I noticed Joystiq gave it a 2.5/5. I assume that's too harsh based on the feedback here?

yeah, sega is trapped here with "damned if you do, damned if you dont"

Copy the formula (which is what they have done with sonic 4 for the most part) and publications will bitch about lack of innovation.

Change the formula, and everyone will bitch it isn't the sonic they love.

Yeah, after "beating" the game (going back to get emeralds now... temper... rising...), I really can't see how this game could get a 5/10. The platforming is solid (even if it's not momentum based, it's a cinch to get used to.), the level design is totally awesome (puts the other recent 2D Sonic's to shame imo), and it looks great.

I can see the game anywhere from a 7 to a 9 depending on what you're looking for... but a 5? Shame! >:(

lol I started going back after beating casino zone cuase of those emeralds...those achievements on the 360 are pretty rough, and seeing how I have 200/200 achievements for all the sonic XBL games...my work is cut out for me.

By the way, the Wii version gives you the option to go into tilt mode for the special stages. Still, D-Pad is the way to go (WiiMote NES Style works great with the game), since the tilt function is waaaay too sensitive. I was flying everywhere using that method haha.

i love it, but i dont like how the spinning isn't the fast and doesn't last long anymore like on sonic 2 and 3

I agree, the movement is somewhat different. Infact you run faster if you don't do the spin dash but just run normally with a decent boost. I think they did that to balance out the whole "speed vs platforming" debate that sonic fans have had for a while. the game focuses a lot more on platforming than any recent sonic game...

so does the ps3 version

Only tried demo as I plan on getting the inevitable full release. All I'll say is .. I like it, but I don't love it ...

I have to get this...badly...liking the sounds of things here.