Games

Best of 2009 | 08 |07 | 06 | 05
Advanced Search

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Sonic and the Black Knight

EMAIL PRINT wii

6.6 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 51 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 94 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Sega

Developer: Sonic Team

Genre(s): Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: March 3, 2009

Summary

Sonic and the Black Knight is a Wii-exclusive adventure. Part of the storybook series of games that began with Sonic and the Secret Rings, this title brings Sonic into the world of Arthurian legend and offers the world's most famous blue hedgehog the chance to become a knight. Using the unique Wii control system, this game takes advantage of both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk to offer an interactive experience that Sonic fans will love. Created by Sonic Team in Japan, this innovative game takes Sonic into a medieval world and arms him with a sword to aid in his effort to save the day. Sonic and the Black Knight hosts an irresistible cast of characters and teaches Sonic fans what it takes to be a true hero and the ultimate knight. With a series of missions set in stunning Arthurian-inspired locations, Sonic and the Black Knight promises a fast-paced adventure. [Sega]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Nintendo Power

If you're looking for an engaging, unique, well-polished take on the world's most famous hedgehog, Sonic and the Black Knight delivers. [Mar 2009, p.88]

games(TM)

There are no nasty surprises, no ill-considered gameplay changes and no sense that Sonic Team is ever confused about what the game is supposed to be. It’s a game that is totally comfortable with itself. And it has every right to be. [Apr 2009, p.106]

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

Once again Sega comes so close to getting it right - and then ruins it with another gimmick.

Read Full Review >

GameFocus

In spite of its faults, there’s a lot to like about Sonic and the Black Knight, provided you’re not holding a candle for games long since past. Sonic’s trademark speed is still there, and while the level designs are simpler than they were in the past, there’s still enough fun packed in here to be worth at least a weekend of your time.

Read Full Review >

GameDaily

Mindlessly shaking the remote gets old and the easy missions pose little challenge, but the storybook presentation, well-animated cut scenes and wealth of hidden items make Sonic and the Black Knight worth a rental.

Read Full Review >

Hardcore Gamer Magazine

Kids will eat this up, no question. Older gamers who like either Sonic or good action games owe it to themselves to at least rent this, if only to see whether or not it’ll leave the correct taste in their mouth before committing to a purchase.

Read Full Review >

3DJuegos

Sonic visits the Camelot's Kingdom in a game with a strange sense of contrast. The power of a sword and the speed of the blue hedgehog are actually incompatible in a product which, however, shows the secret talent of the Sonic Team. Gorgeous visuals and impressive sound shocks in the player due to a poor gameplay.

Read Full Review >

Gamers.at

In his new adventure the blue hedgehog gain the usual speed very slowly, but when he gathered momentum Sonic and the Black Knight provides despite of all its faults a few hours of nice amusement.

Read Full Review >

Vandal Online

Undoubtedly, this will be one of the most talked about games of the Sonic franchise. Its story and presentation are good. However, the many errors in control completely diminish the experience and could make many to lose their patience.

Read Full Review >

Wii Brasil

Summarizing, the game has a beautiful scenario and a great soundtrack, but when you control it, you'll miss the lack of precision and will see how weak the story is, with its short duration showing it's mediocre and a step back comparing to Unleashed.

Read Full Review >

Everyeye.it

It's a shame that Sonic has to speed down to attack his enemies during the run through wonderful Camelot-inspired backgrounds. The game looks fantastic, sound great, and when we are allowed to run fast, dodging obstacles or jumping on the head of our enemies it also plays very well. But too often we are forced to stop our run to fight the enemies, in a simplistic hack&slash structure that tone down the overall impression that the game leaves to the gamers.

Read Full Review >

NintendoWorldReport

For every interesting mission, there is an equally lackluster one. The platforming is satisfying, but the sword combat is awful. This is a game of checks and balances, and in the end, it's just another mediocre Sonic game.

Read Full Review >

Cheat Code Central

There are enough levels and missions included in the Story mode, and the Battle mode could be fun with friends. However, the game is not very challenging. The dullness and occasional frustration are tough to overcome.

Read Full Review >

Gamervision

Visually it’s a success, with wonderful blur effects and animations accompanying the colorful world. The gameplay is even something worth paying attention to, as it shows that Sonic Team hasn’t entirely forgotten how to make a Sonic game. However, it falls apart, and the repetitive nature of the missions can become grinding.

Read Full Review >

Meristation

Sonic is back, but we still don't feel that he's found his style. Sonic and the Black Knight is very much the same game that we first discovered with its predecessor, but with a better graphic engine that makes more the experience more comfortable. Its a shame that the gameplay system is not able to bare the weight of the game. Still, It'll be a good choice for those who are willing to spend some time with sonic the hedgehog.

Read Full Review >

Cubed3

On the one hand it looks and sounds fantastic, features plenty of nods to previous Sonic games, and is even fun on occasion. On the other hand, however, it's hindered by flaky controls, level design that is excruciatingly irritating at worst and insipid at best, and a sword mechanic that simply doesn't meld well with the rest of the action.

Read Full Review >

Play.tm

As it stands this is an interesting development in the struggle to divine a way forward for the blue hedgehog. But unfortunately it's an experience that isn't nearly as much fun as it sounds.

Read Full Review >

N-Europe

Sonic in name only, this is yet another example of an experimental series off-shoot that while nicely presented does little in the way of gameplay to convince fans.

Read Full Review >

Armchair Empire

Sonic and the Black Knight is a fun diversion for kids, and a glimmering star of hope for longtime fans, but it’s going to take a lot more experimentation to restore the greatness of the mascot who once stood toe to toe with Mario

Read Full Review >

Eurogamer Portugal

If you are big fan of the series seeking an alternative experience, you may find here a product to consider. The characters presentation and some of his words may be enough to please the fans. Simply there are choices that if in previous games didn’t work, in this format they do less.

Read Full Review >

GameShark

It seems that Sonic Team is emerging ever-so-slowly from the hole it’s dug itself into with the Sonic franchise.

Read Full Review >

Games Master UK

Like hedgehogs and motorways, super Sonic speed and slow sword combat don't go together. [Apr 2009, p.66]

GameZone

Fans of Sonic and the Secret Rings may want to rent Black Knight to experience the speedy, roller coaster-inspired stages. But most players will be disappointed, frustrated and frequently annoyed by stage interruptions and other gameplay elements that should not exist.

Read Full Review >

1UP

Black Knight is a competent action game starring Sonic and friends, but one that's replaced the classic gameplay Sonic fans seek with overly simple swordplay. It'll do the trick just fine for younger players still infatuated with the blue porcupine, but everyone else will likely be just as let down as I was.

Read Full Review >

GameTrailers

Why Sega decided to skewer[] one of our beloved childhood heroes on the tip of a clunky, sword-swinging spree is beyond us, but at this point, it simply hurts. Maybe someday we’ll live to see Sonic take back the speed that is so rightfully his, but for now, the only sprinting he’ll be doing is on the bad end of a running joke.

Read Full Review >

NGamer UK

Much like a value supermarket sausage, this is 18% Sonic and 82% sawdust. Avoid it. [May 2009, p.56]

XGN

The only two things that make this game playable, are the graphics and the sound. Of course its nice for the Sonic fans, but even the fans will get tired of Sonic this way.

Read Full Review >

Worth Playing

Unfortunately, the execution is so flawed that it is going to take a dedicated player to reach the "fun" hidden within. The controls are awkward and uncomfortable, and the gameplay mechanics are unintuitive. The level design is weak, and the boss fights are simply embarrassing.

Read Full Review >

Gamer's Hell

The game is fun for the hour you'll spend beating it. Just in that time alone, you should be able to collect over half of the items, but playing through the levels again to get the rest just seems unnecessarily repetitive.

Read Full Review >

WonderwallWeb

Sonic and the Black Knight has all of the high end graphics and production that Sonic fans come to expect, it nearly gets the Sonic formula right but spoils it with the poor execution of the sword attacks.

Read Full Review >

ZTGameDomain

Sonic and the Black Knight has so much unused potential. Fun for a short period of time, but the lag and shoddy gameplay would make even Robotnik turn in his grave. Although not completely terrible, most of the points come from the incredible production value and the sheer fact that it’s clear the Sonic Team are trying, they’re just not listening.

Read Full Review >

VideoGamer

Even if you accept that the Sonic games aren't built for hardcore gamers, that they're now designed to appeal to the mainstream, that's no reason to accept shoddy gameplay. Back in the 90s the Sonic versus Mario debate raged across the planet's playgrounds. Nowadays, there is no argument, and it's because of games like Sonic and the Black Knight.

Read Full Review >

Multiplayer.it

Sonic and the Black Knight is visually striking but once started waggling the Wiimote it becomes clear how poor the gameplay is. It is just sad to realize every new 3D Sonic game happens to fail: apparently Sonic Team is trying to renew the franchise but perhaps the true Sonic is the old, linear and 2D platform we still love.

Read Full Review >

GamePro

Are the four player mini-games enough to interest those with zealous hedgehog love? Maybe, but it's really too bad that the combat is so annoying, because the game actually looks great, especially the storybook painting cut scenes. Ah well, better luck next time, Sonic.

Read Full Review >

Level7.nu

Even though it might sound odd that the central premise of the plot is a big sword it actually works in this game. The main issues we have with Sonic and the Black Knight is the controls and overall gameplay. It's just not that fun to flail about with your arms in the long run. This is sadly yet another mediocre Sonic game without redeeming features.

Read Full Review >

AceGamez

If you like your gameplay simple and don't spend hours playing games then you'll probably enjoy Sonic and the Black Knight, which is pitched at the more casual gamer.

Read Full Review >

Game Informer

I wish I could say that this game's poor design and execution was a surprise, but let's be honest: old Sonic's been down so long it looks like up to him. [May 2009, p.87]

GameSpot

Sonic finds shallow, frustrating gameplay awaiting him in the legendary realm of King Arthur.

Read Full Review >

PALGN

Slow, mindless and dreary gameplay deals another blow to Sonic's struggle to survive in the 21st century.

Read Full Review >

InsideGamer.nl

Sonic and the Black Knight is the perfect game to break your arm. The only thing you do is sweeping around the Wiimote, which is really boring. We could say "better luck next time", but to be honest: We don’t believe in a good Sonic-game anymore.

Read Full Review >

Eurogamer

Sonic's stuck in a rut, then: he can run as fast as he likes, but no matter the fancy new tricks he learns, he just can't seem to keep up any more.

Read Full Review >

Kikizo

Insultingly easy, repetitive, unfunny, strained, shallower than it thinks it is and certain to sell loads, simply because it's got Sonic on it and it's advertised on TV. If you care about what you play, don't play this.

Read Full Review >

D+PAD Magazine

As a package Black Knight is competent: the frame rate is consistent while the visuals, taking their cue from Secret Rings, suggest that Sonic Team’s capability with squeezing results from the modest hardware is more successful than their understanding of how Sonic should feel as a game.

Read Full Review >

Gamer.nl

Again Sega doesn't seem to realise what made the old Sonic games so much fun. By wielding a sword, the game loses a lot of speed and the choice to let Sonic play short and meaningless missions doesn't fit the franchise. Even Sonic fans will have a hard time liking this game. It seems that Sonic blew his changes on the Wii.

Read Full Review >

DarkZero

What Sonic and the Black Knight amounts to is a game that has been polished to within an inch of its life, yet one that sadly misses the point everywhere else.

Read Full Review >

Total Video Games

Control issues prevent any true sensation of a classic Sonic title from emerging, while any subtle depth is virtually eradicated by the overwhelming sense of simplicity.

Read Full Review >

Thunderbolt

Another disappointing effort.

Read Full Review >

MEGamers

The extras in the game are irritating and pointless.

Read Full Review >

IGN

This is a Sonic game that craps all over everything that has ever made the series interesting and then adds pointless waggle.

Read Full Review >

Edge Magazine

The left to right weaving that gave Secret Rings old-fashioned zip has been jettisoned for narrow paths, funneling you from one fight to the next. Add on-rails cart rides and regular pauses to hand rings over to local villagers and this becomes Sonic's most static adventure yet. [May 2009, p.97]

Teletext GameCentral

Sonic speeds ever further away from his roots and into one of his most ineptly-designed games so far.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 6.6 (out of 10) based on 94 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Andrew K gave it a1:
The dialog is so horrid it makes me want to gnaw my own face off. The gameplay is basically a series of glorified quicktime events. Unplayable.

Shane95 gave it a4:
Sonic and the Black Night is nothing more then another storybook ripoff, just with sonic in it makes it the B3S7 7h1ng 3v3r, the story is like what i just said. Gameplay: all you have to do is run to the end, swing your sword, jump and OMG I BEAT T3H L3V3L. Controls: you move with the Nunchuck and swing with using the wiimote, A is to jump. This would sound fine, if not that to use the sword all you have to do is fling the wiimote. Graphics, Mehh. its ok. Overall: 4 out of 10. Want to know something sad, This is the best next gen sonic game not on handhelds and not a racer that i've played, SEGA, you betrayed sonic fans, i will NEVER buy anything from you again. >:(

Martin S gave it a0:
This game is a joke to me. Why is sega torturing "us" with these horrible games?! Make sonic run fast, no DARN gimmicks, and a couple of characters, and you got a good sonic game! Sega, is that really too hard to do?!

Danny G gave it a10:
I love this game. It's great, fun, and it's wifi mission with ranking, thats my favourite part. Oh. And if you need gameplay advice for Sonic ATBK you can email me. If you like adveture/action/speed/good-graphics/and like sonic Sonic ATBK is a game you should absolutely buy. My hm: granath_95@hotmail.com

Matt W gave it a6:
To josiah h: I agree that many people do buy sonic games for the feeling of nostalgia. However, sonic games are made with anything but low budgets. The graphics for this game are some of the best to date, and the CGI films are just enticing. Not only in this game but in other sonic games like unleashed as well. Though Sonic may be getting battered with gimmick after gimmick of unnecessary gameplay, I'm looking at you werehog, the production values are quite high.

Joey R gave it a10:
Sonic and the Black Knight is an amazing game with a great story and fun gameplay. Honestly most of the people that rated it badly probably haven't actually played it, because what they complain about doesn't exist in the actual game. I can't see why any gamer (sonic fan or otherwise) wouldn't like this game!

evan c gave it a10:
I think this game is a great game to have i dont know why this game has been rated bad the gameplay is great sure the voice acting pretty bad but still a great game to have.

Games

Sony

Microsoft

Nintendo

Other Platforms

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Sonic and the Black Knight

Game Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases