became the first [[Cross-platform|multiplatform]] ''Sonic'' game when it was released for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in late 2003.<ref name="website">''Interview'' section. {{cite web | url = http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicheroes/content.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060321050743/http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicheroes/content.html | archive-date = March 21, 2006 | title = Yuji Naka and Takashi Iizuka Speak on Sonic Heroes | access-date = April 1, 2014 | publisher = [[Sega]]}}</ref> Another 2003 Sonic Team game, ''[[Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]]'', uses an updated version of the ''Adventure 2'' engine,<ref>{{cite web |title=Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg Interview |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/06/billy-hatcher-and-the-giant-egg-interview |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 15, 2024 |date=May 6, 2003 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328122035/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/06/billy-hatcher-and-the-giant-egg-interview |url-status=live }}</ref> and Ohtani, who first composed ''Sonic'' music for ''Adventure 2'', became the series' sound director with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (2006).<ref name="VGMO: Ohtani" />

Sega's discontinuation of the Dreamcast made ''Sonic Adventure 2'' the last ''Sonic'' game that Sonic Team—which had worked with Sega hardware teams to take advantage of their consoles—produced with the benefits of first-party development.<ref name="GI: SonicWrong" /> Whereas ''Adventure 2'' had been made using [[proprietary software]],<ref name="gzonedev">{{cite web|last1=Bedigian|first1=Louis|title=Sonic Heroes Zooms, Spins and Dashes To a Console Near You|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/01_08_04_01_11PM.htm|website=GameZone|access-date=March 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202095952/http://www.gamezone.com/news/01_08_04_01_11PM.htm|archive-date=February 2, 2009}}</ref> Sonic Team USA partnered with [[Criterion Software]] to use [[RenderWare]] so ''Heroes'' could be programmed and ported across platforms.<ref name="gamesindustryrender">{{cite web|last1=Bramwell|first1=Tom|title=Sonic Heroes uses RenderWare|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sonic-heroes-uses-renderware|website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]|access-date=March 1, 2018|date=May 28, 2003|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324150659/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sonic-heroes-uses-renderware|archive-date=March 24, 2018}}</ref> Iizuka described the loss of first-party development benefits as the greatest challenge of the third-party transition, as his team "no longer [had] the ability to control what we need[ed] to make our games".<ref name="GI: SonicWrong" /> Naka said he had mixed feelings about ''Sonic'' as a multiplatform franchise,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bellingham |first1=Hope |title=Sonic the Hedgehog creator reveals "mixed feelings" about Sonic games on non-Sega consoles |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-creator-reveals-mixed-feelings-about-sonic-games-on-non-sega-consoles/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=April 16, 2024 |date=February 14, 2022 |archive-date=August 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805101741/https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-creator-reveals-mixed-feelings-about-sonic-games-on-non-sega-consoles/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and departed to form his own studio, [[Prope]], in 2006.<ref name="tenyears">{{cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/11/ten-years-ago-sonic-the-hedgehog-was-at-its-worst/|title=Ten Years Ago Sonic The Hedgehog Was at Its Worst|last1=Fahey|first1=Mike|date=November 15, 2016|website=[[Kotaku]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117022037/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/11/ten-years-ago-sonic-the-hedgehog-was-at-its-worst/|archive-date=November 17, 2016}}</ref>

Shadow quickly proved popular among fans, so Sonic Team USA [[retcon]]ned his apparent death in ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} finale to include him in subsequent ''Sonic'' games, beginning with ''Heroes''.<ref name="Stadium: OnStage" />{{sfn|Petronille|Audureau|2013|pp=248–249}} After ''Heroes'', Sonic Team USA was renamed Sega Studios USA.{{sfn|Smith|2006|pp=24–29}} Their next project was ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' (2005),<ref name="allgame">{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:47158|title=Shadow the Hedgehog for GameCube Overview|last=Deci|first=TJ|website=[[AllGame]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114131027/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=47158|archive-date=November 14, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=January 26, 2009}}</ref> a spin-off starring Shadow that continues [[plot thread]]s established in ''Adventure 2''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Torres |first1=Ricardo |title=E3 2005: Shadow the Hedgehog Hands-On |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2005-shadow-the-hedgehog-hands-on/1100-6125824/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=April 17, 2024 |date=May 19, 2005 |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417064614/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2005-shadow-the-hedgehog-hands-on/1100-6125824/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The division developed ''[[Nights: Journey of Dreams]]'' (2007) before it was merged back into the Japanese Sonic Team in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/05/10/nights-journey-of-dreams-interview|title=NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Interview|last1=Casamassina|first1=Matt|date=May 10, 2007|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=April 18, 2024}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development/sonic-team-head-returns-to-us-to-establish-development-hub-for-franchise|title=Sonic Team head returns to US to establish development 'hub' for franchise|last=Jarvis|first=Matthew|date=April 1, 2016|work=[[MCV (magazine)|MCV]]|access-date=July 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714035715/https://www.mcvuk.com/development/sonic-team-head-returns-to-us-to-establish-development-hub-for-franchise|archive-date=July 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Iizuka became the head of Sonic Team following the merger.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.videogamesdaily.com/interviews/201010/interview-sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka/|title=Interview: Sonic Team's Takashi Iizuka|last=Higham|first=Rupert|date=October 6, 2010|website=Kikizo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327212045/http://www.videogamesdaily.com/interviews/201010/interview-sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka/|archive-date=March 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Soundtracks ===
[[Marvelous Entertainment]] released a collection of ''Sonic Adventure 2'' songs, ''Cuts Unleashed Sonic Adventure 2 Vocal Collection'', on August 18, 2001,<ref>{{cite web |title=Cuts Unleashed Sonic Adventure 2 Vocal Collection |url=https://www.marv.jp/titles/mc/954/ |publisher=[[Marvelous Entertainment]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |language=Japanese |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418070938/https://www.marv.jp/titles/mc/954/ |url-status=live }}</ref> before releasing the full two-disc [[soundtrack album]], ''Multi-dimensional Sonic Adventure 2 Original Sound Track'', on September 5.<ref>{{cite web |title=Multi-dimensional Sonic Adventure 2 Original Sound Track |url=https://www.marv.jp/titles/mc/956/ |publisher=[[Marvelous Entertainment]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |language=Japanese |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418070938/https://www.marv.jp/titles/mc/956/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Tokyopop]] released a soundtrack in the US on February 5, 2002, ahead of the GameCube version's release, featuring 26 tracks selected by Senoue and US-exclusive remixes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic Advenutre 2 Official Soundtrack |url=http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1186 |publisher=[[Tokyopop]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021001213633/http://www.tokyopop.com:80/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1186 |archive-date=October 1, 2002}}</ref> On November 30, 2011, Sega released the soundtrack on [[iTunes]] via its [[Wave Master]] label to coincide with the franchise's 20th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web |title=ソニック20周年記念オリジナルサントラ，iTunes Storeで配信スタート |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/131/G013139/20111130083/ |website=[[4Gamer]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |date=November 30, 2011 |trans-title=Sonic 20th Anniversary Original Mr./Ms. Now Available on iTunes Store |language=Japanese |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418070933/https://www.4gamer.net/games/131/G013139/20111130083/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Brave Wave Productions]] released a [[vinyl LP|vinyl]] version of the soundtrack including interviews with Senoue and Iizuka in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilkes |first1=Brenna |title=Sonic Adventure 1 & 2 Soundtracks to Release to Vinyl Via Brave Wave |url=https://www.originalsoundversion.com/sonic-adventure-1-2-soundtracks-to-release-to-vinyl-via-brave-wave/ |website=Original Sound Version |access-date=April 18, 2024 |date=November 7, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418070935/https://www.originalsoundversion.com/sonic-adventure-1-2-soundtracks-to-release-to-vinyl-via-brave-wave/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Rerelease ===
Sega released a port of ''Sonic Adventure 2'' as a downloadable game for the [[PlayStation 3]] (via [[PlayStation Network]]) and [[Xbox 360]] (via [[Xbox Live Arcade]]) on October 2, 2012,<ref name="VB: Retrospective" /> and for [[Windows]] (via [[Steam (service)|Steam]]) on November 20.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Corriea |first1=Alexa Ray |title=Sonic Adventure 2 hits Steam today alongside Battle Mode DLC |url=https://www.polygon.com/2012/11/20/3671322/sonic-adventure-2-hits-steam-today-alongside-battle-mode-dlc |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=April 16, 2024 |date=November 20, 2012 |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203005330/https://www.polygon.com/2012/11/20/3671322/sonic-adventure-2-hits-steam-today-alongside-battle-mode-dlc |url-status=live }}</ref> The port followed a similar reissue of the first ''Adventure'' in 2010 and was branded as part of Sega Heritage, a 2012 initiative in which Sega rereleased popular games from its back catalog on modern consoles.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gera |first1=Emily |title='Sonic Adventure 2' HD remake coming to XBLA and PSN |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/7/16/3161979/sonic-adventure-2-hd-remake-coming-to-xbla-and-psn |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=April 16, 2024 |date=July 16, 2012 |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203024651/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/7/16/3161979/sonic-adventure-2-hd-remake-coming-to-xbla-and-psn |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Corriea |first1=Alexa Ray |title=Sega's 'Heritage Collection' trailer shows off this fall's HD re-releases |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/3/3288701/segas-heritage-collection-trailer-shows-off-this-falls-hd-re-releases |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=April 15, 2024 |date=September 3, 2012 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003233021/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/3/3288701/segas-heritage-collection-trailer-shows-off-this-falls-hd-re-releases |url-status=live }}</ref> The rerelease features [[high-definition video|high-definition]] graphics and [[widescreen]] support, though some cutscenes are still presented in [[4:3]].<ref name="Destruct: 2012Review">{{cite web |last1=Hancock |first1=Patrick |title=Review: Sonic Adventure 2 |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-adventure-2-236103.phtml |website=[[Destructoid]] |access-date=April 16, 2024 |date=October 5, 2012 |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029204430/https://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-adventure-2-236103.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Otherwise, it is mostly identical to the original versions; it lacks the Dreamcast version's online features and the GameCube additions are paywalled as [[downloadable content]] (DLC).<ref name="PS: Review" /> In 2017, the PlayStation 3 version was made playable on the [[PlayStation 4]] and Windows via the [[cloud gaming]] service [[PlayStation Now]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunn |first1=Brian |title=PS Now: 13 Sega Games Join Our Streaming Lineup Today |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2017/03/07/ps-now-13-sega-games-join-our-streaming-lineup-today/ |website=[[PlayStation Blog]] |access-date=April 16, 2024 |date=March 7, 2017 |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928194520/https://blog.playstation.com/2017/03/07/ps-now-13-sega-games-join-our-streaming-lineup-today/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Xbox 360 version was made [[list of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S|backward compatible]] with the [[Xbox One]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Knezevic|first=Kevin|title=Xbox One Adds Two New Backwards Compatible Games|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-adds-two-new-backwards-compatible-games/1100-6455297/|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=December 1, 2017|access-date=March 30, 2024|archive-date=March 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330080218/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-adds-two-new-backwards-compatible-games/1100-6455297/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
=== Retrospective assessments ===
''Sonic Adventure 2'' is frequently ranked among the best ''Sonic'' games.{{efn|
* ''[[Game Informer]]'': #9<ref name="GI: Every" />
* ''[[GameSpot]]'': #5<ref name="GSpot: Best">{{cite web |last1=Bitner |first1=Jon |title=Best Sonic Games: Ranking The Top 10 Entries In Series History |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/best-sonic-game/1100-6502594/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422130632/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/best-sonic-game/1100-6502594/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[GamesRadar+]]'': #15<ref name="GRadar: Best">{{cite web |last1=West |first1=Josh |title=The 25 best Sonic games of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-sonic-games/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=October 6, 2023 |archive-date=June 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604064737/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-sonic-games/3/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''[[IGN]]'': #3<ref name="IGN: Best" />
* ''[[Kotaku]]'': #16<ref name="Kotaku: Rank" />
* ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'': #7<ref name="Poly: Best" />
* ''[[TechRadar]]'': #5<ref name="TechRadar: Best" />
* ''[[USgamer]]'': #9<ref name="USG: All" />
}} ''GameSpot'' and ''Kotaku'' deemed it a satisfying conclusion to ''Sonic''{{'s}} run on Sega hardware,<ref name="GSpot: Best" /><ref name="Kotaku: Rank" /> and ''Game Informer'' considered it a worthy sequel to ''Adventure''.<ref name="GI: Every" /> However, journalists have characterized ''Adventure 2'' as divisive,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references: ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'',<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> ''Polygon'',<ref name="Poly: Adv3" /> ''GamesRadar+'',<ref name="GR+: Oct2012">{{cite web |last1=Hayward |first1=Andrew |title=The games of October 2012 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games-october-2012/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=April 21, 2024 |date=October 1, 2012 |archive-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421184138/https://www.gamesradar.com/games-october-2012/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''USgamer''<ref name="USG: All" />}} and the 2012 rerelease received "mixed or average reviews" according to Metacritic.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic Adventure 2: PlayStation 3 Critic Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-adventure-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416072516/https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-adventure-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic Adventure 2: Xbox 360 Critic Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-adventure-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424101814/https://www.metacritic.com/game/sonic-adventure-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some fans regard ''Adventure 2'' as the franchise's pinnacle, but others find it unfocused—"a jack of all trades, master of none", as ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' wrote.<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> According to ''The Escapist'', "depending on who you ask, [it] represent[s] the franchise at its best and at its worst."<ref name="Escapist: Important" />

Common elements of retrospective praise include Sonic and Shadow's levels,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references: ''The Escapist'',<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> ''Game Informer'',<ref name="GI: Every">{{cite web |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=Ranking Every Mainline Sonic The Hedgehog Game |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/04/07/ranking-every-mainline-sonic-the-hedgehog-game |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407200335/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/04/07/ranking-every-mainline-sonic-the-hedgehog-game |url-status=live |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |website=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=April 7, 2022}}</ref> ''IGN'',<ref name="IGN: Best">{{cite web |title=The 10 Best Sonic Games |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-sonic-games |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=July 13, 2022 |archive-date=April 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427192354/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-sonic-games |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Kotaku''<ref name="Kotaku: Rank">{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Alexandra |title=Let's Rank (A Few) Sonic Games |url=https://kotaku.com/lets-rank-a-few-sonic-games-1846044537/slides/16 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |page=16 |date=January 15, 2021 |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422130623/https://kotaku.com/lets-rank-a-few-sonic-games-1846044537/slides/16 |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''TechRadar''<ref name="TechRadar: Best">{{cite web |last1=Wood |first1=Rhys |title=The best Sonic games ranked - 11 of the hedgehog's best adventures |url=https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/best-sonic-games |website=[[TechRadar]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=October 16, 2023 |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510083254/https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/best-sonic-games |url-status=live }}</ref>}} the Chao Garden,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references: ''[[Destructoid]]'',<ref name="Destruct: 2012Review" /> ''IGN'',<ref name="IGN: Best" /> ''Nintendo Life''<ref name="NLife: Chao">{{cite web |last1=Gray |first1=Kate |title=Soapbox: Sonic Adventure 2 Turns 20 — It's Time For A Chao Garden Comeback |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/soapbox_sonic_adventure_2_turns_20_m_itrs_time_for_a_chao_garden_comeback |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421092315/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/06/soapbox_sonic_adventure_2_turns_20_m_itrs_time_for_a_chao_garden_comeback |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Polygon'',<ref name="Poly: Best">{{cite web |last1=Nicolás Argüello |first1=Diego |title=The best 12 Sonic games, ranked |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2020/2/10/21129127/the-best-12-sonic-the-hedgehog-games-ranked |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=February 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225061045/https://www.polygon.com/features/2020/2/10/21129127/the-best-12-sonic-the-hedgehog-games-ranked |url-status=live }}</ref> ''TechRadar'',<ref name="TechRadar: Best" /> and ''USgamer''<ref name="USG: All">{{cite web |title=Gotta Go Fast: Ranking All of The Sonic The Hedgehog Games |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games |website=[[USgamer]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821165925/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/gotta-go-fast-ranking-all-of-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-games |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |date=August 18, 2017}}</ref>}} and the soundtrack.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references: ''Destructoid'',<ref name="Destruct: 2012Review" /> ''The Escapist'',<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> ''Kotaku'',<ref name="Kotaku: Rank" /> ''USgamer'',<ref name="USG: All" /> ''Vice''<ref name="Vice: OST" />}} ''GamesRadar+'' felt ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} increased speed and emphasis on spectacle positively influenced the series.<ref name="GRadar: Best" /> Conversely, its focus on multiple characters with different gameplay styles has been divisive.<ref name="Poly: Adv3" /><ref name="GR+: Oct2012" /> While ''IGN'' praised the gameplay variety,<ref name="IGN: Best" /> ''Kotaku'' noted that many only like the Sonic and Shadow levels;<ref name="Kotaku: Rank" /> retrospective reviewers have criticized the other characters as frustrating and cumbersome.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references: ''The Escapist'',<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> ''Game Informer'',<ref name="GI: Every" /> ''Kotaku'',<ref name="Kotaku: Rank" /> ''Nintendo Life''<ref name="NLife: Review" /> and ''Vice''<ref name="Vice: OST" />}} ''Game Informer'' found Tails and Eggman's levels fine, but Knuckles and Rouge's annoying.<ref name="GI: Every" /> ''Nintendo Life'' disagreed, writing Knuckles and Rouge were "entertaining enough" while Tails and Eggman were "rubbish".<ref name="NLife: Review" /> To ''TechRadar'', the gameplay variety meant the quality of levels fluctuated more than it did in ''Adventure'', though Sonic and Shadow's levels were a significant improvement.<ref name="TechRadar: Best" /> ''Kotaku'' appreciated the other characters' levels for their immersion, despite their poor quality.<ref name="Kotaku: Rank" />

Additional criticism has been directed at the camera for obscuring enemies and platforms,<ref name="VB: Retrospective" /><ref name="Destruct: 2012Review" /> poor voice acting and [[audio mixing]],<ref name="Escapist: Important" /><ref name="Destruct: 2012Review" /><ref name="NLife: Review" /> and the story.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references: ''Destructoid'',<ref name="Destruct: 2012Review" /> ''The Escapist'',<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> ''VentureBeat'',<ref name="VB: Retrospective" /> and ''Vice''<ref name="Vice: OST" />}} The audio mixing, in which characters' dialogue in cutscenes frequently overlaps, has been described as infamous.<ref name="Escapist: Important" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cowan |first1=Danny |title=Sonic Adventure 2 cutscene recreation is no faker |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014-07-07-sonic-adventure-2-cutscene-recreation-is-no-faker.html |website=[[Engadget]] |access-date=April 28, 2024 |date=July 7, 2014 |archive-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428100925/https://www.engadget.com/2014-07-07-sonic-adventure-2-cutscene-recreation-is-no-faker.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Escapist'' and ''[[VentureBeat]]'' called the story nonsensical,<ref name="VB: Retrospective" /><ref name="Escapist: Important" /> ''Destructoid'' said it "almost feels like work to get through",<ref name="Destruct: 2012Review" /> and ''Vice'' jokingly compared it to a [[Bob Books]] take on ''[[Armageddon (1998 film)|Armageddon]]''.<ref name="Vice: OST" /> ''Nintendo Life'' felt the plot would have been interesting were it not for the [[plot hole]]s caused by events playing out differently across campaigns.<ref name="NLife: Review">{{cite web |last1=Reece |first1=Mark |title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle Review (GameCube) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/10/sonic_adventure_2_battle_retro |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=October 7, 2011 |archive-date=September 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926181255/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/10/sonic_adventure_2_battle_retro |url-status=live }}</ref> However, ''VentureBeat'' praised the good-vs.-evil presentation as clever and adding unexpected nuance to the villains' motivations,<ref name="VB: Retrospective" /> and ''[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]'' said the story was one of ''Sonic''{{'s}} best despite some melodramatic moments. They highlighted the scene in which Eggman destroys the Moon as considerably more impactful than his schemes in later games.<ref name="RPS: Played" />

''VentureBeat'' wrote that ''Adventure 2'' did not hold up to modern standards, finding its camera and reliance on trial-and-error design outdated,<ref name="VB: Retrospective" /> and ''Destructoid'' said it was only redeemed by how engaging the Chao Garden was.<ref name="Destruct: 2012Review" /> A ''Vice'' writer, while playing ''Adventure 2'' for the first time in a decade, said that "[I've] been forced to reconcile my nostalgia with the harsh reality that it is not a terrific game".<ref name="Vice: OST" /> ''VentureBeat'' wrote that it was more worth remembering for its historical significance as the last ''Sonic'' game for a Sega console than it was worth replaying.<ref name="VB: Retrospective" /> Others conceded that ''Adventure 2'' is flawed, but argued this was negated by its merits.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references: ''Kotaku'',<ref name="Kotaku: Rank" /> ''TechRadar'',<ref name="TechRadar: Best" /> and ''USgamer''<ref name="USG: All" />}} ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' said ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} many "bizarre design choices" made it endearing,<ref name="NLife: Chao" /> and ''Kotaku'' said it "felt equal parts triumphant and bittersweet... ''Adventure 2'' has plenty of flaws, but you can tell Sonic Team was working hard to build off the best parts of its previous ''Adventure'' and play out Sega’s home console era with style."<ref name="Kotaku: Rank" />

Following ''Adventure 2'', ''Sonic''{{'s}} critical standing began to decline,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hester |first1=Blake |title=Sonic the Hedgehog's long, great, rocky history |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/8/10756318/sonic-the-hedgehog-great-rocky-history |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=February 8, 2016 |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615135052/https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/8/10756318/sonic-the-hedgehog-great-rocky-history |url-status=live }}</ref> which ''VentureBeat'' attributed to Sega "depending on stupid gimmicks to sell their most iconic property" following the third-party transition.<ref name="VB: Retrospective" /> ''The Escapist'' wrote that subsequent ''Sonic'' games, such as ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'' (2008), and ''[[Sonic Forces]]'' (2017), attempted to replicate the ''Adventure 2'' format of varied gameplay styles, but failed because they did not develop each style fully.<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> ''VentureBeat'' said ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} alternate gameplay styles were natural additions to ''Sonic'' whereas those in subsequent games, such as ''Unleashed''{{'s}} [[werewolf|Werehog]] segments and ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]''{{'s}} (2009) swordplay, were not.<ref name="VB: Retrospective" />

=== City Escape ===
[[File:Sonic in SA2.jpg|thumb|right|alt=City streets with traffic, viewed from above|Journalists have described City Escape, ''Sonic Adventure 2''{{'s}} first level, as one of the best opening stages in a video game.]]
''Sonic Adventure 2''{{'s}} first level, City Escape, has been described as one of the best opening stages in a video game.<ref name="Destruct: City">{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/is-world-1-1-the-greatest-first-level-ever/ |title=Is World 1-1 the greatest first level ever? |work=[[Destructoid]] |last=Hovermale |first=Chris |date=May 6, 2018 |accessdate=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428052636/https://www.destructoid.com/is-world-1-1-the-greatest-first-level-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="RB: Opening">{{cite web |url=https://www.redbull.com/us-en/the-greatest-ever-video-game-opening-levels |title=The greatest video game opening levels of all time |work=[[Red Bull]] |last=Sillis |first=Ben |date=October 5, 2016 |accessdate=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428053328/https://www.redbull.com/us-en/the-greatest-ever-video-game-opening-levels |url-status=live }}</ref> The level, which serves as a tutorial,<ref name="Destruct: City" /> depicts Sonic as he escapes GUN and features sequences in which he snowboards through streets and outruns a murderous truck.<ref name="IGN: First" /><ref name="RB: Opening" /> ''[[Red Bull]]'' said it was "unquestionably ''Sonic''{{'s}} finest hour since the [Genesis] days",<ref name="RB: Opening" /> and ''Destructoid'' called it a perfect introduction to modern ''Sonic'' gameplay that encapsulates the strengths of the ''Adventure'' games.<ref name="Destruct: City" /> ''USgamer'' wrote that ''Adventure 2'' is remembered more for City Escape than anything else,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/whats-your-favorite-sonic-the-hedgehog-game-2019 |title=What's Your Favorite Sonic the Hedgehog Game? |work=[[USgamer]] |last=McCarthy |first=Caty |date=May 3, 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001062256/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/whats-your-favorite-sonic-the-hedgehog-game-2019 |archivedate=October 1, 2020 |accessdate=April 28, 2023}}</ref> and ''Polygon'' said that it "represents the epitome of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''. It's fast-paced, full of secret pathways, and more than a little absurd."<ref name="Poly: Escape">{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |last2=Kollar |first2=Phillip |title=The Sonic series' high point is not a game |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/5/12053024/sonic-adventure-2-city-escape-best-song-ever |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |date=July 5, 2016 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230215534/https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/5/12053024/sonic-adventure-2-city-escape-best-song-ever |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Polygon'' considered "Escape from the City", the City Escape theme song, the peak of the ''Sonic'' franchise, with an energetic composition and hopeful lyrics that encapsulate Sonic's character. The song was remixed in ''[[Sonic Generations]]'' (2011) and featured in the ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series of [[crossover (fiction)|crossover]] games.<ref name="Poly: Escape" /> Senoue and the band Hyper Potions produced an [[Music of Ireland|Irish-themed]] remix for a collaboration between [[Jacksepticeye]] and the ''Sonic'' social media team on [[St. Patrick's Day]] 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Olson |first=Matthew |date=March 17, 2020 |title=Sega Celebrates St. Patrick's Day With a Sonic OC: Irish the Hedgehog |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/sega-celebrates-st-patricks-day-with-a-sonic-oc-irish-the-hedgehog |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617103103/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/sega-celebrates-st-patricks-day-with-a-sonic-oc-irish-the-hedgehog |archivedate=June 17, 2020 |accessdate=April 28, 2023 |work=[[USgamer]]}}</ref> Sega produced two remixes in 2021: a [[Sonic 30th Anniversary Symphony]] remix in June and a [[funk music|funk]] remix in December.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lada |first1=Jenni |title=Persona 5 Singer Lyn Sings Sonic Adventure 2's 'Escape from the City' |url=https://www.siliconera.com/persona-5-singer-lyn-sings-sonic-adventure-2-escape-from-the-city/ |website=[[Siliconera]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=December 16, 2021 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426161550/https://www.siliconera.com/persona-5-singer-lyn-sings-sonic-adventure-2-escape-from-the-city/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The original is a selectable song in Sega's ''[[Samba de Amigo: Party Central]]'' (2023), a [[rhythm game]] which includes a City Escape-based stage.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hagues |first1=Alana |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Samba De Amigo: Party Central Welcomes Sonic To The Maraca Mayhem |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/03/samba-de-amigo-party-central-welcomes-sonic-to-the-maraca-mayhem |access-date=April 18, 2024 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426232255/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/03/samba-de-amigo-party-central-welcomes-sonic-to-the-maraca-mayhem |url-status=live }}</ref> Poley described "Escape from the City" as his biggest hit, though he does not receive any [[royalties]].<ref name="Vice: Glam" />

''Generations'', which commemorates the franchise's 20th anniversary, features reimagined versions of levels from past ''Sonic'' games, including 2D and 3D reimaginings of City Escape. The 2D version features the "Classic" iteration of Sonic racing the truck as it moves between the background and foreground, while the 3D version features shortcuts that take advantage of ''Generations''{{'s}} mechanics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/on-remaking-sonic-adventure-2s-city-escape-for-sonic-generations/ |title=On Remaking Sonic Adventure 2's City Escape For Sonic Generations |work=[[Siliconera]] |date=June 14, 2011 |accessdate=April 27, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044157/https://www.siliconera.com/on-remaking-sonic-adventure-2s-city-escape-for-sonic-generations/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IG">{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2011/09/26/51767.html |title=【TGS 2011】20周年でしか出来ないチャレンジを・・・『ソニック ジェネレーションズ』飯塚氏インタビュー |work=Inside Games |last=Tsuchimoto |first=Manabu |date=26 September 2011 |accessdate=April 27, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428004352/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2011/09/26/51767.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Kotaku'' regarded ''Generations''{{'s}} City Escape as one of the most impactful moments of 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/my-top-10-moving-moments-in-gaming-2011-5870569 |title=My Top 10 Moving Moments in Gaming 2011 |work=[[Kotaku]] |last=Carolan |first=Chris |date=December 26, 2011 |accessdate=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428054218/https://kotaku.com/my-top-10-moving-moments-in-gaming-2011-5870569 |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[PCMag]]'' considered it a highlight, a "prime example" of Sonic Team drawing inspiration from the franchise's history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://in.pcmag.com/nintendo-ds-products/92212/sonic-generations |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617091429/https://in.pcmag.com/nintendo-ds-products/92212/sonic-generations |title=Sonic Generations |work=[[PCMag]] |date=October 31, 2011 |archivedate=June 17, 2020 |accessdate=April 28, 2023}}</ref>

=== Influence ===
''Sonic Adventure 2''{{'s}} GameCube port introduced ''Sonic'' to a new audience of [[Millennials]] and, alongside the compilation ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]'' (2002), built a new fanbase following Sega's third-party transition. For this reason, ''The Escapist'' regarded it as possibly the most important ''Sonic'' game and said that while some later ''Sonic'' games were better, "[they] didn’t do nearly as much to energize or even create a new fanbase".<ref name="Escapist: Important" /> Additionally, the GameCube port paved the way for a closer relationship between Sega and Nintendo after a decade of [[console war]] hostility. Several subsequent ''Sonic'' games were exclusive to Nintendo platforms and Sonic appeared alongside Nintendo's mascot [[Mario]] in the ''Mario & Sonic'' and ''Super Smash Bros.'' games.<ref name="Escapist: Important" />

Sonic Team continued the gameplay style established by the ''Adventure'' games in ''Heroes'' and ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' before going in a new direction with ''Unleashed'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Beaudette |first1=Matt |title=Sonic Hasn't Been Bad In A Long Time |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/articles/opinion/features/sonic-hasnt-been-bad-in-a-long-time/73467/ |website=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=April 16, 2024 |date=February 10, 2014 |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206111326/https://hardcoregamer.com/articles/opinion/features/sonic-hasnt-been-bad-in-a-long-time/73467/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which was conceived as a sequel to ''Adventure 2'' before becoming a standalone game.<ref name="cvg_onm">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=186523|title=Sonic Unleashed "has no relation" to Sonic 360/PS3|last=Robinson|first=Andy|date=April 9, 2008|work=[[Computer and Video Games]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412234659/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=186523|archive-date=April 12, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=April 13, 2008}}</ref> ''Adventure 2''{{'s}} emphasis on spectacle influenced subsequent ''Sonic'' games.<ref name="GRadar: Best" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Higham |first1=Rupert |title=Interview: Sonic Team's Takashi Iizuka |url=http://www.videogamesdaily.com/interviews/201010/interview-sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka/2/ |website=Kikizo |access-date=April 28, 2024 |page=2 |date=October 6, 2010 |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128101817/http://www.videogamesdaily.com/interviews/201010/interview-sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka/2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the first ''Sonic'' game to feature rail grinding,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans-Thirlwell |first1=Edwin |title=Why did 3D Sonic struggle? |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/why-did-3d-sonic-fail |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |date=August 28, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418182309/https://www.eurogamer.net/why-did-3d-sonic-fail |url-status=live }}</ref> a mechanic used in nearly every subsequent ''Sonic'' game.<ref name="PCGN: Soap" /> ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]'' (2022) features levels that recreate the layouts of the ''Adventure 2'' stages Metal Harbor, Green Forest, and Sky Rail,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Taylor-Kent |first1=Oscar |title=Sonic Frontiers review: "No sense of momentum whatsoever" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-frontiers-review/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |date=November 8, 2022}}</ref> and Sonic's Soap shoes are available as DLC.<ref name="PCGN: Soap">{{cite web |last1=Irwin |first1=Dave |title=How to get the Sonic Frontiers Soap Shoes DLC |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/sonic-frontiers/dlc |website=[[PCGamesN]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |date=November 9, 2022 |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418182310/https://www.pcgamesn.com/sonic-frontiers/dlc |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Sonic'' fans have requested ''Adventure 3'',<ref name="Escapist: Important" /><ref name="Poly: Adv3">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/19/16333174/sonic-adventure-3-will-never-happen|title=Sonic Adventure 3 may never happen|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|date=September 19, 2017|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=November 16, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117065830/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/19/16333174/sonic-adventure-3-will-never-happen|url-status=live}}</ref> but Iizuka said this would not advance the series' design.<ref name="Poly: Adv3" />

According to ''[[PC Gamer]]'', Shadow is the most famous modern ''Sonic'' character.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fenlon |first1=Wes |title=Shadow the Hedgehog is in the next Sonic movie and all I can think about now is which Hollywood tough guy will voice him |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/shadow-the-hedgehog-is-in-the-next-sonic-movie-and-all-i-can-think-about-now-is-which-hollywood-tough-guy-will-voice-him/ |website=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |date=November 30, 2023 |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418182310/https://www.pcgamer.com/shadow-the-hedgehog-is-in-the-next-sonic-movie-and-all-i-can-think-about-now-is-which-hollywood-tough-guy-will-voice-him/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He returned as a playable character in ''Heroes'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/03/sonic-heroes-profiles-team-dark|title=Sonic Heroes Profiles: Team Dark|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|date=December 2, 2003|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212529/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/03/sonic-heroes-profiles-team-dark|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Sonic the Hedgehog'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Castro |first1=Juan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-2 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Review |website=[[IGN]] |date=November 30, 2006 |access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031005431/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-2 |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> ''Sonic and the Black Knight'', and ''Forces''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-19-sonic-forces-will-let-you-play-as-shadow-the-hedgehog|title=Sonic Forces will let you play as Shadow the Hedgehog|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=September 19, 2017|website=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212449/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-19-sonic-forces-will-let-you-play-as-shadow-the-hedgehog|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, Naka said Sonic Team had determined Shadow was the most popular ''Sonic'' character excluding Sonic himself,<ref name="GSpy: Talks">{{cite web |last1=Kemps |first1=Heidi |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/articles/654/654735p1.html |title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks! |website=[[GameSpy]] |page=1 |date=September 30, 2005 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306212428/http://cube.gamespy.com/articles/654/654735p1.html |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> a finding reaffirmed in a 2009 Sega poll.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/event/016/index.html|title=ソニックチャンネル/イベント/ソニック キャラクター 人気投票 結果発表！|date=December 15, 2009|access-date=March 27, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215064017/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/event/016/index.html|archive-date=December 15, 2009|website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher=[[Sega]] |language=ja }}</ref> ''Sonic Generations'' includes Shadow as a boss,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gilbert |first1=Henry |title=Sonic Generations bosses trailer shows some of the jerks youll be jumping on |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-generations-bosses-trailer-shows-some-jerks-youll-be-jumping/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=April 18, 2024 |date=October 1, 2011 |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418180654/https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-generations-bosses-trailer-shows-some-jerks-youll-be-jumping/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Nintendo 3DS]] version includes the Biolizard boss.<ref name="enix">{{cite web|last1=Hammond|first1=Joe|title=Game Music :: Sonic Generations Original Soundtrack -Blue Blur|url=http://squareenixmusic.com/reviews/joehammond/sonicgenerations.shtml|website=Square Enix Music Online|access-date=September 29, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331145059/http://squareenixmusic.com/reviews/joehammond/sonicgenerations.shtml|archive-date=March 31, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A 2024 ''Generations'' rerelease was bundled with ''[[Shadow Generations]]'', a Shadow game that features recreations of ''Adventure 2'' levels and bosses.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=Sonic x Shadow Generations: It Is Better To Have Lived And Learned |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/06/08/it-is-better-to-have-lived-and-learned |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609062943/https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2024/06/08/it-is-better-to-have-lived-and-learned |url-status=live |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |website=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=June 9, 2024 |date=June 8, 2024}}</ref> Rouge also became a recurring character;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=The 10 Worst Characters In Sonic History |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/16/10-worst-sonic-the-hedgehog-characters.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517235903/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/16/10-worst-sonic-the-hedgehog-characters.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=May 17, 2015 |website=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=May 16, 2015}}</ref> a 2006 Sega poll found her the tenth-most-popular ''Sonic'' character.<ref name="poll">{{cite web |author=[[Sonic Team]]|publisher=[[Sega]] |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/event/016/index.html |title=ソニック キャラクター 人気投票 結果発表! |trans-title=Sonic character popularity poll results announced |date=June 23, 2006 |access-date=July 14, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061107081521/http://sonic.sega.jp/event/016/index.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = November 7, 2006}}</ref>

"Live & Learn" remains a popular ''Sonic'' song.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cripe |first1=Michael |title=Sonic 3 Will Feature Sonic Adventure 2's Beloved Song 'Live and Learn,' Band Confirms |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-3-will-feature-sonic-adventure-2s-beloved-song-live-and-learn-band-confirms |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=February 7, 2024 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426172813/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-3-will-feature-sonic-adventure-2s-beloved-song-live-and-learn-band-confirms |url-status=live }}</ref> It has appeared in at least 25 games since ''Adventure 2'', including non-''Sonic'' games such as the ''[[Maimai (video game series)|Maimai]]'', ''[[Phantasy Star]]'', ''Super Smash Bros.'', and ''[[Yakuza (franchise)|Yakuza]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Valentine |first1=Rebekah |title=Writer of Beloved Sonic the Hedgehog Song 'Live and Learn' Is Suing Sega |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/writer-of-beloved-sonic-the-hedgehog-song-live-and-learn-is-suing-sega |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=December 19, 2024 |date=December 19, 2024 |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219165658/https://www.ign.com/articles/writer-of-beloved-sonic-the-hedgehog-song-live-and-learn-is-suing-sega |url-status=live }}</ref> Crush 40 performed a remix featuring the [[Prague Philharmonic Orchestra]] as the finale of the Sonic 30th Anniversary Symphony.<ref name="StillCrying">{{cite web |last1=Shepard |first1=Kenneth |title=I'm Still Crying About the Sonic Symphony Concert Days Later |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/trending/sonic-the-hedgehog-30th-anniversary-symphony-concert/ |website=Fanbyte |date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=July 10, 2023 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625175015/https://www.fanbyte.com/trending/sonic-the-hedgehog-30th-anniversary-symphony-concert/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, Gioeli filed a lawsuit against Sega for [[breach of contract]] regarding the ownership of "Live & Learn"; he said that he was unaware that Sega kept reusing the song, to which he claimed the copyright. He sought {{US$}}500,000 in damages and another {{US$}}500,000 in unpaid royalties for its use outside of ''Adventure 2''.<ref name="Poly: LaLLawsuit">{{cite web |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |title='Live and Learn' musician suing Sega over ownership of iconic Sonic the Hedgehog song |url=https://www.polygon.com/news/498953/sonic-music-live-and-learn-copyright-lawsuit-crush-40-sega |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=December 18, 2024 |date=December 18, 2024 |archive-date=December 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218164213/https://www.polygon.com/news/498953/sonic-music-live-and-learn-copyright-lawsuit-crush-40-sega |url-status=live }}</ref> The lawsuit was [[dismissed with prejudice]] in August 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yarwood |first1=Jack |last2=McFerran |first2=Damien |title=Crush 40 Singer Johnny Gioeli Loses Legal Battle With Sega Over Ownership Of Sonic Adventure 2's 'Live & Learn' |url=https://www.timeextension.com/news/2025/09/crush-40-singer-johnny-gioeli-loses-legal-battle-with-sega-over-ownership-of-sonic-adventure-2s-live-and-learn |website=[[Time Extension]] |access-date=September 23, 2025 |date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>

===Adaptations===
{{see also|List of Sonic the Hedgehog features|l1=List of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' features|List of Sonic the Hedgehog printed media|l2=printed media}}

''Sonic Adventure 2'' was adapted in the second season of the [[anime]] series ''[[Sonic X]]'' (2003–2006). The Japanese voice cast reprised their roles for the adaptation, while the licensing corporation [[4Kids Entertainment]], which handled the [[Editing of anime in distribution|American localization]], hired a new voice cast for the English dub.<ref name="them">{{cite web |url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355 |publisher=THEM Anime |last=Jones |first=Tim |title=Sonic X |access-date=April 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915060412/http://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355 |archive-date=September 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although Archie Comics did not adapt ''Adventure 2'' in full in its ''Sonic'' comic, it did so in the second issue of the spin-off publication ''[[Sonic Universe]]'' in March 2009; the adaptation was written by [[Ian Flynn]] and penciled by [[Tracy Yardley]] and [[Steven Butler]].{{sfn|Flynn|Butler|Kaminski|2009|p=23}}

The live-action feature film ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (2024) is an adaptation of ''Adventure 2''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Russell |first1=Bradley |title=Sonic 3 producer says it's going to be a 'giant, fun, incredible movie' that 'takes a lot from Sonic Adventure 2' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-3-tease-sonic-adventure-2-inspiration/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=April 23, 2024 |date=April 22, 2024 |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422165023/https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-3-tease-sonic-adventure-2-inspiration/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuhnke |first1=Oisin |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 looks to be giving fans everything they want in its first trailer - Keanu Reeves, sad Shadow backstory, classic music and all |url=https://www.vg247.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-first-trailer-has-keanu-reeves-sad-shadow-backstory-classic-music |website=[[VG247]] |access-date=January 9, 2025 |date=August 27, 2024 |archive-date=January 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111145302/https://www.vg247.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-first-trailer-has-keanu-reeves-sad-shadow-backstory-classic-music |url-status=live }}</ref> It features several scenes that reference ''Adventure 2'', such as Shadow's captivity in a GUN facility, Sonic leaping out of a helicopter, and Sonic and Shadow collaborating to stop the Eclipse Cannon.<ref name="GRadar: 30Big">{{cite web |last1=Russell |first1=Bradley |title=Sonic 3 Easter eggs: The 30 biggest references to Sonic's game history and beyond |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/live-action-movies/sonic-3-easter-eggs-references-sonic-adventure-2/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=December 22, 2024 |date=December 20, 2024 |archive-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222165528/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/live-action-movies/sonic-3-easter-eggs-references-sonic-adventure-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Live & Learn" is featured throughout as a [[leitmotif]] and the song plays during the climax.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Russell |first1=Bradley |title=There was 'no version' of Sonic 3 that wouldn't include Live and Learn according to director Jeff Fowler: 'The fans would hunt me down' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/live-action-movies/there-was-no-version-of-sonic-3-that-wouldnt-include-live-and-learn-according-to-director-jeff-fowler-the-fans-would-hunt-me-down/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=December 22, 2024 |date=December 21, 2024 |archive-date=December 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222054651/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/live-action-movies/there-was-no-version-of-sonic-3-that-wouldnt-include-live-and-learn-according-to-director-jeff-fowler-the-fans-would-hunt-me-down/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the film mostly follows the ''Adventure 2'' story, it features some differences, such as the absence of City Escape and Gerald Robotnik appearing alive in the present rather than being limited to [[Flashback (narrative)|flashbacks]].<ref name="GRadar: 30Big" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Emily |last2=Russell |first2=Bradley |title=Sonic 3 didn't relegate Gerald Robotnik to Sonic Adventure 2-style flashbacks so he could be 'more of a present danger' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/family-movies/sonic-3-didnt-relegate-gerald-robotnik-to-sonic-adventure-2-style-flashbacks-so-he-could-be-more-of-a-present-danger/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=January 9, 2025 |date=December 23, 2024 |archive-date=December 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227175840/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/family-movies/sonic-3-didnt-relegate-gerald-robotnik-to-sonic-adventure-2-style-flashbacks-so-he-could-be-more-of-a-present-danger/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The writers, [[Patrick Casey (writer)|Pat Casey]] and [[Josh Miller (filmmaker)|Josh Miller]], did not have time to replay ''Adventure 2'' and based the adaptation on what they remembered.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Valentine |first1=Rebekah |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Writers Tell Us About the Film's Inspirations, Future, and if Chao Are Real |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-writers-tell-us-about-the-films-inspirations-future-and-if-chao-are-real |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=January 9, 2025 |date=December 27, 2024}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist|30em}}

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

=== Works cited ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite magazine |title=Dreamcast Preview: Sonic Adventure 2 |journal=[[Game Informer]] |date=July 2000 |volume=10 |issue=7 |page=74 |ref={{SfnRef|''Game Informer'' staff|2000}} |publisher=[[FuncoLand]] |location=[[Minneapolis]] |issn=1067-6392}}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Flynn |first1=Ian |last2=Butler |first2=Steven |last3=Kaminski |first3=Paul |title=Sonic the Hedgehog in Off-Panel |journal=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] |date=March 25, 2009 |issue=2 |page=23 |publisher=[[Archie Comics]] |location=[[Pelham, New York|Pelham]] |issn=2157-3050}}
* {{cite book |last1=Kent |first1=Steven L. |title=[[The Ultimate History of Video Games]] |date=2001 |publisher=[[Three Rivers Press]] |location=New York City |isbn=0-7615-3643-4}}
* {{cite magazine|date=June 23, 2011|title=Mini Making of... Sonic Adventure|journal=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=91|pages=34–35|ref={{SfnRef|''Retro Gamer'' staff|2011}}|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|location=[[Bournemouth]] |issn=1742-3155}}
* {{cite magazine |author1=''ODCM'' staff |title=D-Mail |journal=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (US magazine)|Official Dreamcast Magazine]] |date=2000 |issue=10 |pages=8–10 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |location=[[New York City|New York]] |issn=1525-1764}}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Penders |first1=Ken |title=This Just In! With Ken Penders |journal=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] |date=June 13, 2001 |issue=98 |page=27 |publisher=[[Archie Comics]] |location=[[Pelham, New York|Pelham]]|issn=1070-5090}}
* {{cite book |last1=Petronille |first1=Mark |last2=Audureau |first2=William |title=The History of Sonic the Hedgehog |date=January 1, 2013 |publisher=Pix'n Love |isbn=978-1926778563 |language=en |location=[[Houdan]]}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Smith|first=Sean|year=2006|title=Company Profile: Sonic Team|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|issue=26|pages=24–29|issn=1742-3155|location=[[Bournemouth]]}}
* {{cite magazine |date=January 2004 |title=Takashi Iizuka Q&A |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |issue=175 |page=50 |issn=1041-9551 |location=[[Redmond, Washington|Redmond]] |ref={{SfnRef|''Nintendo Power'' staff|2004}} }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category-inline|Sonic Adventure}}
* ''[http://dc.sega.jp/game_sonic2.html Sonic Adventure 2]'' at Sega's Dreamcast Minisite {{in lang|ja}}
* ''[http://www.sega.com/games/sonic-adventure-2/ Sonic Adventure 2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130145812/https://www.sega.com/games/sonic-adventure-2/ |date=January 30, 2020 }}'' at sega.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120414181357/http://www.sonicteam.com/sonic2b/en/index.html ''Sonic Adventure 2 Battle''] at sonicteam.com

{{Sonic the Hedgehog}}
{{Sonic Team}}
{{Portal bar|Video games|2000s|Japan}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2001 video games]]
[[Category:3D platformers]]
[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:GameCube games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Sega Studio USA games]]
[[Category:Sonic Team games]]
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog video games|Adventure 2]]
[[Category:Video games about terrorism]]
[[Category:Sequel video games]]
[[Category:Video games about genetic engineering]]
[[Category:Video games about impact events]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games produced by Yuji Naka]]
[[Category:Video games set in outer space]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional islands]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Jun Senoue]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Fumie Kumatani]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Tomoya Ohtani]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Kenichi Tokoi]]