The action takes place in simple, confined arenas that all have a similar layout. Occasionally characters will vanish behind a platform, which pretty much leaves you fighting blind. However, the action is so fast and furious (this is a Sonic game, after all) that no one stays in one place for long. You can choose from three types of special attacks, as well as Ground, Aerial, and Defense fighting techniques, and extensively customize your fighter of choice.

The paper-thin Story Mode introduces a robot named Emerl. A hapless pawn of the dastardly Dr. Eggman (who else?), Emerl is discovered by Sonic, whose friend, Tails, discovers that Emerl learns moves used against him. Tails teaches Sonic how to execute Heavy Moves (press Toward + B simultaneously) and Upper Moves (press Away + B simultaneously). The bulk of Story Mode involves upgrading Emerl's fighting skills.

A highly customizable Training mode helps you master the intricacies of combat. You can fight your way through a tournament in Challenge mode. But the real fun comes in multiplayer mode. Up to four friends can link their systems together using the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable for team battles. Players can combine special attacks into devastating combos. There are also four multiplayer minigames.

Fast game play and furious battles starring Sonic, Tails, Shadow, Rogue the bat and more!

Eight playable characters and one mystery fighter to unlock

Multiple special attacks for each character, as well as team-based cooperative attacks

3D battles for up to four players, either solo or in teams

Single player mode lets you create and train your own AI fighter Features an additional Party Game that lets up to four players compete with one cartridge