Multiple reviewers found the gameplay similar to that of the Genesis "Sonic" games. "GameSpot" found "Sonic Heroes" the closest Sonic Team ever got to recreating the classic 2D "Sonic" gameplay in 3D. They praised the game for stripping away the shooting and hunting elements from the "Sonic Adventure" games, and called it "a purer, more action-packed Sonic experience" than previous games. "IGN" considered "Sonic Heroes" a major improvement from "Sonic Adventure", writing ""Sonic Heroes" does an absolutely sensational job of re-creating the intensely fast and unpredictable looping, corkscrewing stages from the classic games in 3D". "1UP.com" and "GameSpy" agreed that the game was a step in the right direction for the series. Reviewers called the casino level, Bingo Highway, a highlight.