Sonic Unleashed (Wii) - Review by jofra01

Introduction

Who would have thought that after all these years that Sonic would still be receiving video game titles due to the well known fact that Sega haven't been upto pull off a good Sonic title in many years. With Sonic Unleashed the latest of the Sonic titles Sega promised us that it would be just as good as the original Sonic titles. Question is were Sega telling us the truth or were they getting our hopes up again only to deliver us a dud title?

Gameplay

Sonic Unleashed is different in terms of other Sonic titles when it comes to the gameplay. Sure it has Sonic's high speed velocity levels, which everyone seems to like, but then it has the Werehog levels. With the inclusion of the Werehog levels it seems that SEGA have made a game that is made up of two smaller gamers, a slow Werehog game and a high speed Sonic game. This is the reason Sonic has actually failed to achieve what it wanted to achieve.

Instead of having many speed levels with Sonic just constantly running we have the inclusion of the Werehog. Although the Sonic Team has clearly put effort into the Werehog levels of the game they have failed to put speed into it. Werehog levels are comprised of a buffed up werewolf like Sonic who instead of being fast, like many prefer, he is extremely slow but has super strength and stretchy arms. Gamers will find that they will either enjoy the Werehog levels or absolutely hate them. The reason behind this is though the high speed levels last only a few minutes in lenght and you cover a lot of ground when gamers do the Werehog level it takes usually more than twice the time to cover only half the ground.

The fast speed levels which contain the Sonic we all love is where all enjoyment will be found. With Sonic at a high speed pursuit gamers will enjoy making Sonic avoid obstacles, collecting coins or finding different alternative paths. The thing is however the high speed levels don't make up for the Werehog levels due to their actual lenght and how much control you are given over Sonic. Sure casual gamers will enjoy what is given to them with both fast and slow levels but true Sonic fans will find little enjoyment in what is offered from the high speed Sonic levels.

Controls

When it comes to controlling Sonic the Hedgehog there are two completely different control layouts. One for normal Sonic and the other for the Werehog Sonic. Each control layout does make use of the WiiRemote and Nunchuk but each have their problems and positives. When playing the high speed levels gamers will find that the really only use the nunchuk to control which way Sonic runs while using the A button to jump and when needed and prompted to on screen using other buttons.

Werehog levels use more motion controls then the normal Sonic levels. Most attacks are performed with the flick of the Nunchuk or WiiRemote but the motion controls aren't perfect and when fighting many on screen enemies players will usually find themself doing a different attack then the one they wanted.

Graphics

Not only does Sonic Unleash contain excellent cutscenes, which are some of the best I have ever scene, but level designs which this game really thrives on are at their best also. Both the day, speed Sonic levels, and night, Werehog levels, are very detailed and well designed. Characters themselves are well animated and Sonic stands out when at full velocity.

Sound

Sonic fans should be pleased to know that the game contains the enjoyable Sonic tunes, which can also be played at anytime if you unlock them in the extras section. Voice overs however have been included with the game that seem over done with some characters being quite annoying with what they say. Some characters do say some notable stuff but the voice overs don't match up to the quality of the game's soundtrack.

Final comments

Sonic Unleashed will go either way with true Sonic fans. Most will enjoy the high speed day time Sonic levels, which are the most enjoyable, but will find the night Werehog levels really slow down the game and are to much the same. With that said however if you can enjoy the Werehog levels only slightly then it will be worth picking up this game just for the day time levels with Sonic at his full speed. The graphics and soundtrack are also good for being on the Nintendo Wii and there is a nice collection of unlockables to collect throughout the game.

Pro: High Speed Sonic Levels Included, Good Soundtrack, Graphics Above Average, Cutscenes Spectacular
Con: Werehog Levels Slow & Boring, Voice Overs Corny, Not Enough Day Time Levels.
Final score: 7.5

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