[Multiplatform] SONIC UNLEASHED - FURFAG FANSERVICE

Seems that Miles has got the 360/PS3 build pretty much covered, but I haven't seen anything said about the Wii version yet so I'll go ahead and give out a few quick thoughts on that one.

• You WILL be seeing a lot more of the "Werehog" levels than the more familiar speed oriented day stages. The split gives the day levels about 1-3 unique sections in each continent and the night levels about 3-5(6?) sections in each.
  
• The speed levels are definitely more fun and feel right, but the Werehog levels are not as bad as the rap everyone is giving it. Reading Mile's description of it will fill you in on this aspect.
  
• Glitches. It's a Sonic game, whaddya expect? Although, Sonic Team (along with Dimps) have made a relatively stable title this time around. Naturally, this means that it is still riddled with little hiccups here and there. Surprisingly, though, the Day/Speed stages rarely have a problem. Just an odd input problem or clipping of graphics - nothing gamebreaking. Oddly enough, the slower moving Werehog stages have far more glitches. The worst of which is collision detection of the Werehog when near edges. At times, for some stupid reason, when approaching an edge the Werehog will "stick" to the ground and not allow you to jump. I say "stick", because as you run off for not being able to jump, he'll awkwardly reorient himself to "stand" on the downward slope of the cliff until he inevitably falls. You could abuse this in your favor while jumping towards cliffs, though, because if you fall short, you can mash the jump button and try to "climb" up the sticky cliff. There are more glitches, but this is the most problematic since it creates problems during platforming sections.
  
• Stages have been cut out. They make this very apparent by sending you to Africa, having you watch a cutscene, and then after talking to the villagers you go straight to a boss fight. NO ACTION STAGES.

I'll finish up by saying that the overall presentation is pretty good. Sonic's running levels really give you a sense of speed, and the Werehog certainly seems plenty strong. The cutscenes are definitely an improvement taking a more lighthearted approach, and it seems like somebody actually sat down and thought about how to direct the movies this time around making them seem more natural and fun to watch.

I think the number one thing that makes a Sonic game feel wrong is when it takes itself too seriously. Thankfully this title avoids that, while still managing to include the requisite "end of the world" scenario, and the "friendship is the ultimate power" morality.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

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Unagi: great little summary there, but there's one phrase of yours that concerns me, and touches on a concern I have with this game in general: "the Werehog levels are not as bad as the rap everyone is giving it". OK so they're not as bad as some people are making out, but that doesn't mean they're good, perhaps tolerable. When did whole sections of a game being tolerable become OK? Don't get me wrong, I know most game have weaker bits, but I can't think of many great games that have sizeable chunks best described as 'not that bad'.

The main issue I've seen that people have with the Werehog levels is simply that it's not Sonic and that the whole transformation idea is ridiculous. I'd have to agree with them for the most part; but Sega managed to take this stupid idea, and make it as NOT stupid as possible.

For one, they don't take it seriously like the trailers leading up to the game suggest. Sure, Sonic looks like Beast all Hulked up with Mr. Fantastic's stretchy arms - but the game treats the concept in a way that seems to acknowledge how goofy it all is. Sonic still acts like Sonic, there's no Mr Jekyll/Mr Hyde syndrome with Sonic destroying lives and property at night and him being all remorseful during the day. That'd suck (at least the way Sega would do it). You can see it in the way they introduce his stretchiness by having him catch an ice cream cone that his companion drops far off from him. Sonic looks somewhat surprised and simply says, "Whoa, that may come in handy!"

But I don't think you care about that, you wanted to know about the gameplay.

It's adequate. People have related it to God of War due to the somewhat similar combo system with far reaching weapons - they even have the glowing orbs you get from breaking jars or killing enemies! ...But it's not God of War. It's an arena style brawler with platforming/gimmick elements in between. You've seen it before, but Sonic Team manages to pull off a decent attempt for a first try at it.

In short: If you aren't too busy pulling your hair out over how it's not Sonic, you should be able to complete these sections with potential for at least some mild enjoyment.

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Don't get me wrong, I know most game have weaker bits, but I can't think of many great games that have sizeable chunks best described as 'not that bad'.

Thing is, this is not a great game. Heck, MOST of the game is the Werehog with the speed levels being the minor part. I'd go so far as to say (in gaming time) a 3:1 split. It's okay, but I definitely would not purchase a game that was entirely Werehog. In my opinion, this game isn't worth the money unless you like Sonic and want to add some decent 3D Speed levels to your collection as well as experience the oddity that is the Werehog. It's the game you'll point at on your shelf many years in the future when Sonic has good games and say, "Remember when Sega tried making Sonic a furry, uh, furrier beast?"

There's nowhere I can't reach.