HOLiDAY_AETERNUS

User Score
9.2

Presentation - 10
Gameplay - 9.0
Value - 9.0

 Formerly known as the REVOLUTION for its codename, the NINTENDO WII was to bring a new style to gaming with its new control schemes. It stirred up a lot of hype and anticipation and many wondered how games were going to translate into that. And it seems Sonic was ready to translate into it as well.

 Revealed at E3 2006, Sonic WildFire was announced during the great hype train for Sonic's then upcoming game that was simply titled "Sonic The Hedgehog" (I call it Sonic Future). The game was slightly overshadowed by it, but when that game turned out to have failed its hype, many turned to this game to set the franchise back on track. Now known as Sonic and the Secret Rings (and the Secret of the Rings at one point), a new wall of excitement has brought for our favorite hedgehog.

 Let's see what we would know before we would play this game. It's based off the Arabian Knights. That's right. Turns out Sonic has been summoned by Shahra The Ring Genie in order to stop the Erazor Djinn from stealing the pages of the book. After getting his life put on a time limit by a flaming arrow to the chest, Sonic will be sure to search for the power of the World Rings to save both the world and himself. And so, the quest begins...

 That story was... random. Which even makes it more interesting. It's a very original and innovative plot. The game simply follows within that theme, rendering most of the cutscenes in a Storybook fashion, which is all fine. While this all nice, though, the game just seems lamer than how it was when it was announced. The more the information on the game came and how it was ultimately played out... just paled compared to when it was known as Sonic WildFire (which was a cooler name. This new title does still match the theme of the game very well, though). The game is still a blast, though.

 Now, a look at the graphics. They are simply awesome for a Nintendo Wii game and they stand up well on their own. The character models, environments (just look at that water), textures, everything. It's fantastic eyecandy. A huge improvement from Sonic Heroes and Shadow The Hedgehog. For what they are, they are perfect.

 With a fantastic display of things, it will be inviting to play the game. This game is on-rails, one of its most notable features. Sonic will speed off when the WiiReMote is at a standstill. Controlling Sonic is much like a driving game; you use the WiiReMote to steer. He can brake and do many of his signature abilities, like the Homing Attack, which is done by propelling the Remote forward after jumping. His abilities are all nice in the game, but it would be nice to see the Spin Dash.

 And speaking of dashing, Sonic is given a new boost manuever known as the Speed Break. This ability is done by filling up the game's "Soul Gauge" and when the Directional Pad is pressed up, Sonic will blaze off at an incredible speed. Another move using the Soul Gauge is the Time Break, which enables Sonic to slow down time.  This definitely adds more personality to the game.

 Now, the game would be a lot better if it used a more traditional control scheme. It would actually be a lot better. This control scheme, though, is notable for its originality which very much aces in. And it plays well. It's similarities in driving games helps enforce the game's overall detail in its speed, which makes the game a lot of fun to play. There are a lot of positive points about its gameplay.

 The cons of this, though, are the obvious frustrations to be brought with it. The stages are set up to the point where you WILL wish this was more freely controlled so the game would play more... comfortably. The missions here are very difficult at times, which has a lot to do with the game's control scheme. While the level design may have some fights with the controls, this game just gets a whole lot funner when mastered. And the fact that this game has infinite lives is really cool.

 And speaking of improvements, there is a new Experience system in the game. The more EXP, the more Sonic will get new abilities, like selectable ones, a bigger Soul Gauge, and Sonic going much faster. This is an overall great addition to the game. It would be nice if Sonic would go a bit faster at the start of the game, though. Still, this is all very nice and original. Playing through the already mentioned missions is a lot of fun as well. And the boss battles are simply excellent.

 The Multiplayer Modes here are awesome. There is a Party Game here as well and it's a lot like Sonic Shuffle. This is all just plain awesome. This is best when you have others to play with, especially. You can also unlock new characters and new modes, which adds a lot of fun to the game. I find this to be perfect.

 The game's soundtrack is perfect. All of the tracks and tunes are so catchy. You will ROCKIN' THE PLACE as play a game with an UNAWAKENED FLOW through THE WICKED WILDS of the games where you LET THE SPEED TO MEND IT, making it a whole lot funner. There were a lot of puns in the previous statement, by the way. So, the soundtrack is awesome. It's hard to see what the ending theme has to do with the game, though. But it's WORTH A CHANCE to listen. Hey, look another pun!

 The voicework is fine. The game's script is questionable at points, though. But it does sound very nice for the most part, although some lines just don't have enough emotion. Overall, the sound and audio is great.

 There is just so much to be played in the game. It's extremely polished for the most part and there is just a lot to do. The replay value is superb. The game is superb. With all its new styles, Sonic and the Secret Rings simply aces. It's full of challenges and so much fun. It's worth the wait, and is worth the time.

 gh