Sonic Unleashed
Title: Sonic Unleashed
Systems: Ps2, Ps3, 360, Wii
Rating: E10 (ages 10 and up)
Sonic Unleashed , also known as Sonic World Adventure in Japan, is a new Sonic video game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for multiple platforms in 2008. The game follows Sonic the Hedgehog as he attempts to restore the world to normal after Dr Eggman splits the world into pieces, Sonic must also struggle with his new beast form, Sonic the Werehog. Gameplay features two distinct styles, with each being played either during daytime or night-time. Daytime stages incorporate Sonic's traditional platforming and trademark speed, with a combination of behind-the-back third-person viewpoints and 2D side-scroller platforming; gameplay seamlessly transitions between these two views. Night-time levels see Sonic transform into the Werehog; gameplay slows down to accommodate greater platform play, and involves combat against waves of enemies using the Werehog's brute strength.
The game's existence was first brought to light when Sega trademarked the Unleashed name, and shortly after, images and a gameplay video were leaked to the public in March, 2008. Public anticipation for the game was high, owing to the video's demonstration of some two-dimensional gameplay, seen as a possible return to Sonic's platforming roots. However, critical reception for the game was mixed, with reviewers praising certain elements, such as the sense of speed in daylight stages and the graphics and audio that make up the environments, and criticising others, such as the new Werehog game mechanic, as well as several gameplay and design concepts. Reviewers largely felt that, despite initial optimism when first revealed, Unleashed was ultimately not the title that would be able to reinvigorate the series, as was needed to bring the Sonic series as a whole back to prominence.
