Sonic Unleashed

The other side of Sonic

Sonic and his alter ego Werehog. View larger.

Collect rings for Ring Energy. View larger.

Swing into action with Werehog. View larger.

Gameplay: The Two Sides of Sonic
Like nearly all Sonic games, Sonic Unleashed is platform-based. The game combines the feel of 2D side-scrolling that fans of the Sonic series love, with sharp 3D graphics, and throws in an over the back third-person perspective reminiscent of FPS gameplay for good measure. And just as in earlier games, as players race through and explore the expansive world before them, using auto lock to hone in on enemies and areas of interest, they will rely on the power they gain from the rings they collect for a variety of things, but with the new twist of Sonic's split personality, things are a little bit different.

Playing during the day, as you race across the world in the form of Sonic, speed is the main goal. Collecting rings fills you with 'Ring Energy,' which not only provides extra life, but also the advantage of 'Sonic Boost.' With this players can travel at speeds that approximate 300 MPH. In addition, Sonic Unleashed introduces two new features: the 'Speed Drift' and the 'Quick Step'. Speed Drifting is similar to drifting in racing games, allowing players to slide around corners at high speeds, while Quick Stepping is a sidestepping maneuver allowing Sonic to avoid enemies with quick steps to either side. Both keep you moving as fast as possible, so you can get as many rings as possible, which again keeps you moving as fast as possible.

As night falls and Sonic assumes his Werehog form the rings provide a different kind of power more suited to his more menacing appearance. Much slower, but also much more powerful, the Werehog relies on the rings to provide life as well as strength to shield himself from the attacks of enemies. This is necessary because Werehog gameplay, although based in platforming, incorporates significant levels of combat as well. Red orbs gathered as enemies are defeated allow the player to unlock additional combo moves that will supplement the hack and slash and arm stretching abilities that the Werehog always possesses. Whether Hedgehog or Werehog, no matter which form players prefer they will get ample opportunity to explore the two sides of Sonic since each area in the game contains both night and day segments where each form must be played.

Key Game Features:

• Sonic’s World Transformed - Sonic maintains his high-speed abilities during the day, but at night he is transformed into a mysterious dark form with incredible never-before-seen abilities including 3D-action brawling and amazing agility.
• Tight Navigation and Speed Control - Players accelerate to super speed with ‘Sonic Boost’ by collecting rings to increase Sonic’s ‘Ring Energy.’ Using ‘Quick Step,’ players will quickly move left or right to avoid obstacles instantly. Additionally, ‘Speed Drift’ allows players to rocket through turns without slowing down.
• Powerful New Engine and Cinematic Graphics - With its new modified game engine, Sonic Unleashed enhances the classic 2D perspective with mind-blowing 3D stages. Other technology capabilities include global illumination, grid computing, continuous data streaming and an intricate path finding system.
• Enhanced and Expanded Environments - Many unique and fascinating continents offer the player an opportunity to save the world in a dynamic, high-speed experience. In addition to exploring exciting unlockable areas, players dash through up to nine locations resembling real-life destinations including the Great Wall of China, Arctic Pole glaciers and many more.

Could Have Been Better (Justin Stewart, Bronx, Ny, 2009-01-03)

What Happened To The Good old Sonic? This Game Probly Could Have Been Better, And The Werehog Part Is Kinda Annoying. The Sonic Part Is Good But Not As Good As The Other Sonic Game's. I Thought This Game Was Going To Be Better Then The Previous Release ''Sonic The Headchog'' Which That One Wasn't That Good Also.

The Graphic's In This Game Is Good Too, But The Werehog Gameplay Is Also Kinda Frustrating. Even Though You Can Use The Gamecube Controller, It's Still Kinda Frustrating. The Sonic Gameplay Is Better Then The Werehog, So Don't Expect The Werehog Part To Be Really Fun, Cause It's Frustrating.

But Overall This Game Could Have Been Better Without The Werehog Part. This Game Is Okay.

Not nearly as bad as reviews say it is. (Jack Treese, Holley, NY, 2009-01-03)

I went ahead and bought the Wii version of Sonic Unleashed, despite the so-so reviews. After spending almost three hours playing, I gotta say that I'm very impressed.

First off, the graphics are stunning to say the least. Right in the beginning, our eyes are treated to a visual feast of 3D-rendered imagery in the form of an intro video. The graphics here rival that of Super Mario Galaxy.

And then, we have our Werehog levels. After Dr. Eggman ambushes Sonic and drains life from the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic is mysteriously transformed into a Werewolf-like Hedgehog form, a.k.a. Werehog. These levels have been universally panned for their lanky controls and annoying music. I assure you, only the ladder is true. The controls here are far better executed than that of the Xbox and PS3 counterparts. With a bit of patience, you'll be able to zip right through them.

Matter of fact, the PS3 demo for this game made me want to buy the Wii version. So far, I'm far more impressed with this version of the game.

PROS:
-Excellent motion-based controls.
-Also can be played using Classic/GameCube controller.
-Some of the best graphics available for the console.

CONS:
-Werehog levels take a bit of patience to master.
-The combat music in said levels gets annoying, as it never changes.

OVERALL: Aside from the Werehog and the tediousness of controlling him, I have no real reason to put down this game. Immensely enjoyable and wondrous to behold.

Awesome game, hours of fun (Bob Patel, Nashville, TN USA, 2008-12-29)

I bought this game for my kids as a Christmas present to play on their Wii. It is awesome, The contrast between night and day is a good touch. The only thing that is annoying is like in the the beginning where you have to listen to them talk and talk and its like 10 minutes before you actually start playing.
Besides that I highly recommend this game my Kids are 11, 8 and 8 (twins) and they love it. I could not decide what game to buy and after 30 minutes picked this one, I am glad I did.

2 hours of cut scenes for 10 minutes of game play (Richard B. Hart, San Francisco, 2008-12-29)

I got this game hoping for some good old, back to basics "Sonic" fun, but instead wound up with a series of way-too-short levels sandwiched between ridiculously long and pointless cut scenes. I know some people love that kind of thing, but frankly I don't care if the little flying squirrel likes chocolate or that some professor wants thinly sliced cucumbers on his sandwich, I just want to run fast, collect rings and fight some bad guys. The worst part is that you can't avoid them or click through them - you just have to sit and watch while Sonic and friends sit around talking about the weather or some other idiotic thing. I won't even go into the whole Sonic the were-hog thing. The whole thing is a huge disappointment. When are they going to come out with Mario Galaxy 2?

Overall, it is a Fun Great Addition to Your Sonic Collection (Nuknuk, Springfield, VA United States, 2008-12-29)

Sonic Unleashed no doubt is the best graphically represented Sonic game to date. The movie clip just before you face the boss Gaia is stunning. (I saw the HD demo on the Playstation 3 and it is even more fantastic with PS3's higher resolution capability). It is fun using the Wiimote and the Nunchuk as you get more physical action than mere pushing buttons.

The typical fast Sonic pace is always the best part. I am loving the new environment, I enjoy the sightseeing.
The Werehog is a gentler pace but you get more figting sequences with the enemies. The encounters reminds me of Kingdom Hearts, even some of the enemies are similar. You do spend more time being a werehog than Sonic which can be a bit tiring.

The movies in between are somewhat long but nice and beaut. There is also a lot of loadings, not too long but still interrupting. I am disappointed not to have multiplayer games as me and my son enjoy playing together with the older Gamecube Sonic games. Some fans may also miss Chao world.

Overall, it is still a great addition to your Sonic collection. Definitely better than "Sonic and the Secret Rings".
I say it really depends a lot in your expectation of the game. Right now, it looks like my 9 year-old is having a blast and tons of fun...and that is all that matters.