Jump to content

Sonic Unleashed

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Unknown the Hedgehog (talk | contribs) at 15:56, 29 November 2008 (rv. It tells a summary of reception and explained even more in the "reception" section.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Sonic Unleashed
Sonic Unleashed European box art
Developer(s)Sonic Team[6]
Dimps (Wii, PS2 daytime stage design)[7][8]
Publisher(s)Sega
Designer(s)Yoshihisa Hashimoto (lead designer)
Composer(s)Tomoya Ohtani (sound director)
EngineHedgehog Engine (PS3, 360)[6]
Modified internal engine (Wii, PS2)[9][10]
Platform(s)Wii, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3[6]
Release
November 18, 2008
Genre(s)Console platform game
Mode(s)2D platforming, 3D stages

Sonic Unleashed, also known as Sonic World Adventure (ソニックワールドアドベンチャー, Sonikku Wārudo Adobenchā) in Japan,[12] is a video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team Japan[13] and to be published by Sega for multiple platforms. The game follows Sonic the Hedgehog as he attempts to restore the world to normal after his nemesis, Doctor Eggman, splits the world into pieces, as well as he struggles with his new beast form, Sonic the Werehog. While incorporating Sonic's traditional platforming and trademark speed, the gameplay style focuses on behind-the-back third-person viewpoints while featuring occasional 2D side-scrolling platform gameplay. Gameplay seamlessly transitions between these two styles.[14]

The game's existence was first brought to light when Sega trademarked the Unleashed name, and shortly after, images and a gameplay video were leaked to the public in March, 2008. Owing to the video's demonstration of two-dimensional, as well as the more recent three-dimensional, gameplay, public anticipation grew; the title was seen as a possible return of Sonic to his traditional platforming roots, especially after the decrease in the series' popularity and critical success after Sonic's transition to three-dimensional gameplay,[15] and a number of poorly received titles in the franchise that preceeded it, such as Shadow the Hedgehog and the 2006 game, Sonic the Hedgehog.[16] However, initial reception has been mixed, with reviewers praising certain elements, such as the sense of speed in daylight stages and the graphics and audio that make up the environments, and negative reaction to others, such as the new Werehog game mechanic, as well as several gameplay and design concepts. Indeed, several reviewers remarked that, despite initial optimism when first revealed to the public, Unleashed was ultimately not the title that would be able to reinvigorate the series, as the reviewers noted was needed to bring the franchise back to prominence.[17][15]

Gameplay

File:Sonic Unleashed 3D Mode.jpg
Third-person gameplay in the Apotos level (daytime).

Daytime gameplay consists primarily of behind-the-back, third-person stages with seamless shifts to 2D side-scrolling platform gameplay.[14] Concepts returning from past games include Sonic's trademark high-speed gameplay, as well as improved lock-on for automatically targeting and hitting enemies.[8] Sliding across the ground also returns, and a new feature, Sonic Drift allows Sonic to slide around a corner at high speed. Sonic can also perform a new side-step maneuver known as Quick Step,[14] allowing Sonic to instantly dodge obstacles to the left or right. In his "Werehog" form, Sonic gains experience points, and will be able to upgrade his abilities.[10]

An on-screen Ring Energy meter can be filled by collecting rings, which is used to activate a temporary speed increase known as Sonic Boost, during which time the camera uses a fish-eye effect and motion blur; hitting enemies and obstacles will reduce the meter.[11] Action Chaining allows the player to collect energy more quickly, by collecting rings faster[18] or by stringing together sets of actions, including button input sequences, some of which will be in midair.[9] Repeated action chains will allow the player to perform special moves or access different routes in the level.[9] Shield pick-ups from previous games will make a return, protecting Sonic from various hazards.[19] The Wii version features some motion control mechanics; whilst movement is primarily controlled using the Control Stick found on the Nunchuk, actions such as shaking the Wii remote may either activate the temporary Sonic Boost, or allow Sonic to perform the Homing Attack move.[20]

During night sections which, under normal gameplay circumstances, make up around 40% of the game[21], Sonic transforms to his alternate Werehog form. The gameplay shifts from fast-paced action to a slower, solely 3D, hack and slash style of gameplay.[22] The Werehog form allows Sonic a great deal of strength, and gameplay involves smashing enemies and destructible environments, whilst his stretchable arms will allow him to reach high platforms and perform special attacks.[22] The Ring Energy meter changes to two bars, Unleash and Life; the Life bar acts as a health bar and replenishes by collecting rings, whilst the Unleash bar can be activated to initiate a temporary Unleashed mode to allow Sonic the Werehog to take less damage from enemies, and gain new attacks. [20]

Collectable sun and moon medals will also be found in levels that will allow the player to unlock levels, and capsules with question mark icons will allow players to unlock various bonus features such as cut-scenes that can be replayed at any time.[23] In the night-time areas, red orbs called "Dark Gaia Force"[citation needed] may be obtained that can then be used to unlock new moves for the Werehog form, including such attacks as Were-Hammer, Were-Wallop, Were-Rush, Earthshaker, and Beatdown.[20] The Wii version of night-time areas allows such motion controls as using the Wii Remote and the Nunchuck to fight enemies, using the B button to grab onto ledges, poles, or enemies in mid-air whilst swinging the Wii remote to gain momentum, and lifting gates and climbing poles by moving both controllers upwards.[20]

Levels

File:Sonic Unleashed 2D.jpg
Side-scrolling gameplay in Sonic Unleashed.

Nine levels exist in the game, all of which are based on real-world locations.[12] The first, Apotos,[citation needed] is modeled after the Greek island of Mykonos,[10], and is used to introduce the player to some of the game mechanics, as well as demonstrate Sonic's trademark speed found in the game.[10] The fourth level is one based on Europe,[10] Spagonia.[20]

Further levels include the sandy, oasis-filled desert known as Shamar; a level set in the Dragon Road of the Chun-Nan area, whose level also sees Sonic run across water,[20] and includes a run along the Great Wall;[12] and the African-themed Mazuri.[23][24] Journalists have also been shown a level based on New York City,[12] known as Empire City, where Sonic was shown to run between skyscrapers.[25] These stages have multiple pathways for players to follow.[14]

Levels have been designed so that the two aforementioned modes of 2D and 3D gameplay will be switched between roughly every fifteen to thirty seconds, whilst no stage will last for more than five minutes.[12] In addition, the game features a day-and-night system; some parts of the action stages have been specially built so that time will pass, and these can be played as either Sonic or his Werehog form, with the player able to advance time manually should they prefer to play as one or the other.[26] Other areas are only built for one specific form, and during these areas, time will not pass.[26]

The game also features town stages, or "hub-worlds", that are set in the same environments as the action stages,[12] and, in the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, players will be able to walk around the environment freely and speak to townspeople, even gaining items from them.[9] However, this "overworld" can be completely ignored, should the player prefer to simply play through all the stages.[11] Optional side-quests will also be available from these stages[11], for instance, using Tails to fly the Tornado plane[27]; side-quests will be the only time characters other than Sonic will be playable.[12]

Plot

Sonic Unleashed begins describing the end of an untold story which sees Sonic confronting his nemesis, Doctor Eggman, bounding around a fleet of spaceships, and transforming to Super Sonic, using the power of the Chaos Emeralds, in order to stop him.[12] However, Eggman manages to trap him using a powerful new ray weapon[14] which corrupts the power of the Emeralds.[12] He then uses the Emeralds' energy to unleash a powerful beast, Dark Gaia[21], from the center of the planet[28], which has devastating consequences, shattering the planet into pieces; it is up to Sonic to solve the crisis by traveling the world, finding shrines that will fix the Emeralds, in order to return the world to normal.[12]

In addition, Sonic's quest is made even more difficult when the combination of the ray and the transformed Emeralds have the unforeseen side-effect of transforming him into a "Werehog"[22] - a beast form with greater strength and abilities - at night.[14][26] Sonic also encounters a small creature who he names Chip and works with him to help restore his forgotten memories.

Characters

Whilst these characters have been confirmed to appear in the game, Sonic is the only playable character during the main action stages.[9][12] However, optional mini-games are available, during which time another character will be used in order to complete them.[12][26] Tails will also be able to control the Tornado plane.[27]

Cast

Japanese Voice Actor English Voice Actor Role
Junichi Kanemaru Jason Anthony Griffith Sonic the Hedgehog
Junichi Kanemaru Jason Anthony Griffith Sonic the Werehog
Tony Moreno Chip/Light Gaia
Chikao Ōtsuka Mike Pollock Doctor Eggman
Dan Green Professor Pickle
Ryo Hirohashi Amy Palant Miles "Tails" Prower
Dan Green Ice Cream Man
Taeko Kawata Lisa Ortiz Amy Rose

Development

File:Sonic Unleashed Wii.jpg
Screenshot of the Wii version, featuring "Sonic the Werehog".

The title was first brought to public attention when the Sonic Unleashed name was trademarked by Sega on March 12, 2008.[30] Screenshots of cut scenes, artwork, and a video were leaked ten days later;[31] the title was then officially confirmed by Sega on April 3, 2008[6] with a small selection of screenshots and an updated video. The game was developed internally by Sonic Team in Japan.[13] It was originally intended to be the third installment of the Sonic Adventure series[32] and subsequently, at an early development stage, had the working title Sonic World Adventure, complete with work-in-progress logo. However, the development team began to introduce enough new innovations to separate it from the Sonic Adventure titles,[9] and so a new title, Sonic Unleashed, was decided upon.[33] It was then later revealed that the game's name in Japan would in fact remain Sonic World Adventure for its release there.[12]

The game was developed for multiple platforms: the Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and the Xbox 360.[6] Two development "silos" were set up to work on two separate builds of the game: one for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version, and one for the Wii and PlayStation 2 version.[10] The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions run on Sega's "Hedgehog Engine", which was in production for three years[6] and will produce a frame rate of 30 frames per second.[11] The Wii and PlayStation 2 versions do not take advantage of the Hedgehog Engine, instead using a modified version of an existing, internal Sega engine.[9] The interactive hub cities in this version are replaced with a simple map-screen where players can instantly visit areas for information, and there are no daytime stages for Mazuri and Empire City.[citation needed]

As well as the aforementioned unique motion-based gameplay mechanics, the Wii version of the game also supports the GameCube controller, and also the option of using the Classic Controller. The levels, whilst sharing the same styles, themes and motifs as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, have been altered to make them slightly wider in 3D gameplay sections, in order to accommodate the motion control-based drift mechanic.[34] Developer Dimps has been involved in the design of the daytime areas.[8]

Initially, it was stated that Unleashed was to be intended solely as a single-player experience, and would not offer any multiplayer or online modes.[9] This was then cast into doubt when references to online modes were alluded to around E3 2008[22], but later interviews re-iterated that Unleashed would have no online modes at all.[27][21] Downloadable content, including additional levels, remains a possibility after the game's release.[21]

On November 11th, Sega's official Japanese Sonic World Adventure site announced that the Japanese release of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game had been delayed until Spring 2009 to "improve the game's quality".[35] This is in contrast to other regions, where these versions will still see a 2008 release, though the PS3 version has been delayed until the start of December.[4]

Other media

The game's original soundtrack will be released in Japan on January 28, 2009. The three disc soundtrack is entitled, "Sonic World Adventure Original Soundtrack Planetary Pieces".[36] The main theme music for the game is entitled "Endless Possibility", and features Jaret Reddick of the group Bowling For Soup.[37]

Archie Comics has made an adaptation of Sonic Unleashed featuring the opening cutscene and Sonic's transformation into the Werehog.[38]

A short 3D animated film was released on November 21st, 2008, entitled Sonic: Night of the Werehog. It tells the story of two ghosts who live in a haunted house taking pictures of scared children in order to woo a girl ghost, and their frustration with a rather un-scared Sonic who enters the house with Chip.[39] The film is produced by VE Sega Animation Studio.

In promotion for the game, Sega created action figures of Sonic the Werehog, which were given out at EB Games stores in Australia as a bonus for pre-ordering the game.This figure also comes free when you buy Sonic Unleashed at a US Toys "R" Us during the week of its release.[citation needed]

Reception

Reception to Sonic Unleashed has so far been mixed, with a Metacritic aggregate score of 66 and 72 out of 100, based on 5 reviews for the Xbox 360 version, and 5 reviews for the Wii version, respectively.[44][45]

Nintendo Power gave the Wii version a score of 8/10. They stated that when Unleashed "is good, it's really good". They praised the graphics and daytime stages while they complained about the repetitiveness of the Werehog sections.[citation needed]

UK newspaper, the Telegraph, gave Unleashed a review score of 5/10, remarking that it is a "great game at heart, bogged down with poor design decisions" but also stated "...even though the werehog is a huge part of Sonic Unleashed, playing as him is – whisper it – not actually that bad. Too often, however, it's just to see Sonic skate across a great looping rail with your only input being whether you hit the boost button to make him go even faster".[15]

IGN gave the Wii version of Unleashed a 7.2/10, praising the game's daytime 2-D gameplay with normal Sonic the Hedgehog, while saying the nightime Werehog gameplay is "just boring".[42]

References

  1. ^ "Sonic Unleashed release summary (Wii)". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
  2. ^ "Sonic Unleashed release summary (PS2)". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
  3. ^ "Sonic Unleashed release summary (360)". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
  4. ^ a b ArchangelUK (2008-11-07). "Sega Europe Blog - Updated Release Dates". Sega Europe. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
  5. ^ "Sonic Unleashed release summary (PS3)". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h "SONIC IS UNLEASHED!" (Press release). Sega Europe. 2008-03-04. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  7. ^ Halverson, Dave (May 2008). "Sonic the Hedgehog Unleashed". Play Magazine. Imagine Publishing: p.20. Sonic Team is managing the Wii development, but the coding and some of the design is being handled by some of our external partners in Japan. Fans of Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure will be pleased to hear that Dimps is involved in designing the Wii stages! {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  8. ^ a b c Casamassina, Matt (2008-05-15). "Eyes-on Sonic Unleashed". Retrieved 2008-06-25. ..software house Dimps is providing backup support with daytime level designs for the Wii and PS2 versions.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Sonic Unleashed". Nintendo Power. Future Publishing: pp. 67-69. August 2008. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  10. ^ a b c d e f Rileyk, Patrick (2008-05-16). (Interview). Interviewed by Ricardo Torres http://uk.gamespot.com/video/945571/6191201/sonic-unleashed-interview-1. Retrieved 2008-05-16. {{cite interview}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help)
  11. ^ a b c d e Casamassina, Matt (2008-05-15). ""Eyes-on Sonic Unleashed (page 2)". Retrieved 2008-06-25.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Sonic Unleashed". games™. Imagine Publishing: pp. 28-31. July 2008. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  13. ^ a b "Unleash the Beast". Official Nintendo Magazine (29). Future US: pp. 37. With Sonic Unleashed being developed internally by Sonic Team (no matter what you might heard elsewhere about the game being spread across American and European development teams)... {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  14. ^ a b c d e f Sega UK. "Sega :: Games :: Sonic Unleashed". Retrieved 2008-06-25.
  15. ^ a b c d Hoggins, Tom (2008-11-18). "Sonic Unleashed video game review - Telegraph". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-11-18.
  16. ^ Casamassina, Matt (2008-05-15). "IGN: Sonic Unleashed Preview". IGN. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
  17. ^ a b Bettenhausen, Shane (2008-11-20). "Sonic Unleashed Review". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
  18. ^ Torres, Ricardo (2008-05-16). "Sonic Unleashed First Look". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-06-25.
  19. ^ "He's Back". PS2 Official Magazine UK (100). Future Publishing: pp. 44-51. July 2008. {{cite journal}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  20. ^ a b c d e f Hoffman, Chris (2008). "The Furious & The Fast". Nintendo Power. 234: p.68. Retrieved 2008-09-20. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ a b c d e Ramsay, Randolph (2008-09-11). "Q&A: Sonic Team on Sonic Unleashed". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-09-12.
  22. ^ a b c d e f Ballow, Ken (2008-07-16). "Sonic Unleashed E3 2008 Stage Show Demo" (Interview). Retrieved 2008-07-16. {{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter |interviwer= ignored (help)
  23. ^ a b Ballough, Ken (2008-11-10). "Exclusive Missouri Walkthrough" (Interview). Interviewed by Gametrailers.com. {{cite interview}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |callsign= ignored (help)
  24. ^ "Sonic Unleashed". Sega. 2008-11-18. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
  25. ^ "Effe langs bij Sega in Tokio". Power Unlimited. #175. HUB Publishers. July 2008. Dutch original text: Zo liet men een level in China zien waarbij de blauwe egel over een sport van Chinese muur rende, maar ook een level in New York waar. Sonic voomamelijk door de lucht ploeterde tussen wolkenkrabbers.
  26. ^ a b c d e Riley, Patrick (2008-07-16). (Interview). Interviewed by Majed Athab http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/joystiq-interview-sonic-unleashed-producer-on-nighttime-stages/. Retrieved 2008-07-16. {{cite interview}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |subjectlink= ignored (|subject-link= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b c "Entrevista Exclusiva Com O Produtor Patrick Riley" (in Brazilian). gamestart.com.br. 2008-08-14. Retrieved 2008-08-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  28. ^ Sega US. "Sonic Unleashed: Game info". Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  29. ^ "ソニック ワールドアドベンチャー" (in Japanese). Sega. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
  30. ^ Snow, Blake (2008-03-12). "Sonic Unleashed screens and video leaked online?". GamePro. Retrieved 2008-11-16.
  31. ^ Sega ON (2008-03-22). "Leak: Erste Sonic Unleashed Screens?". Retrieved 2008-03-22.
  32. ^ Robinson, Andy (2008-04-09). "Sonic Unleashed "has no relation" to Sonic 360/PS3". Official Nintendo Magazine. Computer and Video Games. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  33. ^ Sonic City Blognik (2008-06-10). "Sonic City Blognik: "Sonic World Adventure"". Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  34. ^ "Sonic Unleashed". Official Nintendo Magazine. Future Publishing: pp.34-39. November 2008. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  35. ^ "ソニック ワールドアドベンチャー information" (in Japanese). Sega. Retrieved 2008-11-07.
  36. ^ http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=WWCE-31193
  37. ^ ArchangelUK (2008-07-15). "Sonic City Blognik - 2008 - July - 15". Sega Europe. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
  38. ^ "Sonic Unleashed". Sonic the Hedgehog (#193). Archie Comics. October 8, 2008.
  39. ^ "Sonic: Night of the Werehog". Sega. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
  40. ^ Reeves, Ben. "Sonic Unleashed". Game Informer. Game Informer. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
  41. ^ Casamassina, Matt (2008-11-18). "IGN: Sonic Unleashed Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
  42. ^ a b Casamassina, Matt (2008-11-18). "IGN: Sonic Unleashed Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
  43. ^ "Gametrailers.com - Sonic Unleashed - Review". GameTrailers. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  44. ^ a b "Sonic Unleashed (xbox360: 2008): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  45. ^ a b "Sonic Unleashed (wii: 2008): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-11-25.


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sonic_Unleashed&oldid=254801972"