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Sonic Unleashed PlayStation 3
Metascore
54 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 24
  3. Negative: 8 out of 24
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  1. Gamer 2.0
    77
    To be quite frank, Sonic Unleashed is half great game, and half unnecessarily unleashed. The Sonic levels are extremely fun and bring back the memories of yesteryear, and the night-time levels will leave players wondering why Sonic Team continues to torture their fans by continuing to add pointless things to prolong good gameplay.
  2. MEGamers
    73
    As a reviewer, I pray for the day where I can test out a perfect sonic game. Until then though, Unleashed is a decent effort worth the attention of the Hedgehog's fans.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    72
    Despite the game's clumsy story progression and repetitive werehog combat, it manages to be the best Sonic game released in recent memory. This is thanks mostly to the excellent hedgehog levels that evoke memories of classic Sonic titles while still managing to feel fresh and new.
  4. Eurogamer Portugal
    70
    It is not the most awaited experience for a tri-dimensional Sonic but this chapter will leave the fans pretty satisfied and convinced that the formula for a more organic and complete game is one or two blocks away.
  5. My Gamer
    68
    As it stands, Sonic Unleashed is not the drastic reboot they claimed it would be. The problem the game faces once again is focus.
  6. Playstation Universe
    65
    Ignore his Werehog alter-ego and you'll pleasantly discover that Sonic The Hedgehog is almost back on top form.
  7. GamingXP
    63
    If Sonic Unleashed is a good game or not has to be decided by you. If you are patient, you can have lots of fun with this title. If you tend to be a bit choleric or just want to relax while playing there is no necessity to buy it.
  8. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    60
    The least awful Sonic game in years. [Jan 2009, p.74]
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  9. Game Informer
    60
    As much as I disliked lumbering through levels as Sonic's hulky Werehog, I disliked hunting through the hub worlds looking for coins even more. Sega, if you really want to fix Sonic, the first thing you should do is stop trying to fix him. [Jan 2009, p.67]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Game Chronicles
    60
    In the end, Unleashed features some of the best Sonic action in years – but it also features some of the worst.
  11. PSM3 Magazine UK
    60
    Sonic fans can justify it for the sprints. Everywhere else? Beware. [Issue#174, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. IGN AU
    60
    Even with no expectations going in, we can't imagine many in our ADHD generation holding patience enough to wade through 20-to-30 minute intervals of repetitive room clearing again and again just to find enough Sun tokens to unlock the next decent racing portion. It just isn't enough fun to warrant the effort.
  13. InsideGamer.nl
    60
    The Sonic-team has succeeded in developing an improvement upon the last Sonic-game on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Even then, Sonic Unleashed is a flawed game. The Hedgehog-levels are fast and fun, while the Werehog-levels offer a bit of a change to the classic Sonic-gameplay, although, unfortunately, it often comes down to mindless button bashing. Unleashed shows that Sonic isn't dead and buried yet, but still leaves a lot to be desired.
  14. Gamers.at
    59
    You can't help but love the daytime levels, but as soon as night hits the game, you will be desperate to turn off your console.
  15. PSX Extreme
    56
    In this adventure, there is a total of about 60 minutes of quality gameplay. The rest leaves me deeply upset with Sega and the hole they've dug for Sonic.
  16. Gamervision
    50
    There are things about Sonic Unleashed that reminded me of how great this franchise could be when done right. It's just a shame those parts weren't the true focus of the game.
  17. Play UK
    48
    This is far from the return to form many have expected, and we now see why Sega was so keen to keep its new take on Sonic's character a secret. Despite some promising moments, Sonic Unleashed collapses under the weight of its flaws.
  18. IGN
    45
    Sonic Unleashed has made me bipolar. In the daytime, I'm happy – almost too happy. And at night I become angry and irritable, frustrated and impossible to be around. [Ed: Nice, Hilary. Backwards much?]
  19. Extreme Gamer
    45
    Sonic Unleashed had promise, and actually part of the game is pretty decent, but its too bad the entire game wasn't completed with the mindset of "Day" Sonic. Sorry Sonic, gamers pass on this one.
  20. Game Revolution
    42
    The amount of backtracking required in Sonic Unleashed is absolutely inexcusable, and this mandatory medal hunting is the nail in the coffin.
  21. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    40
    20% of Sonic Unleashed is brilliant. [Jan 2009, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  22. PS3bloggen.se
    40
    Sonic is back, but unfortunately the developers didn't dare to let him star in a all-running racing game, but insisted on adding a superfluous story and roleplaying elements. Could we get a pure Sonic experience next time, please?
  23. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    40
    Structurally it's a mess. [Mar 2009, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews
  24. GameSpot
    35
    Terrible level design, unresponsive controls, and a poor camera are just the beginning of the problems in this awful adventure.
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. paradaxarada
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. I'm a long time Sonic fan, since Genesis, and I absolutely LOVE this game. It's alarming to see so many giving it so little credit, and highlighting their woes about certain aspects. Personally I had a fun time playing as Sonic the Werehog, but more than that, the speed levels are utterly incredible. Spectacularly crafted, graphically too. Couldn't be more pleased with the outcome![2] 10 for that one… Full Review »
  2. SawnikAdventure
    4
    Sonic Unleashed seemed to continue the downward trend of modern Sonic games. OK, I will admit - it's a step forward from 06, but that doesn't automatically mean it's great. What people overlook so damn much is that: 1) The MAJORITY of the game is played as the Werehog, which is absolute CRAP. I can't believe people can be so blind and brand this as 'such a great game' and yet they themselves had a horrible time with this disgusting gameplay style. 2/3 of the game is played as this piece of crap, which automatically makes it a bad game. But no, SEGA had to make it even WORSE! Let's go deeper, shall we? 2) Surprisingly, the incredibly overrated daytime stages are bad as well. At first, you'll be in love with them, because of their insane speed, seemless gameplay and literally effortless fun. But once you decide to play them again... the fun is gone. Why? Because you're constrained in a tight hallway surrounded by invisible walls and doing nothing but plough through everything at breakneck speed with no thinking required. I really don't understand what the hell is so fun about this turdfest. It's WAY too easy and gives nothing for the player to do but RUN. Sounds fun, right? 3) Pace... ugh. Remember the good old days, where simply beating a stage would lead you onto another? Well, Sonic Unleashed throws all of that away and forces you to explore hubworlds, talk to random people, wait through loading screens to access ANOTHER hubworld and as soon as you reach the level gate, you're prompted by this annoying pest known as 'Chip' that you haven't collected enough sun or moon medals. This means that you have to replay the crap you've just played to collect more medals hidden throughout the stages in order to progress. It enhances replay value, but then again, why 'enhance' replay value on something that nobody would enjoy (well, at least the Werehog, anyway)? It's just a stupid gimmick to pad the game out. OK, so, I don't like this game, which is pretty clear. But is there ANYTHING that this game did right? Hell yes. 1) The graphics are stunning, especially in HD. It makes the pain more bearable to see all these pretty landscapes that you wish you could explore but can't because the stupid game won't let you. 2) The music is fantastic. The daytime music is usually more fast and upbeat, featuring some catchy tunes packed with variety. These just give me a feel-good feeling. The nighttime music, on the other hand, is much slower, somewhat orchestral and relaxing. Personally, I prefer the daytime music, but there's no denying that both types of track are just great. 3) While I do NOT like the daytime stages, I can praise it for at least one thing: the technical achievement. Even though ploughing mindlessly through everything is NOT my kind of fun, you've got to admit that it's pretty darn stunning to see Sonic run that fast with incredible graphics to boot. There's not a single slowdown issue while doing any of this, either. There are a few framerate dips, however, espeically in the later stages. So, all in all, I would recommend Sonic Unleashed ONLY to diehard Sonic fans who want to 'check it out'. Otherwise, (send me death threats for saying this, I don't care) Sonic Unleashed is a smelling piece of crap and it should never have been released in such a state.… Full Review »
  3. S0NiC_F4NB0Y
    10
    I am not a man of big words... so i could review this game just whit 4 and a half Words....... THIS GAME IS F****ING AWESOME! But I cannot do that since my review has to be 150 characters long.... Yeah This game is one of the most fun loaded games i have ever played! The Storyline, The Graphics, The Details... everything well done! yeah what more can i say? i don't know... well it would be cooler if there was more playable characters, for example blaze, silver etc. but besides that i still love the game! and it was worth trading it for CoD-MW2, Big Time!!! : P… Full Review »
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