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'{{Infobox VG | title = Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood | image = [[Image:The Dark Brotherhood.jpg|256px]] | caption = North American/European boxart | developer = [[BioWare]] | publisher = [[Sega]] | designer = | released = {{vgrelease|AUS=September 25, 2008<ref name="release_aus" />}}{{vgrelease|EU=September 26, 2008<ref name="scb_eu" />}}{{vgrelease|NA=September 30, 2008<ref name="playtm_gold" />}}{{vgrelease|JP=Summer 2009}} | genre = [[Console role-playing game]] | modes = [[Single-player]] | ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: E <br/> [[PEGI]]: 7+ <br/> [[OFLC]]: G<br/> CERO: A | platforms = [[Nintendo DS]] | media = | requirements = | input = }} '''''Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood''''' is a [[Nintendo DS]] [[console role-playing game]] based on the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' franchise, and developed by Canadian RPG developer [[BioWare]] as their first handheld video game project. The game initially focuses on the events surrounding the kidnapping of Knuckles and the disappearance of the [[Chaos Emeralds]] after the defeat of [[Dr. Eggman]],<ref name="igninterview">{{cite web| author=Matt Casamassina|url = http://ds.ign.com/articles/852/852731p1.html| title = Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Interview| date = 2008-02-15| publisher = [[IGN]]| accessdate = 2008-02-16}}</ref> before moving on to follow the cast of characters across two dimensions as they encounter a new ally, Shade the Echidna, and seek to stop the invasion of their world by Ix, the leader of Shade's tribe, the Nocturnus. The game was released in September 2008 in [[Australia]], [[Europe]] and then [[North America]]. It was generally received favourably by critics, who appreciated both the graphics and environments, as well as Sonic's overall transition to the role-playing genre; the story, seen as somewhat "lightweight" for a role-playing game and possibly more suitable for younger gamers, was received with mixed reactions, as were some gameplay elements, such as the combat system. It has been reveled that the game will get a Japanese release, with a special teaser site recently posted on the Japanese Sega website. It's likely the Japanese release will be in 2009. ==Gameplay== [[Image:Battle in Sonic Chronicles.jpg|thumb|125px|left|A battle scenario in ''Sonic Chronicles.'']] As with many RPGs, two main types of gameplay feature: exploration and combat. Exploration areas see the character being controlled by tapping the stylus where the player wants the character to go, while action buttons are used to traverse certain elements, such as loop-de-loops.<ref name="gamespot200804">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/sonicrpg/news.html?sid=6189256&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;1|author=Ricardo Torres|title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Hands-On|date=2008-04-15|publisher=Gamespot}}</ref> Navigation can also require a certain character to be in the lead for progress to continue, taking advantage of that character's special ability, be it flying, climbing, or jumping large gaps.<ref name="ignhandson1">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/866/866494p1.html|date=2008-04-15|author=Craig Harris|title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Hands-on|publisher=IGN UK}}</ref> Puzzle elements also feature, allowing the party to break up to complete the task, such as pressing switches in various areas.<ref name="ignhandson2">{{citeweb|url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/874/874573p1.html|author=Bozon|title=Hands-on Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Combat gameplay occurs when enemies are walked into, shifting the view to a close-up for turn-based battles to occur. Standard attacks are available, whilst special attacks, dubbed POW Moves, can be performed by rhythmically tapping the stylus. These will use up ''POW Points'', in a manner similar to ''Magic Points'' in other RPGs.<ref name="gamespot200804" /> Examples of individual special attacks include Sonic's ''Axe Kick'' and ''Whirlwind'', whilst some group-based special attacks require certain characters in the party, such as the ''Blue Bomber'', which requires both Sonic and Tails.<ref name="ignhandson2" /> After combat is complete, loot is available, ranging from healing items to character equipment - equippable in one of three slots per character - whilst experience points boost one of four attributes per character: speed, attack, defense, and luck.<ref name="gamespot200804" /> Characters can also collect and equip Chao, each with their own ability, to enhance a team member's status.<ref name="ignhandson1" /> These Chao are collectable and can be stored in the Chao Garden, and using the DS's wireless connectivity, players can swap the Chao they have collected.<ref name="cvgngamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=190471|author=NGamer Staff|title=DS Previews: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|accessdate=2008-06-09|quote=Fiddling with the item menus revealed that new character Shade will be playable, as will E-123 Omega, the clanking bot star of Sonic Heroes and Shadow The Hedgehog.}}</ref> The game features areas and music from previous Sonic games, such as [[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Green Hill Zone]], [[Sonic Adventure|Mystic Ruins]], [[Angel Island]] and [[Sonic Adventure 2|Central City]], while new areas also feature, such as Blue Ridge Zone.<ref name="igninterview" /> Most of the music in the game are arrangements of themes from [[Sonic 3D Blast]] (both the Sega Genesis and Sega Saturn/PC versions) and [[Sonic the Hedgehog CD|Sonic CD]] (both US and Japan soundtracks). It also features arragements of Final Boss and Doomsday from [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]. ==Plot== {{Unreferenced|date=November 2008}} The story of ''Sonic Chronicles'' is split into two acts, which are further divided into several chapters. The first takes place in Sonic's world, with the team attempting to unravel the situation they are in, whilst also stopping the [[Master Emerald]] from being taken. The second act sees Sonic and the team travelling to another dimension, called the Twilight Cage, in order to stop a new threat to their own world.<ref name="igninterview"/> ''Sonic Chronicles'' opens by detailing Eggman's defeat, and presumed death, some time ago after the destruction of the Egg Carrier at the hands of Sonic and friends.<ref name="plot_defeat">'''Eggman''': Ha ha ha ha ha! You may have damaged my new Egg Carrier, Sonic, but you'll never defeat me! '''Sonic''': We'll see about that, Eggman! Tails! How's it coming? '''Tails''': Almost there, Sonic! ''Tails breaks some wiring, causing the ship to plummet to the ground; they escape on the Tornado plane''. {{cite video game|title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|developer=BioWare|publisher=Sega|date=2008-09-30|platform=Nintendo DS|language=English}}</ref> In the present, Sonic is on vacation when he receives a call from Tails, stating that [[Knuckles]] has been kidnapped by a group called the Marauders, and have stolen the Chaos Emeralds.<ref name="igninterview"/><ref name="plot_tailscall">'''Tails''': We're in big trouble, Sonic. I don't know if you're heard, but [[Knuckles]] has gone missing. And so have the Chaos Emeralds! A group of criminals called the Marauders took him. Please, Sonic! We need your help! {{cite video game|title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|developer=BioWare|publisher=Sega|date=2008-09-30|platform=Nintendo DS|language=English}}</ref> Travelling with [[Amy Rose]] to meet Tails,<ref name="plot_meetamy">'''Amy''': Sonic! Boy, are you lucky I happened to come along! [...] Tails' workshop is still in the northeastern area of Central City, let's go {{cite video game|title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|developer=BioWare|publisher=Sega|date=2008-09-30|platform=Nintendo DS|language=English}}</ref> they are escorted by Rouge the Bat to meet the GUN Commander, who informs them that they have been watching the Marauders for some time, and know where to search.<ref name="plot_commander">'''Rouge''': Hello, boss. Someone here to see you. [...] '''Commander''': I believe that to stop the Marauders, you need to extract your friend Knuckles and learn everything you can about them.[...] As you know, we've been tracking the Marauders for some time. For a while, we had no luck. But recently, our satellites noticed some activity at four locations in Green Hill Zone and Central City. {{cite video game|title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|developer=BioWare|publisher=Sega|date=2008-09-30|platform=Nintendo DS|language=English}}</ref> Having no luck, they eventually locate the Marauders' base in the Mystic Ruins and with the help of [[Big the Cat]], they find Knuckles, who is found escaping from some robots; leaving the base, they find Angel Island has gone. Devices found in their initial search help them locate Eggman, who claims to be a reformed character, revealing that he survived the crash of the Egg Carrier by anticipating his own defeat and making a robot that would rescue him. He informs the team that Angel Island is being pulled to Metropolis, the location of the Marauders' main base. With Metropolis as their next destination, they meet Shadow and he joins up in order to find [[E-123 Omega]],<ref>[After defeating [[Shadow the Hedgehog]] for the third time.] '''[[Shadow the Hedgehog]]''': "The Marauders? Why would I work for them? I've been searching for E-123 Omega. But ever since I got here, these Marauders have been coming out of nowhere to stop me. I've decided to give any Marauders I find a severe beating. To put it mildly." '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''': "What happened to Omega?" '''Shadow''': "E-123 Omega is one of Eggman's most powerful robots. Unlike Eggman's other robots, however, Omega was... intelligent. He hated Eggman. Omega was trying to track down Eggman. I've searched all of Eggman's old hideouts for Omega, but no luck. I think maybe Omega went into Metropolis and he got disabled somehow. I was on my way to find him when you stopped me." '''Sonic''': "Why were you looking for him?" '''Shadow''': "Because a powerful and friendly Eggman robot is a valuable ally. Even the likes of you should understand that. More than that, though, he was my friend. And I won't let a friend rust in Metropolis at the hands of those Marauders." {{cite video game|title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|developer=BioWare|publisher=Sega|date=2008-09-30|platform=Nintendo DS|language=English}}</ref> but are attacked by Shade and her Marauders. She reveals herself to be an Echidna of the Nocturnus Tribe, leaving Knuckles, supposedly the last of the Echidnas, shocked. After her defeat, the team head to Angel Island to get the Master Emerald before the Marauders, but are shot down; they confront the Nocturnus leader, the Grand Imperator Ix, who reveals his plot to take over the dimension. Shade is shocked, having believed that Ix merely wanted to bring her clan back to Earth, as they had been sealed in an alternate dimension called the Twilight Cage. Tails and Eggman arrive with a non-lethal weapon, using it transport several of the Nocturnus back to the Twilight Cage, but Ix escapes and steals the Master Emerald. This causes Angel Island to fall from the sky, and Knuckles saves Shade as the island crashes into Metropolis. Tails and Eggman build a vehicle, dubbed the Cyclone, that will transport them to the other dimension, but Eggman claims he must remain to ensure their safe return; as they leave, he reveals that he has a more sinister plan in mind for them. Once in the Twilight Cage, the team encounter the rock-like Kron Colony, who assist them on their journey by providing them with a Chaos Emerald. Next, they meet the N'rrgal Colony, who will give the team their Chaos Emerald if they take a weapon from their enemies, the Zoah. Having gained the Zoah's weapon by defeating their leader in combat, the team discover it is another Chaos Emerald — the two races realise they have been duped by Ix, who gave them the Emeralds to keep each other in check. Two further Emeralds are found in the Voxai Colonies, inhabited by a telepathic race who have been controlled by a group of three Voxai known as the Overmind, whose dominating telepathic power stemmed from the use of Chaos Emeralds. The team defeat them, and the new leader gives them the two Emeralds that had been given to them by Ix. With the remaining two Emeralds on Nocturne, the team gathers the leaders of all encountered colonies and carry out a plan to invade the Nocturnus home world. The Voxai find weaknesses in the force field around the planet, the Zoah fly a spaceship created by the Kron towards it and launch a missile which deploys a small group of N'rrgal to eat a hole in the force field. Splitting into two teams, they defeat two Gizoids (Scylla and Charyb) who each use a Chaos Emerald to wield the elements of fire and water, and also lower the force field surrounding Nocturne in order to allow the invading forces from the other Twilight Cage races to attack. Both Knuckles and Sonic's team then fights Ix, and are victorious; Ix then uses the Master Emerald to achieve a Super Transformation, but Sonic uses the Chaos Emeralds to become Super Sonic, and defeats him. As Nocturne begins to fall, and is nearly destroyed, the team escapes to the Cyclone and heads back to Earth. Once back in Metropolis, they find Eggman waiting for them with a rebuilt Metropolis, and the team take the Cyclone to confront the new Eggman Empire. The game ends at this cliffhanger moment. ===Characters=== [[Image:Sonicchronicles shade.jpg|thumb|Shade, the new character in her battle armor]] The playable characters are separated into three "classes", depending on their role in battle. A character can be either a power class (such as Sonic), a shifter class (such as Amy) or a support class (such as Tails). Although most characters join the party automatically, Cream and Omega are unlocked by completing specific missions and are entirely optional. * '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'''<ref name="ignfront">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/objects/856/856273.html|title=IGN: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|publisher=IGN}}</ref> (Power) * '''[[Amy Rose]]'''<ref name="ignfront"/> (Shifter) * '''[[Miles "Tails" Prower]]'''<ref name="ignfront"/> (Support) * '''[[Rouge the Bat]]'''<ref name="ignfront"/> (Shifter) * '''[[Big the Cat]]'''<ref name="ignhandson2"/> (Support) * '''[[Knuckles the Echidna]]'''<ref name="ignfront"/> (Power) * '''[[Cream the Rabbit]]''' (Support) * '''[[Doctor Eggman]]'''<ref name="review_ign">{{cite web | url = http://ds.ign.com/articles/913/913197p1.html | publisher = IGN | accessdate = 2008-09-25 | date = 2008-09-24 | first = Mark | last = Bozon | title = IGN: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Review}}</ref> (Shifter) * '''[[Shadow the Hedgehog]]'''<ref name="ignfront"/> (Power) * '''[[E-123 Omega]]'''<ref name="cvgngamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=190471|author=NGamer Staff|title=DS Previews: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|accessdate=2008-06-09|quote=Fiddling with the item menus revealed that new character Shade will be playable, as will E-123 Omega, the clanking bot star of Sonic Heroes and Shadow The Hedgehog.}}</ref> (Power) * '''[[Shade]]'''<ref name="cvgngamer"/> (Power) ==Development== [[Image:ZoahTSS.jpg|thumb|Promotional artwork for the Zoah]] Development began in 2006 when BioWare began to look into developing a handheld video game project. Some time thereafter, the development of a Sonic handheld game began, and eventually the project had over 30 people involved.<ref name="igninterview" /> As BioWare's first handheld project, the BioWare development team, used to the long development cycles of PC and console games, had to adjust to the change of pace that handheld development brought.<ref name="palgn_interview" /> BioWare were fans of the Sonic series as a whole, and felt they could bring their reputation for strong story-driven games to expand the Sonic series.<ref name="igninterview" /> Whilst wanting to stay true to the Sonic franchise as a whole, they also wanted to add their own touches, such as introducing original, darker elements to the storyline; the second dimension, including its new characters and locations, was one such element.<ref name="palgn_interview" /> The design process for gameplay was built on the idea of satisfying four "activity pillars": story and character, encompassing characters that the player would want to get to know and spend time with; combat, encompassing conflict as the game progresses; progression customization, so that players are able to upgrade their characters as they see fit with such elements as new abilities and attributes; and exploration, in which the player can visit and explore many differing environments.<ref name="devdiary1">{{cite video |people= Raymond Muzyka (CEO) and Greg Zeschuk (President)|date2=2008-09-04 |month2=09 |year2=2008 |title = Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Nintendo DS Commentary - Bioware Dev Diary | url = http://uk.ds.ign.com/dor/objects/856273/sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood/videos/scdbdevdiary1.htm | medium = Documentary | publisher = IGN | accessdate=2008-11-25}}</ref> BioWare decided to opt for a look reminiscent of the early games in the Sonic series, and so opted for more flat-shaded, cartoon-like characters, as well as saturated, vibrant environments and backdrops.<ref name="devdiary2">{{cite video |people= Joel MacMillan (Lead Artist) |date2=2008-09-18 |month2=09 |year2=2008 |title = Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Nintendo DS Commentary - Developer Diary #2: Creating the Game | url = http://uk.ds.ign.com/dor/objects/856273/sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood/videos/scdbdevdi2.html | medium = Documentary | publisher = IGN | accessdate=2008-11-25}}</ref> [[Richard Jacques]], long-time producer of music for the Sonic series, composed some of the music tracks for ''Chronicles'', in the traditional Sonic style.<ref name="palgn_interview" /> During February 2008, Sega announced that it would be giving fans the opportunity to vote on the name of a hostile alien race that would appear within the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2008/02/19/sonic-chronicles%E2%84%A2-a-race-to-name/|title=SONIC CHRONICLES A RACE TO NAME|author=ArchangelUK|date=2008-03-19|publisher=Sega Europe}}</ref> From March 4, fans were invited to vote on Sega Europe's Sonic portal ''Sonic City'' for their preferred name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2008/03/04/sonic-chronicles-race-to-name-poll-is-live/|title=Sonic Chronicles: Race To Name - POLL IS LIVE|author=ArchangelUK|publisher=Sega Europe|date=2008-04-03}}</ref> The winning entry in the contest was announced as '''The Zoah''',<ref name="zoahname">{{cite web| author=Sega Europe|url = http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2008/03/19/zoah-far-zoah-good-the-winner-is-announced/| title = Sonic City Blognik| date = 2008-03-18| publisher = Sega Europe| accessdate = 2008-03-19}}</ref> a reference to the town in [[Panzer Dragoon Saga#Solo_Wing|Panzer Dragoon Saga]]. The name was suggested as a potential name initially by the Sega fan blog ''Sega Nerds''.<ref>{{cite web| author=Sega Nerds|url = http://www.seganerds.com/2008/03/19/sonic-chronicles-naming-contest-results-now-in/|title = seganerds| date = 2008-03-19| accessdate = 2008-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| author=SEGA America Blog|url = http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2008/03/21/sonic-chronicles-a-race-to-name-final-name-announced/|title = SEGA America Blog| date = 2008-03-21| accessdate = 2008-03-21}}</ref> The game went [[Gold release|gold]] on September 5, 2008,<ref name="playtm_gold">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/09_05_08_05_54PM.htm|title=Video Game News - SEGA Announces that Sonic Chronicles Goes Gold|publisher=play.tm|accessdate=2008-08-26|date=2008-09-05}}</ref> and was released at the end of the same month in Australia,<ref name="release_aus">{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/games.php?id=4985 | title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (Nintendo DS) - Game Details | publisher=PALGN | accessdate=2008-09-23}}</ref> Europe,<ref name="scb_eu">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2008/08/28/im-off-but-before-i-go/|title=Sonic City Blognik - I'm Off...But Before I Go|author=ArchangelUK|publisher=Sonic City Blognik|accessdate=2008-09-26|date=2008-08-28}}</ref> and then North America.<ref name="playtm_gold" /> ==Sequel== A sequel to the game is a possibility if the game performs well enough, and the developer, BioWare, has "a precise idea" for how the sequel should be made;<ref name="palgn_interview">{{cite interview |last=Kieken |first=Dorian |interviewer=Joseph Rositano |title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Interview |date=2008-09-06 |accessdate=2008-09-26 |url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=12392}}</ref> another indication of a potential sequel is the game's ending, which leaves the player with the message "THE END?"<ref name="review_ng">{{cite web | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=197716 | first = Matthew | last = Castle | title = Review: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood | accessdate = 2008-09-26 | date = 2008-09-24 | publisher = [[NGamer]]}}</ref> Producer Dorian Kieken later confirmed that the sequel to the game was already being written but the title is unknown.<ref name="sequel_interview">{{cite interview|last=Kieken |first=Dorian|subject=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|date=2008-09-28|accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://savygamer.co.uk/2008/09/savygamer-podcast-episode-6.html}}</ref> ==Reception== {{VG Reviews |EuroG = 7/10<ref name="review_eurog">{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=243188 | title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Review | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] | accessdate = 2008-09-24 | date = 2008-09-23 | first = Dan | last = Whitehead }}</ref> |GI = 8.5/10<ref name="review_gi">{{cite web | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/A2567996-CC5B-4431-B71A-D33536F0CE50.htm | first = Brian | last = Vore | accessdate = 2008-09-25 | title = Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood | work= [[Game Informer]]}}</ref> |1UP = A<ref name="review_1up">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170205&p=39 | title = Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Review | date = 2008-09-26 | accessdate = 2008-09-27 | first = Ryan | last = Scott | publisher = 1UP}}</ref> |IGN = 6.5/10<ref name="review_ign"/> |NG = 7.9/10<ref name="review_ng" /> |NP = 8/10<ref name="review_np">{{cite journal |last=Loe |first=Casey |year=2008 |month=November |title=The Wild Blue Yonder |journal=Nintendo Power|pages=p.&nbsp;96|url=http://www.tssznews.com/2008/09/18/nintendo-power-sonic-chronicles-review-scan/|accessdate=2008-09-20|volume=234}}</ref> |ONM = 93%<ref name="review_onm">{{cite web | url = http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=5942 | title = Review: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood | accessdate = 2008-09-27 | date = 2008-09-25 | first = Chris | last = Scullion | publisher = Official Nintendo Magazine}}</ref> |GR = 75%<ref name="agg_gamerankings">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/941521.asp | title = Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood | publisher = [[Game Rankings]] | accessdate = 2009-02-03 }}</ref> |MC = 74/100<ref name="agg_metacritic">{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/sonicchroniclesthedarkbrotherhood | title = Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (ds: 2008): Reviews | publisher = [[Metacritic]] | accessdate = 2009-02-03 }}</ref> }} ''Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood'' was generally received well by critics, garnering a 73 out of 100 average and "mixed or average reviews" at aggregate site [[Metacritic]], based on 54 reviews,<ref name="agg_metacritic" /> and a 75% average at [[Game Rankings]] based on 44 reviews.<ref name="agg_gamerankings" /> The game received positive reactions in the area of graphics and environments, being "bright, colorful, and cheery",<ref name="review_1up" /> "undeniably nice-looking" with "slick presentation",<ref name="review_eurog" /> and with cut-scenes that are "visually sharp".<ref name="review_gamepro">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/207226/sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood-ds/ | title = Review: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (DS) | publisher = GamePro | date = 2008-09-25 | accessdate = 2008-09-27 | first = Emily | last = Balistrieri }}</ref> As Sonic's first transition to the RPG genre, the overall scenario, including the game's story and dialog, were received with mixed reception. Critics acknowledged that, compared to other games in the genre, the "chapter-based story is predictably lightweight and cartoony",<ref name="review_1up" /> and though interesting enough, it "takes a backseat to the actual gameplay".<ref name="review_gamepro" /> Indeed, combined with a generally low difficulty level (also described as "phenomenally easy"<ref name="review_eurog" />), the story and scenario were cited as a good reason that this entry would be suitable as a role-playing game for younger gamers.<ref name="review_gamepro" /> Reviewers also agreed that the story only begins to become more elaborate and interesting in the second half of the game.<ref name="review_ng" /><ref name="review_ign" /> The cast of playable characters, who some reviewers acknowledged were less than well received in previous Sonic games,<ref name="review_ng" /><ref name="review_gi" /> were generally received well, and were "well written and likeable".<ref name="review_gi" /> Further to the reception of the RPG design, gameplay elements of the role-playing genre also received mixed reception. Some reviewers cited the "overbearing" battle system becoming "an annoyance",<ref name="review_np" /> whilst others found the combat system a "joy",<ref name="review_1up" /> with a good difficulty level and "some great tension".<ref name="review_gi" /> The lack of multiplayer options, aside from the ability to share Chao, were also seen as a disappointment.<ref name="review_3dj">{{cite web | url = http://www.3djuegos.com/juegos/analisis/2744/0/sonic-chronicles-la-hermandad-siniestra/ | title=Sonic Chronicles: La Hermandad Siniestra | publisher = 3DJuegos | accessdate = 2008-09-22 | date = 2008-09-22 | author = Jesús Bella Ceacero}}</ref> ==Other media== [[Archie Comics]] has made an adaption of Sonic Chronicles titled '''"Invaders from Beyond"''', featuring the kidnapping of [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Invaders from Beyond|issue=#191|date=2008-08-13|journal=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comic book)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]|publisher=[[Archie Comics]]}}</ref> The short strip only covers the what happened before the game's story, which acts as a sort of prologue, and ends by urging readers to buy Sonic Chronicles to find out "what happens next". ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== *[http://www.sega.com/sonicchronicles/us/index.php Official website] *[http://sonic.bioware.com Official Developer's Community site] {{Sonic games (handheld)}} {{Bioware}} [[Category:2008 video games]] [[Category:BioWare games]] [[Category:Nintendo DS games]] [[Category:Nintendo DS-only games]] [[Category:Sega games]] [[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog games]] [[Category:Video games developed in Canada]] [[fr:Sonic Chronicles : la Confrérie des ténèbres]] [[nl:Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]] [[ja:ソニック クロニクルズ]] [[pl:Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]] [[fi:Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]] [[th:โซนิคโครนิเคิลส์: เดอะดาร์คบราเธอร์ฮู้ด]]'