Line #36 YMMV/SonicUnleashed


1	* AngstWhatAngst: Sonic is pretty mellow about Eggman completely beating him and his nightly transformations. Maybe beating down pieces of a CosmicHorror is a [[CatharsisFactor great stress reliever?]]
2	* AntiClimaxBoss: In the Playstation 2/Wii version, [[CycleOfHurting you can keep the Egg Dragoon from launching any nonscripted attacks with enough effort.]]
3	* [[AwesomeMusic/VideoGames Awesome Music]]: Considering that this is a [[AwesomeMusic/SonicTheHedgehog Sonic game]], this shouldn't be too much of a surprise.
4	* BadassDecay:
5	** This game is given flack for the cutscene where Tails gets scared by some Nightmares, despite being able to fight off threats like them in past games. It's also blamed for starting a trend that would go on for many years up to ''VideoGame/SonicForces''.
6	** Sometimes it's blamed for putting Eggman through the same as well, with a significant amount of cutscenes involving him treating him as a ButtMonkey, ridiculed not only by Sonic, but by his assistant SA-55 as well, overall making him look less of a threat than in earlier titles, which would continue through the next decade, though seems to have died down with the release of ''Forces''.
7	* BaseBreakingCharacter:
8	** Chip. Some find him and his relationship with Sonic over the course of the game to be adorable and heartwarming, others hate him for being an annoying, unfunny ExpositionFairy with a very unfitting English voice.
9	** The Werehog. There are still many people who dislike the form for its design, the sheer audacity of being a "[[NinjaPirateZombieRobot werewolf hedgehog with stretchy arms]]", and especially the slower-paced BeatEmUp gameplay that continues to be a sore point to the game. But there are plenty of vocal fans of the Werehog who find its design to be cool or even [[WhatMeasureIsANonCute adorable]], find the concept awesome or at least no more bizarre than other "strange" concepts in games, and either genuinely love the Werehog's gameplay, think it flawed but not irredeemable, or can agree to the gameplay being more bad than good but don’t consider it a problem inherent to the Werehog.
10	* BestBossEver:
11	** For Daytime bosses, the Egg Lancer, and that goes for both versions. It's a very challenging and elaborate boss fight with sections involving wall-running, dodging lasers, and making successful quick time events to do massive damage to the boss. It's quite telling that it's arguably far more elaborate and challenging than the final boss of ''VideoGame/SonicColors''.
12	** For Werehog bosses, the Egg Dragoon, due to the awesome music, the epic scale, and the incredibly satisfying [=QTEs=]. Plus, Eggman gets to be the ClimaxBoss!
13	* BestLevelEver:
14	** The general consensus for either version seems to be Rooftop Run Day Act 1. Apparently SEGA was listening, because Rooftop Run Day Act 1 is in ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations''.
15	** Dragon Road Day Act 1 is often regarded as being one of the best daytime stages in the game, due to its Chinese theming, memorable set pieces, gorgeous visuals, having a good mix of platforming and speed and of course, its [[https://youtu.be/n12UKd_45ew fantastic music]].
16	** Jungle Joyride Day Act 1 in the HD version is to this game what "Final Rush" was to ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', being a very challenging, but fun level that has you run at the speed of sound through lush jungles, above sparkling blue waters and at the end, across large and sprawling temples. The pumping music helps keep the intensity through the stage. This stage can be ThatOneLevel for newcomers due to a mixture of precise platforming, awkward water sections and framerate issues (which isn't as much of a problem when played on the Platform/XboxOne or Platform/XboxSeriesXAndS, which ramps up the framerate) but when mastered, it can truly be well, a "[[{{Pun}} joyride]]".
17	** As far as the night stages are concerned, the general consensus is that Cool Edge Night Act 1 is the most enjoyable out of the night stages, due to its [[{{Pun}} chill]] soundtrack, good mix of action and platforming and the beautiful visuals.
18	* BigLippedAlligatorMoment: In the cutscene where Sonic and Tails learn that Professor Pickle's been kidnapped, Chip says he'd rather be dead than hungry, and ''proceeds to die and become a ghost'', before reverting back to normal with no acknowledgement.
19	* BreatherLevel:
20	** In the Wii/[=PS2=] version, Jungle Joyride Day is this (in stark contrast to its HD counterpart, which falls on the [[ThatOneLevel opposite end of this spectrum]]). Both sections it's sandwiched between, Jungle Joyride Night and Eggmanland Day, are long, difficult, and have several tricky jumps that are incredibly easy to screw up. In contrast, Jungle Joyride Day is a short straightforward level with a few obstacles, with the only challenge being if you're going for the S rank. Even then, it's much easier to S rank than the previous stage Arid Sands, and the final level, Eggmanland.
21	** Also in the Wii/[=PS2=] version is Dragon Road Day, which is the easiest day stage in the game to S rank by far. Helping matters is the multitude of shortcuts and alternate paths for Sonic to take, allowing him plenty of opportunities to cut down on time.
22	* BrokenBase:
23	** Do yourself a favor, ''don't'' ask the online fanbase if this game is good or not. Another point of contention is Platform/{{Wii}}/[[Platform/PlayStation2 PS2]], with many arguments over whether the game is better than the HD version, not as good but good in its own right, or an abomination that never should have been made. The only thing that is agreed upon amongst the fandom is that the Wii/[=PS2=] version handles the sun/moon medal collecting far better than the HD version did, as it simply rewards you with them upon completing a level instead of them having to be found within levels. Some reviewers such as WebVideo/ExoParadigmGamer and LetsPlay/ClementJ642 have made the case that a great game could have been made by combining the best features of the Wii and HD versions.
24	** Within the game itself, fans are split on whether or not the FinalBoss with Dark Gaia is one of the best or worst boss fights in the series. Those that love it point to the scope of the battle, the awesomeness of using the Gaia Colossus, and the fantastic music that plays during the battle. Those that hate it point out that the Gaia Colossus is extremely slow and hard to control, the large amount of quick-time events, and the final phase being underwhelming.
25	** Eggmanland, the final zone, is one of, if not the most divisive final stage in any ''Sonic'' game. On one hand, many absolutely despise Eggmanland and view it as everything wrong with ''Unleashed'' in one zone, as it is brutally difficult, has some of the most precise platforming in the series, is insanely long and tedious by Sonic standards (a flawless playthrough can still take ''15'' minutes) and the constant switching between Hedgehog and Werehog can be a major pace breaker due to how different their styles are. However, many of the criticisms people have had towards Eggmanland are exactly why many ''adore'' the zone, who see it as a fittingly climatic, rewarding and epic final stage that works well as a true test of everything the player has learned thus far, on top of having incredibly epic music and some of the most diverse and open level design in the boost games thus far. This largely only applies to the HD version though, as it is a bit more well liked in the Wii/[=PS2=] version, which is segmented into separate acts, making it a bit less of a slog to get through.
26	* CameraScrew: The camera is actually pretty good at doing its job for the most part, until you reach balance beams, when the camera constantly swings around to get behind Sonic. Impatient players may find themselves suddenly falling off the beam, and, at worst, plummeting to their death.
27	* CharacterPerceptionEvolution: While the Werehog had always been a BaseBreakingCharacter, fan reception was especially vitriolic at the time of this game's release. For one, it debuted just two years after ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'', leading to accusations of Sega [[TheyCopiedItSoItSucks stealing the idea]] of a [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent werewolf alter-ego]] from that game. This was also when the Sonic franchise was still in its most infamous AudienceAlienatingEra, when fans were aversive to ''anything'' too experimental for the franchise. Over time, both of these sentiments have faded away, and fans have warmed up to the Werehog; fan art is made to this day, and is [[FandomSpecificPlot even applied to characters other than Sonic]].
28	* CharacterRerailment: After being [[{{Flanderization}} flanderized]] into an overly obsessive ClingyJealousGirl since the early-to-mid-2000s, Amy's more heartfelt and caring traits are made more prominent again in this game, with barely a sign of the clingy and aggressive traits in her previous portrayals.
29	* CommonKnowledge:
30	** People call SA-55 (Eggman's assistant mini-robot) "Ergo", because [[VerbalTic he keeps using that word]]. The name however was originally used on the game's now-defunct American and European websites.
31	** Fans refer to Eggmanland's Action Stage as "Crimson Carnival" in the same vein as the other Action Stages (e.g. Apotos' Action Stage is called Windmill Isle). However, "Crimson Carnival" has no actual basis in-game--in all versions of the game, including the Wii/[=PS2=] and the original Japanese versions (which fans claim the name to be from), the stage is simply called Eggmanland.
32	* CriticalDissonance: While the HD version of the game got lower scores on average than the SD version, the fans thought the opposite.
33	* DemonicSpiders: Dark Titans (incredibly powerful and can stunlock Sonic to death), Killer Bees (incredibly hard to hit and ridiculously damaging), and Fire Masters (need to be put out with a water barrel, otherwise just ''touching'' them will set you on fire).
34	* DisappointingLastLevel: Eggmanland is reviled [[BrokenBase by some]] for its insane difficulty and [[MarathonLevel nearly 20 minute long length]], both of which combine to make a level that can take almost an hour and is very probe to draining your lives. That being said, the [[BestBossEver boss fights against Egg Dragoon and Dark Gaia]] compensate it.
35	* EnsembleDarkhorse:
36	** SA-55 - The character appears alongside Eggman again in ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' as Orbot, and is joined by a second robot, called Cubot (Hint: [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin He's shaped like a cube]]).
37	** Professor Pickle is also rather well-liked, for his [[NiceGuy friendliness]] and [[CloudCuckoolander strange attributes]]. Being played by Creator/DanGreen likely helped.
38	** As a boss fight example, the Egg Dragoon has proven to be one of Eggman's most popular mecha in the franchise due to its sleek design and memorable battle, with it making return appearances in ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'' and ''VideoGame/SonicForces'' as a boss encounter.
39	* EvilIsCool: [[ArchEnemy Dr. Eggman]]. Despite being hit with BadassDecay in his personality, he still manages to successfully bait Sonic into a trap, use a massive laser to crack the planet open like an [[{{Pun}} egg]], and finally construct [[{{Egopolis}} Eggmanland]], a colossal AmusementParkOfDoom that he's been dreaming of since ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure''.
40	* {{Fanon}}: Although there's no evidence for it, fans commonly assume Empire City is part of the United Federation, given both locations are based on the United States, and Empire City's flag is clearly inspired by the American one (but looks nothing like the United Federation's).
41	* FanNickname:
42	** Because the non-HD version of ''Unleashed'' is more known for being on the Wii than it is the [=PS2=], it frequently is known by the name "Unwiished".
43	** "Werehog" for Sonic's lycanthrope form started out as this, despite it being a misnomer - the affix 'were' means 'man'.
44	** [[spoiler: [[Franchise/PowerRangers Gaia Temple Megazord]] for the Gaia Colossus, the HumongousMecha Chip creates out of all the world's Gaia Temples]].
45	** The [[VideoGame/SonicColors Orbot]] prototype, who didn't have an official name besides being named "SA-55" in the script, was often called "Ergo" by fans due to his constant use of the word as a catchphrase.
46	* FranchiseOriginalSin: Listed on the [[FranchiseOriginalSin/SonicTheHedgehog franchise page]].
47	* GameBreaker:
48	** At least for Werehog stages in the HD version, once the player unlocks a certain move [[spoiler:(Dash + Jump + Straight attack; which is the Spinning-Needle Attack)]], there is really no fight in the game that will give them any trouble. It hits harder than the average attack ''and'' has massive knockback and hitstun. To put this in perspective, it stuns ''[[DemonicSpiders Dark Titans]]'' out of any of their attacks except the jump shockwave.
49	** The [=Wii/PS2=] version doesn't even take as long to obtain the game-breaker, as your dash attack is all you'll really need in most fights.
50	* GeniusBonus: Remember Popping Eggcorn sold at Eggman Land? Well, [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggcorn "eggcorn" is a real word]]. It was coined in 2003, meaning the word was only five years old before it appeared in ''Sonic Unleashed''. It's used to describe a phrase that is mangled but still working in the original context on some level.
51	* GoddamnedBats: Fittingly, the Electric Bat and Dark Bat Sniper enemies (in contrast to their HelpfulMook relative). Also, enemies like Frights and Rexes can be annoying in large numbers. Let's just say the vast majority of the mooks in this game basically fit this trope, when it comes to the werehog levels anyway.
52	* GoodBadBugs: Not a bug per se, but traveling salesman Wentos can be exploited for nearly infinite rings, cutting the level grinding time required to unlock special moves considerably.
53	* SugarWiki/HeReallyCanAct: Creator/JasonGriffith, after years of criticism of his Sonic voice, surprised everyone with his solid performance. He stated in an interview that he took voice training after the completion of ''Sonic 06'', and it paid off well. More impressive, he explains in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owQGh2KWayQ this interview]] that he had to do all of the game's lines with a strep throat.
54	* HePannedItNowHeSucks: IGN and Gamespot gave ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'' for the Platform/Xbox360 and Platform/PlayStation3 a 4.5 and 3.5, respectively, which attracted widespread backlash from many ''Sonic'' fans, who were quick to accuse both outlets of being unfair and negatively biased towards the game (to the point that IGN's Youtube video of the review has ''20k'' dislikes over 1.4k likes). It didn't help that the scores they gave to ''Unleashed'' are lower than the ones they gave to the infamous ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'' (which got a 4.8 and 4.0 from IGN and Gamespot respectively), which even fans who disliked ''Unleashed'' thought was too harsh. The "inferior" Platform/PlayStation2[=/=]Platform/{{Wii}} version (by Dimps of ''VideoGame/SonicRush'' fame), however, got a 7.0 from both (though they were done by different reviewers).
55	* HilariousInHindsight: A 3D platform game starring a colorful mascot character embarking on a adventure across the world, with lot of different [=NPCs=] and varied cultural environments and joined by a floating little sidekick with a major gameplay gimmick centered around transformation? Complete with a vocal theme song? Sure enough, here comes a certain [[VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey game made by Sonic's ex-mascot rival]], a decade later.
56	* ItsHardSoItSucks: The daytime stages are often criticized for being ''too'' fast, as the game throws a lot of reflex-based obstacles at you with barely any time to react, and the speed blur exacerbates the problem by making them harder to see coming. Later boost-based games have [[SequelDifficultyDrop toned the speed down]] because of this.
57	* JustHereForGodzilla: Most people play this game for the daytime stages, to the point where all of those levels were ported over to ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'' as ''The Unleashed Project''.
58	* MandelaEffect: "Endless Possibility" is almost always referred to as "Endless Possibilities".
59	* MemeticMutation:
60	** A screenshot of the beta version of the opening cutscene had [[http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq182/OldSchoolTaylor/ohsnapsonic.png Sonic making a face that just screams "WTF".]] The internet took great notice of this.
61	** The Werehog battle theme can also apply due to how it plays at the beginning of ''every single normal fight in the game'' (besides bosses and [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon Eggmanland]]). Simply play the opening notes around someone who's played through ''Unleashed'' and you'll inevitably get [[HeroicBSOD a shell-shocked reaction.]]
62	** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLuzK3558p0 The Werehog's death scream]] due to how [[NarmCharm unintentionally hilarious it sounds in its sheer intensity.]]
63	** Eggman's [[DagwoodSandwich massive, photorealistic Hero Sandwich]] became a popular talking point for fans, for the reasons of both FoodPorn and how [[BigEater Eggman could]] ''[[BigEater somehow]]'' [[BigEater polish it off]] in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG6KajmJXws the space of only twenty seconds]].
64	** "Am I the only one who likes ''Sonic Unleashed''?"[[labelnote:Explanation]]During TheNewTwenties, many Website/{{Twitter}} users who enjoyed the game used variants of this question to challenge the longstanding stigma about its quality (often accompanied by screenshots). After a while, others began to feel that the phrase was overused and started spoofing it in various ways (ranging from changing the sentence midway through to pairing it with screenshots from an unrelated game).[[/labelnote]]
65	* {{Narm}}: The [=QTEs=] can be pretty hard to take seriously when they’re accompanied by a loud, generic doorbell sound effect. Nothing like taking the sails out of a dramatic fight between a Werehog and a giant mecha [[spoiler: while falling down into the Earth’s crater]] with music to match than a dissonantly cheery chime.
66	* PolishedPort:
67	** The Platform/Xbox360 version of the game was added to the backwards compatibility list for the Platform/XboxOne, and it's been reported that the emulated version has fewer framerate issues than on the original hardware.
68	** And all this goes double for Platform/XboxSeriesX, which is running the game without any lag reported in areas where the 360 version lagged the most, in addition to loading times being heavily reduced due to the console's SSD technology. This is most easily seen in Eggmanland, where [[https://twitter.com/JMotion0/status/1326383176890142720 the transitions between the Sonic and Werehog sections of the stage are now pretty much seamless]]. And now, a patch was added that allows the game to run at 60fps on the Series X with breathtaking results. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nZx4Oy4Uag Even Jungle Joyride runs like a dream!]]
69	* PortingDisaster:
70	** Unlike the Xbox 360 version, which was rereleased natively on Xbox One and Series X, The Platform/PlayStation3 version was not so lucky, instead being rereleased on the Platform/PlayStation4 and Platform/PlayStation5 through [=PlayStation=] Now, meaning it is streamed from cloud instead of running natively. To put it bluntly, combining the unreliable and unpredictable nature of internet cloud gaming and the already major performance problems of ''Unleashed'' results in a miserable experience that is filled with frequent input lag, screen tearing, occasional crashing and additional performance issues on top of the performance issues that are already present in ''Unleashed''. Unsurprisingly, it is widely considered by most to be the worst way to play ''Unleashed'' amongst the ways to play it.
71	** The [=PlayStation=] 2 version is also equally dreadful compared to the Nintendo Wii version it was based on. While the Dualshock 2 has a more comfortable button layout compared to even the Classic Controller or Gamecube configurations, the visuals are massively downgraded to compensate for the weaker hardware (the Werehog's fur looking more like a marble slab than actual fur). Making this worse is that while the game does support 480p Progressive Scan, it strangely doesn't allow for 16:9 viewing unlike the Wii version (despite the [=PS2=] being more than capable of supporting that aspect ratio), leading to a much more cluttered UI and a case of the Werehog's health bar overlapping the mini-map when fully upgraded.
72	* PopularWithFurries: This game introduced the Werehog design for Sonic. Furries took to him very well, either because they like werewolves or because they like how Sonic looks that way.
73	* ScrappyMechanic:
74	** Medal collecting is highly despised, as it is required in order to get into new levels, and finding the medals frequently requires the player to slow down and explore, especially with the day stages, as the gameplay doesn’t support exploring the level to find medals. It's more bearable in the Wii/[=PlayStation=] 2 version as the medals are awarded for clearing stages instead.
75	** Many have complained about how Quick Time Events are overused, especially in the later levels.
76	** Back upon release and for some years afterwards, the Werehog was hated for ruining the pace of the game. It was occasionally said that if the game were just the day levels, it would be considered on par with the best games in the series.
77	* SignatureSong:
78	** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0I9M86BnF4&t= Spagonia - Rooftop Run Day]]. One of the many reasons that it is considered a BestLevelEver.
79	** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yODLkaF8F-Y intentionally-poorly-played E-rank music]].
80	* SlowPacedBeginning: The Wii version suffers from this due to a large amount of forced tutorials for both Sonic and the Werehog (along with Chip stopping you to explain ''every single little thing''), and a bunch of long unskippable cutscenes back-to-back, which is made worse by the Mazuri levels being cut out since there's no gameplay to spice things up. Once the Egg Beetle is defeated and the player gets to Spagonia, the game thankfully begins to pick up the pace.
81	* SoOKItsAverage:
82	** The game as a whole leans towards this reception. On one hand, it has a lot of strong elements, such as the Sonic/daytime stages, the impressive production values and the wonderful music. On the other hand, aspects such as constant performance and frame rate issues, pacing issues, the Werehog/nighttime stages and the mandatory medal collecting bog down the experience considerably. That said, the game has slowly begun to move away from this territory and more into positive territory in recent years due to the game becoming VindicatedByHistory.
83	** The SD version (aka: the [=Wii/PS2=] version). It's not a bad version of the game and it can be enjoyable in its own right, even having some advantages over the HD version (such as the medals being rewarded to you instead of having to collect them and having a more fun final boss), but it is relatively barebones and lackluster compared to the HD version and there isn't much of a reason to play it over the HD version unless it's the only option one has.
84	* {{Squick}}: [[spoiler:Perfect Dark Gaia. He opens his mouth and seven freakishly huge eyes come out, surrounded by masses of tongues, as well as two pairs of arms that literally ''rip through the skin of his body'' and make a bloody mess. You eventually defeat him... by ramming said eyes. Blergh. And did we mention that when the eyes are rammed, you can see Dark Gaia’s sickly green blood gush out of it?]]
85	* SurpriseDifficulty: Make no mistake, people, this game ''will'' rip you several new ones if you get careless. Don't let the gorgeous visuals and LighterAndSofter feel fool you. [[ThatOneLevel ESPECIALLY during Eggmanland]]...
86	* SurprisinglyImprovedSequel: It is usually agreed that this game is miles above some of its 3D predecessors, especially its [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 immediate predecessor]].
87	* TaintedByThePreview: When the Werehog was leaked, many fans and even professional sites basically immediately starting slamming it for being "another dumb gimmick". The main reason for this is because the franchise at the time had become rather infamous for including mechanics that were largely considered gimmicks that [[ScrappyMechanic detracted from the overall game itself]]. The Werehog being considered particularly gratuitous, many immediately considered it to be spark that finally lit the powder keg for the fanbase, regardless of whatever the gameplay style ended up being.
88	* ThatOneLevel:
89	** Eggman Land: [[MarathonLevel 15+ minutes]] of nonstop PlatformHell, instant death-on-fail quick-time events, vicious combat, and (in the HD version) constant Sonic-Werehog shift. Fitting as it was the culmination of several attempts by Eggman across several games.
90	*** The Wii/Playstation 2 version isn't much better, with the daytime level being filled with tricky and dangerous obstacles (including a miniboss halfway through the level), and its missions being among the toughest in the game. Special mention goes to the time trial mission, which forces you to play through the ''entire'' stage under a ''very'' strict time limit, and it's ''required'' in order to beat the game. Then after all is said and done, you have ''five'' nighttime levels to go through...
91	** Savannah Citadel Day Act 2 is [[FakeDifficulty a perfect example of awful game design.]] The stage is a railless track with multiple sharp turns that are incredibly easy to fall off from. The level was designed with the intent of teaching the player to use the drift mechanic. But the drifting is so imprecise that you'll often fall off-course even if you seemingly do it right. Eventually, you'll find that drifting alone isn't enough--[[TrialAndErrorGameplay you have to do it at an exact spot where you'll stay on the road long enough without under-drifting.]] On top of that, this you have to complete this stage within [[TimedMission one minute and fifteen seconds!]] You'll be lucky to last the first thirty seconds.
92	** Dragon Road Night Act 3 (The Wii version, at least). The level doesn't get so bad until you get to a part where you have to fight a bunch of enemies on platforms with no safe ground below you, and it can be frustrating as most attacks move you forward and closer to the edge of a platform, some of which aren't that big, and it can be easy to accidentally dash and start running too fast and right off the platform.
93	** Jungle Joyride Day Act 1. At first, it's not so bad; a fair quick-stepping challenge with a lot of alternate paths to go through. But when you get to the water-running sections, it starts getting difficult for first-time players due to those sections' awkward sense of direction. Also, the stage is marred by more framerate issues than any part of the game, which can definitely throw you off.
94	* ThatOneSidequest: The Shamar quest "Save Yasmine". A timed course lasting two minutes, and all but the most skilled players will need every second. The course lasts much longer than other timed challeneges, and there's next to no margin of error. To make it even more frustrating, beating it requires finding a shortcut near the beginning that you're only likely to find by complete accident, as it requires making a jump after going through a loop. In game full of punishing sidequests, this one takes the cake.
95	* TheyCopiedItNowItSucks: Among other complaints regarding the Werehog, at the time of release it was compared unfavorably to Wolf Link from ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'', which had been released just two years prior. Over time, these comparisons have faded out as the Werehog became judged on its own merits.
96	* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot:
97	** There are those who think the Werehog itself was an interesting concept that simply wasn't used to its fullest potential in the narrative and the BeatEmUp gameplay by itself was not a good decision to begin with, the latter only serving to make an admittedly difficult to swallow idea more polarizing. If the Werehog been given more importance to the plot and had gameplay that wasn't both [[UnexpectedGameplayChange a huge departure from Sonic’s gameplay]] and blatant {{Padding}}, it could've been a welcome addition to ''Unleashed'' and not draw nearly as much ire as it did.
98	** For those that dislike Chip and Dark Gaia overall, some people tout the opening itself as missed potential, seeing as an awesome confrontation of that scale and level is never properly replicated in the game itself and feels like the end of an entire adventure that could have been a game all of its own.
99	* UglyCute: The Little Rex Dark Gaia minions. Sure, they may be made of pure dark energy, but they look like an adorable mix between a puppy and a baby t-rex and make cute whining sounds whenever they're attacked.
100	* UncertainAudience: Even among fans who simultaneously like both the daytime and Werehog gameplay, it's frequently noted that attempting to have [[GameplayRoulette both in one game]] led to this issue. The problem is that the two gameplay styles are diametrically opposed: the Daytime gameplay favors quick movement, blowing through generally unthreatening enemies, and flashy level setpieces; meanwhile, the Werehog gameplay focuses on slower movement, chipping away at enemies with combos, and more thoughtful puzzle solving. The opposing nature of the two gameplay styles meant that most players were likely to prefer one over the other, seeing the other gameplay style as an obstacle to getting to the part they liked. Even among fans of the ''Adventure'' games who like this sort of gameplay variety, it's argued either that the two gameplay styles were too divergent even to those fans or that the Werehog gameplay should have been given to a different character to make it more appealing. The daytime gameplay and [[VindicatedByHistory eventually]] the Werehog gameplay were found to be well-made individually, but as a result of them sharing a game, the disparate appeal of both gameplay styles created a major obstacle to the game being accepted by the fandom.
101	* UnderusedGameMechanic: Using hourglasses to switch between the Hedgehog and Werehog. They're heavily used in the level hubs, but the only level the mechanic is used in is [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon Eggmanland]], the last level of the game, nullifying any possible exploration of switching gameplay styles mid-level.
102	* VindicatedByHistory: The game was subjected to mixed to negative reception back in 2008, with the Werehog in particular catching a ton of heat. It reviewed poorly enough that it was among the games Sega de-listed to help rehabilitate the brand in 2010. While the game remains heavily divisive in the years that followed, it isn't uncommon to find more defenders towards ''Unleashed'', celebrating the game's creativity and production values, graphics that hold up well today, the varied and excellent soundtrack, and a plot that is generally considered solid. Many also appreciate the scope and ambition present in the game, which many felt that subsequent ''Sonic'' games lacked. Nowadays, the title often comes up in HD Remaster and PC Port requests, especially after the release of remasters and PC Ports of other [=PS3=]/360 SEGA titles that were released at the same time as ''Unleashed'', such as ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'', ''VideoGame/{{Vanquish}}'', ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'', and ''VideoGame/ResonanceOfFate''. The game was even relisted and rereleased to retail stores after being delisted in early 2010. As a sign of the game's changing perception, IGN, who had previously gave the HD release a 4.5 score when it came out in 2008, would give the game the number 10 spot on their ''The 10 Best Sonic Games'' video in 2022.
103	* SugarWiki/VisualEffectsOfAwesome: It says quite a lot that a late 2008 title still holds up so well. The CGI is gorgeous, the lighting, especially at night, is atmospheric, and models are very detailed. Creator/SonicTeam seems to have gone out of its way to show off the Hedgehog Engine, and succeeded.
104	* WinBackTheCrowd: This game was enough for some fans to let go of their resentment for ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'', though it would take a string of well-received games and a very long time for most to actually forgive Sega for it.

Context YMMV / SonicUnleashed