World 1-5 Video Game Spotlight: Sonic Unleashed

Source: http://psx-scene.com via Google Images

When I went to the Shearing Shed in Lynnmall to get my hair cut, I saw this game displayed on one of the monitors in the waiting area. The monitor was suspended from the ceiling, the screen was really dim, and I had to use a PS2 controller, so I did really badly. I shouldn't be blaming the equipment for this, but dang, it was a mess.

This wasn't the first time that I've played the game; I've rented this game from either Gamehog or Gamekingdom (both are dead) for the Wii. The Wii and PS2 versions are the same.

I found it to be a great game overall, although there was one part which made me cry in frustration (Eggmanland Time Trial for those who've played it). The main feature of the game was the day/night cycle. By day, Sonic is his usual true blue hedgehog self, but by night, Sonic transforms into a beastly Werehog. Stages were split up between the two times, but they very heavily favor the night stages. For each Day Stage, there were about 3 or more night stages. I'm actually glad it was split up, for I think in the PS3/XBOX 360 version, the night stage is singular and goes from 10 minutes and up. The idea of having a Werehog makes quite a few Sonic fans foam at the mouth, but for me, I find it to be just fine. I liked the contrast between the fast paced day stages and the slow platforming and combat in the night stages. 

Top: Day Stage
Bottom: Night Stage
Source: Google images, always.

The secondary theme of the game is 'Around the World'. There's a reason why it's called 'Sonic World Adventure' in Japan. I find it to be amazing, as it brings a whole lot of musical and visual variety for me to savor. Whether you're running across the rooftops in Spagonia (Italy) or having a jungle joyride in Adabat (Thailand), it really brings out an adventurous feel to the table... I love that. Here, have some music:

I'm not going to go and comprehensively cover the entire game (given I've got other commitments and all), but I can say that if you can get past the concept of the Werehog, I will heartily recommend the game. There's a lot of collectibles in the form of artwork and videos, the setting and music is amazing and the day stages are just what we expect for a 3D Sonic game.

To be honest, I really would like to try to XBOX 360/PS3 version of this game, because the graphics and day stages are much better the the PS2/Wii version. I wish there was a PC port of the game, but given the controversy and all, it'll almost never happen. But I shall give it a little bit of hope.

See you in the next stage!