Sonic Heroes is a 3D action-platformer where you control a team of three characters, each with unique abilities. The goal is to navigate through levels quickly, defeat enemies, and collect rings. Your performance is measured by your time, ring collection, and enemy count, with better scores earning higher ranks on the level.
The game features four teams with distinct gameplay challenges: Team Sonic, Team Shadow, Team Rose, and Team Chaotix. Each team has its own set of playable characters, each with special abilities: speed, flight, or power. Additionally, the game includes four modes: Story Mode, where you play through levels as the story unfolds; Challenge Mode, allowing you to replay cleared levels; Battle Mode, a multiplayer mode for racing or battling opponents; and Tutorial Mode, teaching the basics of gameplay.