Game review XV: "Sonic Colors"

Sonic Colors perhaps maybe the closest thing to a game done right, according to fans of the franchise. While I tend to agree a little, there was something significantly different about this one. Either way, this game had good feedback from what I understand.

The plot this time around deals with the release of an amusement park up in space. Of all people, this park was Eggman's idea. Suspecting something sinister behind it, Sonic, as well as his right hand buddy Tails, goes to investigate. Much to his suspicion, Eggman was indeed plotting something, involving an alien race called Wisps, and their hyper-go-lucky energy. The heroic duo, alongside the unique Wisp, Yacker, set off to foil his plan, and free every last Wisp.

The game was released for both Wii and the Nintendo DS, with each version taking after their respective predecessors:

Sonic Colors Wii

• WII: Sonic Colors featured 2D to 3D gameplay seen in the preceding Sonic Unleasehed, even though its gameplay relates more to the PS3/X360 version of it. The game could be played with 4 different controls: The Wii Remote (with/without the Nunchuk) the Classic Controller, or the Gamecube Controller. It had more acts compared to the DS version, each stage bring vibrant visuals.There are 8 Wisps in this version, but here's four you'll see in both versions: The White Wisp can fill your boost gauge, Cyan Lazer can give Sonic the ability to zip through power lines and bounce off surfaces in quick speed. Orange Rocket can make Sonic launch straight upward to different areas, and the Yellow Drill can let you dig underground, and effectively swim. Be wary, though that if you revert while still underground, you will lose a life.
  
  There are 4 exclusive Wisps in this version. Pink Spike transforms Sonic into a spiky creature that can cling to even the ceilings, while also accessing a spiky variation to the signature Spin Dash. Green Hover allows you to temporarily hover to higher areas, which is highly needed for some stages. Blue Cube can crush nearby enemies upon impact to the ground, and can switch blocks to access different areas. Purple Frenzy is a Wisp unlike the rest. Already tainted with negative energy by Eggman, these Nega-Wisps are destructive. By contacting one, Sonic transforms into a beast that munches anything in his path, growing bigger in size until the gauge is depleted.

Sonic Colors DS

•  DS: The DS version of the game is reminiscent to the Sonic Rush games. While he still uses the Spin Dash at will, there are fewer wisps, and each park only has 3 key acts. The controls are more or less akin to the set up from Sonic Rush, with transforming being the Y Button. Also, like Sonic Rush, it has the special stages that utilize the stylus and the bottom screen. To add, while this isn't true for the Wii version, the DS version hosts missions that include cameos from other characters. Adding to the few differences were the reduction of animated cutscenes.
  
  While Green Hover, Purple Frenzy, Blue Cube, and Pink Spike are absent, the DS versions do have their own exclusives. Red Burst gives Sonic endless double jumping ability as long as there's energy in the gauge. Burst can also power certain gimmicks to get to different areas. Lastly, Violet Void works in the same fashion as the Purple Frenzy: being a Nega-Wisp, it allows Sonic to swallow everything in it's path, and expand its size.

Interesting to note that the Wii version allows Sonic to access his super form during the stages, something rarely done in the next gen titles. DS, on the other hand, has an extra boss that uses Super Sonic's form, further relating its gameplay to Sonic Rush. Another noteworthy trait was the change in cast, as all the characters (save for Eggman) feature a new voice, no longer done by the casting crew of 4Kids (Mike Pollock, however, retains his role as Eggman). All in all, Sonic Colors is a grand title indeed, with expectations running high for the upcoming Sonic Generations game. Sonic Colors, BOTH versions, gain a respectable 7.9 of 10.