Could this be it? One of the greatest 3D Sonic games ever? Some "fans" may like to whine about the change of pace with the new werehog character, but I have to say...if you are looking for a new Sonic game, let this be the one you get.
Storyline: Let's start off with this. The game opens in a very nice scene with Sonic vs. Eggman. It's the final scene of the Sonic games before hand, but our game is just beginning this time. There is a nice twist this time though, Eggman succeeds in his plan! He captures Super Sonic and uses the energy of the chaos emeralds to fire a giant lazer that splits the Earth into pieces releasing Dark Gaia, which infects Sonic leaving him in a "Werehog" state whenever the sun goes down.
I think that is far as I am going to get without stepping into spoiler territory. So to summarize Sonic and co. Have to travel around the world piecing it back together. It's a lot more light hearted and fun than Sonic Adventure 2, or Sonic 06's story, but it's definately enjoyable along the way. (8/10) Graphics: This has probably been said many times, but it honestly looks like the company Pixar did this themselves. The graphics are more cartoonish than the Sonic games we have seen before, but they are stunning and fantastic in every aspect. No longer do the humans look out of place in the world of Sonic.
The graphics really shine during the day stages. You will be zooming through stages so fast that everything is not just a blur, but a beautifully designed blur. The stages have a great level of detail.
Overall, the graphics are amazing, and the best I have seen in a Sonic game. (10/10) Perfect! Sound:Not only is the game superb graphically, the music is outstanding for the most part as well. The main theme song of the game "Endless Possibility" done by Bowling for Soup is fantastic, and perfectly fits the game. The stages of the game are based on different countries, and the music will help greatly secure that feeling. Whether you are in in the stage themed like New York City, or Africa you will get great music to accompany it. The only thing people may find hard to swallow is the werehog battle theme every time monsters appear. It's over-used, but by no means terrible. (9/10)
Controls: I've seem some "Elite" review companies say the controls were a train-wreck, but honestly...They can take their lies and shove it. (Sorry, but when you do a video review while complaining about the controls...slowly come up to a ramp, then clearly take the time to jump over it and die...you have no right to give the game crap.)
There are a few problems though, such as at a very few places a homing attack wouldn't register, and you would probably die. It wasn't random, and it was always the same spot however. These instances have been patched the other day, and were very minor anyways. (9/10)
Gameplay:The game is split into two different genres. Both of which you will have to collect "Sun" and "Moon" medals to get. You can find them in the stages, and in the Hub towns. Most of which are out in the open, so you'll have no trouble getting enough to enter the stages. During the day you play as Sonic, and speed through stages, with occasional platforming along the way. If I could use one word to describe the day stages it would be "Fast", and I mean ridiculously fast. I have never seen Sonic move faster than I did with this game. To reach these extreme speeds you have to boost, or else Sonic will just go normally fast. Don't start thinking this is a hold forward/right fest and win though! Much like the older Sonic games there are elements of platforming to break up the stages. Don't go boosting your first time in a stage and expect to win either! Some of the stages get pretty tricky, and if you don't know what you are doing you will surely die. Save that boost for the second time through.
Now for the "dreaded" night stages. They are pretty good too, but different. You won't be going extremely fast anymore, but instead kicking the crap out of everything and platforming. You play as the Werehog, and go through stages in a beat-em-up platforming adventure. Despite being different, they were really fun once you start leveling up and getting more combos. (Yes, there is a leveling up system in the game for both Hedgehog and Werehog. Nothing much to really talk about it though.) There isn't a wide variety of enemies which is disappointing, but they make up for it in the number they send at you. So called "fans" may complain all they want, but the werehog is the best change of gameplay ever done in a 3D Sonic game. (9/10)
Replayability: Going back to play Sonic Unleashed when you beat it should be no problem. So many books, and music to collect. Hot Dog Missions to complete, and if you have the 360 version there are plenty of achievements that are fun to get. The levels themselves are fun enough to keep playing alone. (10/10) Conclusion:
Sonic Unleashed for Xbox360/PS3 does everything right for a Sonic game. (Even if people argue the werehog stages were not needed.) This is an excellent game, and should not be missed. Final Score: (9/10)
Your review makes me re-ponder my opinion on this one. I am a devout old-school Sonic The Hedgehog fan (think of the days back when STH1, 2, 3, S&K and Spinball were around). We got screwed over BAD when the Sega Saturn did some games, but then it was awesome to be a Sonic fan once again when the Dreamcast and the Sonic Adventures came out. =D Then it sucked again.... Sonic Heroes, Sonic Riders... and Shadow the Hedgehog, for me, were forgettable games. Sonic 360 came out and I finally thought "Ah! A return to Sonic Adventure's freeform layout?" Er, well... full of bugs, I could snowboard UP hills. Yeah, no thanks.
So I admit, I didn't have high hopes for this one until I read your (rather well described) review. I must ask though, How fast is the Werehogness compared to the regular Sonic stages? Is it much slower, or are people just whining because they want the zoom zooms?
I've been apprehensive about purchasing this game because of the previous letdowns, but if it's worth it....
If you are really worried just rent it to give it a try. The werehog is a quite a bit slower,
and he is focused on platforming/beat-em-up. His stages really are not as people say they are though.
I didn't really cover some things like the fact there are small hub towns to walk around and talk to people if you feel like it.
They are pretty straight forward and you won't get lost in them though, so don't worry about that.
You also have to collect a certain amount of medals to go to the next stage, but luckily 85% of them are really easy to find.
If you happen to not have enough to progress, just do the stage again and take it a bit slower this time and you will have over
the amount needed.
Linear Mode
