Sonic Unleashed

[STM]

Meh, not too big of a loss, thank god it's only two.

Any word as to why they were cut? Too large of areas to fit onto a disc?

I would say yes, but consider the PS2, Wii and 360 all use standard DVDs as mediums. They all have the same disc size, and the 360 is packing every single level, so it can't be that. I'm going to wager it was laziness on the side of DiMPS since it seems they hate making more than seven levels (precedents set by SAd1-SRA (in part.)) Otherwise, it's really hard to guess why they wouldn't add in those two.

I wouldn't say the tired cliched joke about the Sonic Cycle has come to pass, since it's still looking like a fairly solid game. However, I do think it's a bit poor of them to remove content from the game that the 360 version, which is going for the same price as the Wii version, readily packs.

[Flame]

I DID say somewhat and partially. meh. theres not enough bad news to call it a cycle.

[Jericho]

I honestly need to stop jumping to reactions when it comes to things like this. While I do admit, the lack of those two levels which both sealed the deal for me when they were initially revealed was quite a big blow, it isn't like they revealed something game breaking. And since it looks like I'm probably never getting another console (to tell the truth, that's one bad aspect of my gamer side, I can't be assed to get more than one main home console per gen) I'll still be getting Unleashed on the Wii as well as seeing if I could find a friend who has it on the HD systems for my pseudo- NYC runthrough.

[Gaia]

You know, Seeing how the 360 and the PS3 have more power data-wise. since the PS2 wasn't powerful enough, (say, 1,267 MB per level) They had to cut those two levels due to avoid any data issues. (Lag, Unable to save with the memory card, the works)

Glad to see that the spindash technique has returned though on the consoles. (DiMPs can be a good 2nd-party to a company anytime)

[Flame]

yeah, SA2 was the last time  there was a "real" spindash and rolling spin. Heroes replaced it with "rocket accell"  and it was annoying to no get sent over a cliff. and dont start me on STHH's abomination of a spindash. there was really no point to charging it, as it didnt add more speed the more you charged. it was kind of like what, Sonic 2 beta? where the spin dash only charges once and thats it? also, yeah. Im not sure about sonic360 though... how was the spindash there?

[Solar]

IGN thinks the Wii version is good.

It got a 7.2, not bad, at least we know it will be decent, now lets wait for the reviews of the HD twins >_>

[Gaia]

yeah, SA2 was the last time  there was a "real" spindash and rolling spin. Heroes replaced it with "rocket accell"  and it was annoying to no get sent over a cliff. and dont start me on STHH's abomination of a spindash. there was really no point to charging it, as it didnt add more speed the more you charged. it was kind of like what, Sonic 2 beta? where the spin dash only charges once and thats it? also, yeah. Im not sure about sonic360 though... how was the spindash there?

I tried it, but I think the speed is FAST, I went over the edge once with it. The speed stage of "act two" was also a little too fast. And wow, first time Sonic's gotten a good score, since ever.

[Flame]

Inb4 X-play says it sucks.

[Satoryu]

IGN thinks the Wii version is good.

It got a 7.2, not bad, at least we know it will be decent, now lets wait for the reviews of the HD twins >_>

that guy hated the Adventure game's sountracks. he's on notice.

[Protodude]

IGN thinks the Wii version is good.

It got a 7.2, not bad, at least we know it will be decent, now lets wait for the reviews of the HD twins >_>

Well, Game Informer just reviewed the 360 version. Bottom line: 6.

CONCEPT:
It's been about a year, so it's time for Sega to shake another Sonic game off the tree
GRAPHICS:
The "Hedgehog engine" impresses with bright cartoonish graphics that fly by without a stutter
SOUND:
Like death and taxes, annoying voiceovers from Sonic and his pals are inevitable
PLAYABILITY:
Sonic's racetrack levels require few inputs, and even on the Wii the controls feel fine
ENTERTAINMENT:
The game is certainly fast, but speed has never been the problem. Sonic's Werehog levels and the explorative hub world squeeze the entertainment out of this package
REPLAY:
Moderately Low

Full review here

[Protoman Blues]

Interestingly, the Wii version is actually better – its unique levels are better designed and implemented than on PS3 or 360.

I caught this little blurb from the review as well.  I didn't know the level designs were different in the Wii version.

[STM]

When I saw them praising Chronicles for being good, I burned up whatever minute credibility GI had left, if any at all.

[Waifu]

It was released Iand I didn't know about it, dang!

[Satoryu]

When I saw them praising Chronicles for being good, I burned up whatever minute credibility GI had left, if any at all.

i lost all credibility of GI in the Sonic Department since they rated Sonic 06 higher than Secret Rings.

[Flame]

I caught this little blurb from the review as well.  I didn't know the level designs were different in the Wii version.

both the Wii and Ps2 get redesigned stages.

[VirusChris]

I can't wait to pick up Sonic Unleashed later this afternoon!

[BigManW]

Well, Game Informer just reviewed the 360 version. Bottom line: 6.

In before I called this months ago.

[STM]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ruju_nU148A

Expect a higher quality version very soon.

[Protodude]

So I've spent a good 20 minutes with the game and I gotta say, it's good. Very good.

The speed stages are flawless and super fun. There's a lot more depth to them than meets the eye.

Wherehog stages...meh. I'm not too big on them. Swinging the Nunchuck and Wiimote controls Sonic's arms. It's fun at first, but it grows repetitive. And tiring.

Overall, this is some quality stuff. Dimps really out did themselves.

[Solar]

Can we say that at least the Wii version broke the Sonic Cycle?

[Waifu]

I don't know but we will see.

[Protoman Blues]

Can we say that at least the Wii version broke the Sonic Cycle?

That depends on your point of view.  I loved Secret Rings! 

[Solar]

So do I, I can't understand why we're the minority.

[HyperSonicEXE]

None of the versions broke the Sonic Cycle, as far as I'm concerned.

There's still a good number of reviews/opinions/words-of-mouth out there saying that it's a bit questionable, or decent.

Cycle's broken when we starting hearing "Great" or "Well-designed".
It doesn't have to be Super Mario ______ "Great" (and frankly, we won't see that good of a Sonic game for at least 3 years), but it does need to shoot a bit higher in terms of quality.

That depends on your point of view.  I loved Secret Rings! 

So do I, I can't understand why we're the minority.

Same reason S2, S3&K get praised, yet the new games lack, and a point Sonic Team can't get through their thick, furry skulls:
Replay Value
Usually in the form of Special Stages AND playable Super forms throughout.
There are such things as control and stage glitches, overgimmicking, and open-bottom design to focus on, and to avoid segments that would kill pacing (Werehog, Sandopolis Act 2, etc.), but even if these are all achieved, Sonic can't get anywhere without some sort of replay value. Otherwise, the games are a rental, at best.

[Gaia]

So do I, I can't understand why we're the minority.

I think it's the theme that drove them nuts. "SSEEEVVEEENN RRIINIGGSS IN HAAAANNDD!"

@ Tails: expect massive flaming heading towards you.