XP: Sonic Unleashed (Part 2/2) | First Game Syndrome

[@TripleJump]

19:04 (*Pushes glasses up nose*) _Um actually, the Homing Attack origined in 3D Blast, with the Gold Shield._

[@cyclops8238]

I had no clue the gold shield could do that. I always thought it was just a different colored shield.

[@Adam_Zielinski]

I feel lowkey so smart knowing that from Some review of that game.

[@kinorai]

NEEEEEEEERD! 😋😂

[@be3tle439]

That's just by technicality

[@coatlessali]

You are _technically_ correct. The best kind of correct.

[@Eichro]

I disagree with almost everything you said. Subscribed.

[@FireCraftEntertainment]

Eichro Actually as much as I love the game, I agree with him. There's nothing such as a perfect game and unleashed is a great example of that, some accept its flaws and casually play it while for others it gets into their nerves and that's very fine, some things gets into my nerves too and I criticize it. Unleashed is my favourite game with a great story and a fun yet and a memorable childhood adventure with awesome music :)

[@Eichro]

@@FireCraftEntertainment I really get that Unleashed has numerous flaws, even the day stages I love so much. But I really just find myself having the complete backwards opinion to that of Exo, in both criticism and praise. And it's not like I disliked the analysis either, I really did subscribe after it lol

[@FireCraftEntertainment]

Eichro Gotcha!

[@moncay3238]

Same

[@SantiagoMonroy5]

I disagree about saying that the wii version is better

[@Arcad3n]

Despite feeling pretty much opposite on almost all of the things you found negative about this game, I still respect your opinion. I like a lot of the things you dislike, and that just means we have different taste, which is perfectly fine! Edit: forgot to mention that I completely agree with you on S ranks, I’ve always preferred when they’re based on speed only.

[@nakagamipenguin]

Couldn't of said it better myself.

[@Arcad3n]

@Ziad Ehab lmao, uh, the quick answer is yes, but I have even less free time then I used to. Should upload something by the end of the year at least.

[@josephmcsticc164]

Indeed, and compared to me i agree with most of his points about the day time stages.

[@Aldestructo]

Now this is a good description of what I feel.

[@nbrammer_]

would have to agree. i feel the main acts for the day stages in the HD version are much better. Whilst not unleashed, the unleashed project highlights how good these stages are with a slightly better camera and better controls. So the issue there is more to do with the controls than the levels. The day stages in HD feel like they have so much more going on, and whilst frustrating at first, the adrenaline i get when being able to beat Jungle Joyride in around 4 minutes (without m-speed or d-speed glitches) is so much greater than being able to beat chun-nan in the wii version over 30s faster than the S-rank time. As for the ranks however i do agree, if the main focus is overwhelmingly on speed, the ranks should focus on speed. Without being as pathetic as generations when it comes to S-ranks. I also feel that a lot of the time there were parts where in the optional missions (which i haven't played tbf), he said there were traps he couldn't see that i spotted almost instantly. So as much as i agree with the idea of not blaming the player. I have to disagree and put some of those down to poor response time. p.s. sorry for the ranting i got carried away :/

[@IkesDaddelbox]

Don't apologize, Sonic Unleashed is a very enjoyable experience on all platforms, but it has many flaws that are worth to be addressed.

[@cliffturbo2146]

*But the mobile game was just the best!*

[@awesometron7866]

Yes absolutely. As much as I love this game, it has some messy flaws that have not aged well. Plus, I would not recommend trying to 100% complete the game.

[@0isthe1]

@@awesometron7866 I would at least trying to 100% complete unleashed on the wii, and it really is so much better, and it is a good challenge

[@dianasermons672]

It is AWESOME

[@kieranstark7213]

Sonic Unleashed is a very enjoyable experience (even with its flaws that have been underexposed by the unhealthy portion of the fandom and overly memorable to the unhealthy portion of its hatedom who doesn’t intelligently criticize it so they can try way too hard to make make IGN sound like they made an overhated review of it and make inferior Sonic games like Sonic ‘06, Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Blast, Sonic 2 for the Game Gear, Sonic Forces, Sonic Free Riders, Sonic Labyrinth, Sonic and the Secret Rings and yes, even the Sonic Adventure 1 remakes sound like they deserve better than Sonic games that are as or even more enjoyable than Sonic Unleashed HD AND SD), unlike the 2D version IMO.

[@dhi1145]

“After sinking 40 hours into the 7th gen boss fights...” KZbin can be an easy career, but for the sake of quality and authenticity, you make it hard. You’re awesome, dude.

[@BugsyFoga]

This just might be the shortest wait for an Exo video ever 😄👌

[@digitbit3180]

@Amy Kennedy Hate to say it but amy is right.

[@BugsyFoga]

Amy Kennedy it was worth it

[@joh.6288]

Amy Kennedy what did he do?

[@Karmy.]

@@joh.6288 ikr

[@BugsyFoga]

@@SkyArbiter i gave caddy a copy of george of the jungle on Ps2

[@SQGReviewShow]

I laughed so friggin' hard at the "Mmmmm, oranges" joke at the end. Good stuff. It's a shame that this would be your last Sonic video because honestly, this is easily one of the best Sonic related videos on the internet and many Unleashed fans appear to be very understanding of why you don't like the day stages. In fact, the brief comparisons of Colors and Forces only just want me to see videos done on those games in the future. But I understand after a hundred grueling hours of Unleashed, you're probably Sonic'd out. So you don't have to cover those games right after. Heck, you have no obligation to ever cover them at all. But the positive reception of both parts goes to show that as toxic as the fanbase has been to you in the past, there will always be good people around who can civilly disagree or even agree to some extent. Heck, the fact that this part got over 40k views in 2 days should say something. So, a Colors, Generations, Lost World revisit and Forces should be at least worth considering if "the old itch comes back." ;) But regardless of what you do next, I'm looking forward to it. :D Also, what's the name of that song in the credits?

[@hawk6901]

Dear My Friend? Like when he said that despite his complaints he doesn't hate the 360/PS3 version and for the rest of the video.

[@rotundmonibuv5103]

Lmao he sounded like Plankton

[@animatorbroman3710]

Don't worry, the Sonic Colors review is inevitable. ALSO... Doesn't Colors, Generations, and Lost World have other versions? MORE XROSS PLATFORM POSSIBILITIES

[@SQGReviewShow]

@@animatorbroman3710 OMG. THAT would be a great XP episode. I forgot Colors DS, Generations 3DS...and one of the worst Sonic games i've ever played being Lost World 3DS count as different versions.

[@AGZhark]

The SQG Review Show Lets face it. You only made that long comment to compliment him, JUST to get a heart and attention

[@jackofalltrades417]

BRB gotta get my pitchfork. JK, I don't mind that you prefer the Wii version. This was honestly the best review of Sonic Unleashed that I've ever seen, even though I disagree with the overall verdict. A good review to me is when someone is fair to the subject and gives their honest opinion. So for that, I respect you.

[@AGZhark]

Sensitive

[@craftygamerones9494]

I absolutely adore how you address flaws in games, without blowing them out of proportion. I like that you say that the precious classics have issues the modern games have. I’ve heard way too much “Sonic was perfect until he was 3d”, and ignorant remarks to modern games as well as ignoring flaws in the classic games.

[@SpudChickenSaltedChips]

It's good to see a comment section that can enjoy both versions for what they are, give valid reasons for their preferred version and can utter more than "Wii bad HD good".

[@hawk6901]

Out of all Sonic fans who obsess over a single game(if you know what I mean) Unleashed PS3/360 fans are definitely one of the nicer people when it comes to "those" kind of people.

[@lpfan4491]

@@hawk6901 depends.

[@hawk6901]

@@lpfan4491 Yeah

[@baylordiamond5611]

The only ones I dislike are 06 fanboys that act like the game was secretly the best Sonic and was just "treated unfairly". Going on to say colors is worse

[@icee1683]

@@baylordiamond5611 same

[@GinoDevs]

I guess the final veredict is Wait, Unleashed has DLC?

[@MrPokeboy8]

Kaizo DLC

[@Nirual86]

I was just as surprised to learn Sonic 06 had DLC

[@P8NPrivTV]

it did?

[@TheChefBoo]

@@Nirual86 i'm sorry, what. They didn't patch the game, but made more?

[@Nirual86]

@@TheChefBoo there may have been a couple small patches but yeah, they just made DLC. The game was kind of ahead of it's time in all the worst ways possible...

[@KBABZ]

"Sonic 2 and Unleashed are what happens when you emphasize speed over all else" You haven't played Sonic Advance 2, have you? Now THAT game emphasizes speed!

[@casualvanilla]

Emphasises speed in a game where you can't see too much ahead of you to begin with. Also in a game where some levels easily have you die for trying to go fast. I'm looking at YOU, Sky Canyon.

[@tahamohammad8842]

How bout sonic rush? That’s even faster

[@kaexewires7531]

@@casualvanilla sky canyon is the worst

[@alumlovescake]

Yea but it sucks

[@alumlovescake]

@Time for another Crusade oppps thought he said sonic adventure 2

[@Sean-D78]

Automatically clicked to see this. Edit: Now I know why Sonic Forces is the only game I have S ranks on every stage including extra and secret stages.

[@lpfan4491]

plus the fact that you can use multiplyers to cheese hard s ranks. only doesnt work in the three shadowstages,which were basicly the meat and potatoes of the games postgame btw because the actual postgame content is largely a joke outside of the timed missions

[@jasonnguyen5663]

And removes the Drift entirely.

[@TheChefBoo]

@@lpfan4491 you can use multipliers?

[@lpfan4491]

yeah,there is a multiplyer after some missions(dont remember exactly anymore) that boost your exp/point-gain for the stage.....before the rank is actually set xD its really stupid.

[@robbiewalker2831]

+Sean Lecca Actually Sonic Generations made the S ranks look easy. Sonic Forces went the HD Unleashed route in terms of "extra points".

[@kitsunered9135]

Today we are going to talk about Sonic Unleashed *BUT FIRST LET'S TALK ABOUT DITHERING*

[@PhantomHavok]

Redfox29662 DITHERS EVERYWHEEEEEEEEEERE!

[@calebproductions1264]

Instead let's just waste 10 minutes of the video talking about my experience with unleashed (As if we really give a shit).

[@nakagamipenguin]

*DITHER DITHER DITHER DITHER DITHER DITHER DITHER DITHER DITHER DITHER*

[@TheChefBoo]

This video is sponsored by dithering. I hate it, but I'm getting paid

[@BitchChill]

Weeb

[@GeneFOX70]

"The Wii version of Sonic Unleashed is an underrated installment" Wii version got better reviews than the 360 and PS3 version also the Wii is a 7th generation console, it was released the same year as the PS3.

[@casualvanilla]

The PS2/Wii version got better reviews from major critics, yet the majority of Sonic fans find the PS3/360 version to be the overall better game.

[@maverickay5807]

@@casualvanilla which just isn't true

[@nitinanku]

K X Hard disagree with you there

[@supermariof0521]

What he means is that while critically the Wii Version was better recieved, it was panned by 360/PS3 owners.

[@lpfan4491]

nintendos hardware is mostly oof powerwise. wii is almost exactly gamecube,wiiu is overclocked wii with a bit beefup for higher res,etc. and switch is 9th gen(even tho wikipedia considers it 8th gen) while the 8th gen competitors have more power and it mostly sells through 3rd party stuff, variety in hardwarefunctions and it being nintendo. so calling unleashed wii/ps2 the 6th gen version is actually pretty accurate

[@oscarzxn4067]

Exo the movie: attack of dithering.

[@lilaniloxi]

more like "attack of the broken S ranks".

[@y2commenter246]

I'd watch it

[@TheChefBoo]

Attack of the screen tear

[@CarloNassar]

The Legend of 480i!

[@lpfan4491]

attack on dark gaia. temple maria has fallen and sonic becomes a creature of the night

[@Saxdude26]

"3D platforming isn't the Boost formula's strength and never will be." You make putting those crucial points into words effortless. This was a joy to watch and hear.

[@hyper100000]

It's technically platforming in general. unleashed and forces definitely fail in terms of platforming while the other boost games controls are more refined for platforming.

[@lpfan4491]

I feel like the controls for forces are not the problem(they are responsive enough usually and they do what they tell you what they do), but the physics are. the jumparcs and momentum when jumping are just stupid in general and classic sonic just sometimes downwarps to the killplane when near a ledge

[@BitchChill]

Especially in Generations

[@moncay3238]

@BitchChill Generations 3D levels are the best part

[@masterfarr8265]

@@moncay3238 especially City Escape

[@cy1763]

I think the best thing about your videos, Exo, is that you bring a mindset to open people’s perspectives to change their opinions on certain games. I like how you’re not afraid to express your opinion that is different from the norm. A similar thing happened to me when I played Sonic Mania, in which I liked it but found it incredibly frustrating and too confusing for the sakes of it. I wasn’t afraid to express my feelings about Mania, but Sonic has never been my cup of tea, as I will always prefer Mario level design over Sonic. You helped me change my ways of expressing my opinions and criticisms, as even though I’ve been watching your channel for only two years - I feel your videos have left a impact on me in that short amount of time. You’re one of my favorite reviewers of all time, and I can’t wait for your next review (even if it takes a long time or is incredibly long). Thank you.

[@cliffturbo2146]

I barely hear anyone saying something negative about Mania, but always what made it to a masterpiece, which I just find hard to believe. I played it myself and I wasn't frustrated, but rather bored. Like many says, it has so few original stages. I had enough of these forced nostalgia elements in the Sonic games. The game is fun in my first try, but going back to it again, I can't get myself to beat more than one Zone.

[@cliffturbo2146]

@@SuperMarioT And look what the hedgehog dragged in! SuperMarioT! Well, even though it wasn't really my favorite game, I have to appreciate that we get to see another light for the series. If it's just Forces, many fans would probably had given up on it. I would probably just play the old games.

[@kieranstark7213]

Someday, ExoParadigmGamer should make “Why Sonic Unleashed (home console versions) is the WURST SONIC GAME SINSE SONIC ADVENTURE 1 & 2!!! (A WBG Rant-view)”

[@dink7458]

Coop: posts 1h and 50 min review of unleashed Exo: I'm about to end this man's whole career

[@CarbonRollerCaco]

*Coop: posts GLOWING 1h 50min review

[@williamwhite1036]

​@@CarbonRollerCacoCoop and J had the best reviews of Sonic Unleashed

[@Hyp3rSonic]

​@@williamwhite1036I found this one to be very good imo

[@williamwhite1036]

@@Hyp3rSonic I do too

[@TripleJump]

I'm a huge fan of Sonic Unleashed for the Wii. It's not the best Sonic game, but it'll always be my favourite. It was my first ever 3D Sonic game and the level designs hold a special place in my heart and memory; when I'm playing, it feels like I'm running through environments I explored as a child. Since it's not the most popular game, its always felt like MY personal Sonic game. Thank you for covering my favourite game and introducing it to people who may not have been aware of it otherwise.

[@constancies]

I feel exactly the same about Linkin Park’s The Hunting Party album. It’s very overlooked in my opinion, and that lets me take more pride in knowing that it’s my favorite.

[@BrokenAce1295]

*+TripleJump* Same dude and we've talked about this before a long time ago. Unleashed (Wii/PS2) is up there as my top favorite boost formula game out of all of them and also one of my favorite Sonic games because of how well the daytime stages were designed and also how much I enjoyed the Werehog stages.

[@Scroteydada]

I feel the environments are more varied than in HD

[@DonnyKirkMusic]

@@constancies lol

[@Khyon521]

1:40 FACTS DONT BE SLEEPING ON THE WII VERSION, Ive played both versions, and love both but I prefer the Nighttime level design of the Wii version but the daytime goes to the 360/ps3

[@sonicdbzfan0552]

Thinking about it im with u

[@raidoukuzonoha883]

Radicola ! Yet the day stages on Wii are barren af

[@AyyyyJayyyy]

Exact opposite for me

[@Sontaburetski]

BTW: Sega or any other company do not enhance their X360 or Original Xbox games on the One X, this is because the dev team behind porting the games to Xbox One is the ones to do it. They work on a set number of games to be updated and release them in sets. One day it is possible.

[@chrishd659]

while not updated for xb1(x), it's been upgraded for series, it apparently works really well

[@NitroIndigo]

I'm reminded of that review of _NiGHTS into dreams..._ where the reviewer says that the level design is unintuitive, but he came to appreciate it once he realised it was designed around replay value.

[@LoneSpeedsterDX]

*Exo dislikes the daytime stages* Dang, I like this guy already lol

[@that1person921]

Example of Sega Learning Curve: Super Mario 64 DS. You just got to get used to the different control scheme and if you do, you'll like it more on repeat playthroughs.

[@Scroteydada]

As soon as I think outside the box, the game breaks. It's too stressful to play and not satisfying to learn for me. Wii was deserving of its better reviews.

[@phoenixdown5181]

The controls ruin it for me, personally. Sonic feels like he ways 1000 lbs., and it just isn't fun to play.

[@Odinsday]

I always felt weird for preferring the nighttime stages because I couldn't explain why. Exo made me realize why this is.

[@YoungAvJoe]

Man this review is so rewatchable. By far my favorite on the internet. Good job Exo!

[@williamwhite1036]

Fax

[@solidskullz5736]

The fact that you bothered to do everything is admirable, I know that I could never do all that as much as I adore unleashed, especially on the Wii. I’m glad that you at least got some enjoyment despite its issues

[@MasterAlpha1000]

At least your review were more professional than the IGN review.

[@kieranstark7213]

Yeah, even though I disagree with a lot of the complaints Exo has towards Sonic Unleashed HD, at least he’s being acknowledgeable why it is well-liked rather than (severely) underrating it for the sake of making people look wrong for acting like it’s better than much worse Sonic games like Sonic Free Riders and Sonic ‘06 like IGN.

[@BitchChill]

@@kieranstark7213 To exo, it's not a HD game

[@kieranstark7213]

BitchChill Well, at least for the time, it is.

[@laffysapphie]

Exo: "I fear no man, but that thing" **Dragon Road 2-2** "It scares me"

[@williamwhite1036]

It made him go insane

[@SnazzyGoober]

This review is your best work, I agree with everything you said and I still really enjoy unleashed

[@Bezaliel13]

Come to think of it, "get good" does not make a lick of sense for a guy that S-Ranked all the missions.

[@hawk6901]

Exactly I bet most people who say that haven't even fully S Ranked Unleashed(DLC included)

[@novicenoobtube450]

@@hawk6901 I dont think i can get the dlc I learned way to late before the ps store shut down but I have a ranked almost all levels in sonic unleashed

[@jonespianist3189]

@@novicenoobtube450 I thought only the native PSP store was removed? So... they removed the others anyway?

[@novicenoobtube450]

@@jonespianist3189 no im pretty sure the ps3 store is gone as well

[@Sydney_Angelyt]

@@novicenoobtube450 xbox one has it backwards compatible DLC included

[@mr.malfunction]

*Watches video* *Hugs Sonic Unleashed Wii copy* I'm sorry I ever doubted you :(

[@animatorbroman3710]

*Hugs Sonic 1* I can relate. I should by Sonic Unleashed Wii.

[@stealth2811]

*hug sonic forces* What? I own only forces

[@charlie4christ536]

Mr. L3gend (John 3:16-18) " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." Titus 2:11-13 "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed."

[@nickzilla20]

I’m proud to own it now.

[@BlueJack222]

@@stealth2811 Hugs both Forces and Mania

[@senranalt9361]

I'm so glad that at 20:52, you shattered the illusion of Unleashed having the "fastest" boost speed of any Sonic game when really, it's just the awful post-processing smear inducing a placebo effect and the actual speed of Unleashed is more-or-less the same as Generations. Sacrificing visibility for the illusion of speed did not age well at all.

[@paulbell3682]

No, it actually the fastest Sonic game because he actually moves faster with a less strict speed cap compared to every other Sonic game on existence.

[@ChaddyFantome]

I swear its like you reached into my head and took my thoughts and made a video about them when it comes to things like the ranking system, platforming vs speed and the purpose of multiple paths! Great video dude!

[@nepneppers8122]

I always thought of the werehog was the best part of sonic unleashed for ps3 and 360 As for the wii Version I think it's tied for the day stages in wii/ps2 I believe the ps2 and wii version is surperior to the 7th Gen variants And I also firmly believe that Heroes is the best Sonic game to this date, or at least my favorite And Shadow The Hedgehog was a good game in the series The storybook series was great These are my unpopular Sonic positions Anyone else want to share their unpopular opinions down below?

[@scottcampbell3735]

I have a few: -2D Sonic bosses are not good enough to warrant one in every act. It brings both 3&K and Mania slightly down a notch. -Multiple pathways are not essential for good Sonic levels, so long as they are re-playable in their own ways. -I think SA1 Amy is decently fun. -I prefer SA2 treasure hunting. -Heroes has by far the best light-hearted story in the series (if you see Unleashed more as serious Sonic story). -06 has a bad story overall but Shadow's story on its own is fairly decent. -If not for the bad structure Shadow the Hedgehog would be a decent game, has a great soundtrack and the story is so bad its good. -Both versions of the Werehog are decent spectacle fighters. -Colours is only a decent game to me. -I prefer dark age Sonic stories to the post colours era of stories (I much prefer bad dramas to annoying comedies, + dreamcast era had the best sonic stories). -The wisps are a gimmik that belongs in Nintendo games, not Sonic. -I prefer 3D Sonic games to 2D ones.

[@SuperrSonic]

For me it is simple; except for DS Colors, every game after the voice change sucks. Heroes is indeed the best 3D Sonic, I'm always going back and forth with this and SDX, but Heroes is consistently an action game while SA1 does many other things. Not that that's a bad thing but Heroes feels like the full Sonic experience.

[@edwardrobinson5470]

Yes. Here's my unpopular opinions I like most of the others characters and prefer playing as them like Amy and metal Sonic instead of Sonic only gameplay. Sonic adventure 2 battle I think all gameplay styles are good. I like 3d Sonic games more than 2d. Amy Rose is one of my favorite characters.

[@pixiestarlight]

I Have One: -Sonic 2006 is My Favorite Sonic Game.

[@DiamondMinerStudios]

I have a few of these : -Sonic 2's final boss fight sucks ass. -I vastly prefer Sonic CD's US soundtrack and don't like the JP soundtrack all that much. -The barrel in Carnival Night Zone and Sandopolis Zone from Sonic 3&K really aren't that bad. -I like Sonic Adventure 2 more than SA1, Sonic 1, Sonic 2, and Sonic CD. -All of SA2's playstyles are great. -SA2 had a good story.

[@chelaviruela]

As someone who has only ever played the PS2 version, I have to say I just loved this video (along with part 1). I had never seen such an exhaustive look at the flaws of Unleashed’s day stages and the positives of the night stages, it really gave me a different perspective to look from. Congrats, Exo.

[@juiceala]

It’s crazy how accurate this review is to how I been feeling about this game since the very first day, I swear I almost cried watching this, it’s refreshing to see someone who agrees 100% with me on this, thank you, if only I can give this video 10 likes,

[@kieranstark7213]

I guess you think the Sonic Unleashed HD bashers are better than it praisers even though it’s a much better 3D Sonic game than Sonic Forces, Sonic ‘06, Shadow the Hedfehog, Sonic Adventure 1 (GC/PSN/XBLA), Sonic Lost World and Sonic Free Riders.

[@ctpp64]

@@kieranstark7213 lolwut? just let the guy have his opinion

[@kieranstark7213]

I would, even if he won’t let me have my opinion.

[@lukebytes5366]

@@kieranstark7213 dafuq did this aggression come from?

[@kieranstark7213]

It’s probably because Juice Hedgehog would dislike positive reviews of Sonic Unleashed (or if I’m exaggerating, just not give this video over one like if he could even if he doesn’t feel like disliking such a positive review of a good, if sometimes rough, game like Sonic Unleashed HD). He just wanted to see people complain about So ic Unleashed as if it were something moving and relatable and that he’s sick and tired of the praise people give it.

[@keybladeoverlord]

This two part video shows exactly why you're becoming one of my new favorite Game Reviewers Exo, you take the time to cover everything a game has to offer to give as honest and detailed an opinion as you can, noting where the game truly excels and its major shortcomings, and doing it all in a very professional manner by explaining your stance and encouraging your audience to tell you their opinions to compare and contrast what they think. I appreciate the amount of effort you put into each and every one of these videos and I cannot wait to see more of your content after you get a nice relaxing break for all your hard work.

[@tearlach47]

I've watched my fair share of hours and hours worth of reviews on Sonic Unleashed, and Sonic content in general, and the way you explained the "Sega Learning Curve" as well as in context to other games like Mario games really clicked with me as to why the Sonic games all seem so divisive compared to other game series out there, as well as why it seems much easier to defend a Sonic game we grew up with more so than a Sonic game we may have just recently gotten into. This may also be just why the Game Grumps' playthrough of Sonic Adventure 1 is such a meme since they were so new to it while a large portion of us in the audience grew up with it and would often comment how they're "approaching it the wrong way" or "playing it the wrong way" when they encounter glitches and the like that we never remember dealing with before.

[@bulb9970]

I regularly come back here to listen to the S rank rant. It’s really satisfying without feeling like fake anger.

[@Itz_Kwame]

Same

[@axelwoni.m.8940]

This is possibly the most in-depth review I've ever seen for a video game, let alone a Sonic game. You talked about so much stuff and, while most of it wasn't really positive, it was still a very good time to watch this 2-part review in it's entirety.

[@tahamohammad8842]

Considering Sonic’s rather infamous 3D reputation, it’s very easy to use that reputation to pull off low effort negative reviews but that fact that there is so much effort behind this review means that even if you disagree with the conclusion, you have to respect the effort

[@axelwoni.m.8940]

@@tahamohammad8842 I can definitely agree with that. The effort has to be commended!

[@BlazerBattle66]

Finally, someone else who agrees that the Wii Version is superior to every other version.

[@TheBlueTyphoon17]

Nothing annoys me more than whenever I have a legitimate criticism with a game, someone responds with "Ur JuS bAd GiT gUd NeWb!" Okay, but what if I am good at the game and still don't like certain design aspects, huh?

[@tahamohammad8842]

I think the “git gud” argument is one of the worst arguments I’ve ever heard. It sounds more like an argument made by people who can’t accept the fact that their favorite games have flaws and if you can’t accept that games have flaws then you shouldn’t be on the internet. Even my favorite games have flaws and I have to acknowledge that but people who use the “git gud” argument don’t seem mature enough to think that good games can have flaws. I also find it kinda hillarious how some rabid unleashed fanboys are using that argument are literally using that argument when he literally shows how he S ranked every single level of the game, something I doubt most people have done. If you’re going to say “git gud” make sure it’s not to the dude who literally got an S rank on every single level in the game. TLDR: the “git gud” argument is used by fanboys as a way of brushing criticism under the bus because they aren’t mature enough to consider the possibility that their favorite game has flaws. Edit: grammar fixes

[@eddieolivas4804]

I'm trying to say only "get good scrub" to people who have played games that require actual MASTERY. Unleashed is the kind of game that isn't exactly "mastered" as it is memorized. As someone who has actually played Sonic Adventure 2, I can CONFIDENTLY say that that game is just a matter of "u so bad just git gud," while you literally have to memorize the stage layout of Unleashed to fully enjoy it.

[@ThatOneDudeWhoPostsStuff]

Those DLC packs are a neat explanation as to what the Sonic Modding community considers "hard" or "good level design".

[@prodigy-hu6dy]

This is probably a gold standard for what a game review should look like. I like many others grew up with this game but everything you mentioned about PS3 Unleashed is stuff I’d known about but could never articulate myself when little, but the game never felt right to play for the reasons you mentioned.

[@evilasuratos7042]

Huh, people usually complain about the Night stages and simply LOVE the day stages, I love day stages more myself but it's good to see someone who does the opposite.

[@57yearoldjamesbond]

Dude, I know you don't want to, but please, take a break. We can wait for a Mega Man Legends video.

[@TheChefBoo]

@MultiTarded you must be new. It is impossible for him to make shirt content.

[@TheChefBoo]

@- yeah. Especially ones about short sleeved shirts

[@CarloNassar]

*Why are you complaining about the original controls when you can just play the Unleashed Project instead?* It's a mod for Generations, so it really doesn't count.

[@TheBlueTyphoon17]

I love how you pulled a Great Clement around 51:07. Good Eggman impersonation, too. But yeah, good review overall. In terms of the Boost gameplay from all the main 3D games, Unleashed “HD” definitely felt like it had the biggest learning curve to me. The overall design philosophy of the Boost formula is to go insanely fast as possible, and I will admit, it's certainly exhilarating to see Sonic move at such blistering speeds at the push of a button. However, the biggest drawback of the Boost formula is that it's very limiting as a core playstyle. The level design becomes much more narrower to the point of being mostly linear corridors, and because you're encouraged to blaze through stages at such a ridiculous speed, it really hinders platforming and exploration. In terms of pure 3D movement, daytime Sonic controls like shit. He moves way too fast on the ground, his turning is clunky, it's nearly impossible to correct jumps in midair or turn around while running, the Drift sucks ass, and the Homing Attack and Jump Dash are mapped to the same goddamn button as the Boost. WHY????? I never look forward to any precise platforming or exploration in this game, because Sonic's controls are clearly NOT designed well at all around these two aspects, and because these are counter intuitive to the "go-fast" mentality of the playstyle. There's a reason why the Boost games tend to have 2D sections and secondary playstyles/gimmicks, like the Werehog, Classic Sonic, the Avatar and the Wisps. Also, the fact that the game forces you to collect sun and moon medals to progress is easily my least favorite aspect of the “HD” version. If it isn't controls that don't mesh well with the level design and can often lead to unfair deaths, it's the level design itself. With all the surprise obstacles, spring traps, tight QTEs, and straight up bullshit enemy placements that will more often lead to repeated loss of lives. Mastering the daytime levels pretty much boils down to trial-and-error and pinpoint memorization. Now you could argue the same thing for other mainstream Sonic games, but most of those games didn't have you moving at the speed of sound to the point where you couldn't react to everything on time. The later half of the game reeks of that nonsense. Seriously, Eggmanland and Dark Gaia can go die in a fire. And before anyone says something along the lines of "git gud", first off, that argument is weak and uncompelling. Secondly, I'm a completionist as well. I have done everything there is to do in this game, beaten every act with an S Rank (DLC included), maxed out all the stats, cleared each side mission (including the hot dog ones), and collected every single item in this game. All twice. I've long gotten used to everything at this point by doing so, and by God, was it the most teeth gritting and rage-inducing thing I have ever done for any Sonic game (and I've beaten SA2 and 06). No amount of “gittin' gud” can excuse poor design. As far as the Werehog goes, I was pretty mixed on him being in the game at first, but over the years, I have slightly warmed up to his gameplay. Yeah, his playstyle isn't something I'd look for in a Sonic game, but the same could said for the Mech Shooting and Treasure Hunting in the Adventure games, and I'd rather take this over Big's fishing anyday. I do get a kick out of clobbering the shit out of enemies and upgrading my skills to bring even more pain. My biggest issue is how inherently long and tedious his stages can be when you first start the game. You're already forced to deal with wave after wave of enemies, but because you start off so weak and need to upgrade your stats to even stand a chance against more resilient threats, you're heavily pushed to grind for EXP (in a platforming game, might I add). And that's on top of the damn medal hunting. Granted, the Werehog’s slower paced gameplay does give you room to explore for medals unlike the day stages, but this also makes an already long game even longer through artificial means. And that is never a good thing IMO. The bright side to all this that is once his stats are high enough, the Werehog can be a beast. You can breeze through all the enemies and stages almost as quick as the daytime levels, which is admittedly satisfying. But getting to that such point is such a mind-numbing chore that I never want to do it again. The Werehog works fine mechanically, but God of War and Devil May Cry, this ain't. Overall, this game is a mixed bag for me. I really want to like Sonic Unleashed. I really mean it. It's arguably the most ambitious Sonic game to ever be released. From its opening cutscene, to the phenomenal soundtrack, amazing visuals, decent story, and oodles of charm. It felt like Sonic Team wanted to apologize for the hardships of the 15th anniversary and treated it as though it was their final Sonic game, and they went all out with making this game. But when I look past all the mad high production values and sheer ambition, and look at it as a video game...…I'm sorry, but I fail to see this as the perfect Modern Sonic game that people claiming it to be nowadays. You can have all the ambition in the world, but that doesn't mean anything to me when the game itself has problems that get in the way of my enjoyment. More power to those who legitimately enjoy this game. I can respect that, but Sonic Colors and Generations, despite retaining a few similar problems, to me, did the Boost formula so much more justice.

[@ThunderDragonRandy]

I loved that part too. xD

[@jjc4924]

I completely agree with everything you said. Bravo! Sonic Unleashed is definitely an mixed bag. It is better than Sonic 06. That's for sure. But that doesn't mean that I absolutely love it nor do I absolutely hate it. It's definitely an middle of the road Sonic game for me.

[@augustbornone]

What you just said pretty much sums up what I think of this game personality.

[@kieranstark7213]

If Sonic Unleashed isn’t the perfect 3D Sonic game, then neither are the ones that came later in the 2010s!

[@TheBlueTyphoon17]

@@kieranstark7213 There's no such thing as a perfect game.

[@StutteringSickly]

As someone who loves unleashed, I get everyone of these points entirely.

[@blewrei1366]

I just want you to know that i'm 100% down for glover.

[@BefitHaloPWNPwnageforlife]

Sonic Unleashed is my favorite mainline Sonic game, and I can easily say: I respect your opinion and view on things, and I won't let that decide if this is a good or bad video or not. That being said, this is a absolutely GREAT video, and a great way to spend my 80 minutes! Keep it up, I want to be subscribed when I see you hit 1M

[@RadshyguyRadish]

To be fair, Sonic Adventure's Dreamcast version does the same thing about having literally not even acknowledgement of 100%. I hate that in both games though.

[@TheGreenViper8]

Adventure was meant to through DLC from what I know, but as you can tell by my wording that didn’t happen.

[@RadshyguyRadish]

@@artistanthony1007 I can't say that's true. Some Sonic games have crappy gameplay and crappy music (Shadow the Hedgehog), and a lot of have great music and great gameplay.

[@RadshyguyRadish]

@@artistanthony1007 meh. i like about 5 or 6 tracks in the entire game. all hail shadow is a hot banger though.

[@RadshyguyRadish]

@@artistanthony1007 I don't like half of the vocal tracks but Almost Dead is one of the worst songs I've ever heard.

[@RadshyguyRadish]

@@artistanthony1007 Make the music good. Feels so bland. Compare Metal Harbor to Glyphic Canyon and you can see my issue.

[@godaberi]

it makes me genuinely happy to see someone defend and actually see and acknowledge what's so good about the Wii version, instead of the standard "looks like shit, game's also shit". i loved the game as kid and still regard it as one of my favorites games of all time, and it sadness me when someone refuses to get to know the other versions and stick with the PS3/XBOX360 version because it's the better looking. that said, i myself have never played the 7 generation console version, so i can't really be one to criticise the game to it's fullest, but things like the bad camera and stage design, and the frame rate drops are problems that don't need experience to aknowledge. The Wii/PS2 version in it self looks and sounds way much fun than blasting through the whole stage with boost and nothing else, and even as a child i found that kinda boring. seeing the "weaker" version not be overshadowed by the "stronger" version is a thing i always wanted, and i wish this video make people understand that you should not judge a book by it's cover.

[@crystalmaiden7791]

I agree, I prefer the Wii version too.

[@kieranstark7213]

Sonic Unleashed HD is still an awesome game that people just wanna say bad things about to prove why people are wrong to say that it is even a good port.

[@Omelander]

CrystalMaiden 77 I like both of them equally because I played both versions but the one thing I don’t like with the Wii version is the controls and for the 360 one I don’t like the frame drops in adabat

[@irritationnation6122]

“I need to work on something shorter next time” *Produces 40 hour episode of Rayman 2 and all of its ports that fans have been asking him for OVER A YEAR NOW*

[@theARDISAN]

This has to be your best review yet and I thought Sunshine and Mario 64 DS was amazing. You word out your opinions in a respectful and fair manner and put 100% in your crafts, its why I consider you one of or the best reviewers I've ever subscribed to. Although I agree with the vast majority of your points, Sonic Unleashed has to be my favorite 3D Sonic game next to Sonic Generations and even Sonic Lost World (yes) because I had the most fun with them and not because they are essentially good or bad. The fact I can fully understand your view points on this game (and ports), your opinions on the classic games, and why you enjoy SA2, and Sonic Colors when I couldnt is a sign of excellent writting and I see other people understanding as well.

[@blackhoggaming]

Gosh, this review is so well made, just like the rest of your videos. The way you expresses your thoughts, criticisms, and just showing us your perspective on things is unlike any other reviewer I’ve ever watched. This is why you will always stay one of my favorites to watch.

[@WebstersYouTube]

This video brought a lot of frustrations back for me. I actually remember purposefully refusing to upgrade Sonic's speed during my playthrough because things were coming in and out of frame before I could react to them. You mentioned play testing a lot and I think we need to adjust expectations of what play testing involves. At the stage testing is taking place, they're often looking for objective show stopping bugs and glitches. The time for subjective stuff has long since passed and most studios don't value testers' opinions. They're viewed as testers, not game designers. There's also usually a committment to get the product out the door for a set date so stuff like revising the controls is often too big an ask too late in the day. Another issue with play testing is that it leads itself to bias. You said yourself the longest you had to spend on a stage to S rank it was 4 hours. Imagine you're testing a game and that's your 40 hour working week. You become blind to the problems because hey, you're used to it. Oh, that run felt better, of course it did, it was your 278th. Maybe that's a misrepresentation though, because play testing is rarely "Run through this level and tell us what you think." and more "Jump against this corner wall for 4 straight hours to make sure the collission detection works and then write a report if you find a hole."

[@Bardockssj2003]

SJ Webster what are you doing here your also my favorite youtuber i like your video on Super Sonic is Evil

[@WebstersYouTube]

@@Bardockssj2003 Thanks dude! I like Exo's videos, he does some damn good stuff. Hard to find good content these days :)

[@Bardockssj2003]

@@WebstersKZbin i know right he is my favorite KZbinr of all time in my opinion Somecallmejohnny is ok but Sucks compared to EXOPARIDGMGAMER

[@Bardockssj2003]

@@WebstersKZbin also your welcome and i love your stuff aswell

[@WebstersYouTube]

@@Bardockssj2003 SomeCallMeJohnny is an absolute dude. He's so relaxed, chilled, and laid back. His videos tend to be a rare case of no BS, you can always trust Jon to give you his honest opinion.

[@lam7207]

Damn, this review was 2 years ago? I remember watching back in 6th grade and now im about to finish middle school and go to highschool. Time sure does fly by fast. Edit: Seriously? 3 years now?! Time really is flying by fast huh?

[@williamwhite1036]

I remember when the video 1st dropped

[@almipopp5152]

Wow dude I loved watching this. I'm a huge fan of these long form sort of reviews and really appreciate all the hours you sunk into 100% ing this. So thank you. You reminded me of my experiences playing Sonic unleashed, for a while I was on a mission to pay every single Sonic game and the PS3 version was just as you said , difficult frustrating and fuck eggman land. Almost gave up as well! When I learned that the Wii/ps2 version was pretty different I knew I had to play it but I was like oh no here we go again. It was a pleasant surprise to find a much better version of the game. No sun Moon medal crap, shorter werehog stages, Wii version is the way to go. I'm really looking forward to the next cross platform video these little differences between versions have always fascinated me.

[@williamwhite1036]

I'm happy this game now plays in 60fps on Series X

[@maverickay5807]

I have that Sega Learning Curve memorized for Shadow the Hedgehog on Xbox. I've almost completed that game, and it's EASILY my favorite Sonic game to date. The varied enemies, the item hunting, and the load of weapons really make replaying this game a constant treat. Even Nick thinks its a good Sonic game, and you seem to be friends with him! :D

[@lpfan4491]

it is a good game with a lot of content, but it really needs a remake. the graphics are literally sonic heroes(aka. pretty old and barely hold appeal with the darker color palette of the game and it clashing with the still amazing cgi cutscenes), it was awkwardly censored worldwide(alien blood can stay how it is tho), even tho the storyidea is actually better than people give it credit for and I like the damnspamming for it's "so bad that it is actually good"-appeal, I wish the writing was better and not confused at what it wanted to do(nobody likes plotholes), physics are lul, bosses lack variation and choices are not represented well(like amy helping you beat up eggman after you help him do shit) and the missioncriteria is too strict(I want to miss a few of x and still beat the stage)

[@QuestionBlockGaming]

EPG: Talks about the learning curve of sonic games and how learning how they play positively affects your enjoyment of them Also EPG: Criticizes Sonic Mania's stages for being confusing mazes with no sense of flow while clearly not understanding how the stages signpost the different paths

[@ExoParadigmGamer]

+Question Block Gaming Stages can avoid being giant mazes and still have plenty to master on repeat playthroughs. SA2 and Wii Unleashed are excellent examples. I don't like giant maze level design. I've given it so many chances over the years and I still have yet to get the appeal.

[@QuestionBlockGaming]

@@ExoParadigmGamer After listening more in the video, you have conflicting ideas of how classic sonic stages are designed or meant to be played. Which is totally okay, not every game is for everyone and the advertising around Classic sonic conflicts with how it's actually played. But, Sonic Mania's stages do what Sonic 3K does in terms of stage design, balancing speed with precision platforming, but putting the emphasis on precision platforming while allowing the speed to be the 'reward' for doing well in the stages. While I agree with you that Genesis-era Sonic games have a problem with screen crunch due to the large sprites, Sonic Mania (and by extension, the Taxman remakes of S1, S2 and SCD) allow you to see more ahead of you, making that speed all that much more rewarding. In 2D games, and in particular Sonic Mania, going fast isn't the goal, it's the reward. Taking top routes of stages allows for more rewards in terms of items, but less rewards in terms of speed. Lower routes trade items for extra chances to go fast. Sonic Mania in particular does a lot of sign-posting to keep you on the right track, through springs, trails of rings, visual elements designed to draw your eye, that sort of thing. But the biggest thing about Mania is actually spending the time learning the stages, learning how they're designed and how they're laid out, then using your knowledge (the learning curve in question) to take those areas that were previously slow precision platforming and finding a way to absolutely blast through them at top speed (Or glide through them with Ray, which is another can of worms entirely.) I also think my age has something to do with it, I grew up with classic sonic and the way that classic is played is ingrained into me. I feel the same way about Modern Sonic that you feel about Classic, where the stages are confusing messes of lots of visual noise. I totally get where you're coming from. I just feel like the same arguments you're making towards the 'learning curve' of sonic games could also be applied to your understanding of the classic games, and in particular, Sonic Mania, which i feel has the strongest 2D stage design in the entire series.

[@alextheex]

Congrats on completing Sonic Unleashed. While I do love this game, I will admit that there are too many flaws to count. Thanks to you, now I know to never complete the game myself. Good luck on other projects man, I respect you at a very high level!

[@kieranstark7213]

Yeah, Sonic Unleashed does have a few unpolished things to say about it, but it is mostly a highly polished work of fiction that ExoParadigmGamer just liked to nitpick sometimes (heck, he even compared Super Mario Sunshine positively to Sonic Unleashed!!!) And yes, Sonic Unleashed is a game that wasn't made for S-rank completion to be mandatory. Honestly, I don't think any Sonic game even was.

[@augustbornone]

So.....I have decided to replay the 360 version of Sonic Unleashed and just beat it today.......and.....well....its a bit better then last time, but there are some issues. For one thing I manage to get a good amount of medals, playing some of the optional acts help out too and there was never a moment that I had to grind, I only had to grind once which was the Adabat Sonic Stage, and even then it wasn't that much. There was also the part were I had a much easer time beating the first Were-Hog level, it wasn' nearly as bad as my first playthough with it a year ago. Speaking of which, I also found myself enjoying the Were-Hog stages much more, I like how the levels are, upgrading my states was enjoyable and the combat was great. I manage to fine a way to enjoy some of the Sonic stages as well, don't be boosting, and while not the best solution (which will talk about in a bit) I found that it help me out a lot. I also found the bosses to be good as well, sure they are a bit.......pattern based, but I found all of them to be fun, with my favorite being the Egg Beatle, Gaia Phoenix and Egg Dragoon bosses. Despite all of that however.....I still have some cons with this version, the stages can get a bit cheap, the Arid Sands Were-Hog level was annoying, Eggmanland is still a massive pain in the ass (although it did took me 53 minutes to beat it, which is a bit better then the 71 minutes it took me to beat it last time, but its still not great) and some of the Sonic stages (such as Cool Edge, Dragon Road, Skyscrapper Scamper and espassitly Jungle Joyride) are just as poorly made and bullshit as they are the first time I played it, and no matter how much I restart that level, they always (and I mean ALWAYS) find ways to cheap me. So yeah, while a much better experience then the last time I played it, I can safely say that Sonic Unleash for the Xbox 360 is a mix-bag game for me and I'm gonna say it, while the WereHog levels are fun and my favorite part, Sonic Unleash for the XBox 360 is honestly one of my least favorite Sonic games, and possibly one of my least favorite games of all time, and as such .....I think I'm probably going to be sticking with the Wii version of Sonic Unleashed. Edit: I might/will occasioned replay the XBox version of Sonic Unleashed, but even with all that in mind, I think I'll can still probably say that the Wii version of Sonic Unleashed is my favorite version.

[@ChaosXeloc]

19:49 I like the upgrades of the adventure series, and they are some of my favorite parts of those games. I like the feeling of getting more decked out and powerful over the course of the adventure; especially so when some of the upgrades are optional. Edit: Also, I really appreciate the jammin' Mega Man X music to emphasize your frustration. Seemed extremely appropriate, all things considered

[@CarbonRollerCaco]

Funny you should say all of that: I like upgrades and mechs in Mega Man X, but hate them in Sonic.

[@pikachufrankie]

If there’s suddenly an influx of people who suddenly hate the PS3 and Xbox versions of Unleashed, I know who to look at. Good review though.

[@thecomicsario]

If people start disliking the 7th gen version of Unleashed just because of this review.. i'm gonna lose all hope in humanity

[@Luvumba]

Because we are in an era where video gamers want to only a specific kind of challenge that caters to their abilities, not past their. It’s a shame because games like God Hand will never get good reviews because of this.0

[@SonicSpeed440]

Don't hate it, just hate that people gloss over it's flaws and just scream that Unleashed is the GOAT sonic game and if you prefer Colors or Generations then you ate glue as a kid. I personally have been waiting for the day someone took this game apart and showcased my frustrations with this game that weren't my fault, but rather the game. I love hard games, but being a difficult game because the levels are designed that way is a completely different issue than the controls and camera being a death trap. EXO showed that, it doesn't mean it's a bad game, it doesn't mean it can't be someone's favorite, but calling this the best Sonic game and acting like Colors was the beginning of hallway level design ignores the issue of boost engine entirely and glossing over those sections in Unleashed like they didn't exist and weren't already apparent. That is why I cannot stand the Sonic community at all because they are very selective about an issue depending on the game they are talking about. There are literally people (and sadly enough it's not a small group) who will go their grave and tell me Sonic 06 (I'm talking the one released in 2006) is a better game than Colors. I'm allowed to critize a game and call it fun, the sonic community apparently considers this a cardinal sin.

[@Luvumba]

bLueSp1n ??? Unleashed has been hated by critics since day one. What EXO is criticizing isn’t new at all nor is he even doing it in the right way. He criticizes that Sonic should be more like Mario, with more platforming sections over speed ala Colors. At that point, EXO destroys all of his arguments against daytime Sonic since he wants to make Sonic Anti-theistical to his gameplay.

[@SonicSpeed440]

@@Luvumba "4 prongs that make sonic" I guess that part of the video just flew over your head huh? Speed is one element that makes sonic, platforming is another, defeating enemies and a clear goal ring is pretty much obvious. There's nothing wrong with emphasize one over the other as long as it is done right. Also, I'm talking right now, no person except for EXO has had the balls to talk about this game and it's glaring flaws. Other game developers did it a long time ago and they over exaggerated the bad of this game. Right now the opposite is happening with this game in that no one wants to talk seriously about the flaws, or even give them the light of day. Where as we have probably 10 Sonic Colors videos repeating the same 2 arguments over and over again. "It's 2D, not enough 3D like unleashed, story isn't good, roger Craig smith (Insert dumb opening of a video that's attempting to create humor to pad out the run time of the video)." This is the first video I've seen in a long time that actually showcases both sides of the coin and why people really like it, but why it's a pretty dang flawed game. That is what I've been waiting for because I went through this same damn experience, yet I still adore this game for what it is and don't make it out to be something it is not.

[@HNfilms]

best review of Unleashed I've ever seen, loved the S-rank segment

[@mattygee6852]

I would like to point out i have no clue who said it but i remember someone (in a video) saying that people who made the dlc levels had a "spike fetish" which i think is both hilarious and accurate

[@benitosierrajr3958]

Exoparadigmgamer presents: Sonic Unleashed: MegaMan X6 Edition. J's Reviews eat your heart out.

[@TSMSnation]

this was surprisingly accurate to me, in a way i never even really noticed, have a hard time going back to most mario games, (aside sunshine ironically) because after you know whats going to happen, your just going through the motions. but with sonic? its more of a *wow did you see that? i couldn't do that before!*

[@Lugbzurg]

If you haven't already, it sounds like you'd really like so-called "stylish action games", such as the *Devil May Cry* series. Honestly, that's what I think the nighttime stages should've taken cues from, rather than God of War, as it's fast-paced, stylish, flows well, and incentivizes cockiness.

[@eazythedawg]

1:00:35 this analogy made me laugh more than I should have

[@MarkCabaniss]

I gotta say, this review was very eye-opening for me. In 2009, I played the Wii version first and thought it was great, reasonably good graphics and all. Then I heard some talk about the seventh-generation version being better in addition to looking better. I even watched a playthrough of it and wanted to play it myself. After a while, I bought the Xbox 360 version a few months prior to the release of _Sonic Colors_. I played it and found it rather frustrating. Eventually, when _Sonic Colors_ came around, I played it and loved it to death (and still do). Your review reinforces the idea that looks aren’t everything, that the gameplay has to be good too. And the seventh-generation version of _Sonic Unleashed_ sadly proves it. I’m very sorry to hear that it very nearly made you quit on video games. All the same, I wouldn’t mind if that version of the game was released on the Nintendo Switch with all of the DLC included, for Switch owners who want to play it (though a PC release would be great too). Keep up the good work, Exo. Looking forward to the next _Xross Platform_ review.

[@lpfan4491]

unleashed on switch? funny, I wanted gens on that console since forever, but it never came because it is too old appearently. I highly doubt unleashed has a chance(even tho a port would give them the opportunity to fix some problems or even all of them if they completely remake it with better technical standards)

[@Hamster_Pants]

Don’t listen to him. The ps3/Xbox version is way better.

[@BrokenAce1295]

Dude, you yourself deserve M.V.P. for even bothering to S-Rank all of the daytime stages, along with the missions AND the DLC stages. I can S-Rank most of the daytime stages in the main game, but in terms of the DLC stages, I can only S-Rank a few of them. They are so frustrating. Apotos Day Act 4 is one of those stages I can never for the life of me S-rank. Meanwhile, I can S-rank every single nighttime stage (both main and DLC) and mission. That says something about which gameplay style I'm more comfortable with. This review perfectly sums up a lot of the issues I've had with the 360/PS3 version and further explains how and why I always found the Wii/PS2 version to be the superior version. It all comes down to the level and game design and how it compliments the controls. The Wii/PS2 version's day stages had level design that had little to no platforming and focused solely on speed-racing due to its race-track design. That kind of level design perfectly compliments the boost formula and its design philosophy, which is about speed-racing. There is harmony between the controls and level design because of that which leads to a satisfying experience. On top of that, the controls in the Wii/PS2 version feel both tight and also very comfortable. The 360/PS3 version on the other hand is such a chaotic mess that tries to implement speed, platforming and exploration all into a gameplay formula whose design philosophy is supposed to be solely about speed-racing. That alone is why, like you said, the boost formula can never work well with platforming because of its inherent design. All those moments of precise platforming, trial-and-error gameplay and control issues demonstrate why that is the case and how much of an experiment the 360/PS3 version was. Rushed or not, Sonic Team just didn't know what they were doing when making that version of the game. Case in point, awesome job with this review. Enjoyed every minute of it.

[@TripleJump]

I love UnWiished so much.

[@LinoonerBlue]

Honestly, the one thing this review taught me is that the Wii version actually DOES have better control options than those aggravating motion controls. Before, those awful controls had me stuck in a weird state of having to tell people I absolutely hate the Wii version and to never play it while ALSO telling people to give the 360 or PS3 version a shot. That being said, while we apparently have vastly different tastes in some regards (Sonic 2 & Sonic Unleashed 360/PS3 are my favorite Sonic games), major props on breaking things down to this degree. I found myself nodding in agreement a lot.... especially with the talk of the broken drift mechanics.

[@rayboucher3690]

This was a very nice and detailed review, Exo. You have been an inspiration to me ever since 2015, and I’m a big fan of your content. You’ve taught me a lot about what it means to be a gamer. Some of my favorite quotes from your videos are your two words of wisdom from your 2016 editorial video “The Gaming Community and Overcriticalism”: 1 - “Don’t let someone else’s positive opinion of a game steer you too far in the other direction.” 2 - “Difference in opinion and taste is inevitable.” Although I may disagree on some points about the 7th-generation version like the 3D hallway sections (if they have free movement and the camera faces behind Sonic, they're 3D, plain and simple) and the ideal balance between speed and platforming along with linearity and non-linearity (considering your words in the "A Link to the Past" review, “Balance between two virtues is the key”), I think you made very valid points about Sonic’s control in the Daytime stages, collecting Sun and Moon medals, Eggmanland, and the process of S-Ranking the day stages. I will say that I haven’t played Sonic Unleashed in forever - I got the Wii version back in 2011 and I got the PS3 version in 2016 - so I don’t have as much of a developed opinion on either version. Regardless, I do think it’s rare to find people enjoying the Werehog over the Daytime stages. When I played the PS3 version a while back, I never really minded the slower-paced, more combat and platforming-intensive style of the Werehog’s gameplay and found him very playable. On the topic of going for the best rank, I never really try to A/S-Rank every single stage in Sonic games, but I appreciate your in-depth explanation of the flaws in the 7th-generation Daytime stages, and especially the optional/DLC acts. In fact, my experience growing up with Sonic for the first time was something similar to J of J’s Reviews’ experience. The first games I played in order were the Genesis-era games on Sonic Classic Collection, Sonic Heroes, Sonic Adventure DX, and Sonic Colors, so I’m pretty much open to a new gameplay style as long as it’s well-designed. Also, I just want to say, please keep reviewing and talking about video games, especially Sonic. You’ve given essential advice to us in judging video games in this generation. I’m saying this because I see your struggles with finding a middle ground between opinions and objectivity, in addition to satisfying the crowd when talking about the 2017 game line-up (including Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces). I’m very sorry for the challenges you face and I understand how hard it is when one group seems to benefit more over another. Your opinions on Sonic Forces, no, any game, absolutely do matter to us. They mean as much to newer gamers as everyone else’s, despite the divisiveness of the gaming community. Some fans just don’t understand how to approach a differing perspective. But if people take issue with someone liking a game that they don't, that’s their problem, not yours. You don’t need to feel responsible for any rift in a gaming fanbase nor do you need to give up expressing your feelings on anything. And never do I think that earlier Sonic games are entirely at fault for starting a level design trend that Mania has at its most extreme. It's not 3&K's fault that Mania's level design is the way it is, and neither do I think Generations HD should fall down hard because of reused stages (remember, they're much more straightforward and substantially different from their original layouts than Mania's). Please understand that even if you might not see it out there, there are people who will indeed listen to your points. You're not alone, Exo. So please, don’t give up on games like MM&B and the rest of the Sonic franchise just because of the majority viewpoints. It’s not about how “correct” an opinion is, it’s about how fair and reasonable it is. You are one of my favorite game reviewers, and I just want you to never quit your passion. Here’s an inspiring quote from the animated movie “Wonder Park”: “Don’t give in to the fear. Your light is stronger than the darkness.” Wonder Park, 2019 Anyway, I enjoyed your video and am looking forward to the Spyro RoR series. I wish you the best of luck and happy holidays.

[@robloxking2578]

I know video games are supposed to be challenging, but I'm glad the Wii version isn't like Xbox 360. Like Sonic said: "An adventure's no fun if it's too easy." ; ) Please no mean comments.

[@TSMSnation]

so...you could say, sonic is the dark souls of platformers?

[@Trimint123]

Well, that joke is not gonna work because Dark Souls is release after Sonic Unleashed a year later.

[@Scroteydada]

@@Trimint123 that's not what the joke means

[@TheChefBoo]

@@Trimint123 and crash bandicoot released 15 years before

[@callinater6133]

Psh! Not even close.

[@therealfna7802]

I actually didn’t really see a whole lot of problems with the main day levels until you pointed them out in great detail. While I still enjoy them to a degree (at least at this point), you have done a magnificent job explaining why you don’t. As for the missions, control, medals and DLC, I always thought they were shit. Also Colors and Generations are WAY better.

[@alextheex]

This is still one of my favourite KZbin videos of all time

[@sonicseztrapsaregay4249]

I found the HD Day Stages to be a lot more fun than the SD Day Stages imo

[@williamwhite1036]

Facts

[@johnsother2440]

I love how Nickonaquamagna was lambasted like a damn fool when he called out Unleashed's "3D" level design back then, and now the climate has changed so much you can say it out in the open and people are completely chill. Makes me feel kinda validated tbh.

[@Ghaleonh41]

Same! Glad I'm not the only one who remembers! In fact, Nick was the one to explain so many aspects of Sonic's design that people are only now understanding & he caught so much hell for it!

[@raidoukuzonoha883]

It is 3D tho I mean I’d take it over nostalgia pandering generations blocky Mario clone colours and shitty ass Mario galaxy rip off lost world LOL

[@mdudegamer]

WHAT. PS3 Unleashed doesn't have the homing attack mapped to jump? Good grief, whose stupid idea was that?

[@JezMM]

It actually made sense at the time, because accidentally performing a homing attack off the ground was a common annoyance in 3D Sonic up to that point (especially on the 50hz version of Sonic Adventure 2, yuck). I also find the action of A -> X has a bit more weight and satisfaction to it for whatever reason (feels less automated I guess), and contextually, "X" being the forward momentum button and "A" being the upward momentum button also made it's own sort of sense in a world where A -> A hadn't been the norm up to this point. Unfortunately though, the accidental air boost issues mentioned in this review just replaced the "accidental homing attack" issues from previous Sonic games, so it didn't fix anything. I'm not surprised they went back to A -> A.

[@mdudegamer]

@@JezMM Huh, didn't know that was a problem. I think I can remember it occurring once in a while, but I haven't played the Adventure games so I guess I missed the worst of it.

[@TheBlueTyphoon17]

@@JezMM I rarely had an issue in the earlier games where I accidentally homed in on something I didn't mean to. Maybe if I wasn't close enough to the target that I performed the Jump Dash or homed in on another target, but that rarely happens to me. The problem with the skill mapping in Unleashed, is that the Jump Dash/Homing Attack are mapped to the same button as the Boost/Air Boost. The Jump Dash can only be performed when the Boost gauge is empty, and since it fills up by collecting Rings (which are very plentiful), you're gonna end up doing the Air Boost by default, making the Jump Dash pretty much obsolete in this game. Homing Attacks are more nerve racking in Unleashed, because you can potentially Boost straight to your death.

[@lpfan4491]

homingattack at the wrong time can cost you a life or two,but the change they made was just stupid regardless. it just feels natural to have the secondary action(including other things knuckles gliding too)mapped to the jump button. also,the bigger problem with the homingattack was that they sometimes just failed to lock on,which was fixed here. so a-->a would have been the best choice

[@TheChefBoo]

Yep. It's even better when you play generations and then play unleashed again.

[@streeker007]

I have seen this review multiple times and I can say I enjoy it lots. My favorite line is when you said, "But Exo, I got all the S ranks easily on my first try when I was two, so therefore you're wrong. Git gud scrub." This is definitely my most favorite Sonic review ever. Even if it's one of my most favorite Sonic games.

[@SonicSpeed440]

Thank you for addressing the X button being HA and how it led to some of the cheapest deaths in a video game ever.

[@supergameboi3749]

I'm just hear to say that I absolutely love the boost stages, but your video helped me understand why some people wouldn't find them fun. If they aren't really for you, I'll respect that.

[@jjslider3026]

At the end of the day, I was indeed satisfied. I was hoping for you to say the Wii version is an underrated classic, and that’s what I got. The HD version I really don’t care about and you explained your points well on both games. Nice job!

[@jjslider3026]

Although after this I’ll never complain about 100% Shadow the Hedgehog again

[@WodverWizard]

I watched this in my phone and I thought there was a hair on the top of my screen the entire time.

[@michaelnahrilas4679]

I bought Sonic Unleashed for the 360 about a year ago, and I've always loved going for A and S ranks in Sonic games. I learned back then that those two things didn't mesh (especially since they didn't take a leaf out of Bayonetta's book for the Werehog stages) but I didn't realize just how many problems I myself had until I watched this. Thinking back on it now.....replaying the Ice Dash stages and DLC highlights EVERYTHING you pointed out here. Yeah, I love Colors and Generations. But unless someone can take the Night stages and add extra features to it a la Bayonetta, Devil May Cry, and other similar games, I am NOT returning to Unleashed. Also, no, I can't play the Unleashed Project. My laptop can't progress past Green Hill Zone - it's not strong enough, and I have no desktop.

[@ales141]

I've watched both of your Unleashed videos multiple times it's clear you put a lot of effort into these vids and even though you're not uploading often i think they're always worth the wait

[@entertainer_ev2747]

Before I watched the vid: I think Sonic Unleashed HD is my favorite game of all time After: Maybe I should play the Wii version again lol

[@kyanoang3l0_old]

IGN gave 7th-gen Unleashed a lower overall rating than 06. I know it's _different_ IGN reviewers-a fact some ignored or missed when they criticized these reviews-but it was one reason why I stopped taking review ratings seriously.

[@turtleanton6539]

Unreal

[@guthetanuki256]

Gotta love the Ratchet and Clank music as well as Catherine music all in one video. You got great tastes, man.

[@mdstevens0612]

I think at a point what you and TGC were trying to talk about were the concepts of Skill Floors and Skill Ceilings, or the minimum amount of skill needed to enjoy the game versus the maximum amount of skill that can be aquired. Modern Sonic tends to have a very low Skill Floor while having a reasonably high Skill Ceiling, while classic Sonic has a higher Skill Floor but also has a higher Skill Ceiling. Arguably the best case scenario is to have a large gap between floor and ceiling while making it easy to climb the curve. TF2 is one of those game with a low skill floor but climbing the curve to reach the ceiling gets really difficult because the highest level play tends to be so ultra involved that lower skilled players have to sit through repeatedly getting bodied before they even get to start implementing some of the concepts. Generations, to me, has a great floor, ceiling and curve, while the classic games all have a floor that's too high for a lot of casual players to immediately enjoy. Skill curve, floor and ceiling are however different to the "game feel". Unleashed fails in a lot of ways with Game Feel, especially during the night time stages. For a lot of players, it just does not feel good to play as the Werehog. I think if more work went into really making the dodging feel good, as well as just... The music man. Just one other combat song would have made all the difference.

[@hunterkeps9058]

56:17 You really missed out here bud. I think I speak for everyone here when I say I wanna see you in full on rage mode. You really, REALLY need to record this stuff Exo XD

[@BIaziken2]

this might be your best review yet man, keep up the good work.

[@rich7103]

Finally I'm not the only person who likes Sonic Lost World

[@kieranstark7213]

Sonic Unleashed is far better because it had a lot of intensity in terms of gameplay, production and story instead of the Deadly Six. I can't believe that's an unpopular opinion!!!!

[@cedialive2759]

I've successfully played Unleashed HD to the credits...after THREE YEARS OF MEDAL HUNTING. Professor Pickle came in handy for a change, and I got through Eggmanland for the very first time. I freaking hated it. XD Though I did get a B Rank. Also, did you know that the second half of the Perfect Dark Gaia fight was originally going to be part of the Perfect Chaos fight in Adventure 1? You'd have to take out the tentacles before going after the real threat, and now I see why they cut it out. Because MY GOD.

[@trailduster6bt]

As someone who originally played the Wii version and had alot of fun with it in 2008, I was really shocked that the HD version was so frustrating for me when I finally played through it this month. Glad to see my memories of the Wii version’s day stages being easier to control are consistent with what others have found.

[@apollorock3r244]

I don’t know why but hearing the Mega Man X6 Music on the bad parts of Sonic Unleashed definitely fits with why those moments are bad. Especially that Mega Man X6 is punishingly hard. XD

[@ImTakingYouToFlavorTown]

Look up hideofbeast if you want to see a brutally hard game broken X1-3 no dash no weapons hit X4-6 no weapon no armor no hit with great commentary

[@augustbornone]

I also found it very fitting that both games (Mega Man X6 and Sonic Unleash) are the sixth main entries in their respective series and are also made for the PlayStation 2.