N+

As stated above, the plot centers around a giant, interstellar amusement park - Dr. Eggman's Incredible Interstellar Amusement Park - created by Eggman as an act of retribution to make up for the years of havoc he has wreaked on Earth. Before it is finished, Sonic and Tails sneak aboard in an attempt to figure out just how and why the amazing park is evil. As you go along, you learn that Eggman is capturing and sucking the life force out of small aliens called Wisps (shown left). There are different colors (get it?) of Wisps, and each color gives you a different transformation. Don't get scared, this isn't some kind of stupid werehog crap, they are more akin to Kirby's Epic Yarn. You get a few-seconds of palytime as a rocket ship, a spiky ball that let's you walk on ceilings/walls, a transformation cube, etc. The Wisps add an interesting gameplay element, and aren't annoying about it.

The folks at Sonic Team really listened when we all complained about every single Sonic game in recent memory. And say what you will about Sonic Adventure 2 Battle but that is my favorite game in the series, and Colors place incredibly like it. What makes Colors nice is the new 2D/3D mechanic they have set up. Throughout the different levels, you will alternate view between 2D, just like the classic games, or 3D, similar to the latest releases. Here's the think, 3D is not on rails, not for the most part, anyway. You can run, jump, walk, or roll anywhere you want. Nothing is forcing you forward. Granted, sometimes, to keep up with the level, there are portions called Quick Step, where the gameplay is forced, you can usually only move left or right, and it plays like Sonic and the Secret Rings. That is awful. Often times, during Quick Step portions of gameplay, the action on stage is too great and confusing. And there are portions of the game that require you to drift around turns, which would have worked had they just copied it from Sonic Riders, but the new method of drifting is shoddy at best. Most times, you will drift in a random direction, rather than the right curve.

The transitioning between different camera angles and modes of play is seamless, yes, but a bit too seamless. It happens so quickly that you'll still be playing one mode before you realize that you are in a different point of view. The point of the Sonic series is speed, of course, but this time around it's a bit too hopped up. That being said, it is still the best-playing Sonic title I've seen in many years, and the throwback controls were a welcome sight. You can play the game with the Wii Remote + Nunchuck, the Wii Remote turned on its side (my favorite), with the Classic Controller, or with a Gamecube controller. Each control scheme fits very well, but if you want to feel young again, go with just the Remote.

When it comes to the graphics, well, it's called Sonic Colorsfor a reason. Colors are a heavy influence on both plot and visuals, and at times, it could be overwhelming for some people. It's a bit of a difference from past games. However, they didn't just over-saturate us with hues. They seem to have pushed the system to the limit with quality. The game is not an eyesore.

What I was really pleased with was the voice acting, and the script. The humor isn't tacky, the jokes feel like I'm watching an old episode of the cartoon. Sonic is sarcastic when needed, and Tails is the butt of every joke. It's a complete fan service.

All in all, this is an amazing game to get for anyone - especially yourself.




N+ Summary

Game: Sonic Colors
Developed by: Sonic Team
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1-2
Release Date: Nov. 16, 2010 (USA) / Nov. 18th, 2010 (JAP) / Nov. 12th, 2010 (EU) / Nov. 11th, 2010 (AUS)
Rating: CERO: A / ESRB: E / ACB: G / PEGI: 3
Supports WFC: Leaderboards

N+ Points

N+ Excellent graphics
N+ Gameplay is solid, brought back to the roots
N+ Entertaining voice acting
N+ Interesting new powerups
N+ Fantastic music

N- Points

N- Multiplayer on same console, no WFC support for online multiplayer
N- Controls are lacking during Quick Play levels
N- Camera transitions are a little TOO seamless.

JudgmeN+: 8 out of 10

-Geoff out.