Sonic the Hedgehog is one of my earliest memories.
Throughout the 90's I had Sonic everything! Jumpers, socks, McDonalds toys, VHS tapes, the main reason I loved my Megadrive. Even learning to ride a bike I had a Sonic bicycle helmet - which I've never forgotten!
I would often go to friend's house just to watch them play Sonic Adventure in awe (I sadly wasn't allowed a Dreamcast as a kid) But one day, I got a Gamecube and BOY Sonic Adventure 2 Battle was by far my most anticipated and played game on the system to this day!
The game encapsulates all of the characters so well, the voice acting hits all the right notes, the characters are all fully realised and tbh the best versions of themselves. Slick for a new millenium but with character traits that all just make sense.
Knuckles being so chilled just works, Tails inventing so much to be useful to his hero, Sonic just works. And who can forget the addition of Shadow and Rouge!! Fantastic! Even Amy in the background has very touching moments.
And being able to play as so many of the cast in genuinely fun levels throughout.
It has a great balance and I wish the Adventure series had continued.
P.S. That multiplayer!