Ever since the first trailer leaked onto the net a short time ago, we’ve been clamoring to hear more about Sonic Unleashed, the supposed “re-imagining” of the Sonic series after a string of commercially successful, yet dismally received entries. It’s sad that we approach each new Sonic title with trepidation, but as luck would have it, Unleashed is poised to bring the blue freak into an entirely new direction. Hitting multiple consoles this winter, we caught a glimpse from an unfinished 360 version and came away curiously optimistic.
Two levels were shown to us - Greece and another European-themed level - and both look absolutely astounding. We saw Sonic barrel down streets and over rooftops, sometimes crashing through outdoor furniture and grinding corkscrews over oceans. Also, there’s some amazing draw distance at work. At one point, Sonic dashed through a shadowy tunnel while the whole town was visible in the background. It looked so good that we half-expected Sonic to leapthere at any given time.
Each level will have daytime and nighttime variants, with nighttime being more combat-oriented. We didn’t get a full answer on what this meant, but were assured each environment will warrant extra replay value. Additionally, there are multiple pathways in each level, sometimes designated with a Quicktime event. Sometimes when you launch yourself in the air, you’ll have to correctly input a button combination. Success means you’ll be propelled to a higher location in the level and possibly find some secrets. Failure just dumps you back to the main pathway - a punishment we’re okay with.
Heading to the 360, PS3, Wii and PS2 this winter, we’re told that there’ll be two completely different versions of Unleashed - one for next-gen and the other for Wii/PS2. We’re giving Sega the benefit of a doubt (again) to blow us away with a Sonic re-invention - but we’ve been burned before. Stay tuned though because we should hear more on the blue blur’s next big adventure at E3.
May 16, 2008
