Sonic Colors is a game that not only returns Sonic to form, but proves to be an amazing game as well.
Let's backtrack first. Ever since Sonic made the jump to 3D over a decade ago, Sonic fans have been aching for a true Sonic 2D/3D game. Albeit, I loved the Sonic Adventure series for what it was, liked Sonic Heroes even though it was full of cheap kills, and yes, I even liked Shadow the Hedgehog, Most of us finally said enough when one of the worst video games ever finally hit. Sonic 06. It was full of glitches, broken parts, and unfinished.
Sonic Unleashed was a game that was better... it gave a taste of what could be. The 2D Sonic levels were fun, but were blocked with that awful hub world. Some didn't care for Sonic's wolfman levels either. That didn't bother me that much, but that hub word...god I hated that. I just wanted to play! What happened to simply beating a level?
Meanwhile, on the Game Boy Advance and DS systems, Sonic was having some stellar games. The Sonic Advance series proved to be A level quality (and a must own for any game boy owner), And even had some other games that proved to be just as good (pinball, battle etc.). As the new DS came, Sonic Again kicked it into high gear with great Sonic Rush (another must own) and the good Sonic Rush Adventure. All sticking with the sonic game play we loved, but making it better, with some improvements (no werewolfs here!) And heck he even had a RPG game to boot.
But finally, it seems on the big consoles he was gonna be big again. Sonic Episode 1 got released earlier this fall for Wii Virtual Console, XBLA, and PSN. It was a return to old-school Sonic, with HD graphics, but with game play in the vein of Sonic 2 and 3.
I like it. While Sonic isn't as fast and improved as the portables he's been in, at least it was a 2D Sonic. Without any crud added on, or annoying extra characters that do nothing. It was Sonic, and I loved it.
Then came word of another Sonic game. One for the DS and Wii. Sonic Colors. I had my doubts. Let's face it Sonic fans...we get weary when we hear of a Sonic game...you never know what it might bring. So I passed it by. Ignored it.
Then on Christmas, I unwrapped this game as one of my presents. Put it into the Wii that had not been used in ages...
...and was stunned.
Folks, not only is it a good Sonic game, it might just be the best one I've played on consoles in a long, long, long time.
The game features 2D game play with the gameplay seamlessly flowing into 3D parts (that are good!). It's also full of many, many high thrill spots, that just make you go "wow." I don't wont to spoil any surprises, but there are lots of fun moments in this game. The best part is it's hub word is simply a select planet, select level stuff....no annoying "gotta do this, gotta do that" to get in. Just beat the level folks. And boy are the levels good!
The gameplay does feature a gimmick. The colors gimmick. As Sonic, the story goes that you and Tails are trying to free these aliens being used to run Eggman's theme park. These Aliens are of great power. As you collect (save) them will give you the power to run super fast, drill through rock, rocket through the air, etc. etc. You'll unlock others along the way and be able to use it in previous levels to unlock new paths and such. Speaking of the levels, they are of just the right length; not too short, not too long, and feature multiple paths, especially as you get powers. This makes replaying levels to get high scores, all the mroe fun.
It also features some multiplayer mini games and such that you can use your Mii for, but they seem like a bit of tacked on mode. The true show here is the Single player game play.
So folks, Sonic fans, this is a must own. The great reviews are right, it's a return to what we want. Not only is it good, it's great. Ir corrects many of the issues 3D Sonic games have had, and It surpasses what a lot of people expected with it's gameplay. With epic thrill spots, fun levels, and full of worthy add-ons to the Sonic gameplay, this is gonna be one to remembered for years to come.
Get it now!