Sonic Unleashed

"The Blue Blur, The Blue Brawler, This is Blue Brilliant!!!"

From this games very first leaked screenshots there was a lot of moaning from the beggining. Despite giving the fans classic 2D gameplay, but keeping 3D platforming and super speed, a lot of fans still weren't convinced. This is due to the new "alter ego" of Sonic known as "The Werehog".

So Sonic is mid-way into stopping Eggmans plans again. However, he gets trapped and Eggman drains the chaos emeralds powers and awakens an entity deep in the earths core known as Dark Gaia. This not only breaks the planet into several pieces, but also has a side effect on Sonic. Turning him into some strange, werewolf like creature. Eggman sends him crashing back to Earth. He then must help a memory lost, flying thing (Later going by the name Chip) to regain his memory and restore the emeralds at the secen alters around the world.

As you can see the story is simple. Not too complicated at all. People complain that it's another chaos emerald story but at least they aren't finding them again. There are some very interesting cutscenes (Which may I add, look extremely well made) and a couple of twists but nothing Amazingly shocking.

The gameplay differs between a continents day stage, and night stage. Day being super speed Sonic stages, and night being combat orientated werehog stages. The Sonic stages play similarly to that of Sonic Rush and Secret Rings. You can homing attack, boost, slide and do the classic light speed dash. These levels can be tricky but like Rush, you die, you remember and second time around you'll avoid death. Night stages were a controversial inclusion to the game. Focusing on platforming and combat. All in the 3D prespective. I think these stages are fun and are a welcome inclusion to the game. It may grow slightly dull with all Sonic stages. These stages were added to differ from them. You gradualy level up your werehog (And hedgehog but it's not as important) and gain a great variety of moves. Platforming utilises the werehogs Strechy arms to survive longer jumps and to recover after falling. He controls well and is entertaining. You also get a super charged Unleashed mode where you are invincible, faster and stronger. Many critisise him for being too slow but running that fast in these stages is a death wish. Bosses for both characters are simple yet fun. They can be a bit easy.

Graphics are absolutely breathtaking at some points. The all new Hedgehog Engine allows amazing blur, shadowing and water effects to look spectactular. Everything in the game looks great. The new pixar-ish look to the humans is very welcome, after Soleanna's bland townsfolk.

The music differs from Rock, Orchestral, Jazz, the usual awesomeness all the Sonic games deliver. All the music is catchy, fitting and addicting. People complain about voice acting but I think it's been incredibly improved over Sonic the hedgehog (06). Besides it's a game, boohoo.

Controls are very well done with a few exceptions at some points.

You will recognize familiar and new faces accross the game. The environments, all based on real life places. Ranging from Greece, Africa, New York you'll recognize landmarks and flags.

In conclusion I think this game is a very welcome addition to the franchise, and next to Sonic Adventure, is my favourite 3D Sonic game. My only complaints are the occasional control issue or frame rate drop. Other than that it's fantastic.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/11/09

Game Release: Sonic Unleashed (EU, 11/28/08)