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. DukeJon
    Aug 17, 2011
    10
    A much better game than the reviews suggest. Loads of secrets and replay value, fantastic graphics and music. If you love sonic you'll love this. Hell, you may even learn to like the Werehog.
  2. rbee
    Aug 9, 2009
    8
    First my take, then my 10 year old son's take. We bought an Xbox 360 very, very recently and loaded up on a few essential dad-kid games before leaving the store, unconcerned about reviews or seeing gameplay in action. For me, a few red flags were raised during the opening sequence and later in the game was a bit bored by the nighttime werehog elements but so far have not been First my take, then my 10 year old son's take. We bought an Xbox 360 very, very recently and loaded up on a few essential dad-kid games before leaving the store, unconcerned about reviews or seeing gameplay in action. For me, a few red flags were raised during the opening sequence and later in the game was a bit bored by the nighttime werehog elements but so far have not been troubled by them beyond fact they are different. It is certainly true that I would have passed on the game had I see those elements in action at the gamestore or online, and especially if they were not plastered with the Sonic brand. My son, on the other hand, is still thrilled. In fact, he preferred the slower and what he called "Kingdom Hearty" gameplay as werehog Sonic, and felt more like he was progressing in a game with a character he could build. Speeding through levels hje gets flustered and disinterested, gains and loses coins at random, and has no reason to feel nostalgic. His first exposure to Sonic in game form, beyond images of older Sega titles in magazines, was actually Super Smash Bros (Wii). (His first exposure to Mario was Galaxy, as well.) I feel that this Sonic game is a fantastic balance. The developers have gotten their slaps on the wrist in sales and are making up for things bit by bit to classic gamers by releasing DLC, but I don't think they've put a foot wrong here. Another thing to consider about my review: we live in Japan, and the Japanese release of the game is in both Japanese and English. Perhaps so are other versions. This makes the game particularly exotic to one or both of us, as having the ability to log in under two gamertags with save games in two languages and spice up the experience. It's rather like watching a classic Disney film get remade in a foreign language -- interesting and bizarre and much easier to accept.… Expand
  3. supersergi
    Jul 21, 2011
    8
    This game is not really bad. The gamplay can be great in daytime levels and touchy in nightime levels, but the graphics and music is awesome. The length of the game is about 10+ hours, and are both for fun and pain. Sega is stupid about delisting this game, because they need to re-realase this game, but making the werehog levels like in Sonic & the Secret Rings, and do the framerate at aThis game is not really bad. The gamplay can be great in daytime levels and touchy in nightime levels, but the graphics and music is awesome. The length of the game is about 10+ hours, and are both for fun and pain. Sega is stupid about delisting this game, because they need to re-realase this game, but making the werehog levels like in Sonic & the Secret Rings, and do the framerate at a good speed, and also making the daytime levels longer and the nightime levels shorter. I'm giving this game an 8 for all these reasons.… Expand
  4. gamesarepic
    Nov 30, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic Unleashed is a very good attempt to bring Sonic back and it succeeds to me find out why. The story is quite simple but kind of funny with chip/ light gaia what happens is Dr.Eggman has lured Sonic into a trap to suck the energy of the chaos emeralds and shoot at the earth to wake up Dark Gaia so he can rule the world and call Eggmanland after that the rest of the story is simple just restoring chaos emeralds finding out what happens and learning more about Chip.
    The graphics in this game are fantastic it looks like it is Disney the only problem which is one of the reasons why I lowered it to 9 is the frame-rate issues later on like abadat. The game-play is almost perfect in the day time the only problem is the unresponsive at times jump button and the werehog is good despite what people say the only problem i find is his balancing and the spike part in empire city but I can ease that now.
    Time for one of the best parts music nearly every single track is memorable the main ones are endless possibilities by Jaret Raddick , Rooftop Run and cool edge.
    The bosses are easy except for the quicktime event in perfect dark gaia mash the x button 60 times is too much i say but it does get easier.
    I liked the aeroplane sections not that bad it was fun to shoot at ships and watch the beautiful view The bad is frame-rate sometimes drop, quicktime events over done, the shooting part kind of , unresponsive at times    … Expand
  5. TounVic
    Jul 13, 2013
    8
    I don't know why it gets so many hate, this game is not bad at all, there is a lot of secrets, great soundtrack, graphics and replayability. Previous games like Generations and Colors are really fun, but their story is unappealing. Unleashed beats both of them into the ground in that category. The Werehog is a new concept of the game that you may or may not like, The Hedgehog has beenI don't know why it gets so many hate, this game is not bad at all, there is a lot of secrets, great soundtrack, graphics and replayability. Previous games like Generations and Colors are really fun, but their story is unappealing. Unleashed beats both of them into the ground in that category. The Werehog is a new concept of the game that you may or may not like, The Hedgehog has been improved and it has never gone so fast, maybe the segments in the city where you have to talk to everybody it's obnoxious, but I really enjoyed the rest. This game deserves a better score from the critics.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. Tomic-Hedgehog
    Oct 28, 2010
    9
    This is amazingly fun! Well, this version is, anyway! I love both levels, even when it can get a bit frustrating, this game has combined extreme speed, with seamless 3D - 2D transitions and combat, with mostly smooth gameplay, well done SEGA!
  8. SwoopTrust
    Nov 5, 2011
    8
    Half and half, altough the day half weighs way more than the night half, which honestly wouldn't be that bad if it werent for the retarded camera sometimes. Day stages are awesome. great colors, graphics, speed, platfoming, sounds; also very good for speedruns. Night stages could be better, and that theme for enemies really gets annoying after the third time.
    Even so, the game isn't bad,    Half and half, altough the day half weighs way more than the night half, which honestly wouldn't be that bad if it werent for the retarded camera sometimes. Day stages are awesome. great colors, graphics, speed, platfoming, sounds; also very good for speedruns. Night stages could be better, and that theme for enemies really gets annoying after the third time.
    Even so, the game isn't bad, and it was a step in the right direction that eventually lead to successes like Colors and Generations.    … Expand
  9. sonicfan2000
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    This game is amazing! And JUST like Sonic Heroes, this game doesn't deserve all the hate it got! Hear me out, don't listen to the bad reviews. The werehog really isn't bad. It's an interesting form of gameplay, there are many various combos and moves, and its just fun! Sure, it's a bit repetitive at times, but rarely. The graphics are BEAUTIFUL! The daytime levels are even BETTER than theThis game is amazing! And JUST like Sonic Heroes, this game doesn't deserve all the hate it got! Hear me out, don't listen to the bad reviews. The werehog really isn't bad. It's an interesting form of gameplay, there are many various combos and moves, and its just fun! Sure, it's a bit repetitive at times, but rarely. The graphics are BEAUTIFUL! The daytime levels are even BETTER than the werehog, you can run at RIDICULOSLY HIGH SPEEDS, the way it should be in a Sonic game! Now sadly, I don't have my 360 anymore, so I never got a chance to beat it, but I plan on getting it again for my PS3! Long story short, buy this, you'll love it!… Expand
  10. SpazzyGoose
    Jan 9, 2015
    8
    REALLY GOOD, the reason this is not a 10 is cause the long somewhat boring were hog stages, i mean there ok but not great and mainly focused on combat. really fast as is but than you upgrade your speed , best boost in the sonic series , best story in the sonic series , fun game play , great physics , good graphics , fun combos but the were hog kinda brings it down.
  11. PigMacLord
    Feb 1, 2015
    10
    This game has amazing gameplay, graphics, music everything comes together nicely in it. It's fun and delivers slight variety but keeps everything you love about sonic in it 10/10 BESTEST GAME EVA
  12. Taylorxd123
    Nov 27, 2015
    9
    One of Sonic's best.
    Great gameplay
    Amazing graphics
    Awesome mechanics
    Cool story

    Its just everything we want from sonic
    Just two proplems though
    Day time sonic has a werid jump which makes platforming hard sometimes and the werehog can sometimes be a bit stiff but overall it a fantastic sonic game
  13. Shadow1
    Mar 24, 2016
    10
    I love this game on XBOX 360 and PS2 . Version for XBOX 360 better than PS2 . In this game one of best graphics of 2008 . This is good 3D game . Very awesome boost and drift . Awesome storyline and very very good gameplay . One of best Sonic game . 10/10
  14. 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
  15. ECB19
    Dec 6, 2018
    10
    This game is quite undervalued by the metascore, and shows that the specialized press does not really know what rating to assign to the sonic games, since this is the basis to create sonic generations. It should have a higher note, simply because it is base. Also because it's not a bad game, we might even consider it pretty good.
  16. 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
  17. Destroyergamez4
    Jun 12, 2021
    10
    Sonic unleashed is the best sonic game ever! Don't listen to the critic reviewers, they are soo bad at unleashed...

    The music The graphics The levels The characters are amazing! Best voice acting Jason did! Sonic Unleashed is better than SA2 IMO Sonic unleashed Level design is fantastic and also very challenging! If a sonic game is challenging, then there is a good sign    Sonic unleashed is the best sonic game ever! Don't listen to the critic reviewers, they are soo bad at unleashed...

    The music
    The graphics
    The levels
    The characters are amazing!

    Best voice acting Jason did!

    Sonic Unleashed is better than SA2 IMO

    Sonic unleashed Level design is fantastic and also very challenging!
    If a sonic game is challenging, then there is a good sign that it is the best one!

    Sonic unleashed was very under-appreciated and also hated very badly. To the people that hate unleashed, please give the game a second try, it is the best sonic game ever made!

    SEGA should port it to PC and next gen consoles

    I will 100% love the game more and also it will always be my number 1 sonic game ever!

    The music is an absolute banger!

    The werehog stages of exploration is amazing but 1 problem is, its too stretched and also long but hey it doesn't affect my fun time because it is still awesome! Hidden areas in werehog stages is fun! we learn more and more about the stages

    I give this game a 10/10

    No one can ever disrespect this game now! I wish the game was GOTY if people weren't soo harsh on this game....    … Expand
  18. Eddieddie
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    Bastante infravalorado, increíble jugabilidad y gráficos para su tiempo. Es necesario darle una oportunidad
  19. SosikuKawaiiHog
    Jan 12, 2020
    10
    Much better than Sonic Forces. Best level design , best boost in the series , best story , best final boss , best gameplay. And please guys , don't compare werehog with God Of War , it is stupid
  20. hamiham2
    May 6, 2020
    10
    The best 3D Sonic game up to date, with wide and beautiful levels, outstanding speed, and satisfying combat.
  21. BaduJoseph
    Sep 16, 2020
    10
    the game is just incredible! it has incredible music, iconic characters, incredible history, this game is simply a work of art!
  22. TheArkhamKnight
    Jan 6, 2021
    8
    My favorite Sonic game, it came to me as a surprise when I found out that reviewers completely bashed this game to a pulp when it came out and gave it a lower score than 06, the game that nearly killed the franchise. I mean I like 06, its my second favorite Sonic game but I can't deny it has a lot of problems and did a number on the series. Unleashed laid the foundation for other fanMy favorite Sonic game, it came to me as a surprise when I found out that reviewers completely bashed this game to a pulp when it came out and gave it a lower score than 06, the game that nearly killed the franchise. I mean I like 06, its my second favorite Sonic game but I can't deny it has a lot of problems and did a number on the series. Unleashed laid the foundation for other fan favorites like Colors and Generations and is a solid game and I feel gets too much hate and I'd highly recommend playing this game.… Expand
  23. noasisblaze
    Sep 22, 2013
    7
    This game is a massive improvement on Sonic 06, but it still has problems like the Moon Medals and the homing attack can be glitchy but it's still a good game.
  24. Aaron5180
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    When I am downloading a new game on my PC, I like to play this game. It's really fun and they did and excellent job on the fighting. Some people may not like the new fighting, but I don't really mind.
  25. Codename_zero
    Jul 12, 2015
    8
    this game is perfect for what he came to be...
    it's well divided between day and night stages
    day stages for the Sonic unique style fans
    and night stages for the new fans
    the game the awesome on both gameplays
    have a GREAT story making you wanting more
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. Vitolonado
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    Although Sonic Adventure 2 is my favorite Sonic game, I can't deny the quality of this one, it really deserves the title of "Best Sonic game"
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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 »