You'll take on side quests and fight in real-time throughout your journey too. By the way, don't bother importing this game, unless you don't mind playing offline. Playing the import version online is quite difficult. Just as promised. Silky smooth animation, very detailed 3D realms, and excellent sight distance combine to flex even more Dreamcast muscle than you've seen before.
Every locale is plush with activity too.
Sonic Team definitely knows how to use special effects, especially in a subtle manner. At the spaceport, random ships fly around like a real living city. Technique spells are laden with lighting and explosive effects. Shadows are realistically cast everywhere. The sun even peaks through branches and makes an impressive lens flare.