The Forgotten PS2 Port of Sonic Unleashed

[@_lemon52]

Hey! this video blew up out of nowhere recently so just a couple things: 1. If you enjoyed this vid check out my new video on Sonic Unleasheds brutal DLC: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3Kae5ZvmpVlqLs 2. A lot of you have corrected this and pointed it out but dimps didn't actually develop this game, they only made the level design for the day stages, the rest was all sonic team. 3. I know my intro is wayyy too long, this video is over 2 years old and i have ditched that intro long ago. Thanks for all the support!

[@mrt9016]

Lemon. Have you tried playing this on a backwards compatible PS3 since you can put it in widescreen and have a smooth option. It still is a very bad looking game but it can still be put in wide-screen and HD. What rating would U give the graphics. For me I would give the ps2 graphics a 2/10. Great video and keep up the good work.

[@Scroteydada]

Dimps didn't make Sonic Unleashed alone it was still mostly Sonic Team

[@yrmmishere]

Another l'il correction, Unleashed PS2 does indeed have full progressive scan support - it's just not in the settings menu, instead requiring a button combo on startup.

[@_lemon52]

@@yrmmishereI tested that myself when I was making the video, it doesn’t. Online info on this games support of progressive scan is really inconsistent, some sites state it does and others say it doesn’t. But in my findings even when using the button combination when the game starts there’s still no progressive scan support.

[@winxclub998wizardmaster]

you know before i ever got an xbox i only knew about sonic unleashed on ps2 didnt know it was on 360 and didnt know it was fully different till i got it on xbox for the first time and i loved the game even more but the ps2 version at the time ithaught it was the only version i did know about the Wii version but both are more or less the same so ididnt care till i learned about the game on xbox and ps3 i still didnt care cause i never saw gameplay of it on those consoles till sonic gen would come out and i went a digging and stumbled across gameplay lol and well the rest was set instone

[@IkesDaddelbox]

While Dimps was involved in the Wii/Ps2 version, they only made the level design for the daytime stages. The rest was entirely handled by Sonic Team. Not quite sure if somebody already pointed that out. I'm too lazy to scroll down. Fantastic and much needed video, this version rarely gets even mentioned on the internet. I, personally, feel incredibly nostalgic about the Ps2 version, so I'm glad it gets some recognition.

[@_lemon52]

Wow I did not know that at all, thanks for the info. Thanks for the kind words as well, appreciate it!

[@xan1242]

Sonic Team also handled the bosses. The final boss sections are the only ones with rail switching in the entire game.

[@HedgehogY2K]

I thought the whole thing with both the PS2/Wii was entirely Dimps. Sonic Team did the night stages and the bosses? Whoa, I didn't expect Sega to care much about the Wii let alone the PS2 after the oblivion of the Secret Rings release. Btw, I heard Sonic 06 was actually meant to be released on 6th gen consoles.

[@IkesDaddelbox]

@@HedgehogY2K 06 was supposed to get a Wii port. But when Sonic Team found out the hardware couldn't possibly handle it they made Secret Rings for it. To do that they had to split the team into two teams working on 2 entirely different projects. Not the best idea.

[@infern209x]

@@_lemon52 you say its forgotten but you're wrong, because the ps2 version was my original experience of sonic unleashed, and I will always prefer it and the wii version over the hd version, better level design, fun easier werehog, easier/more fun final boss fight, and no medal requirements, I prefer this version.

[@ToonyTails]

I absolutely love the Wii/PS2 version. (I actually grew up with the Wii version but these 2 versions are the same so the same rules apply.) I feel like this version of the game is way underrated and is in someways better compared to the 360/PS3 version. Like the medals aren’t required and you also just get them from doing well in stages. The final boss is much better imo, and isn’t as long and tedious as the PS3/360 version. The night stages are much shorter and have breaks in between. And you get to hear the Gaia Gate music In full.

[@MohammedSG9]

Same opinion 🤝

[@Ubylmoen]

I'm with ya. This is my preferred version, I don't particularly enjoy the 360/PS3 version all that much tbh.

[@SpectacleSpark]

THIS! I preferred playing the wii version because it was more TOLERABLE and easier. I've tried the ps3 version but it unfortunately wasn't fun because most of the werehog levels were just too hard and difficult. The werehog levels on the wii though were actually at least more tolerable and I enjoyed it. I also didn't mind the cutscenes on the wii. As much as I love the 3d worldbuilding on ps3, I preferably like the wii better

[@noshgaming]

​@@SpectacleSparkYou simply suck then lol. This port was child's play for me and I finished the game as a 9 year old. When I played it on my 360 after turning 12, that's when I felt challenged and not to mention the visuals interested me to keep trying and not give up. The egg dragoon boss fight in the ps3/360 version is way superior than any boss fight in this PS2/Wii port. The day stages of sonic are thousands times better level design wise. The werehog stages imo are equally ok in both.

[@HyperShadow991]

@@noshgaming back off dude not everyone is a gaming prodigy ok? i too very much prefer the ps2 version the final boss is WAY more fun on ps2 than xbox and yes i have played both versions in full and i honestly kind of disliked the ps3/xbox version compared to the ps2 version i owned. hell i loved the day stage for eggmanland on ps2 so much i perfected the stage so damn well i could've probably been a competitive world record speedrunner for that stage specifically

[@lunatic_touhou3948]

Man, i have so many memories of the PS2 version of Unleashed i could write a damn essay about it but to keep it short i loved it as a kid and was technically my introduction to the Sonic series. Really good to see somebody talking about this version, especially in 2021. Great review 👍.

[@TechnicalGeorgeYT]

I felt the same in march of this year when i played the wii version on wii u via download and i adored it

[@bogymanthedark]

I still play this version to this day via emulators.

[@stoheha]

Must've been an awesome way to get into the series. I see this game as a fascinating example of how sonic team could've adapted Sonic to the dreamcast if they had a clearer vision of the series and how it would play in 3d. Though, the Sonic Adventure games will always have a special place in my heart and were enjoyable for their time.

[@butvi0663]

The same for me. A beautiful part of my childhood. Love it

[@ericwirfs5578]

As a poor kid who's parents couldn't afford to get a PS3, I will forever be grateful for the PS2 ports of next gen-games. I have so many memories playing this version as a kid, and despite having recently finally played the 360 version, THIS is still my favorite, mainly bc of nostalgia glasses. Also one of the first games I ever 100%ed Great video!

[@bluestar5812]

As a brazilian kid who grew up too poor for videogames I'm glad the PS2 version exists. My mom got a pirated disc of it when I returned from my vacation at my grandparents at the beginning if 2009. Back then I had no Internet access, so a new Sonic game was always magical to me. I played a lot of this game, mastering and S ranking every stage, challenge, and all gaia temples, upgrades and extras. I'm not sure if my disc was bugged, but to this day I never unlocked the final challenge. According to many guides there should be one item on Dragon Road Day, but it never spawned to me. I even restarted the entire game to be sure, nothing. The final mission unlocks after 100% the game, it is one extra new level in Jungle Joyride.

[@nisnast]

Same dude, I never played this game, but I have played other games that were advertised as next gen only like Alone in the Dark, Need for Speed Prostreet and Star Wars The Force Unleashed, I never had a PS3/360, so I really appreciated having versions of these games on the PS2.

[@bonixohd3424]

I feel ya man, Sonic Unleashed PS2 is my absolute favorite Sonic games. I started playing it in 2012 and had my PS2 jailbroken and got a pirated disc. No internet and just good memories.

[@ivannn0222]

Perhaps the item never spawned as an anti piracy measure?

[@kirbstagoontheaxolotl]

I feel you. I've got a legitimate version I was 100% completing, but it corrupted a bit over a year ago. Mine was a pack in game with my ps2 my mum got when I was 3, so I was SALTY my save corrupted, as one day it was all good and I was having fun fighting the egg dragoon and trying to set ANOTHER record on the Dark Guardian (I have an under 20 second time on the boss on PS2 on the corrupted file) and the next I boot up the game to 'your save file is corrupted'. Bc of the amount of scratches the disc has from 10 y/o me losing the case a ton the game pauses at certain cutscenes so I can't play it anymore

[@violetsparkles5453]

Omg we had the same experience. I grew up in Colombia and had a modded ps2 so I had a pirated copy of unleashed. I played the shit out of it until my ps2 broke and stopped reading discs.

[@lucymorrison]

Idk where the “ps2 games around 2008 were usually in widescreen” thing came from, the ps2 library has pretty few games that support widescreen. It was kind of a rare novelty when a game had a 16:9 mode

[@minenhledlamini4206]

Later PS2 Games had default widescreen support (The Ps2 has settings 4:3, 16:9, Full) Since 2001

[@SaiyanABlazeNinja]

This was definitely not forgotten by me. Me & my brother played this version at the Dentist's waiting room everytime we went. They had a PS2 kiosk set up for people to play on.

[@ttttoasty]

That's so wholesome. My brother and I would bring it to the lake or anywhere we went, he would play the night stages and I would play the day

[@LaggyMag]

I wish my dentist had a PS2. Then I’d be inclined to go

[@DontCensorMuah]

😢😢

[@БогданКрименюк]

What kind of fictional dentist did you have, ain't no way 😭😭😭

[@SaiyanABlazeNinja]

@@БогданКрименюк well it was an Optometrist actually so their businesses have a lot of money luckily they spent some of it on entertaining the people waiting.

[@isenokami7810]

I REALLY like how boost is handled in Wii/PS2 Unleashed. Pretty much the opposite of “boost to win”, it’s much more of a risk/reward mechanic. Especially when going for those S ranks: you have to boost as much as possible, which means really optimizing where you can boost and streamlining your own play to get away with it in risky spots.

[@roc-noK]

Glad to see people covering this version of the game. This is the one I grew up with and I had no idea there was a different version. The first time I watched a video of the game, I was shocked at how different it was. I also never got very far in the game, I beat the egg beetle and that was it.

[@antoniocolon1567]

As a kid, I only had the ps2. I freaked out when this game came out and cherished it.

[@MarkerMurker]

Heck yes I asked for this game. I remember staying up until 2 AM on Christmas playing it. I probably cried with joy. To this day, I'd still choose this version over the PS3/360. Also, both your acceleration and speed are tied to the number of rings you have. The boost is fine, I used to speedrun this game and that involved chaining the boost. It's very possible.

[@PhirePhlame]

Just a note, the Dimps thing is a misconception. While Dimps was who worked on the daytime stage layouts, Sonic Team still did the rest. Also, did you know that the cinematic aspect ratio of the HD version's CG intro is a _crop?_ The 16:9 transfer of the SD version is the full frame as originally mastered.

[@PhirePhlame]

About boosting, two things. First, drifting during your boost makes turning much more manageable. It can feel really good once you're used to it! Second, you can cancel a boost anytime by tapping back/down (whatever you wanna call it) on the analog stick. That way, you don't have to jump or hit a wall.

[@WebstersYouTube]

The way you described the PS2 story vs the PS3 / 360 story feels similar to how I feel about manga and anime. My wife doesn't read manga, but she does watch anime, so when she watches Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, or The Promised Neverland, or Bakuman with me there's always this niggling feeling in my mind that she's experiencing a compromised version compared to the manga.

[@earlduran6419]

@@_lemon52, if the HD version's story was an Anime adaptation and the SD version's story was a Manga adaptation, then the Java version's story is a Netflix adaptation.

[@hipstersephiroth3722]

Yeah I need both manga and anime once I watch anime I get into it I need manga to get sink into it it’s makes appreciate the world more

[@PaperBanjo64]

In the PlayStation 2's defense barely any games supported 480p, I highly doubt any games after 2009 support it.

[@zidane4028]

Sonic Unleashed did support 480p progressive scan, you just had to hold down X and Triangle while booting up the system and a prompt will appear to enable the mode.

[@KopperNeoman]

Getting progressive scan support out of RGB (SCART) on the PS2 is like pulling teeth. It syncs on GREEN.

[@DrRank]

Fun fact: the Wii/PS2 version is affectionately known by the fans as Sonic UnWiished.

[@ultraninja_20]

Sonic Unleashed is such a great game. Best modern Sonic game in my opinion.

[@eviltables8510]

Good video. I always love hearing people talk about these "alternative" versions of games.

[@PDS350]

What I love about the PS2/Wii version is the different art direction for each stage. Cool Edge for example is more outside on the HD version and more cave-like in the SD. Also the gaia gates, Lives system and Ranking system are superior IMO (also I honestly prefer the night levels in the SD version)

[@evilevie87]

Yes, exactly! Another one was Jungle Joyride, which always felt like there was more emphasis on the "Jungle" part in the SD version. God, the Gaia Gates are so good too!

[@Vintagesonic1]

Absolutely amazing video, Lemon. There's a lot of great things I can say about this video, but to avoid my comment becoming an essay, all I want to say is thank you for shedding more light on the PS2 port of Unleashed. It's such an interesting port and I'm glad I'm not the only one who remembers it.

[@_lemon52]

Thankyou man glad you like it. My next video I’m tackling the sonic unleashed dlc

[@Fallsy83]

😂

[@justryan6480]

I wish Sonic Unleashed kept the standard for Sonic games, amazing graphics, music, CGI, BUDGET. Sonic Unleashed CGI was PEAK, was on the same level as Disney/Pixar movies. If ever Unleashed got a remake, or remaster, id love for it to feature exploration in the Gaia temples.

[@mizzix]

Actually the game does have progressive scan, you just have to press and hold a combination of buttons when you boot the console and when the game finishes loading it will ask you if you wanna activate it.

[@Thelango99]

@@_lemon52 You also have to use the PS2 component (not composite) cables.

[@Thelango99]

@@_lemon52 Hmm, that might be the case. Haven't played the PS2 version in a while.

[@KopperNeoman]

@@Thelango99 You can also use SCART cables, if you have RGB compatible ones and a display that handles Sync-On-Green.

[@TheStormsChannel]

The PS2 version was the first ever version of Unleashed I played, and I forgot how terrible the graphics were, but I still get tons of nostalgia from it. Also one thing to note is that the medals on the PS2 version do unlock bonus puzzle rooms in the gaia temples, something not on the HD version.

[@ellery860]

I actually grew up playing the ps2 version, loved it. Played it over and over as a kid.

[@ninjahedgehog5]

I personally really liked the segmented boost gauge of the non HD versions. In my mind it turns getting good times/ranks a puzzle. As you have to make the most out of your boosts and in stages like eggman land you're using your first few attempts to learn the stage and see where you can squeeze boosts to lower your time

[@Joshua_Quinzel_Isley]

This port really fascinates me in a peculiar way, and yet I do wanna try this PS2 version out one day along with Rayman Raving Rabbids on PS2, since the fact that I did grow up playing both those games on the Wii at a young lad age. I mean yeah, I would like it if the PS2 port was optimized and compressed loads better from it's technical side and merely everything else here and there to be almost like the Nintendo Wii version of the game(because, looking back at the port and everything it has going for on your video of all things is just... Yikes.), but like you had said, it is a fascinating piece of history of the hedgehog's life on the console. And I do wanna see much more people who are curious about it (like me) to check it out and discuss about the PS2 port of Unleashed and to go deeper as to why it's forgotten.

[@spiritteddy9393]

Circle is the punch button. Hold triangle and x during startup to activate progressive scan mode. Apreciate the video. Great bit of coverage on my favorite version of Unleashed.

[@IgorsDen]

I bought this at a Car Boot sale a couple of months ago. I reserve the right to change my mind on this later, but at the moment I would say I personally prefer it to the PS3 version. I do like, and admire, the ambition of the HD game, and I like it on the whole too but there are certain parts of the hub world levels and warehog stages that I find a little tedious and frustrating. While I agree the controls on the PS2 game can be a bit wonky and a the slideshow hubworlds feel kind of cheap, I find it to be a more straightforward and fun experience on the whole. I'm an old man by Sonic fan standards, I can remember when Knuckles was added to the franchise and when Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog premiered on Channel 4, and my tastes lean pretty 90s too, so I may be looking for something a bit different than the fans who were kids when Unleashed came out. I'll have to pick up the Wii version some time. I believe at the time Unleashed came out, and certainly while it was in development, in addition to having a huge install base the PS2 was still outselling the PS3 most months, this being while the PS3 was still recovering from sluggish sales following the astronomical launch price (whereas a PS2 Slim could be picked up for around £100 new), so I can certainly understand why they made this.

[@BluIrisExtras]

15:00 The differences in the controls shown here are done because this version of the game is optimized for the Wii Remote and Nunchuck. with this controller boosting and the light speed dash are done by shaking the wii remote and the slide, stomp and the drift are all mapped to z. just something i thought i should point out. Edit: 30:20 that's also why the werehog sprint is a double-tap.

[@gmoneythestickman]

There’s also the wii classic controller

[@GiovanniKody100]

Calling the PS2 Port “forgotten” is like not knowing there’s a plate of corn from Encanto. Not kidding.

[@KirbySonicTeam]

Been getting into your stuff lately and it’s great! You have a really nice chill vibe that I appreciate and an open mind to try things. I grew up with PS2 unleashed so seeing it be given a fair shake and good faith perspective even for stuff you didn’t like was great. Keep up the good work man

[@_lemon52]

Thanks pal I really appreciate the comment

[@namikazeweeb2866]

The unleashed ps2 model looks great something about the long hanging spikes gets me everytime

[@ridiculoussinner4]

It's so weird. I had the Playstation 2 version as a kid and I didn't find out about the ps3 version until 2017. I honestly really enjoyed the ps2 version. I understand it's definitely probably not as good, but it's just odd to find out it's not that important in the grand scheme.

[@giojo0000]

Reading the title of the video and I'm like, "Forgotten? That's the version I've always played!" All the way back, in the ps2, and nowadays I'm still rocking it on an original Wii. Graphics may be outdated, but it does gives it some charm. It's still a banger of a game, and its really nice to see it getting recognized.

[@patriarchy8858]

This was my childhood I grew up with the ps2 version of this game and I remember I thought it was awesome. I can imagine me probably not liking the 360/wii version off the game, because when you are like 9 years old and don’t know English it’s kinda hard to understand where you are supposed to go. The simplicity of the ps2 game probably helped me a lot. I didn’t even know there was a ps3/wii version off the game before I searched sonic unleashed online. This port will always have a special place in my heart.

[@filiberto9729]

Which is your native language? Cuz Sonic Unleashed is multilanguage.

[@lpfan4491]

Er...the Wii has the same game.

[@Kontrolled_Khaos]

The PS2 version of this game is the first one I had gotten and I enjoyed it. And in a few months later I got the Wii version. I have the PS3 and the 360 version but I've never played them.

[@pavlostelior]

Grew up with the ps2 version, underrated

[@BulldogPCs]

I'm new to this channel but hearing Green Hill from Sonic Chronicles immediately after the intro already tells me this is gonna be great; I unironically loved Chronicles and replayed it less than a week ago

[@azurepiphany]

Phew, I thought I was the only one who loved Chronicles. Tbh though I mainly grew up with MC+, the handhelds and Ps2Unleashed (hence said love for Chronicles and Labyrinth)

[@Darkvortex480]

as a testament to how good this game is, this is the version I grew up on, and still loved the game lmao

[@nachardou.4780]

I'll always support this version as much as the original, superior version. I've said it a million times but I love how the game tries to be different with things like the gameplay and visuals, I know I know, the graphics aren't that good but they still show the same environments but from its own perspective, you fight in giant trees in adabat at night, run and grind inside caves/temples at day, etc. As for the Werehog I love both versions, the PS3 more because it gives you the option to NOT upgrade your strentgth to ONLY get the moves, PS2 doesn't, it just forces you to one-shot enemies before you can do your favorite move. But the combat is still satisfying especially because you can cancel ANY ground attack by blocking, it makes the whole thing more fast paced and it's great. There's also the fact that when you grab something like a pole, it keeps the momentum from your jump so you can reach places you KNOW you can without having to necessarily touching anything

[@RenShinomiya121]

You forgot mentioning the mini obstacle courses found inside each of the Gaia temples, i thought that was cool back then. Anyways, great video. This version is basically my childhood, and both this game and Sonic Riders is what piques my interest in Sonic, and now i'm a big fan, 12 years later after playing it.

[@VitorMartins-ku6fp]

I was quite poor as a kid. At the time I only had a PS2 and this was only version of the game I knew and played. I could really enjoy it.

[@Is-wunny]

"Even the Dreamcast games" proceeds to show Sonic Adventure DX for Gamecube/Ps2/PC

[@randomthings7997]

Sonic Adventure DX was not on the PS2.

[@loodgack]

I was incredibly pissed, when I discovered, that there is an INSANE difference between the PS2 version and the other versions. BUT NOT IN PRICE! I bought a single bun for the price of a big mac. I get that this is ps2 etc etc, but COME ON

[@joutrew]

As a kid I didn't even know there was a PS3/360 version of it, and I played the hell out of Sonic Unleashed on the PS2. I fucking loved it and I even played the WII version as well, its my favorite Sonic game, plus, in each Gaia temple there was locked doors that would open as you reached certain stars in Day and Night temples, that included really cool puzzles to play with both Sonic and Werehog Sonic. Needless to say, when I played the PS3 I was blown up by how much better it was.

[@merentori]

Sonic unleashed confused the hell out of me as a kid, I only had a ps2, so I bought the ps2 version, but eventually I visited someone with the ps3 version, and seeing them play almost a different game was wild. Glad to be older and know I'm not crazy lol

[@joseromero344]

I love this game so much I picked it up at a yard sale for $2 bucks and I always play it with my backwards compatible ps3

[@AbandonSafety]

This is delightful and uplifting. Thank you.

[@kaobunn]

you make videos going over things in depth so interesting! id love to see you discuss other stages in the franchise or maybe even different ports/obscure games

[@_lemon52]

Thanks. I did Another video you might enjoy. It’s about a very obscure online only dreamcast game made directly by sega. One of the first games ever to require an online connection at all times and it had real time voice chat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpzOcmufpMSLnKcsi=I4z_xybOuWsAIvdD

[@CalamitysCurse]

Me growing up with the PS2 version, and being excited someone FINALLY talked about it instead of kicking the dead horse that is the Wii version:

[@lpfan4491]

(it's literally the same game if it comes down to it)

[@MoonSarito]

The Wii and PS2 version are both the same. But the Wii version has better graphics and framerate.

[@YarNebrok]

I got the PS2 version when I was a kid. And I thought it was alright. But I didn't know how to play video games and imagined scenarios in games when I was a kid. I tried playing it during 2020 on my PS2 and OH MY GOD the amount of time you spend on loading screens. That within itself could only get me to geg through the tutorial.

[@L0ILKAS]

This is the version I grew up with, and the only version I've played, I had no idea it was scaled back or anything. Must try it again sometime soon

[@ChungusSenpai445]

as a kid I only had this version and didn't even know there was a ps3 version, I thought it was ps2 only

[@dzeppetto3143]

,,Forgotten PS2 Port" I literally didn't know it even released on anything besides playstation. I have a trailer of it on demo disc

[@N0rlight]

I owned Sonic Unleashed on Ps2, i played it everyday and loved it.

[@2fernandoc1]

I dont know how to describe it, but it looks like a PS1, N64, Dreamcast, and PS2 game simultaneously.

[@aidenatorx99]

It seems like the PS2 version isn’t quite as forgotten as you first thought with all these comments about it haha. I’m going to add to it by saying I also played the PS2 version first at a family friend’s house numerous times. To a 9 year old in 2008, it looked just like the TV ads for the HD version. In 2012, my parents gave me and my brothers a Wii and the couple who owned the PS2 version I played as a kid gave me a Wii copy of Unleashed the same night. Needless to say, I played the ever living crap out of it 🤣 Nowadays, while the PS2 version is graphically inferior, I still group it with the Wii version under the nickname UnWiished for simplicity. It’s the same game to me regardless and I think it’s a pretty good game in its own right, warts and all (though the PS3/360 version is still the definitive version) The medal collecting drags the HD version down a fair bit for me personally and with the simpler mechanics I’d say UnWiished is a pretty good title to start with for someone completely new to the Boost gameplay. Extra side note: I’m pretty sure the Intro isn’t “letterboxed” or made to fit 4:3. After checking PS2 footage, it just looks like it’s the full 16:9 footage shrink down to fit into a 4:3 ratio. I’d say it likely helped with disc storage space as well as insuring that anyway still playing a PS2 on a CRT could see the full cutscene. It looks like crap sure but it’s still technically widescreen

[@anasbakhit4303]

I played this game on the ps2 as well, I didn't have a ps3 that day and I got it cheap on the ps2 and I even managed to 100% it. it was so hilarious back then when I used to see the cinematics that was using the ps3 and Xbox 360 graphics on the ps2 port and couldn't believe that those was the ps3 version real time graphics. it looked almost like a Pixar film.

[@jamainegardner4193]

My first ever game. EDIT: This was a very informative video. One thing you didn't cover though that I remember from back when I was 8 years old is how dark the cutscenes were, which this video reminded me of especially by comparison to the HD version. Your ranting about the graphics and SFX did make me think about whether this game being my first actually impacted my lack of care for graphical fidelity, but the SFX in my opinion were more satisfying in this version as opposed to the SD version. Case in point, how the basic strikes felt more punchy in the PS2 version of the night stages where they sound and feel weak in the PS3 version.

[@_lemon52]

looking over the video your 100% right, crazy i missed that they really are darker

[@jamainegardner4193]

@@_lemon52 I also forgot to mention I prefer the look of the HUD in the WII/PS2 version.

[@connor_who]

I’ve just realised that the PS2 game is the only version I’ve played 👀

[@hiRyan329329]

I loved the PS2 version as a kid, but eventually I looked it up on youtube around 2009 and saw how different it looked as well as the mysterious hub world and was so intrigued

[@MT-ll3tu]

The PS2 GPU was a beast when pushed It funny how 2005 ~ 2009 games never bothered beyond some. Hell a modern engine with this port they could've - Kept much of the lighting/Effects since you had 38.4GB/s which Is the same as the 360 & PS3 GPU's. - It could handle 16 million polygons at 60fps, meaning the Level map = 9 million + Characters = 25k. - They never bothered attempting texture compression despite the fact the PS2 could do this. - 32MB + 4MB was still enough to fit the Hub area since the levels are still massive length wise, There are tons of detailed PS2 games with large maps.

[@_lemon52]

Yeah it’s a shame how poor the port is, the PlayStation 2 could of done so much hetter

[@MoonSarito]

This was my first contact with Sonic Unleashed and no matter what people say, I will always love this version.

[@dat1ace23]

Bro I’m 18 and I grew up with the ps2 and ps3 but I have never in my life ever heard of the ps3/xbox 360 version. I always thought the ps2 one was the only one so I grew up with that

[@Kalico_Kallie]

Forgotten? Man this is where Unleashed started for me. Had to play through it again on the ps3 when I learned that there was another version on that console

[@BlackGeine]

I actually first almost finished the ps2 version without knowing it's for 360.

[@guccijo1066]

This was my favorite ps2 game of all time! Like of alll timee. The. Heroes. But unleashed for ps2 was my first experience and later on i played generations along with the mod to play unleashed stages. I felt the night stages were enjoyable to me as well. Especially once you got those crazy combos down pack. Playing I personally feel like i haven’t missed out on too much not playing the ps3 version. Did a good job as a port

[@ethanlamb20059]

I had the wii version way before the 360 version and weirdly enough i actually thought the wii and ps2 ones were the original and the 360 and ps3 versions were remasters that came out at a later date to the other two for the longest time i realised a bit later on they all came out at the same time which was mind-blowing because the graphical difference was unbelievable.

[@R4DN4S]

I remember I was FASCINATED with this game when I was a kid I played when I was about 5 or 6 years old and I played it on my PS2 and honestly I am so damn surprised this is what it looked like, I swear to god I remember this game like a 4K experience I thought it looked so good back then and I remember it so vividly, it’s surely just my memory and I was a kid back then I probably didn’t have high stardands and was just happy being able to play sonic, but man I really wish I could play it now on my pc

[@_lemon52]

A lot of people have said the same thing in comments. While I never had any personal ties with the ps2 version of unleashed as a kid, I know the feeling of thinking a game looked amazing as a kid and going back to play it and being surprised at what it actually looked like

[@FutureSilver-tq3fe]

One of the best Sonic Unleashed Videos I've ever seen, really liked the way you talked about the game. I REALLY love this game as well, I had my first contact with it in the PS2 version, when i got to play it on Xbox 360 and later on PS3 it just felt like I've entered a brand new world. Although I really like the PS2/Wii version, it is just not the same thing. Beyond all the points of what make this game amazing that you mentioned in the video, I fell like the Hub worlds in the HD version are something VERY underrated, I am glad you talked about it here, some of the sub-plots of helping people with their own problems are rad and really make the game world fell alive, like the one you help that Spargonia family to prepare a birthday party for a mother, have some good memories in those hubs.

[@_lemon52]

Cheers man, appreciate the kind words.

[@LinguisticMirage]

Tf you mean the forgotten port thats the only way i got to experience the game back in the day...

[@johnmendez9392]

Dude I played the hell out of the game on the ps2 didn’t even know there was a ps3 version till like 5 years ago lol

[@o0Hidden0o]

This is how I played the game. I also played it on a crt, so it didn’t look nearly as crunchy.

[@sparky6757]

0:23 I’m here because I need a voice to keep me company while I eat breakfast and I don’t really cares who, your video just happened to show up in my recommended with a vaguely interesting title today

[@_lemon52]

fair enough haha

[@TheSpaceCowboy06]

When I was little I never knew sonic unleashed was originally on the ps3 I always used to think it was from the ps2 only ( also because I never got any next gen consoles past my pirated ps2 ) When I got older and I found out about the ps3 version I couldn't believe what I was missing on

[@nero_149]

6:11 i guess your looking on the wrong countries then, because here on south america we most have acess to this one first and then the hd release of it because ps2 here were cheap and unlocking were everywhrer really (famous 3 games for 10 reais haha). And at the time, yeah people asked for it here on brazil at least with a ps2 port of sonic 06 too, and we still ask today for a ps4 port of the new mk1 and nfs unbound lol

[@KingTvlip]

As someone who has sinked far too many hours into the PS2 Unleashed port than I'd like to admit, I have to mention this: The music is not affected by sound quality like other SFX because the development team used uncompressed .WAV files for the music, while downgrading everything else. The song files alone are over 1GB which is too much for just music in a PS2 disc.

[@mortenera2294]

Wait...what the fuck? Why did they waste over 1GB for the music alone!?

[@KingTvlip]

@@mortenera2294 because the team used uncompressed .wav files for the music, did you not read my comment? I mention it on the first comment lol

[@Sorvetedchocolat]

​@@KingTvlipthey were asking why the developers would waste 1GB to have uncompressed WAV music instead of using a lossless compression format like FLAC with no audible difference

[@ConcavePgons]

@@Sorvetedchocolat Maybe they couldn't use FLAC because the processing speed of the PS2. Compressed files need to be decompressed in order for them to be usable. Since this is music (and not sound clips, which can all fit in RAM) this would have to be done constantly during playback which can reduce performance.

[@jaynn44]

All honesty I originally thought this game only came out for the ps2 because we only could afford a ps2 when I was a kid, so for me it was one of greatest games I've owned

[@luigifreak3456]

I have a lot of nostalgia for the PS2 version of Unleashed, back when the game as a whole was in development still I got really hyped for it from seeing the trailers, and then when I had finally saved up enough, the PS2 version was the first game I ever bought with my own money. I've had a lot of fun with it over the years, but I still haven't finished it to this day because I would always get stuck on the Dark Gaia Moray fight, but I would gladly replay some levels like the first few day stages and the Holoska stages. Edit 1: I despised the Werehog stages in the PS2 version, especially the later ones as they just took forever to get through (some taking me over 30 minutes to get through), but I much preferred how the level ups worked compared to the 360/PS3 version. Edit 2: The PS2 version does support Progressive Scan mode, but it's a popup that only shows up when starting the game from a fresh boot (in the US version at least).

[@_lemon52]

huh interesting, im playing the PAL version and there is no progressive scan support, i did look online to see if the NTSC version supported it but what I read told me it didn't.

[@fitsy1011]

Even 2 years from now this video is a love song to me. I Freakin' Love Sonic Unleashed so much and even with Frontiers coming out, it's still my favorite Sonic Game. Also I grew up with the PS2 Version and I honestly still prefer it.

[@PhirePhlame]

One thing that can be said for the final fight in the SD version of Unleashed is that you actually get to fight Perfect Dark Gaia as Super Sonic one-on-one.

[@yano4473]

you can cancel out of ps2 boost w/o jumping. you just press back on the stick. Each time you level up the boost gauge it maxes it out again. You can get some serious speed going. Boost is deemphasized but I wouldn't say it's solely for straight lines.

[@christopherrobyn4416]

I was a huge Sonic fan with a PS2 as a kid. I grew up with this game and whenever someone brings up Sonic Unleashed this is the only version that comes to mind to be honest. I had a blast with it and replayed it so much.

[@sssj806]

I remember owning this and never playing it 😂 I saved for the 360 version but found this one at a much cheaper price, so brought it... Got home, went to plug in my PS2 and my mother came in the room with 360 version. she'd only gone to the same store, an hour before me, and brought me the game man. I ended up selling the PS2 game along with the console.

[@YukioMH]

As a Brazilian kid that lived under a rock and only ever had a PS2 for their entire gaming life until recent years (I got a PS5), Sonic Unleashed for the PS2 is how I got into the Sonic franchise. For majority of my childhood time, I never knew Sonic Unleashed had a Wii port, I didn't even knew the PS2 version was a port itself from the original Xbox360/PS3 game. This game got me addicted, and made me eager everyday to play through it all. It's how I grew to love Sonic and eventually try the other titles available on PC. This game and Budokai Tenkaichi 3 were the only disks I'd slap into my console for a while, and all that while not being aware that this was a port. Growing up and getting into the internet more, a lot of stuff opened up to me. Which included the different versions of Sonic Unleashed and how nobody talked about the PS2 port. It was indeed like if I had played a game that never existed. Eventually I got to play Sonic Unleashed on my sisters Xbox, and got to try out the REAL game, and now both versions hold a special place in my heart. I have yet to try the Wii port, and I did buy a Wii recently for the nostalgia. But to wrap it up, I just wanted to share my experience. It's kinda funny. Knowing of my experience makes me wonder if there were any more kids like me that went through the same or a similar experience. I don't think there's such things as forgotten games, pieces of media, or anything for that matter; something is only forgotten if nobody is around to remind others of it. So, for a lot of things, maybe the right people haven't come out to share their experiences yet lol. I'm really glad to have come across this video, and this channel for that matter. I loved it, thank you for coming up with this banger. Sorry for the bible, I felt moved to share a lot for this comment

[@_lemon52]

Thanks for the kind words man really appreciate it. Growing up for me I never really heard any mention of the ps2 port, it was always the ps3/360 version and sometimes the wii version but never ps2. However, after making this video, it’s done quite well and a lot of different people from different backgrounds and places have watched it, and I’ve noticed that while I personally never saw it mentioned. Theres been loads of comments similar to your own, expressing how to them them the ps2 version was the true version and most didn’t even realise it was a scaled back port. I’m glad this video did well as it’s been really interesting reading everyone’s comments and seeing people’s different perspectives. Glad you enjoyed the video and hope to see u stick around 👍🏻

[@SRHunt85]

We had the PS2 version because we only had a PS2 and Wii back then. I bought it at Walmart with my Christmas money. We were then given the Wii version by a friend. We never beat it on either platform, made it to Eggmanland on PS2, and I honestly don’t remember where we were on the Wii. Very recently, I got Unleashed on the PS3, and finished it. A lot of the cutscenes actually make more sense playing the PS3 version. The mentioned cutscene with Chip and the camera made me go “OOOOOHHHHHHHH”. I glossed over Chip’s love of food in the ice cream cutscene, not realizing the game is trying to tell you to FEED HIM.

[@JadenFox9]

the reason people likely haven't heard of it is because the PS2 version only came out in the US, Europe, and Australia, so unless you live in those places, got it exported, or learned about it online, they'll only know of the other versions, which are honestly two separate games, Unwiished or SD (that I like to call it) and Unleashed or HD on that note, I honestly recommend this version if you want to play one of the SD versions because it feels more like a traditional game, no jabs at the Wii but it was made with Motion Controls in mind even if you play with the Gamecube Controller, the Werehog requires you to press the L and R triggers to actually combo, and the Homing Attack is mapped to the Jump button like previous titles with the Werehog really feeling more like DMC

[@PhirePhlame]

I think it's worth noting that the PS2 version is heavily affected by the Wii version's reliance on waggle-type motion controls. For example, boosting is mapped to a shake of the Wiimote. Similar for the Werehog attack inputs - when using Wiimote & Nunchuck, you attack by waggling them both, one for the right hand and the other for the left hand.

[@WVMKrimson]

This was the version I grew up with. I was in my early teens at the time. This was the version I was hype for upon release because I didn't have a 360 at the time. My friends told me how much the 7th gen version was better so I ended up getting an Xbox the next year.

[@lilteddiursa]

Theres a lot of accusing the devs of being lazy or "not being assed" to do things, when in reality the game was a port job done by a studio that probably had an incredibly strict deadline and very little budget.

[@samuelgarza2466]

Yeah, the multiple baseless accusations of the devs "being lazy" really put a wrench in my experience with this video.

[@AdachiSimp]

My dad came with this game one day, my very first sonic game and if it weren't for that ps2 port I'd never be the person that I am today. I'll forever be 100% grateful to that game.

[@coatlessali]

Say what you want about the presentation, but this level design and these controls absolutely BANG

[@InitialAA]

They should have done something like a pixelated SNES Zelda like topdown perspective hub world for each country. Would've been nice.

[@ikagura]

Like Rush Adventure?

[@randompog8493]

The only thing i hated about this version was the final boss and having to collect a million items in each stage to randomly get some keys for gates in the side puzzle rooms. Like seriously theres over FIVE HUNDRED OF THEM and i needed a guide so i could find them all Like, some of the keys you get just from playing stages normally but others are found in the side puzzle rooms but to get to said rooms you need medals, but what happens when you want to go to a puzzle room but don't have the medals? Play more stages. Well you may be at the final stretch like me and ask "well where are those stages, ive only got half the medals available in the game" to which i say "youre right, i didn't expect you to know that when you run out of stages before the final boss you need to collect a ludicrous amount of items between the day and night stages to get TWO KEYS which you have no other way of obtaining, not even through other side missions or the puzzle rooms up to that point". Which is bullcrap. Because youre not told that can happen the screen just randomly cuts to black twice to show you youve gotten keys. And what can trigger that? Who knows??? Like the items you collect in stages arent even the keys you just...get them sometimes, and i dont mean the ones for opening boss stages i mean the ones for side missions that can give you enough medals to 110% the game If you missed progression locking through REQUIRED content, well youre in luck because now theres progression locking behind OPTIONAL content, including a way to increase your max lives, a very valuable thing to increase as the crap controls in night stages are a leading cause of death Rant over

[@6t76t]

I got the PS2 version of Sonic Unleashed back in 2008, and I still have it to this day. It's my most prized position when it comes to Sonic games. 😍

[@The_NJG]

I played all the Sonic Unleashed versions surprisingly enough. Wii as a kid, PS2 again as a slightly older kid, and HD as of last year via RPCS3.

[@The_Pikaboi]

The two attack buttons are actually identical, its a weird conversion of the Wii versions motion controls, with a swing for each arm (left on nunchuck and right on the Wiimote). Which is why it seems underwhelming. Its also why the Gaia Colossus is the way it is, it was meant to be Punch-Out. Also Im very greatful the Night Level Design was noted here. I only played 7th Gen Unleashed really recently (compared to growing up with Wii) and couldnt help but think "Wheres the fire trap covered temple in Arid Sands" or "Wheres the massive whirlpools in Jungle Joyride". The multiple acts gave way to much more lovelier setpieces imo

[@Zivety]

Forgotten? This was my favorite Sonic game on the PS2. I couldn't afford the PS3 when it came out and could only get a PS2 at Gamestop. Now I have a PS3 and plan on getting Sonic Unleashed again simply for the trophies. 🏆

[@_lemon52]

fair do's I never owned it as a kid, and just never really hear it being brought up anymore people always just seem to mention the wii version

[@twistedturnip8487]

The ps2 version of sonic unleashed was for a long time my first and only exposure to sonic unleashed , i didnt actually play the next gen version until the pandemic hit us so i have nostalic fond memories of this version both for its better improvements and its fualts when compared to the next gen port

[@Theneptuno]

man i was looking for a video on this port as a old friend of mine used to have it while i had the 360 version great to see this!