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. AaronMayorga
    Nov 30, 2008
    10
    The Daytime are very fast and awesome especially on the new Hedgehog Engine by Sega.The Nighttime stages are a very important asset to the game. They may have a slower tempo but the stages are very large and interesting.The music once again beautiful especially the final boss theme. It is a very great game at heart and you should by it.
  2. MarcusL.
    Jan 23, 2009
    10
    Sonic Unleashed is an awesome game. No, that's not going to be the ENTIRE review. But let me explain why. Firstly, the day stages. Every review I've seen praises these stages greatly, since they are reminicent of the good old 90's Sonic games. Addtionaly, Griffith's voice has improved. Massively. As does Amy Palant's Tails voice. Now, he sounds like a boy. Sonic Unleashed is an awesome game. No, that's not going to be the ENTIRE review. But let me explain why. Firstly, the day stages. Every review I've seen praises these stages greatly, since they are reminicent of the good old 90's Sonic games. Addtionaly, Griffith's voice has improved. Massively. As does Amy Palant's Tails voice. Now, he sounds like a boy. FINALLY. Now, the night stages, the biggest downside. According to most. The night stages are great. Yes, they are repetitve and yes, can be annoying. But there is a ton of ways you can complete the stage. Trying out new combos, finding stuff, and all that jazz. Also, Chip. Another downer. But, actually, on the 360 version, you rarely hear him. Not that it's a good thing. Chip is a great addition. All in all, Sonic Unleashed shows one thing. Sonic is back and better than ever, after a 7 year 'break'. Fingers crossed for Black Knight, eh?… Expand
  3. 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.
  4. KnucklesChaotix
    May 16, 2012
    10
    This game is nearly perfect. It's only flaw is the medal hunting. You have to roam around the hub worlds and levels searching for more sun and moon medals to advance to the next level. The problem is that they're unnecessarily hard to find. Another (minor) flaw is that the difficulty of this game spikes dramatically about halfway thorough. At that point, it takes some real skill to be goodThis game is nearly perfect. It's only flaw is the medal hunting. You have to roam around the hub worlds and levels searching for more sun and moon medals to advance to the next level. The problem is that they're unnecessarily hard to find. Another (minor) flaw is that the difficulty of this game spikes dramatically about halfway thorough. At that point, it takes some real skill to be good at the game. Otherwise, everything else is perfectly executed. Good graphics, story, day and night gameplay, hub worlds, voice acting, cutscenes. character choice, level design, etc.… Expand
  5. VictorSilver
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    This game is just amazing! Much better than reviews suggest. Just perfect, with the best of Sonic gameplay + God of War gameplay + Awesome music + Amazing Graphics + and a very good story. Sonic Unleashed is classic, and a great reason to love Sonic series.
  6. 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.
  7. PotyKing
    Jan 16, 2014
    10
    Sonic Unleashed is one of the best games I have ever played( call me crazy). The day time stages were really fun and fast paced. The night time stages offered a lot of plat forming and combat. I think the gameplay really was balanced. The graphics were extremely amazing. The music, as always, was really fantastic. The hub worlds were small and quite interesting in my opinion. There areSonic Unleashed is one of the best games I have ever played( call me crazy). The day time stages were really fun and fast paced. The night time stages offered a lot of plat forming and combat. I think the gameplay really was balanced. The graphics were extremely amazing. The music, as always, was really fantastic. The hub worlds were small and quite interesting in my opinion. There are many side quests in the game and the story was great. The voice acting was the best Sonic voice acting I ever heard. This was Jason Griffith at his greatest folks. Sonic was super duper fast in this game and featured quick time events. The quick time events didn't bother me one bit but they were really easy. I think this game is worth a shot if you enjoy controlling Sonic at high speeds and love a plat forming. Don't let big time critics fool you, this was one OUTSTANDING game. You should give it a try.… Expand
  8. Sonichedge
    Jul 9, 2014
    10
    Even though some of the reviews say this game is bad it is far from that. the only bad thing about this game is collecting sun and moon medals to unlock levels and the final level. other than that the day stages are incredible. the night stages while some can be very long they can be very fun. imo this is the best looking sonic game ever. the music as always is amazing. I lovedEven though some of the reviews say this game is bad it is far from that. the only bad thing about this game is collecting sun and moon medals to unlock levels and the final level. other than that the day stages are incredible. the night stages while some can be very long they can be very fun. imo this is the best looking sonic game ever. the music as always is amazing. I loved leveling up sonic and the werehog either to go even faster as sonic or be stronger or be able to unleashed new moves as the werehog. this is a sonic game you will go back to play the day stages maybe even some of the night stages. this is one of the best sonic games of all time.… Expand
  9. WilliamWaffle
    Aug 14, 2014
    10
    I really do not see why no one likes the Werehog. I think that it's great the Sega has finally added something NEW to a Sonic game. The controls and camera are perfect, the story is great and, well, absolutely everything in it is awesome! You get an open world to explore, fun and fast daytime levels, and then the EXTREMELY cool night time levels. There's so much more to say about it... ButI really do not see why no one likes the Werehog. I think that it's great the Sega has finally added something NEW to a Sonic game. The controls and camera are perfect, the story is great and, well, absolutely everything in it is awesome! You get an open world to explore, fun and fast daytime levels, and then the EXTREMELY cool night time levels. There's so much more to say about it... But I think I've already made my point on how awesome it is! xD… Expand
  10. GYARA
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    Whoever said Werehog sucked should not said that. Unleashed is the game that saved Sonic after 06 and that is in my opinion second best modern Sonic. After Generations of course.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. TheNinjaGuy914
    May 13, 2015
    10
    I'm surprised alot of of people gave this a good review. ive heard people hate this game. but i dont see why the do. the where hog. where should i start. He was actually my favorite part about this game. He controls great, the parkour and puzzle is great, (and i love puzzle games) but my love for puzzles makes me not enjoy the speed as much. But i can not say the speed sections wereI'm surprised alot of of people gave this a good review. ive heard people hate this game. but i dont see why the do. the where hog. where should i start. He was actually my favorite part about this game. He controls great, the parkour and puzzle is great, (and i love puzzle games) but my love for puzzles makes me not enjoy the speed as much. But i can not say the speed sections were terrible. They were Amazing. my love for puzzle does not get in the way very much for how much i love the sonic (gotta go fast) speed. i think it is a good balance between them and they are both really fun. this is one of the BEST SONIC GAMES EVER AND IT NEED MORE LOVE!!! PEOPLE THE WEREHOG IS NOT THAT BAD. IF your on the wii version you can complain. there is too much were hog and to little move variety. and the sonic ring boost meter really just upgrades it's self. there is no use for upgrading it at all. just get the xbox version. IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!!… Expand
  14. LuanGamer
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    Mandar um papo reto quem acha o jogo fácil tem que ser extra terreste namoral , mais vou te falar do jeito que eu curto , a sega fez uma enredo nota 10 , e uns graficos que se encaixa muito bem nota 10 "!
  15. Zashprower10
    Nov 16, 2015
    10
    This game deserves a score of 10 was the best game and downtrodden franchise, I'm sick of this fandom, I want all of you die. Sincerely I wish there Sonic Team did more games like this.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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"
  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. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. HetAlbertkanaal
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. The story is engaging and the gameplay is fun and innovative. Definitely try this one out.
  30. 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
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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 »