Sonic Unleashed (Sony Playstation 3, 2008)

As a log time Sonic fan this game was very disappointing. As the name implies 'Sonic' is a title where the intention is to have fast-paced gameplay. In this 3D action adventure game you play as Sonic, who has been transformed by Dr. Robotnik into a 'Warehog'.. :^/ and you need to save the day. BTW, yes I said 'Warehog'.
This would be all fine and great, but the way they did it sux. You go back and fourth between speed stages during the day as Sonic, and SLOOOOoooOoOW stages during the night as the Warehog. you have no choice but to play as the super boring Warehog character. If the game were all speed stages it would be pretty good, but it's not. Also, they are completely stingy with the trophies/achievements. BOO! In general I LOVE adventure games (Ratchet, Mario, Jak, Sly, early Spyro, etc). But this game just didn't do it for me. Best recent Sonic game IMO is Sonic Rush for Nintendo DS. They also just released the official Sonic 4 (download from PSN or XBL).. I tried it and it blows Unleashed outta the water, for only 1/2 the price :D

Sonic unleashed brings back every sonic fans favourite parts of the sonic genre. Running very fast from a side view perspective most of the time. However only 1/3 of the game is actually like this. The other 2/3 is nothing more than utter crap. Sonic turns into a “Wear Hog” which makes no sense considering that the “Wear” in Wear Wolf, means man. Which would make sonic a Man Hog? Wtf... anyways the game is split between sonic being his normal speedy hedgehog to night levels where he is a sluggish slow paced Wear Hog. Sonic games are suppose to be about speed, not slow paced mediocre combat. Oh, did i mention that the Ware Hog has stretchy arms like elastic girl? There’s a level up feature that seems like it was an afterthought slapped on at the last minute. And finally the final 1/3 of the game is nothing more than pushing buttons in sequential order. In one level your flying in the tornado (tail plain) and you must shoot down enemies. But you don’t get to even touch your anolog stick. no, no. You push buttons to shoot them. “here’s an enemy with a triangle icon, push triangle to shoot it. Here’s an enemy with a square icon, push square to shoot it.” The boss battle after is exactly the same. Normal game play during the night and day levels incorporate allot of sequential button pushing as well and tend to be annoying at times. At least they fit into the day levels as they are used to reach higher locations.

All in all its 1/3 of a good game and 2/3 crap. The sonic team hasn’t made a good game in years but at least this tie its playable. If you’re a hardcore sonic fan its worth a look, but otherwise I would advice against wasting your time and find a better game elsewhere

As a sonic fan (not a whiny fanboy, but a real sonic fan), I was proud to win this game on Ebay to play on my new PS3. Although the series have been "going downhill" (Although only three games are to blame for this), Sonic Unleashed has introduced a new playing style that focuses on intense, exhilerating speed.
I have the PS2 version, but the mere demo of the PS3 version sparks more fun than the rigerous PS2 daytime stages (the only fun I recieve is if I succeed in an S-Rank). It is simple that the PS3/360 versions of Sonic Unleashed produce more fun and next-gen gameplay than the PS2/Wii versions. Although the WereHog is an anchor to the game's success and pacing, it is much easier now that I have button sequences to help me. Plus, this version lets me experience the full gameplay experience that utilized the Hedgehog Engine, playing HD levels such as Empire City and daytime/nightime stages of Mazuri (which the other versions didn't have). Although progressing through the game required the collection of medals, I would always enjoy playing through the daytime stages over and over again, and the nighttime stages are already long as it is, so I have plenty of time to look for medals.
In conclusion, this game is worth the trouble of getting. Even though the Werehog is a bother like I said, this game (all versions combined) added up to a whopping 3.02 million sales. If you are a hardcore Sonic fan, then I recommend this version of the game. If you never played this version, but hate the Werehog anyways, then I still recommend this version (the PS2/Wii version not only cuts out a lot of daytime stages, but contains EVEN MORE Werehog stages!! WTF!!!!). Again, this game is worth your time. The utilization of camera control to create a mixture of 3D and 2D is splinded. SEGA is using the same technique while developing Sonic Colors (Wii/DS), which I am looking forward to in the holidays. Have fun playing!

Sonic Unleashed is a great game that brings back the classic and formidable speed of the fast hedgehog while adding a fun and innovative gameplay mechanic to the mix, namely the use of Sonic's nocturnal werewolf-like form known as the Werehog.

The story starts in a cold open. Sonic is just about to defeat Dr. Eggman when suddenly Eggman gets him in a trap! The trap is a machine that steals the power of the Chaos Emeralds and to add more, turns Sonic into a beast! After sending Sonic flying back to Earth with the lifeless Emeralds, Sonic comes in contact with a mysterious creature who doesn't remember who he is. Naming him Chip, Sonic's mission is to restore the power of the Chaos Emeralds, defeat Eggman and prevent the evil beast known as Dark Gaia from shrouding the world in darkness!

During the day, Sonic is in his normal hedgehog self; daytime stages have you speeding by locations and defeating Eggman robots while blasting your way past obstacles. Sonic Boost converts the energy provided by rings into a potent and constant speed boost that makes Sonic even faster! You can also use the Homing Attack to defeat enemies and learn even more cool techniques such as the famed Lightspeed Dash! During the night however, Sonic becomes a large and menacing Werehog. Night stages have you going through and defeating enemies using many skills that Sonic the Werehog has learned. You climb building, solve puzzles and beat up enemies huger than you using the amazing Critical Finish combo.

All in all, a colorful experience for all who play. Many Sonic fans are hesitant to play because of the Werehog gimmick, but if you're a real Sonic fan, you'll give it a try and have a little fun; it may not be your good old Sega Genesis days, but it sure is good for this day! 10/10

I bought thsi gaem for my 5 1/2 year old son and we have good fun with it. Some parts are pretty challenging for him and he asks for my help, but overall it's got good, fun game play with a good variety of challenges and level environments to keep you entertained and motivated to advance to new levels. The battle aspect with the Werehog is a nice addition to the basic concept of Sonic and collecting rings.