Videogames' fastest superstar is on the move again and going back to his youthful roots. If you thought he was fast before, Sonic Unleashed shows you what he can really do - in more ways than one...
The world's most famous hedgehog has always had speed on his side. Whether it's from the sheer pace of his little legs and red running shoes, or the fact he has well over 50 titles dedicated to him since his debut in 1991, Sonic is unstoppable. He's a diverse little mammal too, given his clear talent for driving, extreme sports and other flights of fancy. With his most recent title, Sonic Unleashed, the blue blur has gone back to his foundations and is doing what he has always done best - run really, really fast.
Sonic boom
Sonic Unleashed is a suitable evolution of the Sonic games since its platforming original, mixing its dizzying speeds with the elements that the series slanted towards during the 3D era that followed.
There are two main divisions that split Sonic Unleashed into distinct gameplay styles. The first is set in the daytime, where fast-paced 2D side scrolling platforming is the norm, in true Sonic style. Collecting rings, bouncing on enemies and dashing at high speeds are the main and familiar ingredients... with one notable addition - a pinch of 3D.
The 2D levels are placed within lavish three dimensional environments, which means at certain moments the action seamlessly switches into 3D and you control Sonic from behind to romp through the stage. All the game's elements remain albeit shifted in perspective, allowing for a slight change in your approach.
Run, run, as fast as you can...
This isn't to say things slow down too much. The dimension transition keeps its high tempo admirably, and with the promise of multiple routes and abilities such as Quick Step (avoiding obstacles without losing speed), Sonic Boost (accelerating to supersonic speed by increasing Sonic's Ring energy level) and Speed Drift (the power to maintain momentum through turns), Sega doesn't want you to miss a beat.
Then there are the night-time levels. While the high speed sunshine stages are a knowing collaborations of gameplay styles, when night falls Sonic undergoes a startling transformation. Taking the form of a werehog (a cross between a werewolf and hedgehog), our hero takes on a new appearance, new powers and a new game style to match.
Hulked up and a bit hairier than usual, Sonic explores 3D environments at a much slower pace, smashing destructible objects and enemies with his wide range of fist pounding attacks. He also can use his slightly elongated arms to reach high platforms. Where the earlier sections of the game are all about speed and finesse, these parts are much more about deliberate puzzles and destroying anything that comes in your path with combat combos and upgradable moves.
Quick start
With its multiple characters (including favourites such as Tails and Knuckles), mix of genres and nods back to its classic origins, Sonic Unleashed is racing to the finish line with all the tricks and lessons learned from its priors. So keep reading eu.playstation.com for more on Sega's platform adventure mix - that's if you can keep up the pace...
