Kind of Blue- Sonic Unleashed

After eighteen years, I vividly remember the first time I saw Sonic the Hedgehog.  A friend, returning from a family vacation, had purchased the game a few weeks before the first waves of publicity would reach gamers across the country. As he hit the power button on his Genesis, we heard the iconic “SE-GA” slogan, as if the console was singing in jubilation to usher in the next few blissful moments. We were quickly transported to the Green Hill Zone, a breathtaking level constructed of blues skies, geometric palm trees, and dramatic checkerboard patterns. Sonic whizzed through the level, traveling at a staggering velocity through loops, and across perilous jumps. It was a phenomenal experience.

Sadly, those moments would never be outdone.  Later stages in the game would slow the hedgehog down, and never match the unbridled exhilaration shown by the introductory levels. Even worse, technology would advance exponentially, every console generation’s Sonic title failing to match the intensity of the Green Hill Zone. As developers fumbled in their attempts to bring Sonic into the third dimension, a generation of hedgehog fans grew disinterested by the franchise.


                             Those missiles are locked on to the Guns and Roses CD in your pocket, Sonic.

After witnessing a bit of gameplay from Sonic Unleashed at E3, we were cautiously optimistic about the title.  Like most gamers, we’ve been repeatedly vexed by the series’ vicious hype cycle; previews left us energized, but actual gameplay disappointed. All along we’ve stood by our protagonist in the oversized sneakers, from the acceptable DS titles to the abysmal spin-off of Shadow the Hedgehog.

Sonic Unleashed opens strongly with a Pixar-quality cinematic setting the stage for the proverbial conflict with Dr. Eggman. Impatient gamers will also have to witness an additional six-minute prologue before the hedgehog descends onto Apotos, a Grecian-inspired level. As nearly all the games in the series offer slight variations of the same Sonic/Eggman narrative conflict, we resented having to sit through an unskippable cutscene. Compounding the issue was the simplicity of the dialogue that seemed to reach for a Saturday-morning demographic.

However, once we started speeding through the game’s first level, nearly all was forgiven. Sonic raced across levels that shifted from the third person perspective shown in The Secret Rings to track-based, 2D sections, effortlessly. New to the series is the inclusion of a ‘quick step’ move which allows Sonic to instantly veer to the limits of the track by a tap of the left or right bumper. Additionally, the blue wonder has a boost attack that rips through both enemies and the environment, and increases the speed of the game to rocket-like levels. Players must use a variety of skills to race through each environment, from ducking under small crevices to chaining a homing attack to cross a dangerous chasm. These levels are wonderfully exhilarating, expertly crafted, and are easily the best aspect of the game.



As night falls within the game world, our speedy hero transforms into Sonic the Werehog, and gameplay shifts genres. In lupine form, the title plays like an outlandish potpourri of God of War combat, Tomb Raider environment navigation, with a dash of the limb-extending abilities of Ristar. Here, Sonic lumbers through levels interspersed with combat zones and puzzle aspects. While a significant improvement upon past Sonic offshoots, the Werehog levels lacked personality and ultimately feel like a competent, yet unfocused amalgam of every action platformer we’ve ever played.

 Beyond these two game types, a number of other activities attempt to keep the action from growing stagnant. One early minigame has us controlling Tail’s airwing, shooting down enemies combatants in a homage to Typing of the Dead. Players use the face buttons on the controllers to match a string of characters displayed by marauding enemies. Less successful was the incorporation of role-playing elements that has us talking to the citizens of each level; juxtaposed against Sonic’s lively levels, this aspect seems tedious and unrewarding.


                   Like the Hulk, Sonic the Warehog never seems to find a  peaceful resolution to the problem.

Graphically, the game’s engine seems suited for Sonic’s quick levels; stunning architecture zips by, and motion blur is integrated masterfully. However the Werehog levels often get bogged down by the sheer number of enemies that game throws at the player. Here, Sonic’s typically zippy framerate falters, as the game drops below the 30 frame per second threshold. While typically, the game camera is a concern in the 3D Sonic titles, there were few areas in the game where a flawed perspective caused player death. At worst, sections of the level or hub zones were briefly obscured.

At its best, Sonic Unleashed spends the blue wonder careering through levels at breakneck speeds, making for some of the best action the series has seen this decade. Sadly, the game occasionally decelerates into trivial RPG-inspired moments where you have vapid conversations with townsfolk.  Still, these events shouldn’t keep the action-game aficionado from enjoying a return to form for our beloved hedgehog; Unleashed stands as the best Sonic game in nearly a decade.



Post Script

Today we received the PS3 version of Sonic Unleashed in our offices. No surprisingly, every cliff, wall, and enemy has made the transition to Sony’s now-gen platform. From the opening CGI cinematic to the fractured Earth narrative, nothing has been left out. Both for owners of both platforms, the 360 version is the format to get. Some of the graphical differences include:

– The use of a filter to blur objects in the background. The Playstation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed incorporates a ‘soft focus’ that is much more noticable that the similar graphic effect found in the 360 version.

– Lower Framerate. In the 360 version, our favorite facet of the game were the Sonic level; moving through the levels at supersonic speeds was exhilerating. Sadly, when the hedgehog engine was ported to the PS3, the code wasn’t optomized. While zipping through levels still feels fast, the framerate on Son’t machine is often a few frames slower. At some points, a bit of choppiness was observed.

– Draw-in. The amount of pop-in on the PS3 in minimal, and may not even be noticed by some gamers. However, we spotted a few more instances of it on Sony’s machine.

About Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

92 comments

  1. Glad to hear the real Sonic is back. We missed you, buddy.

  2. Sonic? Typing of the Dead? Ristar?

    Wow, is Sega strip-mining all their beloved franchises?

    Shameful.

  3. Wow, I hope I can get a Black Friday deal on this.

  4. Im glad to hear Sonic back, and I’m not the only one old enough to remember playing the first game.

  5. Great review. I read the 1up review, but it seed like Shane B. just wanted to show off his vocabulary and not review the game.

  6. What happened to the PS3 version. That’s what i want to know?

  7. I’ll have to get this eventually.

  8. Does it have Tails and the Cat in it? Is so that bring it down a grade.

  9. Old gamers, FTW!

  10. I always though the Sonic DS games were about as good as the original games.

  11. While the game sounds good, there’s too much other good stuff to play right now. I expect a drop, like Sega games always do in two or three months.

  12. It should be out on December 12th.

  13. when will they just let sonic die?

  14. Don’t forget Amy. She that other annoying character. Except for his voice, Tails isnt too bad, really.

  15. Ok, let me take a poll. Best Sonic Game?

    I’d say Sonic 3 or Sonic CD…

  16. He dies all the time…

    My falling off the screen
    Being hit without any rings
    Touching spikes
    Running out of air.

    😉

  17. Sonic Collection 😛

  18. First game will always be the best.

  19. No one wants to play a sonic game to be any other than plain old Sonic.

  20. After hearing all the hype about the new Hedgehog engine, I cant believe there framerate problems when the warehog is fighting.

  21. I’ve been burned too many times before by Sonic games.

  22. Annoying sidekicks FTW!

    Seriously, anything unexpected about the game?

  23. Glad to hear it’s finally starting to get back to the good side. Hmm i might pick this up when the price drops a little :]

  24. So are they asking $60 for this?

  25. I thought the review was on Ron Jeremy’s latest film.

  26. Saw this for $49 today, but I had to pass, with Christmas coming.

  27. You guys must not have played the 32X version of Sonic, It was the best.

  28. I like the Miles Davis reference. Sadly, I don’t think Sonic Unleashed will be remembered in 40 years.

  29. I think we need to give the new sonic games more of a chance. Nothing will be as good as the originals because 2D just doesn’t happen anymore, this is the new sonic, we should embrace it.

  30. Amen, brother. 2D is dead, long live 3D.

  31. Hahaha, a fan of the hedgehog?

  32. That does hurt a bit. Seems like the Warehog part is slower.

  33. Glad to hear Sonic is back.

  34. I think a lot of places are giving a $10 gift card with purchase, if that helps.

  35. I’m partial to Sonic Adventure for the Dreamcast.

  36. I bought this yesterday and I’m currently on the Africa level, pretty good.

  37. Is it werehog or warehog?

  38. Blue is the popular color for game characters- Mega Man, Sonic, Mario (for the most part), Asuka, and Squirtle.

  39. Who’s Asuka?

  40. No it isn’t. I believe the future for most classic games will be 2.5D/3D, as it’s the only way to shut the damn “Fans” up. Plus it’s awesome if done right. Lots of games can be moved to 3D, but some would be best with both, maybe like a Contra game? Anyways, 3D and 2.5D are both win in my opinion. Although one thing I find revolutionary about this game is the hedgehog engine. It’s perfect for sonic games, but the instantaneous streaming of data and Global Illumination could work with anything. And I doubt it’d happen, but seriously imagine an F-Zero game with the hedgehog engine. It’d be awesome! Oh. and one other thing…

    WALL-O-TEXT

  41. Great review. At least one person is tolerant of the Werehog.

  42. Never been that the Green Hill Zone? WTF!

    C’mon did you even play Sonic 2 or 3?

  43. I don’t know if it’s perfect for any game, the review mentions slowdown in the Werehog levels.

    Still, if they can use the Assassin’s Creed engine for POP and a snowboarding game, anything’s possible.

    Yeah a new F-Zero would be awesome!

  44. I think DE did, he was around for Sonic one. Why wouldn’t he play the next ones?

  45. I picked this up today for $40. Seems very good so far.

  46. CLASSIC-ONLY SONIC FANS WILL BE DESTROYED!!!

    Other. then that. Adventure-Series>Sonic3&Knuckles,

  47. I don’t know about Destroyed. Disappointed at best. Sonic levels are the best in years.

    Too much Werehog BS.

  48. Thanks, Curb. I ordered one.

  49. Ordered! Great price. No lines.

    Thanks Curb.

  50. You really like a lot of games. All I ever see from this site is A’s and B’s so I can’t be too sure about this…

  51. Check out the Pet Pals, review.

  52. One reason for that is we only review games that we interested in. Any game that we’re predisposed to not liking, we don’t review. TideGear turns down many games that aren’t in a genre he appreciates.

    Occasionally, we are interested in a game, and the review isn’t exactly favorable, like Watcher mentioned we gave Pet Pals a “D”, recent release Star Wars Unleashed received a “C-” and “D” for the DS.

    Still, you’d have to admit that a lot of great games have come out recently.

  53. DE, you forgot how harsh you were on the last DrangonBall Z game. You gave it a C-, but I thought it should have got at least a “B”.

  54. What’s your affiliation with IGN, I saw your review there?

  55. I bit think you’re Fry Cry review was a bit generous. Other that that, most of your reviews are pretty on.

  56. They just have a case of the Nick Suttner’s

  57. I cant believe I just got this for $22, thanks guys.

  58. I hope a demo releases,With the past
    Sonic installments I am kinda iffy of
    getting it.

  59. Just ordered it, still love sonic regardless

  60. looks to be a really good game

  61. I got this today, and I’m really enjoying it, even though its far from perfect.

  62. You must be refering to… Knuckles Chaotix? wtf?

  63. i think. hes referring to sonic-fans.
    not the actual-game.

  64. Damn PS3 haters! j/k

  65. Why can’t the PS3 version be equal to the 360?!?!

  66. Because the game was built for the 360. Still, I want to say this one of the best reviews I have read for the game. So many haters out there!

  67. I don’t get it. Who is he?

  68. Um, cause the PS3 has less memory and is harder to program?

  69. Is is still $22?!?!

  70. Thanks for the comparison.

  71. I picked it up for the PS3 yesterday, Yeah I saw some of the framerate problems. Too bad, it’s a decent enough game.

  72. I didn’t really like Sonic and the Secret Rings but I’ll probably get this one thru Gamefly and give it a try.

  73. wow, i havn’t played a sonic game in a few years now.. gameplay looks like it has really changed. looks pretty cool though. if i had a PS3, i’d try it out

  74. I dunno..looks pretty good, but is it really Sonic? I mean, werehog? WTF?

  75. Awesome addition to the Sonic franchise, 3D is definitely adding something nice to it, and like many I’m remembering how fun this game was.

  76. Got this last week, and agree with the review. Its pretty good and one of the best Sonic games in a long time. Still there’s a lot of room for improvement.

  77. I may still buy this game when it reaches the bargain bin. The sonic “day” levels look amazing and may justify a $9.99 purchase.

  78. 9.99? Jeez, I though I was cheap 😉

  79. yea would buy if its cheap

  80. The only “new-gen” sonic game I am interested in is the rpg on the ds. I don’t think they will ever capture the magic of the 2d sonic in a 3d game.

  81. I want this game ;o

  82. Great review! I am planning on picking it up for xmas as a gift for myself.

  83. God another sonic game!
    they really need to give up =/
    that or go back to making the retro style ones…

  84. I still don’t understand why Dr. Robotnik’s name was changed to Eggman, it’s just dumb.

  85. Maybe I’m in the minority, but I actually loved the original Sonic Adventure… wish Sonic Team would go back to that formula if they’re gonna stick with 3d. I liked the overworld hub you could explore, and loved raising the little Chaos and breeding em for races.

    With that said, the Sonic levels in this game look pretty fun, I’ll have to check it out sometime.

  86. I played the demo and I really fell in love with the aesthetics, although I just know the game won’t be able to keep up that feeling throughout. I’ll probably relegate it to a bargain bin purchase.

  87. I tried out the demo on Xbox Live and was very impressed with the graphics and the overall speed of the gameplay. Honestly, despite the criticisms that the werehog levels have gotten, it doesn’t bother me as much as long as the platforming levels are as good as they are.

    Still, I’m not very comfortable paying full price for the official release. I wish I had jumped on the Amazon deal a few weeks ago and gotten it for $21.

  88. dude Sonic Rush was awesome. I didn’t even mind playing as Blaze the Cat since it was the only other character.

  89. I have the wii version of the game. The game overall is pretty fun, although the werehog stages can get pretty annoying/boring. I wish they’d had put in a few more sonic stages like the ones on the 360.

    Compared to the 360 demo that I have, the game feels a little bit slower and has worse graphics.