History YMMV / SonicColors

* SurprisinglyImprovedSequel: The previous few Sonic games, especially on the Wii, were not very well-received. This one, however, got nearly universally good, if not great, scores and was generally well-received in the long run.

* WinBackTheCrowd: Sonic ''[[CueTheFlyingPigs finally]]'' solved the problems associated with the series's VideoGame3DLeap with this game, and to say his fans were ecstatic is an understatement!

** Others, especially those who had fonder memories of the prior era of Sonic games, felt that the comedic writing failed to actually address the criticisms leveled at the previous era (underdeveloped cast, strong story concepts but flawed execution, etc.), instead just keeping the same problems of flawed writing with a comedic bent slapped on over it, with [[SoOkayItsAverage the comedy being extremely average at best]], to downright boring and missing its full potential due to not pushing beyond a "safe" boundary. Eggman returning is also a mixed bag, since a number of fans feels like Eggman's potential was severely underutilized, or his presence as a final boss undermined by the characters not taking him seriously even when he should be due to a constant torrent of jokes at his expense long after they stopped being funny. The story not being dark is also a point of contention, not necessarily because the story is LighterAndSofter, but rather that the storywriters misunderstood the criticisms and the balance that many feel previous games managed to hit, and ended up being so focused on the comedic light aspect that it undermined any genuine sense of drama or pathos when it was ''actually'' necessary.

-> '''Dr. Eggman:''' "Welcome to the Your-Mileage-May-Vary page! Here, you can discuss a variety of opinions of what makes ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' more or less of a pleasurable experience… [[TakeThatAudience if you're the self-centered, bossy type]]."

---> '''Eggman:''' "Release the [[GagPenis Big Boy]]!"

-->'''Orbot''': "Ah, there's the ''sweet'' sound my ''auditory processors'' (ears) know and ''love.''"

** Others, especially those who had fonder memories of the prior era of Sonic games, felt that the comedic writing failed to actually address the criticisms leveled at the previous era (underdeveloped cast, strong story concepts but flawed execution, etc.), instead just keeping the same problems of flawed writing with a comedic bent slapped on over it, with [[SoOkayItsAverage the comedy being extremely average at best]], to downright boring and missing its full potential due to not pushing beyond a "safe" boundary. Eggman returning is also a mixed bag, since a number of fans feels like Eggman's potential was severely underutilized, or his presence as a final boss undermined by the characters not taking him seriously even when he should be due to a constant torrent of jokes at his expense long after they stopped being funny. The story not being dark is also a point of contention, not necessarily because the story is LighterAndSofter, but rather that the storywriters missed the point and the balance that many feel previous games managed to hit, and ended up being so focused on the comedic light aspect that it undermined any genuine sense of drama or pathos when it was ''actually'' necessary.

** Others, especially those who had fonder memories of the prior era of Sonic games, felt that the comedic writing failed to actually address the criticisms leveled at the previous era (underdeveloped cast, strong story concepts but flawed execution, etc.), instead just keeping the same problems of flawed writing with a comedic bent slapped on over it, with [[SoOkayItsAverage the comedy being extremely average at best]], to downright boring and missing its full potential due to not pushing beyond a "safe" boundary. Eggman returning is also a mixed bag, since a number of fans feels like Eggman's potential was severely underutilized, or his presence as a final boss undermined by the characters not taking him seriously even when he should be due to a constant torrent of jokes at his expense long after they stopped being funny.

* ContestedSequel: While considered to be wholesale better than ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'', fans are somewhat broken on whether ''Unleashed''[='=]s daytime levels or ''Colors''[='=] levels are better. ''Colors''[='=] levels are either incredibly fun platforming and not as automated as ''Unleashed'', or ''Unleashed'' is much more fun because of greater speed and more 3D and ''Colors''[='=] slower, boring levels. Other aspects, such as the writing and more comedic tone are also points of contention amongst fans. Some consider the writing to be a fun breath of fresh air that keeps things simple, with quirky writing and wit to pad out cutscenes inbetween fun levels. Others, especially those who had fonder memories of the prior era of Sonic games, felt that the comedic writing failed to actually address the criticisms leveled at the previous era (underdeveloped cast, strong story concepts but flawed execution, etc.), instead just keeping the same problems of flawed writing with a comedic bent slapped on over it, with the comedy being extremely average at best, to downright boring and missing its full potential due to not pushing beyond a "safe" boundary.

* ContestedSequel: While considered to be wholesale better than ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'', fans are somewhat broken on whether ''Unleashed''[='=]s daytime levels or ''Colors''[='=] levels are better. ''Colors''[='=] levels are either incredibly fun platforming and not as automated as ''Unleashed'', or ''Unleashed'' is much more fun because of greater speed and more 3D and ''Colors''[='=] slower, boring levels. Other aspects, such as the writing and more comedic tone are also points of contention amongst fans.

* GeniusBonus: If the {{Retraux}} style of Game Land's music doesn't sound much like something the NES would produce, that's because it was never intended to be--Game Land's chiptune set is instead based on the sounds of the UsefulNotes/SegaMasterSystem.

* {{Woolseyism}}: Since the script is largely [[DenserAndWackier gag-based]], many jokes were changed between the Japqnese and English versions. It's most notable with the RunningGag of Cubot's voice chip; in English, his voice modes are {{Cowboy}}, [[TalkLikeAPirate Pirate]], and [[BrooklynRage Brooklyn]] (complete with a ''Film/TaxiDriver'' reference), with his default voice being deliberately grating and high-pitched. In the Japanese version, his voice modes are instead [[GratuitousNinja Ninja]], [[SumoWrestling Sumo Wrestler]], and CampGay, with his default voice [[PungeonMaster constantly telling "dad jokes"]].

** Asteroid Coaster Act 4 is very short and linear. It's the easiest level to reach S rank on by far.

* PortingDisaster: ''Sonic Colors Ultimate'' seemed like it would be a safe and easy win for the Blue Blur, given how well the original game did. Unfortunately, it would instead fall into this category despite the port being on more powerful consoles. When the game was released for early access Digital Deluxe players, it came with a lot of bugs and glitches compared to the original release, including crashes, numerous audio, visual and gameplay glitches, poor lighting, save data corruption, and [[https://twitter.com/GamerSTO265/status/1434356068214321154 seizure inducing glitches]], too. The Nintendo Switch version is considered the worst of them, amplifying all of the problems much more frequently, on top of having new issues such as having [[LoadsAndLoadsOfLoading longer loading times]] than the original ''Wii'' version and the Tails Assist often causing the controls to outright break when used (the quality of the port was so bad that Nintendo decided to issue refunds to anyone who bought the game, a rarity from them). While [[https://twitter.com/Blind_Squirrel_/status/1434660601800712197?s=20 the devs would scrambled to patch the game and fix the issues after much feedback]], many of the game's issues still remain.

** The Blue Cube for being the only wisp power to not transform Sonic, functioning instead as a glorified [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros P Switch]] during puzzle platforming sections. Also a case of PowerupLetdown because, while it does destroy everything on screen, using it takes a while and causes Sonic to stop dead in his tracks.
** Swinging on lollipops in Sweet Mountain, as it can be hard to tell when it's a good time to jump off and get to the next platform.

** The GameplayGrading in this game. It goes off of score rather than time like in some previous games and in ''Generations'', the idea being that a good performance involves finding secrets and performing advanced techniques, not just speedrunning the Act. However, a large percentage of your points will often come from Rings, and in this game you lose all of your Rings if you get hit, unlike many other modern ''Sonic'' games where you only lose a fraction of them. Get hit once, especially at the end of a MarathonLevel, and [[ShaggyDogStory you can kiss your S grade goodbye]].

** The levels with the yellow moving springs can also give grief, as you have to both keep up with the spring and not overpace it, as well as having to stomp on it to gain more height, which is very finicky and sometimes likes to not bounce you high enough to reach platforms. Best not let it tempt you to your death with its hard to reach rings. Asteroid Coaster Act 3 makes it even harder with [[BuffySpeak pushy things]] that instantly kill you if you don't stomp on the spring at just the right moment.

** The Miis are absent from the Sonic Simulator in ''Ultimate''. Makes sense for most versions, but completely inexcusable for the ''Switch'' version, as that console has full support for Miis. If you want to play as your Mii, you'll have to get the original Wii version.

** A mind-controlled Tails would have made an awesome boss for this game, especially considering that Tails had been becoming a NonActionGuy lately. Unfortunately, Eggman's mind-control ray ran out of power.

* CondemnedByHistory: The game's plot. Initially when it came out after a string of [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog rather]] [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 poorly]] received DarkerAndEdgier plotlines and games, ''Sonic Colors'' not taking itself all that seriously and poking fun at the franchise's usual tropes was genuinely considered a nice change of pace and a much needed breath of fresh air. However, game's after ''Colors'' took the same approach, to the point the meta humor started to become downright obnoxious, hitting it's zenith for many with ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', with the meta tone undermining any attempts the game makes at serious plot points. Nowadays, ''Sonic Colors'' is usually seen as starting the unpopular trend, with more people often picking apart the jokes as being rather lame and there being little to no stakes with the plot since nether Sonic or Tails are taking the threat Eggman proposes in this game (interplanetary enslavement) all that seriously.

* CondemnedByHistory: The game's plot. Initially when it came out after a string of [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog rather]] [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 poorly]] received DarkerAndEdgier plotlines and games, ''Sonic Colors'' not taking itself all that seriously and poking fun at the franchises usual tropes was genuinely considered a nice change of pace and a much needed breath of fresh air. However, game's after ''Colors'' took the same approach, to the point the meta humor started to become downright obnoxious, hitting it's zenith for many with ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', with the meta tone undermining any attempts the game makes at serious plot points. Nowadays, ''Sonic Colors'' is usually seen as starting the unpopular trend, with more people often picking apart the jokes as being rather lame and there being little to no stakes with the plot since nether Sonic or Tails are taking the threat Eggman proposes in this game (interplanetary enslavement) all that seriously.

* ContestedSequel: While considered to be wholesale better than ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'', fans are somewhat broken on whether ''Unleashed''[='=]s daytime levels or ''Colors''[='=] levels are better. ''Colors''[='=] levels are either incredibly fun platforming and not as automated as ''Unleashed'', or ''Unleashed'' is much more fun because of greater speed and more 3D and ''Colors''[='=] slower, boring levels. Other aspects, such as the writing and more comedic tone are also points of contention amongst fans.

* CondemnedByHistory: The game's plot. Initially when it came out after a string of [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog rather]] [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 poorly]] received DarkerAndEdgier plotlines and games, ''Sonic Colors'' not taking itself all that seriously and poking fun at the franchises usual tropes was genuinely considered a nice change of pace and a much needed breath of fresh air. However, game's after Colors took the same approach, to the point the meta humor started to become downright obnoxious, hitting it's zenith for many with ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', with the meta tone undermining any attempts the game makes at serious plot points. Now a days, ''Sonic Colors'' is usually seen as starting the unpopular trend, with more people often picking apart the jokes as being rather lame and there being little to no stakes with the plot since nether Sonic or Tails are taking the threat Eggman proposes in this game (interplanetary enslavement) all that seriously.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: When this game first came out, it was lauded as one of the best 3D games in the series that finally solved the VideoGame3DLeap-related problems the series had endured for years. Things that were praised were the simpler and more concise focus, as well as the game's lighter atmosphere. Fast forward over a decade later, and you'll find a significant group of fans who have accused this game of HypeBacklash and don't find anything particularly amazing about it, often accusing it of playing it too safe in terms of story or content. Something to keep in mind is that when this came out, Sonic had a notorious reputation for games with a lack of focus, polish, and narratives that tried to take themselves seriously, but fell flat due to execution. So a game like ''Colors'' seemed revolutionary at the time, but because the series would stick with that direction for subsequent games, it's caused a level of burnout and for this game to fall out of favor.

** The Miis are absent from the Sonic Simulator in ''Ultimate''. Makes sense for most versions, but ''not'' excusable for the ''Switch'' version, as that console has full support for Miis. If you want to play as your Mii, you'll have to get the original Wii version.

* AluminumChristmasTrees: Eggman advertises the Bucket O' Sushi restaurant with the tagline "Now with fish!" The term "sushi" does not in fact refer to the fish, but to the particular way the rice is prepared. Fish is optional.

** The Purple and Violet Wisps ''themselves''. They were once regular Wisps, but they were abducted by Eggman, forced to do his bidding, and transformed into violent, SlasherSmile-wearing, [[EyelessFace eyeless]] creatures. Eggman's process of enslaving creating them is also rather unnerving, and the DS version reveals that Tails' translator can't even get a read on them.

* WhatDoYouMeanItWasntMadeOnDrugs: Not only do levels include a tropical resort [[JustForFun/RecycledInSpace IN SPACE]], an underwater oriental city, and a whole planet [[LevelAte made out of food]], Sonic gets power-ups by ''fusing with magic squids''. The latter gets lampshaded when Sonic explains to Tails how he can use the Wisps' powers.
-->'''Tails:''' [[ArbitrarySkepticism I find that hard to believe.]]

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: When this game first came out, it was lauded as one of the best 3D games in the series that finally solved the VideoGame3DLeap-related problems the series had endured for years. Things that were praised were the simpler and more concise focus, as well as the game's lighter atmosphere. Fast forward over a decade later, and you'll find a significant group of fans who have accused this game of HypeBacklash and don't find anything particularly amazing about it, often accusing it of playing it too safe in terms of story or content. Something to keep in mind is that when this came out, Sonic had a notorious reputation for games with a lack of focus, polish, and narratives that tried to take themselves seriously, but fell flat due to execution. So a game like ''Colors'' seemed revolutionary at the time, but because the series would stick with that direction for subsequent games, it's caused a level of burnout and for this game to fall out of favor.

** Baldy [=McNosehair=] [[labelnote:Explanation]]The Wisps don't know Eggman's name, so Yacker refers to him in alien gibberish that Tails translates to "Baldy Nosehair." Sonic thinks it's hilarious and resolves to call Eggman "[[BeamMeUpScotty McNosehair]]."[[/labelnote]]

* AlternativeCharacterInterpretation: Are the Violet and Purple Wisps still good-natured Wisps, trying to use their new powers to aid Sonic; or did Eggman's tinkerings cause a FaceHeelTurn and they're simply using Sonic to [[{{Revenge}} get back]] at Eggman?

** Sonic the Hedgehog returns to being a snarky MascotWithAttitude like he was supposed to be from the start, rather than the flawless [[PowerOfFriendship friendship believer]] IdealHero from the 2000's.

** While the Miis being removed from the Sonic Simulator in ''Ultimate'' on the [=PS4=], [=PC=], and Xbox One versions are understandable, what's ''not'' excusable is the Miis being taken out of the ''Switch'' version, as that console has full support for Miis. If you want to play as your Mii, you'll have to get the original Wii version.

* CriticalDissonance: Has developed this over time. While the game continues to be held in high regard by critics and general audiences, the game has garnered a more divisive reception amongst the ''Sonic'' fandom in the years following its release, particularly in regards to its level design, structure and writing.