User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 256 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 38 out of 256
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  1. AndrewM
    Dec 6, 2008
    9
    What I was looking for in a sonic game was a suitable follow-up to the Sonic Adventure series. and secret rings didn't cut it. this is the closest they have come ever since they put out sonic heroes. i love the werehog levels where you actually have to slow down and think your way through an area, and take out your frustration on the miserable little ghouls that wreak terror on the What I was looking for in a sonic game was a suitable follow-up to the Sonic Adventure series. and secret rings didn't cut it. this is the closest they have come ever since they put out sonic heroes. i love the werehog levels where you actually have to slow down and think your way through an area, and take out your frustration on the miserable little ghouls that wreak terror on the townsfolk. the only three things I found to be potentially problematic is 1. no camera controls, which can get pretty frustrating in werehog levels 2. hardly any 'spinball' action for sonic. ( I mean, the most fundemental part of sonic removed?? ) 3. chip. he just sounds so cheesy. and when all of a sudden he is a god (SPOILER ALERT) that kinda turned me off the whole story. besides that, this really takes the cake as a fenominal continuation of the sonic franchise Expand
  2. Feb 24, 2017
    8
    Sonic Unleashed is actually best played on the Wii. This version has great controls and level design that's much more well laid-out. Another good addition was the removal of medal hunting and hubworlds giving you more time in the action. What was a mediocre game on PS3 is brilliant on Wii.
  3. Sep 11, 2012
    9
    While often overshadowed by its HD twin, Sonic Unleashed Wii is, in many ways, better. And no, the Werehog sections aren't as bad as some would make you believe.
    This game is split into 2 level types: Day and Night. The day stages are simply amazing. The 3D sections are the best 3D sections in any Sonic game to date - yes, better than Adventure, better than Colors, and better than
    While often overshadowed by its HD twin, Sonic Unleashed Wii is, in many ways, better. And no, the Werehog sections aren't as bad as some would make you believe.
    This game is split into 2 level types: Day and Night. The day stages are simply amazing. The 3D sections are the best 3D sections in any Sonic game to date - yes, better than Adventure, better than Colors, and better than Generations only because Generations' controls aren't tight. The 2D sections are fun too, though they seem a little too on-rails compared to Colors' Wisp Power-ups. The night sections... well, although they aren't great, they still are fun at times, and the motion controls make the night stages far superior to the HD version's. The boss fights (both day and night) are among the best 3D Sonic bosses to date.
    The graphics are top-notch. The game has some of the best graphics on the Wii, and definitely had the best graphics at the time it was released (yes, better than Super Mario Galaxy's). The sound is great too. The day stages' music are some of the Sonic series' finest, the night stages' music fits perfectly, and even the hub and menu music will get stuck in your head. My only complaint in this department is Jason Griffith's voice acting as Normal Sonic (Werehog Sonic's VAing is fine).
    Overall, Sonic Unleashed Wii is a great game. The night stages change the pace and have interesting gameplay, but it's the day stages that make the game. Buy this game if you have a Wii.
    Sonic Gameplay: 10
    Werehog Gameplay: 7
    Graphics: 9.5
    Sound: 9.5
    Replay Value: 8.5
    Overall: 9/10
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  4. Nov 4, 2016
    10
    Best Sonic game I've ever played. I have many complaints about the original 2D Sonic and this game fixes all of them. The fast-paced levels are designed to keep you moving all the way through rather than to stop you and slow you down, and it's clear that Sonic works so much better in 3D because you can see what's coming and react to it. I'm a big exploration gamer and secret hunter, andBest Sonic game I've ever played. I have many complaints about the original 2D Sonic and this game fixes all of them. The fast-paced levels are designed to keep you moving all the way through rather than to stop you and slow you down, and it's clear that Sonic works so much better in 3D because you can see what's coming and react to it. I'm a big exploration gamer and secret hunter, and this game not only provides secrets to be found in the many different routes of the fast levels but also provides a whole separate game mode where you slow down and explore levels at a moderate pace. This gives the game great variety which I also like. And then there are unlockable puzzle levels that impressively combine the two radically different play styles into one. Expand
  5. Nov 14, 2010
    5
    Overall it really wasn't a bad game but it wasn't a good one. The last minute port decision did not help it, and neither did the 3:1 Night:Day. The controls were precise to Dimps credit. I really can't say much to it's praise though. It was a step in the right direction. Hopefully they'll follow it.
  6. Nov 12, 2016
    5
    This game is above avarage, but suffers from the poorly implemented controls, wich makes night zones so much tedious and exhausting. Great soundtrack, though it becames repetitive in night zones because of their lenght.
  7. Dec 15, 2016
    7
    This version was the very slightly better version of the PS2 version. The difference is the sound and picture is a little bit better on here than on the PS2 one. It has to be the second best way to play Sonic Unleashed. Number 1 would be the Xbox 360 version...have I said version yet?
  8. BenG
    Sep 8, 2009
    10
    Best Wii game and one of the best Sonic games to date. Better than I expected. Play it and see. To Tom C "The worst part about this game is the fact that the sonic sections are by far the greatest 3d sonic ever." How does that make sense? Yes Sonic Unleashed is one of the best and most important gaming experiences we've ever played, but the fact the game also includes werehog somehow Best Wii game and one of the best Sonic games to date. Better than I expected. Play it and see. To Tom C "The worst part about this game is the fact that the sonic sections are by far the greatest 3d sonic ever." How does that make sense? Yes Sonic Unleashed is one of the best and most important gaming experiences we've ever played, but the fact the game also includes werehog somehow undoes that? Where are people's values? If someone is to deducts points for the werehog it should be minimal, that is if you insist on deducting points at all, because if you do, it is misleading, and it implies we should be avoiding great gameplay just because the total package isn't consistent. Expand
  9. Mar 24, 2017
    9
    This game is pretty good on the Wii version the only bad things i can say about it is 1. Forced motion controls on Night Stages 2. HOLOSKA NIGHT STAGES 3. Egg Lancer is pretty unfair but the game has more redeeming qualities than things that hurt its score GOOD THINGS: 1. Final Boss is more fair 2. NO FORCES BUTTON MASHING/QUICK TIME EVENTS 3. Overworld is easier to navigate 4.EggmanlandThis game is pretty good on the Wii version the only bad things i can say about it is 1. Forced motion controls on Night Stages 2. HOLOSKA NIGHT STAGES 3. Egg Lancer is pretty unfair but the game has more redeeming qualities than things that hurt its score GOOD THINGS: 1. Final Boss is more fair 2. NO FORCES BUTTON MASHING/QUICK TIME EVENTS 3. Overworld is easier to navigate 4.Eggmanland isn't 20 MINUTES LONG 5.Takes effort to 100% 6. The game has a better live system than the PS3/360 Version 7. Pause sound isn't a Doorbell with all of those together is goes 7/3 good wins!!! so with my powers whatever I give thee 9/10 yay yay confetti!!! Expand
  10. Oct 18, 2010
    3
    Ugh. The game is a split between (questionably) good speedy Sonic gameplay and clunky brawling gameplay. When I played this game, I didn't get a sense of thrill or fun that I did back in the days of the SEGA Genesis. When stacked up against Sonic Unleashed for the XBox 360 and PS3, this game is an absolute joke. The graphics are subpar, especially for a Nintendo Wii game, and it lacksUgh. The game is a split between (questionably) good speedy Sonic gameplay and clunky brawling gameplay. When I played this game, I didn't get a sense of thrill or fun that I did back in the days of the SEGA Genesis. When stacked up against Sonic Unleashed for the XBox 360 and PS3, this game is an absolute joke. The graphics are subpar, especially for a Nintendo Wii game, and it lacks any personality of its own. The colors are desaturated and the levels just aren't a joy to behold in this version.

    To the game's credit, this was a 3D Sonic game developed by Dimps for the most part, who had never really had a hand in making a 3D Sonic platformer before. I'd say they should never try again, because the gameplay for Sonic's speedy sections leave a lot to be desired. There is little fun controlling Sonic and even less fun trying to punch at little demons in the so-called "Werehog" levels. The bulk of your gametime will be spent hacking away in the nighttime "Werehog" segments, where only a brief period of time inbetween that and storytelling will you get a chance to run at the speed of sound yet again, which is the entire point of a Sonic game to begin with. This game is excessively mediocre.
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  11. Aug 28, 2013
    0
    The Sonic portion of this game is really good! The monster sections are like a list of everything you do not look for in a Sonic game. If someone re-released this game with just the Sonic parts it would be one of the best Sonic games to date, but having to deal with the Werehog just makes the whole game not worth it. Everyone who isn't a die hard Sonic fan should do themselves a favor andThe Sonic portion of this game is really good! The monster sections are like a list of everything you do not look for in a Sonic game. If someone re-released this game with just the Sonic parts it would be one of the best Sonic games to date, but having to deal with the Werehog just makes the whole game not worth it. Everyone who isn't a die hard Sonic fan should do themselves a favor and skip this game completely- go play Sonic Colors instead. Expand
  12. BloodS.1
    Jan 28, 2010
    9
    The daytime stages in Sonic Unleashed are actually the new part to the game - the Werehog stages are just the original Sonic games plus lots of fighting minus enemies throughout each level and incredibly badly placed spikes and enemies. The only problem I have with the game is the fact that the werehog stages are twice as long as the daytime stages. Otherwise, the game is better than any The daytime stages in Sonic Unleashed are actually the new part to the game - the Werehog stages are just the original Sonic games plus lots of fighting minus enemies throughout each level and incredibly badly placed spikes and enemies. The only problem I have with the game is the fact that the werehog stages are twice as long as the daytime stages. Otherwise, the game is better than any other Sonic game I've played - including the classics. Expand
  13. PhilBailey
    Dec 19, 2008
    1
    It's terrible. Absolutely, godforsakenly bad.

    Only reason it doesn't rate a 0 is because of the childhood memories of running sonic around in 2d on the sega.
    This unfortunately makes it all the worse, because they haven't made a decent sonic since.

    Time to put this hedgehog out to pasture.
  14. Dec 6, 2011
    7
    I agree that the werehog sections are very boring and pointless but i enjoyed the sonic levels very much.Graphics are fine,gameplay much better than the past sonic games and the game has little to no bugs,considering the past sonic games which they had many bugs.A good game and is a must for sonic funs
  15. Jan 9, 2012
    5
    when you are playing with Sonic, the game is OK. But when you transform into a wolf, it's boring compared to sonic gameplay in the day time. The game isn't that fun, but is a little bit enjoyable, but there are way better sonic games out there.
  16. Jan 11, 2014
    3
    Why nighttime levels? Why werehog? Why make a sonic game without speed? The day stages is awesome, but the most levels is in night mode and the day stages requires much less time to complete in another words, this is a sonic game with no speed and boring stages in most of time. Who is next steep? Make an FPS game without guns in most time? For day stages, i will give 10 as score and forWhy nighttime levels? Why werehog? Why make a sonic game without speed? The day stages is awesome, but the most levels is in night mode and the day stages requires much less time to complete in another words, this is a sonic game with no speed and boring stages in most of time. Who is next steep? Make an FPS game without guns in most time? For day stages, i will give 10 as score and for night stages, ZERO. Expand
  17. Jul 1, 2013
    3
    I loved most games I got. This game ruined my love for the Sonic games for a long time. The night levels were terrible, and the storyline sucked. The graphics were okay, but Sonic and The Black Night was more aesthetically appealing. Terrible.
  18. Dec 30, 2013
    1
    As a Sonic the Hedgehog fan, I have to say to whoever designed the gameplay: you idiot! The night stages are extremely boring thanks to terrible gameplay, and the daytime stages are not much better. To top it off, the daytime stages, which would otherwise be pretty decent, are so short (2-3 min. on average) and far between that the majority of the game ends up being the awful nighttimeAs a Sonic the Hedgehog fan, I have to say to whoever designed the gameplay: you idiot! The night stages are extremely boring thanks to terrible gameplay, and the daytime stages are not much better. To top it off, the daytime stages, which would otherwise be pretty decent, are so short (2-3 min. on average) and far between that the majority of the game ends up being the awful nighttime stages, which also happen to be several times longer a piece. Also, worst ending ever for a Sonic game. Honestly, they could have cut off the ending entirely and it would have been better. The extra challenges are the only thing saving this one from a zero, since they are actually amusing (well, the daytime ones anyway). Expand
  19. Jan 31, 2015
    0
    Who the hell thought it will be a good idea to make this game?There is no real challenge, the graphics are not so good even for the wii and the game lags as ****
  20. Jun 12, 2017
    4
    Sonic Unleashed is divided into two parts: the daytime levels and nighttime levels. The daytime levels have you play as sonic and are fast paced, control well, and are fun. The nighttime levels however, have you play as the werehog. These levels are complete trash: they're slow, clunky, repetitive, and most importantly aren't fun. The problem is you will be spending more time beneath theSonic Unleashed is divided into two parts: the daytime levels and nighttime levels. The daytime levels have you play as sonic and are fast paced, control well, and are fun. The nighttime levels however, have you play as the werehog. These levels are complete trash: they're slow, clunky, repetitive, and most importantly aren't fun. The problem is you will be spending more time beneath the moon rather than beneath the sun, and the daytime levels aren't flawless. I don't recommend this game, especially now that the best stage of the game has been remade for Sonic Generations, which is a far better game. Expand
  21. Nov 18, 2017
    3
    This game is totally trash. It's too difficult for a Sonic game. The Werehog makes the game a sh** The control is bad, the story is for 5-years old kids and the graphics aren't enough even for a Wii. Don't buy for any reason. Reviewed on Wii by Diego Gentili (Ladrultral elpato). Have a nice day ( make sure without this).
  22. Sep 9, 2021
    0
    worst game ever made. yuck. i actually felt like vomiting after playing few werehog stages which were disastrous.
  23. MichaelD.
    Nov 24, 2008
    8
    Sonic unleashed is fun! plain and simple. The daytime stages are a blast to play (literally) and sonic is faster than ever before! what really adds to the fun is the ability to drift around tight turns witch surprisingly works for the game, not against it. The night time stages on the other hand, isn't really that awesome, but it also isn't really that bad, in these stages you Sonic unleashed is fun! plain and simple. The daytime stages are a blast to play (literally) and sonic is faster than ever before! what really adds to the fun is the ability to drift around tight turns witch surprisingly works for the game, not against it. The night time stages on the other hand, isn't really that awesome, but it also isn't really that bad, in these stages you lumber around and beat the crud out of baddies, and these constant brawls don't really get too repetitive, thanks to a slew of cool butt whooping moves. also after every night time level you get a bunch of points that are applied to your stats which (if you get enough) can level you up or earn you new moves! In general, after you peel away the layers of "meh" gimmicks, an awesome adrenalin pumping platform is revealed! This is a step forward for the sonic franchise but he still has miles to go before he can get his 1991 fame back. Buy sonic unleashed for the good it has to offer, it blocks out the "so-so." Expand
  24. AndreasB.
    Dec 6, 2008
    5
    I'm crying for the good parts of this game. I am playing these %§/&%§ ice world warehog stages for the 20th time or so now and I am just frustrated by the controls. Especially the "grab!" action does not work reliably, and so doesn't accelerating (if it fails, you almost certainly die because your jump will be too short). The result? Imprecise controls that make it I'm crying for the good parts of this game. I am playing these %§/&%§ ice world warehog stages for the 20th time or so now and I am just frustrated by the controls. Especially the "grab!" action does not work reliably, and so doesn't accelerating (if it fails, you almost certainly die because your jump will be too short). The result? Imprecise controls that make it more of a coincidence if you pass a level or not. Sonic Team, why, just why? This game could have been so good. Expand
  25. GuyNoir
    May 8, 2009
    7
    I'll be honest, I love the sonic games, but the night stages are frightfully generic and dull and the day stages are loaded with glitches. The 2D segments, however, are a blast of fun to play. Unfortunaely, there are so few of them that it's just not worth it. Now, if sega made a game of only those...
  26. TomC
    Jun 26, 2009
    5
    The worst part about this game is the fact that the sonic sections are by far the greatest 3d sonic ever. This is just another kick to the balls when compared to the horrible werhog sections. They are montonous that I didnt even bother completing this game. Sega let there fans down once again.
  27. JohnSmith
    Aug 28, 2009
    7
    It wasn't that bad. You got basic sonic platforming. just with a slight twist. Sonic has certiantly gotten faster, but his Werewolf/hog form is much slower. some simple platforming can be an issue, but it's still the clssic sonic underneath.
  28. MarvinM
    Aug 28, 2009
    9
    Honestly, at first I was hesitant about purchasing this game due to its low ratings. But after playing through it for a couple of hours, I have to say, I certainly don't regret purchasing Sonic Unleashed. The night levels aren't as bad as you'd think; I think it's quite entertaining to bash those creatures around. Also, the game's got some great replay value Honestly, at first I was hesitant about purchasing this game due to its low ratings. But after playing through it for a couple of hours, I have to say, I certainly don't regret purchasing Sonic Unleashed. The night levels aren't as bad as you'd think; I think it's quite entertaining to bash those creatures around. Also, the game's got some great replay value because you can unlock many missions, some even entirely new stages. The graphics and music were also great, even for a console like the Wii. So if you're a Sonic fan, go ahead and buy it. If not, consider renting it and taking it for a spin (no pun intended). Expand
  29. JS
    Dec 15, 2008
    5
    Sorry, I have to disagree with most reviewers on this one. I am a huge fan of the original Genesis Sonics, as well as the DS ones, but this is still nothing like them, even in the daylight episodes. The problem with the daylight episodes is it feels like you're playing a racing games with no opponents. The enemies are similar. The best part of the daytime levels is when the camera Sorry, I have to disagree with most reviewers on this one. I am a huge fan of the original Genesis Sonics, as well as the DS ones, but this is still nothing like them, even in the daylight episodes. The problem with the daylight episodes is it feels like you're playing a racing games with no opponents. The enemies are similar. The best part of the daytime levels is when the camera switches to the side, and you get a 3d/2d style view. If the game were designed mostly using this camera angle instead, and with more interesting levels (like the 2d Sonic levels), it would be what most fans want. I think the reviewers would have been more critical of the daylight levels had it not been for the horrible night, werehog, levels. The daytime levels are great in comparison. Anyway, in short, the daytime levels get boring quickly (except when the camera angle switches to a more 2d side view), the night time levels suck, and you can't cut through the terrible cut-scenes, which pop up constantly. I do not recommend buying this game. Rent it, play it for a few hours, then go back to the better Sonics on the DS. Expand
  30. ManoelQ
    Dec 6, 2008
    7
    The graphics are great for Wii, the hedgehog stages are great. And the same happens with the werehog stages as well. However, what makes this game a regular one is that it destroys the characteristics of Sonic: he was made to run, not to punch. If Dimps weren't lazy and dumb, they could make three acts for a day stage that this game would get 10 anywhere.

Awards & Rankings

89
4
#4 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
12
#12 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 30
  2. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. The Wii version has less annoying traits than the others and still retains all the usual mediocrity. The motion-control elements in the Werehog levels add an extra dimension to the action, and the hub worlds are entirely text-based and aren’t nearly as annoying. If you can stand the diminished graphics, the Wii version actually edges out the PS3 and 360 entries.
  2. 72
    Sonic Unleashed is half great game and half tedious gimmick.
  3. Nintendo Power
    80
    If you don't mind some fisticuffs mixed into your high-speed thrills, give Sonic Unleashed a shot. [Holiday 2008, p.80]