:Sonic Unleashed

File:Sonic Unleashed 3D.jpg/360 version)]]

Sonic Unleashed is a platform game in which the player controls the titular Sonic the Hedgehog in two modes: fast-paced levels that take place during daytime, showcasing and using Sonic's trademark speed as seen in previous games in the series, and slower, night-time levels, during which Sonic transforms into the Werehog, and gameplay switches to an action-based, brawler style of play, in which Sonic battles Gaia enemies (those created by the main enemy in the game, Dark Gaia).{{cite web | url = http://www.totalvideogames.com/Sonic-Unleashed/review-13490.html | title = Sonic Unleashed Review | publisher = TotalVideoGames.com | first = Chris | last = Leyton | access-date = December 2, 2008 | date = December 1, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081203071942/http://www.totalvideogames.com/Sonic-Unleashed/review-13490.html | archive-date = December 3, 2008 }}{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-sonic-unleashed-112928.phtml | title = Destructoid review: Sonic Unleashed | first = Jim | last = Sterling | access-date = December 2, 2008 | date = November 30, 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202013739/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-sonic-unleashed-112928.phtml | archive-date = December 2, 2008 }} Each level takes place on a particular continent, each of which is based on a real-world location. In sections of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, the player may choose to advance the time of day in order to play as either Sonic or the Werehog; in the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions, time is advanced automatically.{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Dan|date=November 29, 2008|title=Sonic Unleashed Review - Wii|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=321416|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201014915/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=321416|archive-date=December 1, 2008|access-date=December 1, 2008|publisher=Eurogamer}}

Daytime levels focus on Sonic's speed, and to this extent, sees the player control Sonic through fast-moving stages containing both 2D and 3D styles of gameplay. 2D sections are reminiscent of the Mega Drive/Genesis-era Sonic games where the player controls Sonic in a side-scrolling fashion, while 3D sections see the camera placed behind Sonic so the player may move in all directions. In addition to moves available in past games, such as the Homing Attack, new moves are also introduced. For instance, a new sidestep feature known as the Quick Step is available, allowing Sonic to dodge left and right, and a Drift feature, which allows Sonic to make tighter turns without slowing down.{{cite web | url = http://cheatcc.com/xbox360/rev/sonicunleashedreview.html | title = Sonic Unleashed Review for Xbox 360 | first = Adam | last = Brown | date = December 3, 2008 | access-date = December 3, 2008 | publisher = Cheat Code Central | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081203000036/http://www.cheatcc.com/xbox360/rev/sonicunleashedreview.html | archive-date = December 3, 2008 }} The game also features a gameplay mechanic previously used in the Sonic Rush series called the Sonic Boost, which greatly increases Sonic's speed, allowing him to smash through objects, destroy enemies instantly, or even access different level paths. In the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, an on-screen "Ring Energy" meter displays how much Boost is available.{{cite web | url = http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=57865 | title = WorthPlaying - All about games! | publisher = WorthPlaying.com | access-date = December 2, 2008 | date = November 27, 2008 | archive-date = August 28, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230828220445/https://worthplaying.com/article/2008/11/27/reviews/56967-xbox-360-review-sonic-unleashed/ | url-status = live }} The amount of Boost remaining may be increased by collecting more rings, and is decreased by using the Boost. In contrast, the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions of the game represent available Boost using bars, which may be added by performing "Action Chains", destroying multiple enemies in quick succession through the use of homing attacks, or by collecting rings. Japanese game company Dimps helped design some of the stages.{{cite journal|title=Sonic the Hedgehog Unleashed|journal=Play Magazine|url=http://www.tssznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/play10.jpg|pages=20|author=Halverson, Dave|date=May 2008|publisher=Imagine Publishing|quote=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!|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223050723/http://www.tssznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/play10.jpg|archive-date=February 23, 2010|access-date=June 20, 2008}}

File:Sonic Unleashed Nighttime Gameplay.jpg/Wii version)]]

Night-time levels are slow-paced and action-oriented, while also featuring simple puzzle elements. Gameplay focuses on Sonic's new "Werehog" form, which gives him great strength and stretchable arms. As the Werehog, the player can cling to distant objects, move items around and perform combo attacks to defeat enemies and advance through the level.{{cite web | first = Tom | last = Orry | url = http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/sonic_unleashed/review.html | title = Sonic Unleashed Review for Xbox 360 | work = VideoGamer.com | date = November 28, 2008 | access-date = November 30, 2008 | quote = We didn't need gimmicks back then and we don't think kids need them now either. Ultimately we can't help but feel disappointed... yet again. | pages = 1–2 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120309172301/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/sonic_unleashed/review.html | archive-date = March 9, 2012 }} Collecting rings replenishes the Werehog's health, while a special move, Unleashed Mode, allows him to channel his energy into increasing the power of his attacks for a short time. Night-time levels are adjusted in the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions to allow the Wii version to greater use of the Wii Remote, such that players may control the arms of the Werehog by using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in order to grab onto objects and proceed in the levels. The PlayStation 2 and Wii versions also expand upon the ratio of night-time levels to daytime, with more than three times as many night-time levels (twenty-five in all).{{cite web|last=Scullion|first=Chris|date=November 28, 2008|title=Review: Sonic Unleashed - Official Nintendo Magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=6554|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202053336/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=6554|archive-date=December 2, 2008|access-date=November 30, 2008|publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine|df=mdy-all}} After night-time levels are completed, Dark Gaia Points are gained, allowing access to bonus moves.

In addition to these two gameplay types, Sonic Unleashed also features hub worlds, in which the player may reveal, as well as advance, the story of the game. Hub worlds operate differently depending on the version of the game being played; the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions feature fully interactive, explorable 3D hub worlds, similar to those in Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Adventure, in which townspeople may be interacted with and side quests may be undertaken, in order to gain experience or unlock items, such as artwork, videos and music tracks. In contrast, the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions feature menu-based map systems, in which players simply click on areas to talk to townspeople and find information, and Gaia Gates in which players can access levels using the tablets that open doors. Within both day and night-time levels are medals that Sonic may collect, two types of which exist: Sun and Moon. In the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, collecting these medals allows the player to level up Sonic's Sun and Moon stats, and these must be increased to reach new stages in the game, with a certain number of Sun Medals for Hedgehog levels, and a certain number of Moon Medals for Werehog levels. Because only the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions feature playable hub worlds, these are also the only versions in which Sun and Moon Medals may be found by exploring the towns, talking to the citizens, and completing side quests. In the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions, Sun and Moon Medals are earned after completing stages and clearing their objectives. The medals are used to open up doors in the Gaia Gates, which allow players access to puzzle rooms where they can earn bonus content.

File:Real life countries featured in Sonic Unleashed.svg

Sonic is pursuing his nemesis, Doctor Eggman, bounding around a fleet of spaceships. Sonic transforms into Super Sonic and corners Eggman on the main spaceship. However, Eggman traps the hedgehog using the energy field of a powerful new ray weapon called the Chaos Energy Cannon, which not only forcefully reverts him to his normal state and removes the Chaos Emeralds out of him, but also drains the emeralds of their power, causing them to turn grey and useless. He then uses the Emeralds' energy to fire an enormous laser and unleash a powerful beast, Dark Gaia,{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicunleashed/news.html?sid=6197533&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;1|title=Q&A: Sonic Team on Sonic Unleashed|publisher=GameSpot|date=September 11, 2008|access-date=September 12, 2008|first=Randolph|last=Ramsay|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220145352/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicunleashed/news.html?sid=6197533&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures%3Btitle%3B1|archive-date=February 20, 2009}} from the center of the planet, which shatters the planet into seven pieces. In addition, the process has the unforeseen side-effect of transforming Sonic into a "Werehog"—a wolf beast form that loses speed but gains greater strength and abilities—at night.{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.co.uk/games/?g=230|title=Sega: Games: Sonic Unleashed|author=Sega UK|access-date=June 25, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102104738/http://www.sega.co.uk/games/?g=230|archive-date=November 2, 2014}}{{cite interview|last=Riley|first=Patrick|interviewer=Majed Athab|title=Sonic Unleashed producer on night-time stages, Werehog Sonic, more|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/joystiq-interview-sonic-unleashed-producer-on-nighttime-stages/|access-date=July 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717023318/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/joystiq-interview-sonic-unleashed-producer-on-nighttime-stages/|archive-date=July 17, 2008|work=Joystiq interview: Sonic Unleashed producer on nighttime stages, Werehog Sonic, more|date=July 16, 2008|url-status=dead}} Eggman ejects Sonic into space, who then lands safely onto the planet below.

After landing along with the Emeralds, Sonic encounters a friendly creature who appears to suffer amnesia. Assuming he has caused it with his fall,{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote->Sonic: And you are? Chip: Huh? Hmmmm. Huh? What IS my name? AHHH! I don't know! I can't remember! [...] I remember something falling from the sky... and everything just going all white... and then nothing! I can't remember a thing past that! Sonic: Uh oh, did I fall on him?}} Sonic decides to assist him in his quest to find out who he is, and the creature becomes a guide for Sonic;{{cite web | url = http://www.gamer20.com/gamehub/sonic-unleashed-x360/review/1456 | title = Gamer 2.0 Xbox 360 Review - Sonic Unleashed Review | publisher = Gamer 2.0 | date = December 1, 2008 | access-date = December 2, 2008 | first = Danreb | last = Victorio | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202181740/http://www.gamer20.com/gamehub/sonic-unleashed-x360/review/1456 | archive-date = December 2, 2008 }} he then gives him the nickname "Chip".{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote=Chip: Chocolate chip... sundae... supreeeeme! [...] Wow, this chip-whatever stuff is great! Sonic: If you say so. How about you give me a hand help look for somebody who knows you, Chip? Chip: Chip? Sonic: Gotta call you something, don't I?}} Sonic's quest begins, and with the help of some old friends, such as Amy Rose and Tails, he attempts to solve the crisis by traveling the world's continents, finding Gaia Temples that will restore the Emeralds' power, in order to return the world, and himself, to normal.

After six out of the seven continents are returned to normal, Chip is able to regain his memory; he is in fact Dark Gaia's opposite, Light Gaia.{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote=Chip: My... My real name is Light Gaia. I draw power from the day and light, and guide the planet to its rebirth.}} Since the beginning of time, the two of them had been in a cycle where Dark Gaia would break the planet apart, and Light Gaia would put it back together.{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote=Chip: My job was to protect the planet from Dark Gaia. [...] Dark Gaia grows over millions of years, then rises to destroy the world. And I put it all back together. [...] We've been doing this over and over, again and again... since the very beginning of time. }} Chip was released along with Dark Gaia, but because both of them were released prematurely, he lost his memory, and Dark Gaia was broken apart.{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote=Chip: Eggman broke the world apart himself, and Dark Gaia and I were awakened before we should've been. That's why Dark Gaia broke apart, and I didn't know who I was. I didn't remember what I was supposed to do. All because this isn't the proper time of awakening.}} They are able to place the last Chaos Emerald in the shrine on the final continent at Eggman's new empire, "Eggmanland", but are interrupted by him;{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote=Chip: The final Chaos Emerald... Back at last! This should put the world back to normal. Dark Gaia will go back to being sealed within the core, and my work will be done. [...] Hmmm? Do you feel that? Eggman: Ahh ha ha haa! Looks like you're a bit too late, Sonic! Sonic: Eggman!}} Sonic then defeats Eggman who is using a robot that utilizes Dark Gaia's power, the Egg Dragoon. During the battle, the three sink into the core of the Earth and encounter Dark Gaia. Eggman orders Dark Gaia to destroy Sonic, but it turns on him, knocking him away with one of its tentacles, and absorbs the power that turned Sonic into a Werehog, curing Sonic of lycanthropy.{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote=Chip: It's Dark Gaia! Eggman: Yes. YES! Dark Gaia, crush this insolent little hedgehog! Kick him to the outer limits of space! ...huh? (Eggman is catapulted upwards). Why meeeeeee?! Chip: Sonic! What's wrong? Sonic roars as the power transfers back to Dark Gaia, and he returns to normal.}}

Dark Gaia then attacks Sonic and Chip, but Chip protects Sonic and calls all of the Gaia temples together to form the Light Gaia Colossus and fight Dark Gaia.{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote=Chip: Seven lights of the earth rekindled! Awaken, and gather here to me! The colossus forms from the joining of the temples.}} The Gaia Colossus seemingly destroys Dark Gaia, but Dark Gaia is not finished with them or the Earth yet, and consumes the entire world in darkness, becoming Perfect Dark Gaia in the process. Chip then gives the restored Chaos Emeralds to Sonic, allowing him to turn into Super Sonic and continue their fight, until he finally destroys it; Dark Gaia sinks back into the planet, but the battle takes its toll on Super Sonic. Chip saves Sonic by throwing him to the surface, before returning himself to the inside of the planet; he leaves behind his necklace and some parting words. Sonic places the necklace on his hand as a bracelet to remind him of their adventure together before speeding off with Tails.{{cite video game | title=Sonic Unleashed | developer = Sonic Team (Sega) | publisher = Sega | date=November 18, 2008|quote-Chip: Sonic. Sonic, you have to live! Sonic: Chip? (Sonic is thrown upward by the Colossus, and lands on the surface). Sonic: Owww... Chip's voice: I'll never forget you. I'll be here by you, always. A part of the Earth you tread. (Sonic places the ring on his arm as a bracelet, before running off towards Tails' plane) Tails: Hey, Sonic!}}

Development on Sonic Unleashed began in mid-2006 at Sonic Team, with Yoshihisa Hashimoto as director.{{cite web |last=Riley |first=Patrick |date=October 16, 2008 |title=A New Direction |url=http://blogs.ign.com/SEGA_SonicUnleashed/2008/10/16/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081018182131/http://blogs.ign.com/SEGA_SonicUnleashed/ |archive-date=October 18, 2008 |access-date=December 6, 2008 |website=IGN}}{{cite journal |title=Unleash the Beast |journal=Official Nintendo Magazine |publisher=Future US |issue=29 |pages=37 |quote=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)...}} It was originally intended to be the third installment of the Sonic Adventure series{{cite web |url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=186523 |title= Sonic Unleashed "has no relation" to Sonic 360/PS3 |access-date= April 13, 2008 |last= Robinson |first= Andy |date= April 9, 2008 |work= Official Nintendo Magazine |publisher= Computer and Video Games |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080412234659/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=186523 |archive-date= April 12, 2008 |df= mdy-all }} and subsequently, at an early development stage, had the working title Sonic World Adventure, complete with a work-in-progress logo. However, the development team began to introduce enough new innovations to separate it from the Sonic Adventure games,{{cite magazine|last=Thomason|first=Steve|date=August 2008|title=Back on the Fast Track|magazine=Nintendo Power|publisher=Future Publishing|pages=67–69}} and so a new title, Sonic Unleashed, was decided.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2008/06/10/sonic-world-adventure/|title=Sonic City Blognik: "Sonic World Adventure"|author=Sonic City Blognik|access-date=June 13, 2008|date=June 10, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701063451/http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2008/06/10/sonic-world-adventure/|archive-date=July 1, 2008}}

File:Unleashedconceptcutscene.png

Sonic Team decided early on in the development process to reduce the number of characters present in the game, as well as to make Sonic the only playable character; this decision was taken to get more quality out of fewer characters.{{cite web|last=Hashimoto|first=Yoshihisa|date=November 3, 2008|title=SEGA_SonicUnleashed's Blog - Sonic Unleashed - Night of the Werehog|url=http://blogs.ign.com/SEGA_SonicUnleashed/2008/11/03/105149/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106054912/http://blogs.ign.com/SEGA_SonicUnleashed/2008/11/03/105149/|archive-date=November 6, 2008|access-date=December 6, 2008|publisher=IGN}} While it felt that these ideas combined with traditional Sonic gameplay was a good beginning, it also had to consider how to introduce newer gamers unfamiliar with the Sonic franchise to the series, and so the concept of the Werehog was born, in addition to exploring its own mythology and ideas for the story. Director Yoshihisa Hashimoto felt from the outset that there would be both praise and criticism, but hoped that long-term Sonic fans would understand and empathise with the ideas and direction the team had taken. The game's human non-player characters were designed by Japanese artist team Gurihiru.{{Cite web|date=2018-12-13|title=Sonic Creators Are Reacting To The Sonic Movie Posters And They Aren't Happy|url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-creators-reacting-movie-posters/|access-date=2021-04-29|website=TheGamer|language=en-US|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501093808/https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-creators-reacting-movie-posters/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Gurihiru|date=2008-10-12|title=Gurihiru-Blog: "Sonic Unleashed" NPC|url=http://gurihiru.blogspot.com/2008/10/sonic-unleashed-npc.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=Gurihiru-Blog|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430233109/http://gurihiru.blogspot.com/2008/10/sonic-unleashed-npc.html|url-status=live}} The opening was animated by Marza Animation Planet with Shinji Aramaki as director.{{Cite web |last=Hashimoto |first=Yoshihasa |date=2009 |title= |script-title=ja:ソニックチャンネル/クリエイターズ インタビュー/027:橋本 善久 |trans-title=In our 27th "Creator's Interview" we introduce Yoshihisa Hashimoto, director of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of "Sonic World Adventure"! |url=https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannelOld/creators/027/index.html |access-date=November 2, 2024 |website=Sonic Channel |publisher=Sega |language=ja}}

Sonic Unleashed ran on the Hedgehog Engine, which began development in mid-2005 after Hashimoto was put in charge of making a Sonic game for high-end hardware. While excited at the prospect of creating a game for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with no development environment prepared for them, he and several other developers spent a year figuring out the technical aspects. In terms of technology, Hashimoto remarked that the visual style was born out of desire to see a global illumination solution used for the game's lighting—that is, light reflecting from one object in the scene onto others, feeling that contemporary HD games looked too flat.{{Cite web |last=Hashimoto |first=Yoshihisa |date=October 31, 2008 |title=Sonic Unleashed Dev Diary #2- Yoshihisa Hashimoto |url=http://blogs.sega.com/2008/10/31/sonic-unleashed-dev-diary-2-yoshihisa-hashimoto/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724023430/http://blogs.sega.com/2008/10/31/sonic-unleashed-dev-diary-2-yoshihisa-hashimoto/ |archive-date=July 24, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2024 |website=SEGA Blog |publisher=Sega}} To this extent, development on the renderer for this process began, and the final solution allowed the developers to use distributed rendering over hundreds of computers to calculate lighting for each 8 to 20 kilometer action stage in around two or three days. Characters, enemies and objects are then lit at run-time with Sonic Team's "Light Field" technology to blend them in with the surrounding pre-calculated lighting.{{Cite web |last=Hashimoto |first=Yoshihasa |date=2009 |title=Global Illumination in SONIC UNLEASHED |url=https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1428/Global-Illumination-in-SONIC |access-date=November 2, 2024 |website=GDC Vault}} Due to the size of the GI maps, the developers considered splitting the game across two or three discs on the Xbox 360 due to space limitations, but eventually decided to instead reduce their resolution so the whole game to fit onto one disc.{{Cite web |last= |date=April 10, 2009 |title= |script-title=ja:西川善司の3Dゲームファンのための「ソニック・ワールド・アドベンチャー」グラフィックス講座 3Dゲームグラフィックスのトレンドはリアルタイム・グローバル・イルミネーションへ |trans-title=Yoshiharu Nishikawa's "Sonic World Adventure" Graphics Lecture for 3D Game Fans. The trend of 3D game graphics is toward real-time global illumination. |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/series/3dcg/110682.html |access-date=November 4, 2024 |website=GAME Watch |publisher=Impress Corporation |language=ja}} In addition, the Xbox 360 version is capped at 30 frames per second, while the PlayStation 3 version is uncapped and can reach 60 frames in some areas.

Because the game was being developed for two levels of hardware capability depending on the target platform, two development "silos" were set up to work on two separate builds of the game: one for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 version utilizing the Hedgehog Engine, and one for the PlayStation 2 and Wii version, which instead utilizes a modified version of an existing, internal Sega engine.{{cite interview|last=Rileyk|first=Patrick|interviewer=Ricardo Torres|title=Sonic Unleashed Interview 1|date=May 16, 2008|access-date=May 16, 2008|publisher=GameSpot|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/video/945571/6191201/sonic-unleashed-interview-1|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103065404/http://uk.gamespot.com/video/945571/6191201/sonic-unleashed-interview-1|archive-date=January 3, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Hashimoto, who had never directed a Sonic game before, incorporated new features such as a "Quick Step" mechanic allowing players to dodge obstacles with the left and right bumpers.{{cite web|last=Doree|first=Adam|url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/sonic-unleashed-interview-p1.asp|title=Sonic Unleashed: Yoshi Hashimoto Interview|publisher=Kikizo|date=November 12, 2008|access-date=July 9, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102012144/http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/sonic-unleashed-interview-p1.asp|archive-date=November 2, 2014}} Hashimoto sought to combine the best qualities of 2D and 3D Sonic gameplay and address the criticisms directed at previous 3D entries in the franchise. Additional code to dynamically adjust the speed of the game for different situations was used to properly balance its fast pace with traditional platforming elements. The addition of Ring Energy used for the Boost was made to give the rings more importance in gameplay, noting that having more than one would make little difference in gameplay beforehand.

As well as the 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 daytime levels for the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions were altered to accommodate the Wii's motion control-based boost mechanic,{{cite journal|journal=Official Nintendo Magazine|title=Sonic Unleashed|publisher=Future Publishing|pages=34–39|date=November 2008|url=http://www.campsonic.com/2008/09/29/new-sonic-unleashed-scans-from-onm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930175937/http://www.campsonic.com/2008/09/29/new-sonic-unleashed-scans-from-onm|archive-date=September 30, 2008|df=mdy-all|access-date=September 29, 2008}} while night-time levels include a mostly behind-the-back view and different platforming styles and combat mechanics. Developer Dimps, who had past involvement in the Sonic franchise, was involved in the design of the daytime areas for these versions.{{cite web|url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/874/874207p1.html|title=Eyes-on Sonic Unleashed|date=May 15, 2008|access-date=June 25, 2008|author=Casamassina, Matt|quote=[...]software house Dimps is providing backup support with daytime level designs for the Wii and PlayStation 2 versions.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519112125/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/874/874207p1.html|archive-date=May 19, 2008}} In addition, overall, the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions have fewer daytime levels than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 counterparts.

The title Sonic Unleashed was trademarked by Sega on March 12, 2008.{{cite web |last=Snow |first=Blake |date=March 12, 2008 |title=Sonic Unleashed screens and video leaked online? |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/171568/sonic-unleashed-screens-and-video-leaked-online/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829054617/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/171568/sonic-unleashed-screens-and-video-leaked-online |archive-date=August 29, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2008 |publisher=GamePro}} Screenshots of cutscenes, artwork, and a video were leaked ten days later from their FTP server,{{Cite web |last=Logan |first=Frederick |date=March 24, 2008 |title=Sega Site Leaks Sonic Unleashed |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/82600 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610034922/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/82600 |archive-date=June 10, 2008 |access-date=November 2, 2024 |website=The Escapist}} with the title confirmed by Sega on April 3, 2008, with a small selection of screenshots and an updated video.{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=April 3, 2008 |title=Sega Confirms Sonic Unleashed |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/Sega-Confirms-Sonic-Unleashed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118055537/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/82940-Sega-Confirms-Sonic-Unleashed |archive-date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=December 3, 2008 |website=The Escapist |publisher=GAMURS Group}} 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. This was cast into doubt when references to online modes were alluded to around E3 2008,{{cite interview |last=Ballow |first=Ken |interviewer=Ryan MacDonald |title=Sonic Unleashed E3 2008 Stage Show Demo |url=http://www.gamespot.com/video/945571/6194260/sonic-unleashed-e3-2008-stage-show-demo |access-date=July 16, 2008 |date=July 16, 2008}} but later interviews re-iterated that Unleashed would have no online modes at all. However, downloadable content, including additional levels, would remain a possibility after the game's release. A demo version was released on the Xbox Live Marketplace on December 8, 2008,{{cite web |last=Purchese |first=Rob |date=December 9, 2008 |title=Sonic Unleashed demo now on Xbox Live |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=332050 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210175324/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=332050 |archive-date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=December 10, 2008 |website=Eurogamer}} and on the American and European PlayStation Stores on December 18 and 24, 2008, respectively. The demo does not contain any of the Werehog stages.

Sonic Unleashed was released for PlayStation 2, Wii and Xbox 360 on November 18, 2008, in North America, and on November 27 and November 28, 2008, in Australia and Europe, respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/sonicunleashed/similar.html?mode=versions|title=Sonic Unleashed release summary (Wii)|access-date=November 8, 2008|publisher=GameSpot|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205234227/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/sonicunleashed/similar.html?mode=versions|archive-date=December 5, 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/sonicunleashed/similar.html?mode=versions|title=Sonic Unleashed release summary (PS2)|access-date=November 8, 2008|publisher=GameSpot|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828220458/https://www.gamespot.com/games/sonic-unleashed/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicunleashed/similar.html?mode=versions|title=Sonic Unleashed release summary (360)|access-date=November 8, 2008|publisher=GameSpot|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503015942/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicunleashed/similar.html?mode=versions|archive-date=May 3, 2011}} The PlayStation 3 version was released a month later on December 9 in North America, on December 18 in Australia, and on December 19 in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/europe/2008/11/07/updated-release-dates-71108/|title=Sega Europe Blog - Updated Release Dates|access-date=November 11, 2008|date=November 7, 2008|publisher=Sega Europe|author=ArchangelUK|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223021900/http://blogs.sega.com/europe/2008/11/07/updated-release-dates-71108/|archive-date=December 23, 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/sonicunleashed/similar.html?mode=versions|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209145536/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/sonicunleashed/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=December 9, 2008 |title=Sonic Unleashed release summary (PS3)| access-date=November 8, 2008|publisher=GameSpot}} In Japan, the Wii version was released on December 18, 2008,{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2008 |title=Sega Delaying PS3/X360 Sonic Unleashed To Improve Quality, But Only In Japan (Update) |url=https://www.siliconera.com/sega-delaying-ps3x360-sonic-unleashed-to-improve-quality-but-only-in-japan/ |access-date=November 2, 2024 |website=Siliconera |publisher=GAMURS Group}} with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions being pushed back to the next year due to manufacturing issues, on February 19, 2009;{{Cite news |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=November 11, 2008 |title=PS3 Sonic Unleashed moves to December |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/ps3-sonic-unleashed-moves-to-december |access-date=November 2, 2024 |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}} the PlayStation 2 version was not released in the region.{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2008 |title=Sega Japan Passing On PS2 Sonic Unleashed |url=https://www.siliconera.com/sega-japan-passing-on-ps2-sonic-unleashed/ |access-date=November 2, 2024 |website=Siliconera |publisher=GAMURS Group}} It was revealed that the game's name in Japan would in fact remain Sonic World Adventure for its release there. On March 12, 2009, Sega released Sonic Unleashed{{'}}s first DLC for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, consisting of four Chun-nan daytime stages and two night stages in addition to two new missions.{{Cite web |last=Langshaw |first=Mark |date=March 15, 2009 |title='Sonic Unleashed' gets DLC |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a149582/sonic-unleashed-gets-dlc/ |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK}}{{Cite web |last=Sterling |first=James Stephanie |author-link=James Stephanie Sterling |date=March 14, 2009 |title=Sonic Unleashed DLC ... seriously |url=https://www.destructoid.com/sonic-unleashed-dlc-seriously/ |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=Destructoid |publisher=GAMURS Group}} DLC was later released for the remaining stages except for Eggmanland.{{cite web |title=Sonic Unleashed Downloads |url=http://xboxlive.ign.com/objects/142/14242719.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219225116/http://xboxlive.ign.com/objects/142/14242719.html |archive-date=December 19, 2008 |access-date=May 3, 2009 |website=IGN}}

A short animated film was released online to tie in with the game on November 17, 2008, titled {{Nihongo foot|Sonic: Night of the Werehog,|ソニック&チップ 恐怖の館|Sonikku ando Chippu Kyōfu no Yakata|lead=yes|extra=lit. 'Sonic and Chip: House of Horror'|group=lower-alpha}} produced by Marza.{{cite web |last1=Chester |first1=Nick |date=November 21, 2008 |title=Sega presents: Sonic in Night of the Werehog |url=https://www.destructoid.com/sega-presents-sonic-in-night-of-the-werehog-112323.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908194200/http://www.destructoid.com/sega-presents-sonic-in-night-of-the-werehog-112323.phtml |archive-date=September 8, 2011 |access-date=June 29, 2017 |website=Destructoid}}{{cite web |last1=Tach |first1=Dave |date=June 10, 2014 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog feature film to blend animation with live action |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/6/10/5798434/sonic-hedgehog-movie-marza-sony |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324010740/http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/10/5798434/sonic-hedgehog-movie-marza-sony |archive-date=March 24, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2017 |website=Polygon}} In the short, Sonic and Chip come across a haunted house during the night and are hounded by a group of ghosts. In addition to its online release, the short was shown for free at nine selected theaters in Japan for three weeks starting on December 20, 2008, in collaboration with T-Joy Corporation.{{Cite web |title= |script-title=ja:「ソニック ワールドアドベンチャー」CGアニメが映画館で無料上映 |trans-title="Sonic World Adventure" CG Animation Will be Shown for Free at Cubenas |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/074/G007430/20081211040/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}}{{Cite web |last= |date=December 11, 2008 |title= |script-title=ja:『ソニック』新作を題材にしたムービーがシネコンで上映決定 |trans-title=A Sonic Movie Will be Shown at Several Cinemas |url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/127/127207/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=Dengeki Online |publisher=ASCII Media Works |language=ja}} Archie Comics also published an adaptation of Sonic Unleashed featuring the opening cutscene and Sonic's transformation into the Werehog.{{cite journal |date=October 8, 2008 |title=Sonic Unleashed |journal=Sonic the Hedgehog |publisher=Archie Comics |issue=#193}} In May 2009, mobile game developer Gameloft announced that it had secured a licensing agreement with Sega Europe to produce Java versions of Sega properties, and that its first game would be a version of Sonic Unleashed for mobile devices. It was released in June 2009 in PAL regions.{{Cite web |date=2009-08-23 |title=BlackBerry App World - Sonic Unleashed |url=http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/2781 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823025827/http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/2781 |archive-date=23 August 2009 |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=}}{{cite web |date=May 6, 2009 |title=Gameloft signs multi-property agreement with SEGA Europe Ltd. |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/press-releases/47057/Sonic-Unleashed |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511002044/http://www.mcvuk.com/press-releases/47057/Sonic-Unleashed |archive-date=May 11, 2009 |access-date=May 8, 2009 |publisher=MCV}} The mobile version of Sonic Unleashed is strictly a side-scroller reminiscent of the original Genesis games, featuring new level designs and character abilities.{{cite web |last1=Alexander |first1=Leigh |date=May 6, 2009 |title=Gameloft Signs Multi-Property Mobile Game Deal With Sega Europe |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/gameloft-signs-multi-property-mobile-game-deal-with-sega-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032152/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/114448/Gameloft_Signs_MultiProperty_Mobile_Game_Deal_With_Sega_Europe.php |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=28 November 2017 |website=Gamasutra}}{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Spanner |date=June 9, 2009 |title=Sonic Unleashed sprints out onto mobile |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/sonic-unleashed/sonic-unleashed-sprints-out-onto-mobile/ |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=Pocket Gamer}}

Sonic Unleashed was released on the Xbox Live Arcade throughout late-2009 and early-2010, however in late-2010, Sega delisted all Sonic games with below average Metacritic scores from retailers and digital stores so as to increase the value of the brand following the positive pre-release reception to Sonic Colors and Sonic 4: Episode I (2010), including Sonic Unleashed.{{cite web |last=Dring |first=Christopher |date=October 7, 2010 |title=Sub-standard Sonics de-listed |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/41217/Sub-standard-Sonics-de-listed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511064038/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/41217/Sub-standard-Sonics-de-listed |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |access-date=December 18, 2010 |publisher=MCV}}{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2010 |title=Sega Dumping Substandard Sonic Games |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/sega-dumping-substandard-sonic-games/ |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=The Escapist |publisher=GAMURS Group}} However, it was added to the PlayStation Store in April 2014,{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2014 |title=PlayStation Store Update |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2014/04/08/playstation-store-update-337/ |access-date=November 2, 2024 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony}} and was then added to PlayStation Now in April 2017.{{cite web |date=March 7, 2017 |title=PS Now: 13 Sega Games Join Our Streaming Lineup Today |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2017/03/07/ps-now-13-sega-games-join-our-streaming-lineup-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928194520/https://blog.playstation.com/2017/03/07/ps-now-13-sega-games-join-our-streaming-lineup-today/ |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=August 2, 2020 |website=PlayStation.Blog}} In November 2018, it was additionally relisted to the Xbox Games Store with backwards compatibility for the Xbox One;{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=November 29, 2018 |title=Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, Sonic Unleashed, and Aliens vs. Predator added to Xbox One Backward Compatibility |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2018/11/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-sonic-unleashed-and-aliens-vs-predator-added-to-xbox-one-backward-compatibility |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=Gematsu}} on November 15, 2021, its compatibility was extended to the Xbox Series X/S, including FPS Boost to allow it to run at 60 frames per second.{{cite web |last=Linneman |first=John |date=27 November 2021 |title=Xbox 360 games and FPS Boost are a match made in heaven |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2021-xbox-360-games-and-fps-boost-are-a-match-made-in-heaven |accessdate=18 January 2021 |website=Eurogamer |df=dmy-all}}

The game's soundtrack, Planetary Pieces: Sonic World Adventure Original Soundtrack, was released as a three-disc set in Japan on January 28, 2009.{{cite web | url = http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=WWCE-31193 | title = Game Music / Planetary Pieces: Sonic World Adventure Original Soundtrack | publisher = cdjapan.co.jp | access-date = November 30, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081216020033/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=WWCE-31193 | archive-date = December 16, 2008 }} The vocal theme track, "Endless Possibility", written by longtime Sonic game composer Tomoya Ohtani, features Jaret Reddick of the American rock band Bowling for Soup.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2008/07/15/|title=Sonic City Blognik - 2008 - July - 15|author=ArchangelUK|date=July 15, 2008|access-date=November 12, 2008|publisher=Sega Europe|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613014630/http://blogs.sega.com/sonic/2008/07/15/|archive-date=June 13, 2011}} The ending theme, "Dear My Friend", features vocals by singer Brent Cash.{{cite web | title=『ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ』と『ソニック ワールドアドベンチャー』のサントラがiTunes Storeなどで配信開始 | website=ファミ通.com | date=October 31, 2012 | url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201210/31023622.html | language=ja | access-date=April 23, 2025}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 66/100 (Wii/PS2)
60/100 (X360)
54/100 (PS3)

| 1UP = C (X360)
D (Wii)

| EuroG = 6/10 (Wii)
4/10 (X360){{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sonic-unleashed-review | title = Sonic Unleashed Review | first = Dan | last = Whitehead | publisher = Eurogamer | access-date = January 25, 2010 | date = November 27, 2008 | pages = 1–2 | quote = Sonic Unleashed is an obviously poor effort from a series that is still hopelessly lost in the modern gaming landscape. | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100120123754/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sonic-unleashed-review | archive-date = January 20, 2010 }}

| GI = 6.5/10 (Wii)
6/10 (X360/PS3){{cite web | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_unleashed/b/xbox360/archive/2009/09/22/review.aspx | title = Sonic Unleashed: Sega's Mascot Still Lives in a Hog Sty (Xbox 360) | first = Ben | last = Reeves | date = September 22, 2009 | website = Game Informer Online | access-date = December 3, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190822012028/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_unleashed/b/xbox360/archive/2009/09/22/review.aspx | archive-date = August 22, 2019 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_unleashed/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/28/review.aspx | title = Sonic Unleashed: Sega's Mascot Still Lives in a Hog Sty (PS3) | date = September 28, 2009 | first = Ben | last = Reeves | website = Game Informer Online | access-date = March 18, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208150957/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_unleashed/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/28/review.aspx | archive-date = December 8, 2015 | url-status = live }}

| G4 = {{Rating|2|5}}

| GRadar = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-unleashed-review/|title=Sonic Unleashed review|date=December 4, 2008|access-date=December 10, 2008|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208170156/https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-unleashed-review/|url-status=live}}

| GSpot = 7/10 (Wii)
3.5/10 (X360/PS3)

| GT = 7/10 (Wii/X360){{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/43199.html|title=Gametrailers.com - Sonic Unleashed - Review|access-date=November 27, 2008|publisher=GameTrailers|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204044443/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/43199.html|archive-date=December 4, 2008}}

| GTM = 5/10

| IGN = 7.2/10 (Wii)
7/10 (PS2){{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/931/931656p1.html|title=IGN: Sonic Unleashed Review|access-date=November 20, 2008|date=November 18, 2008|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|work=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201044051/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/931/931656p1.html|archive-date=December 1, 2008}}
4.5/10 (X360/PS3)

| ONM = 79% (Wii)

| OXM = 6.5/10{{cite web|url= http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/s-z/sonic-unleashed|title=Sonic Unleashed Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216223846/http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/s-z/sonic-unleashed|archive-date=December 16, 2010}}

| OPM = 4/10

| NP = 8/10 (Wii)

| NWR = 4/10 (Wii){{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/17273/sonic-unleashed-wii|title=Sonic Unleashed for Wii review|access-date=December 1, 2008|archive-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627125416/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/17273/sonic-unleashed-wii|url-status=live}}

| NLife = 6/10 (Wii){{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/02/sonic_unleashed_wii|title=Sonic Unleashed review|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521040417/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/02/sonic_unleashed_wii|url-status=live}}

| VG = 6/10

}}

Initial anticipation when the first media for Unleashed was revealed was high, as the demonstration videos hinted at a possible return of Sonic to his traditional platforming roots, especially because of the series' declining quality in recent years,{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/technologyreviews/videogamereviewsandpreviews/3477009/Sonic-Unleashed-video-game-review.html|title=Sonic Unleashed video game review|work=The Telegraph|date=November 18, 2008|access-date=November 18, 2008|first=Tom|last=Hoggins|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207235112/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/technologyreviews/videogamereviewsandpreviews/3477009/Sonic-Unleashed-video-game-review.html|archive-date=December 7, 2008}} and a number of poorly received games in the franchise that preceded it, such as the 2006 game, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Sonic Unleashed received "mixed or average" reviews, with Metacritic aggregate scores of 60 and 54 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions respectively, and 66 out of 100 for the Wii and PlayStation 2 versions.{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/sonicunleashed?q=sonic%20unleashed | title = Sonic Unleashed (ps2: 2008): Reviews | publisher = Metacritic | access-date = November 30, 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090211120136/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/sonicunleashed?q=sonic%20unleashed | archive-date = February 11, 2009 }}{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/sonicunleashed?q=sonic%20unleashed | title = Sonic Unleashed (wii: 2008): Reviews | publisher = Metacritic | access-date = November 30, 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090212183818/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/sonicunleashed?q=sonic%20unleashed | archive-date = February 12, 2009 }}{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/sonicunleashed?q=sonic%20unleashed | title = Sonic Unleashed (Xbox360: 2008): Reviews | publisher = Metacritic | access-date = November 30, 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081203085210/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/sonicunleashed?q=Sonic%20Unleashed | archive-date = December 3, 2008 }}{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/sonicunleashed?q=sonic%20unleashed | title = Sonic Unleashed (ps3: 2008): Reviews | publisher = Metacritic | access-date = December 15, 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090212183007/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/sonicunleashed?q=sonic%20unleashed | archive-date = February 12, 2009 }} The added element of motion controls for the Werehog sections, as well as text-based hub worlds and better Werehog level design and camera system, were reasons cited for the higher review scores for the Wii and PlayStation 2 versions of the game,{{cite web | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_unleashed/b/wii/archive/2009/09/22/review.aspx | title = Sonic Unleashed: Sega's Mascot Still Lives in a Hog Sty (Wii) | date = September 22, 2009 | first = Ben | last = Reeves | access-date = November 30, 2008 | website = Game Informer Online | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190822012027/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_unleashed/b/wii/archive/2009/09/22/review.aspx | archive-date = August 22, 2019 | url-status = live }} though a few review websites, such as 1UP, gave the Wii version a lower score than its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 counterparts.{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3172029 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120524131555/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3172029 | url-status = dead | archive-date = May 24, 2012 | title = Sonic Unleashed Review for the Wii from 1UP.com | date = December 23, 2008 | access-date = January 3, 2009 | publisher = 1UP | first = Tyle | last = Barber }} Nevertheless, the game was a commercial success and sold 2.45 million units combined making it Sega's third bestselling game during their last fiscal year period of 2008.{{cite web|title=Financial Results|url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/japanese/pdf/release/200903_tanshin_20090513_final.pdf#page=7|publisher=Sega Sammy Holdings|format=Portable Document Format|page=7|date=May 13, 2009|access-date=September 11, 2009|language=ja|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513035450/http://www.segasammy.co.jp/japanese/pdf/release/200903_tanshin_20090513_final.pdf#page=7|archive-date=May 13, 2011}}

Positive elements of Sonic Unleashed remarked upon by reviews include the environments, such as the "postcard-perfect architecture", and the graphics, with stages looking "absolutely gorgeous" and being "very pretty and lovingly animated",{{cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/933/933949p1.html | title = IGN AU: Sonic Unleashed Review | first = Patrick | last = Kohan | access-date = November 30, 2008 | date = November 26, 2008 | publisher = IGN AU | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081218115243/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/933/933949p1.html | archive-date = December 18, 2008 }} with one reviewer comparing them to a playable Pixar film. Praise was given to the technical competence of Sega's new Hedgehog Engine as a whole on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, with "bright cartoonish graphics that fly by without a stutter"; however, some complaints were raised about frame rate reduction when large numbers of enemies appeared during the Werehog sections. Although the Wii and PlayStation 2 versions do not use the Hedgehog Engine, graphics for these platforms were still praised for their high quality,{{cite web|url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/931/931596p1.html|title=IGN: Sonic Unleashed Review|publisher=IGN|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|access-date=November 20, 2008|date=November 18, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219045846/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/931/931596p1.html|archive-date=December 19, 2008}} with the game being nominated for Best Graphics Technology for the Wii by IGN in its 2008 video game awards.{{cite web |title=IGN Wii: Best Graphics Technology 2008 |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/11.html |work=IGN.com |access-date=December 19, 2008 |date=December 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040817/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/11.html |archive-date=December 22, 2008}} The soundtrack to the game was also praised as being an improvement on more recent installments in the series; use of an orchestral score, rather than rock as in more recent games, was appreciated.

A generally negative reaction was given by critics to the Werehog concept and corresponding night-time sections, which contributed greatly to the lower than expected review scores. Some reviewers compared the Werehog sections to God of War. Complaints stemmed from the game's change of speed, from high-speed daytime sections to the slower, night-time sections; the "pace-breaking combat levels"{{cite web | url = http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1635/Sonic-Unleashed/p1/ | title = Sonic Unleashed Review (Xbox 360) | first = Matt | last = Cabral | publisher = TeamXbox | access-date = November 30, 2008 | date = November 25, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081209235929/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1635/Sonic-Unleashed/p1/ | archive-date = December 9, 2008 }} were described as "plodding", as well as "lethargic" and "combat-heavy". Further to the change of pace, the new style of gameplay that accompanies the night-time levels was widely criticized, involving "frustrating" platform elements and combat described as not "terribly interesting"{{cite web | url = http://cheatcc.com/xbox360/rev/sonicunleashedreview.html | title = Sonic Unleashed Review for Xbox 360 | publisher = Cheatcc.com | access-date = November 30, 2008 | first = Adam | last = Brown | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081203000036/http://www.cheatcc.com/xbox360/rev/sonicunleashedreview.html | archive-date = December 3, 2008 }} and "boring", with "awkward" action sequences overall. Some reviewers felt that the Werehog as a concept did not mix well with the daylight areas and traditional Sonic gameplay; GamePro{{'}}s review described them as "dreadfully out-of-place",{{cite web|last=Erickson|first=Tracy|date=November 24, 2008|title=Review : Sonic Unleashed - 360 [Xbox 360]|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208005/sonic-unleashed-360/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202231615/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208005/sonic-unleashed-360/|archive-date=December 2, 2008|access-date=November 30, 2008|publisher=GamePro}} while IGN stated that they have "nothing to do with Sonic whatsoever", feeling that the Werehog was "being slapped on" to the Sonic experience.{{cite web | url = http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/934/934713p1.html | title = IGN: Sonic Unleashed Review | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein | access-date = December 3, 2008 | date = December 2, 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081206112313/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/934/934713p1.html | archive-date = December 6, 2008 }}

In stark contrast to the Werehog sections, many reviewers found the daytime levels to be enjoyable, especially the "exhilarating" sense of speed they provide; with "the most satisfying gameplay of any Sonic title in years", the game "perfectly [captures] the feel of classic Sonic". Many also enjoyed the mixture of, and transition between, 2D and 3D sections. Indeed, many reviewers remarked that they would have appreciated the game more had it consisted solely of, and expanded upon, the daytime levels.{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171439 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120524131555/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171439 | url-status = dead | archive-date = May 24, 2012 | title = Sonic Unleashed Review | access-date = November 20, 2008 | date = November 20, 2008 | last = Bettenhausen | first = Shane | publisher = 1UP | quote = 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. }}{{cite web|last=Buffa|first=Chris|date=November 25, 2008|title=Sonic Unleashed on Xbox 360 Review|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/sonic-unleashed/xbox-360/game-reviews/review/7043/2209/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103022925/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/sonic-unleashed/xbox-360/game-reviews/review/7043/2209/|archive-date=January 3, 2009|access-date=November 30, 2008|publisher=GameDaily}} GameSpot's review for the Xbox 360 version, however, argued that the controls were "unresponsive" in the daytime levels, and that most of them were "horribly designed",{{cite web | url = http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicunleashed/review.html | title = Sonic Unleashed for Xbox 360 Review | date = December 6, 2008 | access-date = December 6, 2008 | first = Tom | last = McShea | publisher = GameSpot | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081209091620/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/sonicunleashed/review.html | archive-date = December 9, 2008 }} instead describing the Wii version as a "vastly superior experience", with its daytime levels praised for better control and design.{{cite web | url = http://uk.gamespot.com/wii/action/sonicunleashed/review.html | title = Sonic Unleashed for Wii Review | date = December 6, 2008 | access-date = December 13, 2008 | first = Tom | last = McShea | publisher = GameSpot | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081216065749/http://uk.gamespot.com/wii/action/sonicunleashed/review.html | archive-date = December 16, 2008 }}

Aside from the criticism of Werehog levels, further aspects of the game were criticized, contributing to the mixed review scores. The quests that players must undertake in hub-towns were described as "inane" and "tedious", where "figuring out what happens next involves aimlessly wandering through towns and speaking to citizens, only to discover that most of them don't know what we're looking for". The story and overall tone of the game, including the new character Chip, were criticised, some remarking that it was too juvenile, or comparable to that of a Saturday morning cartoon.

Speaking after the game's release, Sonic Team member and Sonic and the Black Knight (2009) producer and director Tetsu Katano remarked that although he did not feel the Werehog concept was a mistake, time and resources were a limiting factor in the game's production. He also remarked that the Werehog may reappear in future games, or possibly in a sequel to Sonic Unleashed, should one be made.{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=Neon |date=February 27, 2009 |title=Sonic and the Black Knight Interview for Wii |url=http://www.videogamer.com/wii/sonic_and_the_black_knight/preview-1531.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304020530/http://www.videogamer.com/wii/sonic_and_the_black_knight/preview-1531.html |archive-date=March 4, 2009 |access-date=March 4, 2009 |work=VideoGamer.com}} In the lead up to the release of Sonic Colors (2010), producer Takashi Iizuka expressed regret at the inclusion of the Werehog, stating that it clashed with Sonic's core gameplay.{{Cite magazine |date=July 2010 |title=The Wonderful Worlds of Robotnik |magazine=Nintendo Power |pages=55–57 |issue=256}} Another short featuring the ghost characters from Night of the Werehog, titled Ghost Tale, was released by Marza Animation Planet on October 31, 2023, 15 years after Night of the Werehog's release.{{Cite web | title=x.com | url=https://twitter.com/SEGA_OFFICIAL/status/1719263149189390721 | access-date=2024-12-24 | website=twitter.com}}

The gameplay of the daytime stages would be reused and expanded upon to become the defining gameplay of the franchise for the following decade, with Sonic Colors,{{cite web |author=Gies |first=Arthur |date=November 8, 2010 |title=Sonic Colors Wii Review |url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/113/1132902p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112220212/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/113/1132902p1.html |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |access-date=January 8, 2011 |website=IGN}}{{Cite magazine |date=September 6, 2010 |title=Ninterrogation |magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine |publisher=Future plc |page=13 |issue=72}} Sonic Generations (2011), and Sonic Forces (2017) taking inspiration from Unleashed.{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Dan |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Project Sonic 2017's Official Title Is Sonic Forces |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/project_sonic_2017s_official_title_is_sonic_forces |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617111100/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/project_sonic_2017s_official_title_is_sonic_forces |archive-date=June 17, 2017 |access-date=June 29, 2017 |website=NintendoLife}}{{cite magazine |date=April 2017 |title=Interview with Takashi Iizuka |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja}} The home console/PC versions of Sonic Generations contain remakes of the "Rooftop Run" stage and the Egg Dragoon boss fight.{{cite web|title=#segagc New Screens & Trailer for Sonic Generations|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2011/08/17/segagc-new-screens-trailer-for-sonic-generations/|website=blogs.sega.com|access-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725050145/http://blogs.sega.com/2011/08/17/segagc-new-screens-trailer-for-sonic-generations/|archive-date=July 25, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Sonic Forces also contains a re-imagined version of the Egg Dragoon boss.{{cite web|last1=Fennimore|first1=Jack|title='Sonic Forces' E3 Trailer Shows New Gameplay and Villains|url=http://heavy.com/games/2017/06/sonic-forces-e3-trailer-2017-gameplay-villains-release-date-new-character/|website=Heavy|date=June 13, 2017|access-date=June 29, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704045918/http://heavy.com/games/2017/06/sonic-forces-e3-trailer-2017-gameplay-villains-release-date-new-character/|archive-date=July 4, 2017}} The Hedgehog Engine would be refined for future entries, being reworked into Hedgehog Engine 2 starting with Forces.{{cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=March 17, 2017 |title=A Longer Look at Modern Sonic - Sonic Forces - PlayStation 4 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/03/17/sonic-forces-extended-gameplay-reveal-demo.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318192455/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/03/17/sonic-forces-extended-gameplay-reveal-demo.aspx |archive-date=March 18, 2017 |access-date=March 20, 2017 |magazine=Game Informer |df=mdy-all}}

In March 2013, a group of fans created a mod for Sonic Generations titled the Unleashed Project, which ported the daytime stages of Unleashed to Generations.{{Cite news |last=Petitte |first=Omri |date=March 31, 2013 |title=Sonic Generations mod adds most levels from console-exclusive Sonic Unleashed |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/sonic-generations-unleashed-mod/ |access-date=November 3, 2024 |work=PC Gamer |publisher=Future plc}}{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Dave |date=March 21, 2013 |title=Sonic Unleashed playable on PC thanks to modders |url=https://www.vg247.com/sonic-unleashed-playable-on-pc-thanks-to-modders |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=VG247 |publisher=Gamer Network}} On March 1, 2025, an unofficial PC port of the game called Unleashed Recompiled was released. The port contains numerous enhancements, including support for high resolutions and framerates, as well as mod support.{{cite web | last=Nightingale | first=Ed | title=Sonic Unleashed available for PC at last, thanks to fan-made port with uncapped framerate | website=Eurogamer.net | date=March 3, 2025 | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sonic-unleashed-available-for-pc-at-last-thanks-to-fan-made-port-with-uncapped-framerate | access-date=March 3, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Yin-Poole | first=Wesley | title=Fans Port Sonic Unleashed to PC, Potentially Opening the Floodgates to Xbox 360 Recompilation | website=IGN | date=March 3, 2025 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/fans-port-sonic-unleashed-to-pc-potentially-opening-the-floodgates-to-xbox-360-recompilation | access-date=March 3, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Barker | first=Sammy | title=Unofficial PC Port Sparks Fresh Demand for Sonic Unleashed on PS5 | website=Push Square | date=March 3, 2025 | url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/03/unofficial-pc-port-sparks-fresh-demand-for-sonic-unleashed-on-ps5 | access-date=March 3, 2025}} The port supports both Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems.{{Cite web |last=Cichacki |first=Shaun |date=2025-03-05 |title=‘Sonic Unleashed’ Has Been Due for a Remaster, and Fans Have Taken the Task Into Their Own Hands |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/sonic-unleashed-has-been-due-for-a-remaster-and-fans-have-taken-the-task-into-their-own-hands/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://github.com/hedge-dev/UnleashedRecomp Unleashed Recompiled Project for PC on GitHub]
• {{Wikiquote-inline}}
• {{Official website|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704093636/http://www.sonic-unleashed.com/us/index.php}} (archived)

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