Ah, Sonic Colors. Where to begin with this one...
For starters, let's just throw this out of the way. Ever since 2004, the Sonic series has been in a rut. While the handheld titles have been generally well-received, the console titles' reception have been... mixed at best, to say the least. Even the recently released Sonic The Hedgehog 4 has acquired quite a polarized reception, for arguably justifiable reasons. What's more important here, however, is the title I'm covering: Sonic Colors.
Released on November 16, 2010, just about a month ago, for the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS, Sonic Colors is the latest main series installment of the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise. The Wii Version uses a modified version of Sonic Unleashed HD's gameplay for its gameplay, while the DS version uses a modifed version of the tried-and-true gameplay from the Sonic Rush Series. The general story remains the same for both versions; it's just that the DS Version has a lot more NPC's, though they're mainly delegated to sidemissions. Though the sales are currently up in the air, the general reception for both titles have been... generally positive, a surprising change from the previous console titles' mixed reception.
As for why I decided to liveblog this particular game? Well, first of all, it's the best Sonic game since Sonic 3 And Knuckles, simple as that. Why wouldn't I liveblog a fun game? Second, I always wanted to do a liveblog that would also serves as a walkthrough guide of the game, to use for future references. That way, it could be of use for first-time players. Third, since my Xbox RROD'd on me, I can't continue my part of the Sonic Unleashed liveblog for a while. This will be my main LB until I can get a new Xbox.
In this liveblog, I shall be playing through the Wii version of the game *, shooting for 100% Completion. After I go through the main game, I will go through the levels again to search for the Special Rings and give my impressions of the Sonic Simulator stages. This will not be a blind run, though; I've already completed a file 100% a couple days ago.
For starters, here's the Opening CG for when the game boots up:
Personal Highlights:
- Initially, I thought Reach For The Stars was a tad too campy for my tastes. Now, I find it quite tolerable.
- Eggman - Large Ham, as always.
- The bit with Orbot and Cubot, Eggman's henchbots, is also quite amusing.
- The scene in Planet Wisp prior to Eggman's meddling is simply adorable, especially the part with the Blue Wisps balancing on top of each other.
- The part near the end where Sonic confronts Eggman was awesome, especially the PAUNCH!!!
After a start reminiscent to that of Sonic The Hedgehog 2, we come to the title screen showing Sonic and the Wisps running in space. Not only is it animated - a first since Sonic Adventure 2 Battle- it's also controllable to an extent. You can move the camera around Sonic and the Wisps, all while this theme plays.
Overall, it's a nice touch, if you ask me.
Pressing the + button (START button for the Gamecube Controller) brings up the New Game - Continue option. Pressing New Game brings up the Navigator toggle option. If you leave it on, not only will Hint Rings appear in the levels, but Yield Signs will also pop up when you're in the vicinity of any instant-death obstacles. For the purposes of this liveblog, I will leave this feature on.
Later on today, we'll be able to begin...
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