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. dislexicpotato
    Oct 21, 2018
    5
    Despite the pretty graphics, great music and creativity that Sonic Unleashed has, the daytime stages rely too much on boosting and lack platforming and the night time werehog stages are simply repetitive and boring resulting in a game that is both mediocre and forgettable.
  2. Metaisaac
    Aug 31, 2018
    9
    It is very underrated! next to sonic colors,sonic mania and sonic generations it is the best sonic ever
  3. SoporificSG
    Aug 23, 2018
    9
    My favorite sonic game in the whole series it was very good I liked daytime and nighttime stages
  4. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    8
    Very Underrated
    Sonic a Unleashed Isn’t Perfect, But It Signified A Comeback For The Blue Blur.
  5. SAGP6
    Aug 15, 2018
    7
    I love this game not the best but at the time it was redeemable than the terrible 06 kind of game. This game change story that's actually more inspiring than any other modern sonic games where this one introduces two ways to play sonic daytime where you go fast with the new boosting power with great level design and nighttime with the combat with more of a exploration this feature is notI love this game not the best but at the time it was redeemable than the terrible 06 kind of game. This game change story that's actually more inspiring than any other modern sonic games where this one introduces two ways to play sonic daytime where you go fast with the new boosting power with great level design and nighttime with the combat with more of a exploration this feature is not too bad actually it's just a way of changing the pacing of how you play the game which is fine not that big of an issue the music great actually cause instead they use orchestra with one of the best music in a sonic game even though the game is difficult at times, frame rate can be a bit of a problem, the voice acting is cheap due to 4kids at the time, collecting sun and moon medals to unlock stages can be a hassle but fair, and the controls can be weird at first but once you adjusted on how it handles you'll be fine. So far the visuals in this game is great I really wish sonic games have CGI stuff like this and how it has high replay-ability value even if concept like the were-hog is out of place if you give this game a chance you'll find a lot to love about Sonic Unleashed.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. DiamondShadows9
    Jun 27, 2018
    8
    The day time stages in this game are done EXTREMELY WELL not as good as Generations or colours but this was the first game to introduce the boost to win formula. The night time stages are actually not that bad they can be fun if you like hack and slash stages and aren't a hardcore fan who HAS to have the game be about speed 100% of the time.
  8. Terracraft
    Jun 27, 2018
    6
    Its Great In The Day Time Platforming But Bad In The Werehog Stages Because God Of War Is Bad
  9. Zanql
    Jun 25, 2018
    10
    It's sad that such a wonderful game like this that had so much work put in to it got so much hate. Just because it was released after Sonic 06, when it was "trendy" to hate on the franchise. It even had CG mini films.
    One of Sonic's best.
    Great gameplay
    Amazing graphics
    Awesome mechanics
    Amazing story
  10. Lucabratz
    May 28, 2018
    8
    This Game blew me away! I never thought Sonic team could possibly get so close to perfection. Why is it so good? A couple things really, first the new graphics engine for the next gen consoles was used beautifully with great looking cutscenes, levels, and hub-worlds. Now to the music... Absolutely amazing with fantastic pieces by composer Tomoya Ohtani and Kenichi Tokoi's pieces shineThis Game blew me away! I never thought Sonic team could possibly get so close to perfection. Why is it so good? A couple things really, first the new graphics engine for the next gen consoles was used beautifully with great looking cutscenes, levels, and hub-worlds. Now to the music... Absolutely amazing with fantastic pieces by composer Tomoya Ohtani and Kenichi Tokoi's pieces shine throughout this game especially some of the hub-world music. Now to the Gameplay... Damn fun, the daytime missions are a great deal of fun they're fast fun and really well crafted, the sense of speed and controls are nearly perfect here. The only problem with the controls in my eyes were the air boost always got in the way of me trying to do a homing attack but other than that very smooth. Now the Night-time missions... They are a blast to play, YEAH these were the missions I sometimes found myself enjoying more than the daytime. The controls were once again smooth and they really emulate what it's like to be a beast being unleashed especially when you level up and learn new combos, writing about just makes me want to go play right now. Overall this game was just too underappreciated by both fan and critics and it really deserves better this is in my eyes the most polished and near perfect sonic game just give it a chance, and unlike Sonic Generations the day time isn't always "hold X to win the game" the game actually takes a lot more skill. What other sonic game do you ride across a humpback whale in a bobsled? None of them.… Expand
  11. YS99
    May 13, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Omg Just OMG is this game just not good just not great just not Awesome its Perfect and heres my reasons
    1 The Graphics
    This game looks like a 2015 game than a 2008 game beacuse omg this is the best Looking Sonic game of all time and yes better than Forces And Free Riders Graphics but they also have great Graphichs
    2 The Music
    The Music uses Settings from the world and when i kean by that they have so many Generas in music like Jazz Rock Orchestra and many more
    3 The Story
    The Story is Great like it has the best opening in any sonic game ever and how it leads up to is good with Sonic and Chip going to all these Places
    4 The Gameplay
    The Gameplay has 2 Different Styles it has Sonic with the boost and The Werehog with its Brawl Sections o Think there poth Perfect (Especially The Boost) and its fun ahd Levals are from 3-6 mins long with the boost when with the werehog it wpuld take 8-20mins but its still fun
    5 Conclusion
    So Sonic unleashed is my Favourite Sonic Game of all time beacuse of all those things i said before bye    … Expand
  12. BananoXtreme
    May 7, 2018
    9
    Un muy buen juego.
    Se basa en una doble jugabilidad, en que de día eres el Sonic que todos conocemos, y de noche te transformas en el Sonic Werehog, en que la jugabilidad cambia completamente a una mas lenta en que predomina el hack and slash. Esta jugabilidad nocturna es muy buena, puedes realizar diversos combos, bloquear ataques, y, siendo francos, es bastante difícil si no prevés los    Un muy buen juego.
    Se basa en una doble jugabilidad, en que de día eres el Sonic que todos conocemos, y de noche te transformas en el Sonic Werehog, en que la jugabilidad cambia completamente a una mas lenta en que predomina el hack and slash. Esta jugabilidad nocturna es muy buena, puedes realizar diversos combos, bloquear ataques, y, siendo francos, es bastante difícil si no prevés los ataques enemigos, los cuales son esbirros de Dark Gaia, que, junto al Dr. Eggman, deberas derrotar en esta aventura. La jugabilidad con Sonic de día es muy frenética y veloz (como es de esperar), con nuevas habilidades como el pisotón y un sistema de XP en que mejorar las habilidades de Sonic diurno y nocturno. Los niveles tanto de día como de noche son muy bonitos y amplios, con muchos caminos por los que correr, plear y explorar, ya que en esta ocasión, si quieres completar el juego al 100% y entrar en fases secretas, deberás recoger todas las medallas solares y lunares repartidas por los escenarios a lo largo de todos los niveles y pueblos o ciudades; ya que en este titulo, al igual que en Sonic Adventure, podras hablar con los aldeanos y lugareños de los pueblos y ciudades que visitaras con el avión Tornado de Tails gracias a un mapamundi por el que viajar a todo tipo de lugares extravagantes. Nuevos personajes, como Chip o el profesor Pickle haran aparición en este título, y mientras viajas por el mundo puedes comprar recuerdos para llevárselos a Pickle y recibir consejos, pistas o simplemente guardarlos en su laboratorios para verlos en el expositor. Chip es un pequeño ser volador con alas que no recuerda nada debido a cierto erizo azul que cayo encima suyo, por lo que deberas conseguir que recuerdo quien es, todo esto mientras restauras el mundo, debido a que al principio del juego verás que Dark Gaia a separado los continentes y esta recuperando fuerzas. Gráficamente es un juego impresionante y de una banda sonora muy buena, aunque no a la altura de anteriores titulos.
    Un buen juego mas que recommdable si te gusta Sonic.    … Expand
  13. Sonic902
    Apr 5, 2018
    10
    This is a very underrated game. I think the quick time events are a decent challenge, the graphics are amazing and the game play is superb, including the Werehog
  14. loricritic845
    Mar 17, 2018
    10
    There is one thing you should know about Sonic Unleashed before spending your time and money on it. It's a great game. Really great game. Okay I have to admit the tutorial stages were unneeded but new players should learn how to play this awesome game. It has replayability. It has cool graphics, nice story and the new Chip character has lots of positive things. Encountering belovedThere is one thing you should know about Sonic Unleashed before spending your time and money on it. It's a great game. Really great game. Okay I have to admit the tutorial stages were unneeded but new players should learn how to play this awesome game. It has replayability. It has cool graphics, nice story and the new Chip character has lots of positive things. Encountering beloved characters such as Tails and Amy is pretty cool. If you like Werewolf stories you will definitely love this. Because in this game you get three different gameplay styles. The first one is the basic fast platforming, the other one is the night themed Werehog fighting gameplay and the last one is exploring around a place if you like that. So yeah Sonic Unleashed is probably one of the best Sonic titles to this day.… Expand
  15. RaphGamerProd
    Mar 16, 2018
    10
    BEST SONIC GAME EVER need a PC port on STEAM the werehog is good everything is good I want the 4K 60FPS PC PORT SEGA PLSSSS ???!!!!?? DANG
  16. Shiive
    Feb 25, 2018
    9
    Underrated gem Sonic unleashed is well executed in almost every single aspect. the only things that make it a 10/10 for me is the medal hunting and the choppy frame rate at times.
  17. Critical_Review
    Feb 21, 2018
    10
    Underrated Sonic Game of All time. It doesn't deserve terrible reviews just because it isn't what they wanted. Onto the review, The graphics are the best in the series, but bad framerates in the most beautiful levels. Modern Sonic is on point, with speed and level design. And the werehog, even if it wasn't needed was executed well. Other than that the game is amazing.
  18. SquaredPiano24
    Feb 11, 2018
    10
    This is, possibly, one of my favourite sonic games. The daytime stages were fun and exhilarating and the nighttime stages were fine, they didn't bother me that much and I liked them. The exploration aspect and the rather fun brawler type of gameplay was enjoyable. They were quite challenging but were much easier once you level up your strength and combat. The RPG elements also added aThis is, possibly, one of my favourite sonic games. The daytime stages were fun and exhilarating and the nighttime stages were fine, they didn't bother me that much and I liked them. The exploration aspect and the rather fun brawler type of gameplay was enjoyable. They were quite challenging but were much easier once you level up your strength and combat. The RPG elements also added a sense of progress in the game. This game also has a wonderful plot, possibly the best graphics, and, in my opinion, the fastest sonic. The music is also one of the best in the sonic franchise. The critic reviews were, in my opinion, quite biased about the game - while I accept the fact that the reviewers didn't like Werehog sections, the graphics, music (sound), and the presentation (story) were all excellent and definitely deserve a good rating. I would definitely recommend this game to anyone for a true taste of the sonic franchise.… Expand
  19. XtremeGamer7
    Feb 6, 2018
    8
    This game is seriously underated. Sonic Unleashed may not be a masterpiece but it's damn good. The music and graphics of the game is top-notch, everything feels like a Pixar movie with cartoonish proportions for people. The story isn't bad as well by any means, it's a step up from the edgy and weird like it's predecessors and it's quite light hearted not taking things too seriously. IThis game is seriously underated. Sonic Unleashed may not be a masterpiece but it's damn good. The music and graphics of the game is top-notch, everything feels like a Pixar movie with cartoonish proportions for people. The story isn't bad as well by any means, it's a step up from the edgy and weird like it's predecessors and it's quite light hearted not taking things too seriously. I won't spoil any gameplay or story so you can experience them yourself. Daytime is a lot of fun, high speed thrills and the nighttime levels, while tedious, is fun with his combat skills. The hub worlds or colourful and have interactable people and this is easily one of the best in the series, as it is small and they are beautiful. The battle music is way too repetitive though. But the medal collecting is one bad factor along with some of the werehog levels being a bit too long and doesn't seem to have a drop shadow. Eggmanland can go to hell.… Expand
  20. EpicLadySponge
    Nov 30, 2017
    6
    Don't get me wrong on the score. I totally love Sonic Unleashed at what it tries to do. I basically love everything that relates to the daytime stages where you play as Sonic the Hedgehog, which aren't that very long compared to his Werehog alter ego. I would love to give the game the score it deserves had the Werehog not take over literally more than 50% of an average walkthrough for aDon't get me wrong on the score. I totally love Sonic Unleashed at what it tries to do. I basically love everything that relates to the daytime stages where you play as Sonic the Hedgehog, which aren't that very long compared to his Werehog alter ego. I would love to give the game the score it deserves had the Werehog not take over literally more than 50% of an average walkthrough for a casual gamer all in such. Many people are very divided on this game and I'm fine with that. Some people may like the Werehog while others don't and I'm fine with that. The problem with Sonic Unleashed that can easily be avoidable due to people's different perspectives when playing the game is that Sonic the Werehog gets too much playtime in a game that otherwise focuses more on speed. Sure I love the combat system for this game but it feels awkward to have such a thing in a Sonic game and it eventually becomes stale as you progress through the game. Even if the Werehog is much of a critical issue, I can't seem to find a way to replace it with something else without affecting the game's plot since the Werehog is served as another important plot element in the franchise.

    Everything about this game is eye-appealing candy that eventually goes horribly wrong when the Werehog is given more of the balance than the Hedgehog. In short, the game itself is a mix between excitement and attraction for the daytime stages and disappointment and repetition for the nighttime stages for some of those first-timers out there. It's been a while now and I believe some people got used to the nighttime stages, but I still believe that the Werehog felt out of place in a game that focuses on speed and maybe it could have worked if it was its own thing.    … Expand
  21. Icystorm9
    Nov 8, 2017
    10
    Sonic Unleashed on the Xbox 360 is a great game. After Sonic Next-Gen, Sonic Team needed a game that would give people a reason to care about Sonic. And boy, did they deliver.

    Sonic Unleashed is a gorgeous game. It looks spectacular, with magnificent scenery, character designs, lighting, shading, animations, all that. The sound is clear and crisp. It looks like a game that would be made    Sonic Unleashed on the Xbox 360 is a great game. After Sonic Next-Gen, Sonic Team needed a game that would give people a reason to care about Sonic. And boy, did they deliver.

    Sonic Unleashed is a gorgeous game. It looks spectacular, with magnificent scenery, character designs, lighting, shading, animations, all that. The sound is clear and crisp. It looks like a game that would be made for PS4 and Switch. This is still the best-looking Sonic game, even after almost 10 years.

    The level design in this game is great. In both Sonic and Werehog levels, every level is well-designed and fun. Everything is placed in an absolute perfect spot. Sonic's gameplay is based on boosting, and the Werehog's gameplay is based on combat and puzzle solving; despite this, both characters have a good amount of platforming to do. All levels are well-designed and are really fun to speedrun. I must have played Windmill Isle Act 2 at least 100 times and I'm still not sick of it.

    Sonic's standard controls are really good. I think it was actually a good idea to make X the homing attack instead of A, but I know why they changed it back. The Werehog also has great control. Making the trigger the run button was pretty smart because then I can run at any time and still press nearly any button I need. I'm not sure why the Werehog can't go faster up poles when the triggers are held, but eh.

    Both forms of Sonic have a wide range of abilities. Sonic can jump, boost, homing attack, slide, or breakdance. (I'm not kidding. Stop in place and double-tap B.) The Werehog can jump, double jump, climb or shimmy along walls, punch, kick, block, run, unleash, and more. All of these abilities, along with upgrades, which I will mention later, make the game fun and refreshing.

    Aside from the abilities the character had at the beginning, there are 2 types of upgrades for both Hedgehog and Werehog.
    The first is new abilities. Sonic the Hedgehog can gain new abilities by finding various pairs of shoes in hub worlds. These shoes can allow Sonic to stomp, wall-jump, or do the light-speed dash. Stomp is performed by pressing B in the air; Wall jumping is done by repeatedly pressing A while on a wall. The light-speed dash is done by pressing Y in front of a trail of rings. All of these are great additions and work exceptionally well. The Werehog can gain new abilities by upgrading his combat abilities at the end of a level. There are tons of them to learn and unlock.
    The second type of upgrade is an upgrade to pre-existing abilities. At the end of each level, Sonic can take the EXP he's gained and apply it to either his normal or werehog self. Sonic has 2 abilities to upgrade and the Werehog has 6, I think. You can upgrade one ability a ton and leave the other behind, or you can upgrade them all equally. It's up to you. They all add to the game to make it faster and more fun. It's also easier to get S-ranks when your characters are fully upgraded.

    You can tell this game is incredibly polished. All of the abilities, all of the levels, all of the characters, all of the enemies, all of the animations, all of the features, all of the items, everything. They all show a very high level of polish. I've played this game for 15 hours or more and I've never encountered a bug. If a game can implement all of these features in a smart, simple way with no issues, you can tell Sonic Team really cared about this game. And that's why this game gets a 10.

    Oh, and Eggman has a Dreamcast. Gotta love the Dreamcast.    … Expand
  22. 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.
  23. smahlt
    Jul 8, 2017
    6
    Werehog is bad and drags the score down to 6.

    Now that that's out of the way, the daytime stages are fantastic and the pinnacle of 3D Sonic gameplay. They are worth suffering through the werehog segments to play. I prefer the way this game plays to Sonic Generations. Sonic feels more loose and harder to control, which actually works with the high speed he goes at. Getting good enough at    Werehog is bad and drags the score down to 6.

    Now that that's out of the way, the daytime stages are fantastic and the pinnacle of 3D Sonic gameplay. They are worth suffering through the werehog segments to play. I prefer the way this game plays to Sonic Generations. Sonic feels more loose and harder to control, which actually works with the high speed he goes at. Getting good enough at the game to be able to go full speed through the levels is extremely satisfying. The graphics are amazing and the music is fantastic.    … Expand
  24. thiago52192
    May 15, 2017
    10
    The fastest sonic game, turns out to be the most fun and enjoyable game of the franchise. Focus more on speed, and making a mix of plataform and racing was the best idea sega have made in years
  25. BadOpinion
    Mar 23, 2017
    6
    This is the only 3D Sonic I've played and it's okay. I wish there weren't any werehog stuff and the levels are too simplistically designed compared to the Genesis games. Still this game has high production values and is memorable.
  26. Shrekening
    Feb 25, 2017
    5
    Sorry but this game is more frustrating than it should've been. I love the graphics and it can be fun but it's more of an endurance test with sloppy controls and poor werehog sections. It's also filled with boring hubworlds. The daytime sections can be fun but they have problems and there's too much fluff.
  27. Untitled94
    Dec 15, 2016
    8
    This version of the game has got to be the best. Not because of extra content or anything, but because it runs the best. All the others work, but for the smoothest and best way to play, this is it. The game itself isn't the best Sonic game, but it's still enjoyable. While not as good as the daytime stages, the Were-hog stages can be fun, they just drag out a bit longer than they need to.This version of the game has got to be the best. Not because of extra content or anything, but because it runs the best. All the others work, but for the smoothest and best way to play, this is it. The game itself isn't the best Sonic game, but it's still enjoyable. While not as good as the daytime stages, the Were-hog stages can be fun, they just drag out a bit longer than they need to. The only reason the Wii and PS2 versions would be any better is that they are more straight forward. Otherwise, the Xbox 360 version is the best version. PS3 version would be better if it stayed locked at 60fps.… Expand
  28. igorzion
    Nov 29, 2016
    10
    jogo espetacular,jogabilidade otima e belos graficos,e o level desing otimo,esse e o melhor jogo do sonic que ja joguei,eu recomendo que voçes joguem,jogo espetacular
  29. LOCOMMANDER
    Nov 28, 2016
    8
    This is my favorite 3D Sonic games. Honestly better than SA2. Yes I just said that. But there were barely any times that I had to rage quit Sonic Unleashed. I have turned off and almost thrown the controller in a fit of rage several times during adventure 2 and not because of Sonic and Shadow. The boost mechanic was an amazing addition to Sonic's 3D gameplay. The sense of speed in thisThis is my favorite 3D Sonic games. Honestly better than SA2. Yes I just said that. But there were barely any times that I had to rage quit Sonic Unleashed. I have turned off and almost thrown the controller in a fit of rage several times during adventure 2 and not because of Sonic and Shadow. The boost mechanic was an amazing addition to Sonic's 3D gameplay. The sense of speed in this game is absolutely stunning and I have an absolute blast during the daytime stages. The werehog is not a terrible thing. Honestly I actually enjoy some of the werehog stages. Except for chun nan at night. Those wizards and pole sections can shove a telephone pole up their butts. But the combat is truly enjoyable with more combos to unlock and many different methods of defeating enemies and there is something extremely satisfying about picking up an enemy and using said enemy to smack another enemy with and kill them that way. Also its funny when sonic slams them on the ground repeatedly. One major critique that I need to address is the need to hunt for sun and moon medals in order to progress throughout the story. In the nighttime stages this is no problem. During the day, however, Sonic is blazing past these things at extremely high speeds. But other than these problems This game is a truly underrated Sonic game that deserves more good rep than bad. Any of the bad reviews are essentially people who just don't like the werehog stages and can't look past that at the rest of the game.… Expand
  30. FilemonBR
    Aug 31, 2016
    9
    Jogo inovador com uma historia epica, hedghog engine foi um grande feito, deixaram os gráficos lindos, o werehog veio para tentar um novo jeito de se jogar, porem foi criticado pela sega nao ter console, assim os fanboy nao poderiam usar ele para falar qual console é melhor
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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
See all critic reviews »