IGN got to preview 2 levels from the xbox360/ps3 Sonic unleashed.

Here is the article -

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/874/874202p1.html

Some interesting points -

"Although Sonic Team is solely responsible for the PS3 and 360 versions of the title, software house Dimps is providing backup support with daytime level designs for the Wii and PS2 versions."

Not bad...Dimps made some pretty good games so there may be 2 Sonic games worth purchasing.

"...camera is much more dynamic, pulling back and zooming forward when necessary and, more impressive, flipping around so that a 3D level is shot from another perspective, simulating a classic 2D presentation. These 2D-like areas are more commonplace than you might think, comprising good chunks of both stages shown to us -- so if you've been craving a return to traditional form, we think you will be happy with the throwback, even with its 3D twist."

This could make the game the best Sonic since mid 90's or another failure so they better make it work.

"The forced split-screen face-offs in the Sonic Adventure games are out. Unleashed is a single-player only experience. There will not be a multiplayer mode of any kind, according to SEGA. "

Not impressed with this but I'll let it slide as its trying to be old school...CO-OP multiplayer would be nice.

"In Unleashed for Wii, the developer has opted to walk away from the Wii remote side-held control scheme for steering and turning. Instead, Wii owners will control Sonic using a Wii remote and nunchuk combination. Sonic Team is also enabling full use of the GameCube controller and is currently looking into adding support for the classic controller, too. Also, the levels in the Wii iteration of Unleashed will be very different from those in the 360 / PS3 iterations."

Gamecube controller option for Wii...YESS!!!. Also, most likely because of this, it will not be composed of crappy party like mini games where you have to hammer things and shake your hand at the TV but will be a focused on a good 1 player experience. The lord has smiled upon wii/ps2 owners today...

I'm okay with a lack of multiplayer. Sonic Team has yet to prove that they can make a good game once more, so scaling back their ambitions is probably good thing. You need to crawl before you can walk.

Yeah Desroko, you are right about that. Until Sega proves they can get the basics down, they shouldn't overreach with their goals.

^^I agree...but I guess this is not the time I should mention that the main game mechanic involves sonic running around collecting rings durring the day like normal...and then turning in to Warewolf-hedgehog at night and swinging on trees as well as ripping enemies with his claws.

A good game is great when you take away what made it only good.

/sigh.

I was trying really hard not to think of that, you know.

well, a Wii game that is not using motion sensing but buttons has more chances to succeed on other consoles rather than Wii....

Yeah... I've never really been excited for a Sonic title sense... well... Sonic & Knuckles for the Genesis. Ever since then it's been a constant lesson in patience, waiting for that next Sonic game that would blow us away (and passing up the mediocre titles that came with the times).

And then this came up.

I saw this title, I acknowledged its existence, and went on with my life. Just another 3D Sonic title. However, time went by and we learned that Dimps (the developer of Sonic Rush and Rush Adventure for the DS) was working on the Wii/PS2 version of the game. A glimpse of hope, I actually enjoyed the Rush games! Yeah they were a bit speed heavy (press right to win), but they were above and beyond any other Sonic title we've seen so far.

And now this.

When Matt Casamassina, one of Sonics biggest critics (can you really blame him?) states that "there is finally a light at the end of the long tunnel, and it's a bright one." I'm going to take notice. And when the camera system is fixed, while honoring Sonic's 2D gameplay, I'm going to really take notice. I'm still wondering why they think that Earth is the best place to put Sonic after everything that has happened over the series, but that's just a minor speed bump. What I'm excited about is that Dimps (...and Sonic Team...) is focusing on a single player game that focuses on the blue blur. With gameplay that takes what made him so great, and makes it fresh with moments of 3D... I think I just may be excited.

I'm tired of being disappointed, so here's to Unleashed. May it be that bright light we've all been looking for.

@Desroko

I know its hard to imagine them pulling that mechanic off but I have a gut feeling this will turn out solid. ITs simply cause Sonic can't go any lower at this point...

@Leni

It looks like it will be a completely different game so I don't think it will be compeeting with the ps360 title...lol. Besides, Wii-only console owners buying the game will probably pay for the game development alone.

All I ask for is an option for GC controller in all wii games. If Wii Sonic Unleashed was the main priority then I'd have the confidence to believe they will come up with creative ways to use the Wii mote while maintaning the gameplay balance...but its obviously done for ps360 and wii/ps2 is an afterthought. So it has much less chance of sucking (ala soul Caliber legends) if they just do it the standard way...

Sonic and Knuckles (and sonic CD) are still my fave Sonics to this day. When I poped Sonic 3 cartrige on top of knuckles and discovered there is Hyper Sonic, Super Knuckles and extra features you don't get with Sonic Knuckles or Sonic 3 alone...that was one of the happiest days of my gaming life. So yes, I hear your pain...and I am with you on this one.