Sonic Unleashed

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 809 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 649 out of 809
  2. Mixed: 106 out of 809
  3. Negative: 54 out of 809
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  1. james47whoop
    Jul 10, 2011
    4
    Sonic Unleashed is far too repetitive and annoying. The only fun I found in this game were the daytime levels which didn't last very long. The night levels were extremely tedious. The controls were far too sensitive and clunky, and every level saw you doing the same thing. Kill these guys. Open up this door. Kill these guys. Open up this door. Jump over a ledge. Kill these guys. Die.Sonic Unleashed is far too repetitive and annoying. The only fun I found in this game were the daytime levels which didn't last very long. The night levels were extremely tedious. The controls were far too sensitive and clunky, and every level saw you doing the same thing. Kill these guys. Open up this door. Kill these guys. Open up this door. Jump over a ledge. Kill these guys. Die. Repeat the level from the start. Also, the same infuriating music played every time some enemys spawned. I thought the option to upgrade Sonic's powers were a neat addition, but there wasn't enough fun content here to keep me hooked for long.… Expand
  2. SawnikAdventure
    Dec 8, 2011
    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 theySonic 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.… Expand
  3. GodBleeder
    Aug 23, 2011
    4
    If you are looking for a fun platformer, look somewhere else, anywhere else. As for getting your nostalgia fix, you're better off watching a worn out VHS of Power Rangers with the sound off.
  4. Abdur86-245
    Sep 9, 2021
    0
    worst game ever made. yuck. i actually felt like vomiting after playing few werehog stages which were disastrous.
  5. Incarta
    Feb 7, 2014
    4
    Alas, the negatives outway the positives. The werehog levels clunky, slow pace are everything the sonic series isn't about. There is nothing more disappointing then playing as sonic, beating another fairly decent level in 5 minutes and then sighing as you're thrown back into another werehog level, which can take 30minutes plus to trudge through. The final boss battle is also horrendous andAlas, the negatives outway the positives. The werehog levels clunky, slow pace are everything the sonic series isn't about. There is nothing more disappointing then playing as sonic, beating another fairly decent level in 5 minutes and then sighing as you're thrown back into another werehog level, which can take 30minutes plus to trudge through. The final boss battle is also horrendous and no reward for putting up with this disappointing game… Expand
  6. AbRah-3101
    Sep 9, 2021
    0
    I never liked this game that much. it was pretty bad, werehog stages were slow and long annoying.
  7. gungaginga
    Aug 17, 2019
    0
    so i went to my local pets store and bought a leather collar and leash... boy will i tell you what - this game is horrible. the leather collar is cold when first putting it on and being put on a leash was a weird experience, i did enjoy when alone but when brought into public people looked at me and my mommy like i was weird or something..?? people walking by called me gay.
  8. natsad11
    Apr 4, 2012
    1
    it is the most sonic bad as I've ever played in the place I prefer sonic the hedgehog episode 1 and internships with sonic sonic colors.Les garou are zero, so for me it is not very convincing.
  9. darthvictor
    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 and for nightWhy 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 and for night stages, ZERO.… Expand
  10. dipto
    Dec 8, 2013
    4
    Oh look! a Fanfiction that became a game! Oh Boy! Sonic Unleashed is basically not a good game. its not even mediocre, its just plain bad. people say that the daytime stages are great, and the boost fomula is awesome. the boost formula works for colors and generations, and it looks pretty in unleashed, but the fact of the matter is, in unleashed, it is ruined by drastic framerate issuesOh look! a Fanfiction that became a game! Oh Boy! Sonic Unleashed is basically not a good game. its not even mediocre, its just plain bad. people say that the daytime stages are great, and the boost fomula is awesome. the boost formula works for colors and generations, and it looks pretty in unleashed, but the fact of the matter is, in unleashed, it is ruined by drastic framerate issues (i'm looking at you adabat), stupid quick time events (oh and those plane levels, completely full of them), and wasting your time collecting medals to progress through the game (I HATE THAT).

    sonic is known for going through level to level, or at least having good hub worlds, but unleashed hub worlds are just lame and really serve little to no purpose at all. really dont have that much of an issue with the daytime controls except for one thing, the boost button is the homing attack button (thank god generations fixed this). youre on the air homing attacking enemies and suddenly, you boost and boost all the way to your death. so if people are gonna say that the daytime stages are amazing, it isnt. it isnt at all (in my opinion).

    the night levels... well, you already know whats wrong with it, but people say that its good fashioned beat em up. that is not true. the enemies were too cheap, the werehog voice was annoying, you could just press one button and beat up everyone, and the level just drags. my time ranged from 15-20 minutes each level. and not to mention, if i wanted to play a beat em up, i would play god of war, but i'm playing SONIC. i want to have fast paced platforming.

    the story is bad. chip comes out of nowhere, then suddenly out of nowhere, he is revealed to be a god, then suddenly out of nowhere, he uses the temples to turn into a transformer (robots in disguise). amy is very annoying in the game. in lost world, she is actually mature, in sonic unleashed, she is the opposite of that. professor pickles, other than to tell you where to go, he is not important at all. the werehog, i thought he was gonna be badass, but he's a total pushover, and has a voice more annoying than jet the hawk. the only three characters i tolerate are daytime sonic eggman, and tails.

    overrall, game is bad in my opinion. if you already have sonic colors or generations, why get sonic unleashed?    … Expand
  11. MrAwesome091
    Nov 5, 2013
    2
    Equally bad as Sonic '06. that's all i have to say

    Broken and Slippery Controls and Broken Werehog Stages. it seems the Day Stages are the only good levels in the game. This game still has potential. but one of the worst entries hat Sega has ever put in.
  12. mrtoddbob
    May 26, 2014
    3
    There is awesome cut scenes in this game...... that is it. There is monotonous boring gameplay and a story no one cares about. After about 1 hour i couldn't play it anymore. Don't play it even if you love sonic. And about the werewolf..... it could have worked if killing bad guys didn't happen so often and platforming wasn't so dumb and simple. On a plus side though. Sonic sections areThere is awesome cut scenes in this game...... that is it. There is monotonous boring gameplay and a story no one cares about. After about 1 hour i couldn't play it anymore. Don't play it even if you love sonic. And about the werewolf..... it could have worked if killing bad guys didn't happen so often and platforming wasn't so dumb and simple. On a plus side though. Sonic sections are pretty solid but lack variety which ruins sonic gameplay. As a final product, it doesn't meet standards.… Expand
  13. Swagga
    Jan 26, 2015
    1
    This is a truly terrible game. Yes, it's THAT bad. Look, the Daytime stages are a frustrating mess. The Nighttime stages are complete disaster. As for the hubs and tornado minigames, oh wow, Sega just took horrible to a whole new level. Avoid at all costs.
  14. ch6789
    May 21, 2015
    1
    why play this game wen you can play generations or colors its the same game play with out the crappy werehog? this game is not good or bad but 12 year olds say this game is the best sonic game ever they are not critics they are just 12 year olds that eat what ever Sega **** out. for me as a sonic fan sonic unleashed is like attack of the clones for star wars fans its no phantom menace butwhy play this game wen you can play generations or colors its the same game play with out the crappy werehog? this game is not good or bad but 12 year olds say this game is the best sonic game ever they are not critics they are just 12 year olds that eat what ever Sega **** out. for me as a sonic fan sonic unleashed is like attack of the clones for star wars fans its no phantom menace but still pretty bad.… Expand
  15. Rangaman
    Aug 21, 2017
    2
    If you're down to your last dollar, you'll be pleased to know you can recreate the Sonic Unleashed experience by drinking a load of cheap wine before handstanding for six hours while reruns of the Ice Age movies and a **** jazz band play in the background.
  16. DarkerSonic06
    Jul 13, 2018
    3
    This boost Gameplay... I mean Im running with 9999999999999mph trough the town and i can only use the Triggers to slide left and right. I cant call this game,for me its more like a techdemo. Without the werehog the Game would be the boringst sonic game
  17. azuuu
    Jul 11, 2023
    3
    jogar algo da minha infância foi um erro.
    os estágios do Sonic Lobo são longos, chatos, repetitivos.
    eu não aguento mais a mesma música de combate toda hora.
  18. Xavik09
    Dec 10, 2021
    0
    Una carta de amor al gaming, sonic unleashed es una obra maestra de su tiempo con un gran soundtrack historia gameplay plataformeo direccion artistica, hermosa en todo sentido, muy feliz del parche de los 60 fps en xbox. No puedo describir la sensacion de derrotar a dark gaia en su fase perfecta ni de escuchar endless possibilities. Obra maestra sin duda te amo sonic Porfavor sonic teamUna carta de amor al gaming, sonic unleashed es una obra maestra de su tiempo con un gran soundtrack historia gameplay plataformeo direccion artistica, hermosa en todo sentido, muy feliz del parche de los 60 fps en xbox. No puedo describir la sensacion de derrotar a dark gaia en su fase perfecta ni de escuchar endless possibilities. Obra maestra sin duda te amo sonic Porfavor sonic team que sonic rangers sea igual de bueno que este juego porfavor… Expand
  19. KezKaz
    Nov 9, 2022
    0
    Game is alright to say the least, if you are playing on Xbox One/360 you will get frame drops, on newer consoles you don’t, story is great. Would recommend
  20. NairMcgee
    Mar 11, 2023
    0
    The most overrated game of all time. This game is nowhere near the masterpiece that all the Unleashed fanboys want you to believe it is. I would give it a 7/10 but this game is way too overrated so I'm giving it a 0
  21. diealegend
    Apr 6, 2023
    0
    Worst mechanics and game style I’ve seen from a sonic game yet.. sonic forces was better than this horrible game. The only thing this game had that was interesting was a story. But besides that I hated playing this game too difficult and werid to play for players.
  22. Darxeus
    Jul 16, 2023
    0
    This is my personal favorite Sonic Game, the story is just phonomenal, I understand why people don't like the Werehog, but it's not bad because you're at least having fun with the Werehog, but the daytime Sonic stages are fun as hell
  23. haterofallgames
    Aug 23, 2023
    0
    it's a sonic game, don't buy. don't let the bigger furry fool you. this **** is unacceptable.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
5
#5 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 50
  3. Negative: 10 out of 50
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 1UP
    50
    Ultimately, this simply isn't the fresh start Sonic fans were so desperately hoping for...but at least it's not as execrable as the last two efforts.
    Read full review
  3. Hardcore Gamer
    90
    Sonic Unleashed is a glorious return to true console form for Sonic.
    Read full review
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