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Sonic Unleashed leaked gameplay video except not because that's illegal!!!

by Jim Sterling on 03.23.2008 113 comments


Yesterday's Sonic Unleashed screen leak was the subject of much back and forth, legit/fake speculation, to the point where I gave up and stopped trying to edit the post to reflect the truth. They say a picture's worth a thousand words, but a video appaears to be far less controvertible proof of Sonic Unleashed's new look (or rather, pleasingly old look) hedgehog.
 
If this is indeed genuine (and until 100% confirmed by Sega, I'll err on the side of caution just in case) then what we're seeing is Sonic in 2.5D. Just yesterday, Destructoid posted an article called How to save Sonic the Hedgehog where we suggested a similar move, and it seems Sonic Team was actually working on one of the points.
 
Now, from this early footage, I'm already seeing a dangerous amount of "press the move button to win" violations going on, but I'll reserve judgment until we see more than just an early leaked video. I kind of wish Sonic Team wasn't working on it though, because I just know my hopes will get crushed.
 
Anyway, what do you guys think? Is this evidence enough for you, or do you need more? And why are we allowing so much controversy over a console-based Sonic the Hedgehog game, of all things!? 
 
[Update: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SONIC UNLEASHED VIDEO THAT WAS A DREAM YOU ALL HAD AND WE DON'T WANT TO GET SUED INSTEAD IS A VIDEO OF A HORSE SONG!]


   113 comments
CJSchmidt: Father Ted!   more
  Sega   Sonic  


There are 113 comments about this post:
sTo0z's Avatar
Still looks like you don't even get to play, just hold the stick to the right and watch Sonic run and bounce off things.

Oh wait I think I saw a quick jumping sequence in there.
Atheist Jew's Avatar
If that's genuine, I'm definitely interested in it.
The GHost's Avatar
Looks pretty convincing to me. If this is the direction they're taking Sonic in, I'm definitely on board.

Only time will tell when it comes to the level design...
Haxan's Avatar
If we assume that the enemies just haven't been put into the mix yet, then I'm totally onboard. I don't feel as though Sonic has truly evolved for the better since his original inception. And in that case I totally agree with your previous article. Maybe it's time the old Sega Mascot goes back in time to his roots updated only with 3D on the 2.5D scale. What I'm missing from this video is enemies and multiple levels of terrain to jump between and effect the ride along the way. But it's a good start, should they also add the rest in (and, as you said, Robotnic at the end of each level).
giraffywaffy's Avatar
Looks good, but I'm gonna be so disappointed unfortunately :(
The part where it becomes vertical running and in 3d gave me a bad flashback of sonic for wii
TheToiletDuck's Avatar
I'm with sToOz, seems you just need to hold right and go as fast as shit.

Might be more fun to play then watch though, so i'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
Unicorn's Avatar
OK!!! now i'm really REALLY interested. they need to add some enemies...

BRING BACK THE ROBOT OCTOPUS GUYS from Chemical Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and i'll be appeased.


hell...

bring back Chemical Zone and i'll be appeased.

they should really just remake Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 2.5-D and i'll be the happiest sonic fan (sans years of disappointment) in existence.


this footage has revitalized all hope for sonic.
Unicorn's Avatar
also.

even the music shows potential.

as in, i actually like it. compared to the crap they've been putting in the games since Sonic Adventure
StriderS's Avatar
Uh...I think this was more of a demonstration then all the actual gameplay. Wait a little to bash it, the game isn't announced, much less complete.
Maxsunset's Avatar
Why do Sonic game developers keep trying to make sonic games set in more realistic settings? It just doesnt work with sonic... They need to take a hint from Insomniac as far as how to do art direction right. Otherwise, it certainly looks like a step in the right direction.
Morrius's Avatar
That's the prettiest holding right I've ever seen.
freeman1's Avatar
I actually liked Sonic Rush on DS.
Trowble's Avatar
And why are we allowing so much controversy over a console-based Sonic the Hedgehog game, of all things!?

Sterling, because we've, and everybody and their mother have been waiting for something this for a lonnnnnng time and that's not the alcohol talking.
Trowble's Avatar
Either that, or it's just hopes and dreams not yet realized.
lucbernard's Avatar
I think I'm excited, but why not have it also on Wii? I mean sonic titles sell more on Nintendo machines

And I hated Sonic and the secret rings, the whole arabian nights theme with Sonic... wtf? were they on drugs
Kapkomi's Avatar
Kapkomi's Avatar
whoops!

anyway

this looks good. I've been pretty forgiving on the Sonic series, but I am happy about one thing. no god damn retarded rock music. platformers should not have rock soundtracks, the fast pace drum beat is a perfect fit for the game
GrayFox's Avatar
Not sure what I think about the game, but I really like the tune.
Dan CiTi's Avatar
This has soooooooo much potential. They better not fuck this up.
Reaprar's Avatar
"And why are we allowing so much controversy over a console-based Sonic the Hedgehog game, of all things!?"

Because we're all freaked out by how good it looks, and if this isn't a XBLA title (which I doubt due to size limits) then it'll be the first true 2D platformer we've seen in years on a console.
Orionsaint's Avatar
Oh I see what there doin. They're kinda keeping it 2D, but 3D at the sametime. Clever sonicteam. I like it!
Rainbowblack's Avatar
this has WIN written all over it

it's just too bad we are all being taken for a ride

and poor Jim is handcuffed to the rear bumped
kapshhh's Avatar
It looks great. That makes 2 potential Sonic games that can revive the franchise. But that's what I also thought when the next gen/secret rings Sonic games were first shown.
Samit Sarkar's Avatar
Wait...that’s not 2.5D, is it? I mean, the camera is behind and in front of Sonic at points, just like in Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast. Either way, that does look promising...but I’ll wait to truly pass judgment until Sega confirms that they put this trailer together (or at least that the footage is gameplay).

Also, Maxsunset is right. If Sonic Unleashed looked like Ratchet & Clank Future, that would be another step in the right direction. But we’ll see. While I can’t say that I have faith in the Sonic Team, I’m still holding out hope.
Shalashaska's Avatar
Well stick me in a dress and call me Sally, that there is a 3D sonic game done right! The game looks great, the song is kinda catchy, and its still 2D. Oh please Sega, let it be as good!
Remz's Avatar
I hope this is good, I keep coming to Sonic Team for some game lave, but then she just slaps me and tells me to start making dinner again. :(
hood_954's Avatar
anybody else notice that when sonic was going a bit faster than usual, the orange bar at the bottom was decreasing? looks like you can't just speed through the entire thing in a flash.
Orionsaint's Avatar
My guess and I hope I'm right, is that the sonic team has gone back to basics. Gone is trying to make sonic a 3D free roaming adventure game with tons of characters and dialogue and all that crap. This game is setup like the original Sonic games. You have stages, like stage 1a, 1b stage 21, 2b etc. Each level has it's own look and soundtrack. It's own theme. Super sonic speed, kill enemies, collect coins. bonus stage and fight a final boss. All with a 3D style. I would really love that!!!
Zeromus's Avatar
Looks too much like Rush. Rush was okay but mostly fail.
Reaprar's Avatar
@hood
Yeah it's not like everyone said that and then compared it to sonic rush instantly or anything.
realyst's Avatar
1) I liked Rush

2) These look promising

3) Please don't ruin this with levels of Tails in a robot suit.
wonky360's Avatar
I say good luck, Sonic is a fast wee bugger but he has a lot of ground to make up.
OrangeGoblin's Avatar
So apparantly in the game Sonic turns into a werewolf. Any interest I had in this game is gone.
Mekanikles's Avatar
Seems like the music is still god-awful...
Up2NoGooD's Avatar
its rivals on the home consoles with the energy bar from rush, but builds becos of rings not tricks. looks good but i want moreee
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Rush, in my opinion, was unspectacular, but playable. If this is anything like Rush, then it'll be the first playable console Sonic in like, a decade.

And at this rate, "playable" is going to be the biggest success for Sonic Team.
Triphoppin's Avatar
I don't know why, but for the past 4 times I've logged on I've seen a front page story about this dumb hedgehog and the probability that we may see a mouth watering glimpse of one of his newest games. Maybe the fact that I used to be a raving sonic fan when I was younger is the reason why I'm even commenting. Anyways...I suppose as with everyone else that we all just want this game to be playable. @ Jim -- thanks, hopefully we can all see a ray of hope for this blue rodent
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar
I haven't enjoyed a Sonic title since the days of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic and Knuckles.

I loved how they let you put Sonic 3 in the Sonic and Knuckles cart (or on top, whatever) and you could play as Knuckles in all the older levels. That was the hot shit right there.

Pretty much everything since has disappointed me.
catsithx's Avatar
looks good hopefullythey go back to basics andkeep it to what made sonice fun t play
suncrashesdown's Avatar
I don't understand why everyone was so sure those screenshots from yesterday were fake anyhow. This would all be quite a bit of effort for a couple of nerds to be pulling the wool over our eyes. If this video/those screens are fake, these guys deserve a job in Sega's art department.
Niero's Avatar
CAMERA.
Professor Pew's Avatar
Why do these 3D games have to be so fast all the time? The original Sonic was always faster and cooler than Mario, and that was enough. You never spent an entire level just rushing to the end at an insane speed... You were doing platform sections, then a couple of really fast sections and then some platforming again. Now it just looks like a racer.

I second the R&C comment, learn to pace your games again, Sonic Team :(
Pedro Blandino's Avatar
I'm still iffy on this. the camera makes this look unplayable at some points. and whats with the UI on screen when showing off the levels? and wtf is with sonic just running in to an enemy and them just floating away?!
youkilledmyguy's Avatar
Does it have blast processing though? If not, I'm not interested.
smackthenun's Avatar
bwahahahahaha werewolf sonic....i wonder if darth vader or yoda will be in it as well???
KamikazeTutor's Avatar
You had to go and look dump on the front page Pedro? I explained you that...

It's a rush attack. Sonic basically headbutts the enemies when you press it. Notice the sound-barrier-like effect in front of him, that's the rush attack, it's from Sonic Rush.

rush rush rush rush rush rush rush rush rush rush rush rush




tits
KamikazeTutor's Avatar
Oh, but regarding the floating, yeah the ragdolls aren't working yet. Or the animations, if they're supposed to break appart.
Cheeburga's Avatar
I want it.
:D
lucbernard's Avatar
wait did I hear sonic turning into a werewolf?
Guagloves's Avatar
well sonic is finally going fast again...that alone has me interested.
Wexx's Avatar
Games suck until they come out, and this looks like it'll probably be more of the same 'push the move to win' that we've seen in recent sonic games. Which is sad, but oh well. Sonic is gone. I for one, welcome our new overlords peddling these mediocore games on us!
RestingSound's Avatar
I don't understand what you people are excited about, this is Sonic and the Secret Rings in an outdoor environment. Its not 2D or 2.5D its 3D on rails. Why can't he stop or move to the left? Because sonic team sucks ass.
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
But will I be able to play as a sweetly retarded giant cat with a fishing pole?
RitualNet's Avatar
Oh it's on rails? That explains it. It looked like the game could play itself barring a platform jumping moment and the third-person "avoid robots" part.
KamikazeTutor's Avatar
Only now as Sonic Team discovered the Jekyll and Hyde tale.
adultswim810's Avatar
am i the only one who like adventure 2 battle?
Crunshii's Avatar
you know what could make this game friggin fresh. Have sega sell it with VR glasses and have people play it in FPV. Drink some Captn Morgans + coke and Dash away!
covah's Avatar
If it is real, which it looks like it is, I'm interested, but then again I was interested in the new one for the 360 at some point. I just want there to be a good sonic game how fucking hard is that!?
Christiangamer's Avatar
This looks bad! (in a good way) I hope it's a Wii or 360 game.
Chocobo Knight's Avatar
Linear speed-rushing doesn't really sound like a step in the right direction. Where are the secret nooks and crannies to find secret ring powerups and invincibilities? It just looks like it's on auto-pilot, though the camera angle is a step in the right direction.

Sorry, too many bad Sonic games keep me from even being on the fence on whether I like this or not. As I hope every time, maybe this one will be the one that changes my perspective. Time will tell.
brosef's Avatar
rofl@Mxyzptlk

I want to see it with enemies before I pass judgement. That being said...ABOUT DAMN TIME SEGA!!! W000000000T!!!
KamikazeTutor's Avatar
I'm so damn afraid... Sonic Team butchered NiGHTS with the new Wii game... How was that even remotely possible?... These guys are capable of ruining everything I love...
kohelhunter's Avatar
If sega listens to its fans, cuts out all characters except sonic and robotnik, adds more platforming elements by taking a page off of the mario on ds, and gives us our 2.5d non-rail game i may actually buy this.
StriderS's Avatar
Rush was awesome in my opinion. I just played it before this new game came up, so I'm hyped for it.

But even my inner fanboy is gonna wait to see more before getting all giddy.
KamikazeTutor's Avatar
Hey... I like Tails and Knuckles! It's awesome to pick up both controllers and as Tails, grab Sonic and fly him to higher, secret places.

Rush had a weird difficulty curve, but was okay. Now I'm playing Rush Adventure, and I have to say, I'm really digging it, but of course, I skip all the still image dialogue.
necrozen's Avatar
(based on what I see here)Just like the DS sonics - they haven't figured out that you have to slow things down occasionally and actually allow for some PLATFORMING. The original ones did that. I don't just want to tilt the stick right and go. You can put parts like that in there, but you have to slow things down too, and make it less linear.

ME: Tap tap tap. "Uh.. Eventually there will be PLATFORMING in this PLATFORMER, right?" Grin.

SEGA: SIGH. "I really hate that man."
MPHtails's Avatar
"I kind of wish Sonic Team wasn't working on it though, because I just know my hopes will get crushed."

That sums it up perfectly. It looks great, but that just gives the new Sega a bigger chance to wreck it to hell.

Also, I'm with Kamikazi Tutor, Tails and Knuckles win when used correctly as in S3&K. The level played to each of their strengths at the same time (well, Knux only had half the level the same most of the time, but still) and still posed a challenge to each. While I liked the treasure hunts of SA 1&2, I agree they need to get rid of them (and burn Tails' mechs in a huge plane crash fire) and get back to not fucking shit up.
The Wizard's Avatar
I think I might cry...
Yours Truly's Avatar
It's exactly what I've been dreaming about.
Noah's Avatar
The last Sonic for the 360 was pretty bad.
kohelhunter's Avatar
if sega can fix sonic they may just turn themselves around. Then hopefully they can fix PSU and all the other franchises they have ruined in the past 6 years.
The Incredible Edible Egg's Avatar
I read your little article about how to save Sonic and I really hope they put the third dimension on a rail. I miss Sonic and I even had some weird dream about it yesterday. I haven't checked up on DToid in a few days and I'm delighted to find something about a new game that lifts my hope.

Also, it seems nobody else noticed the fun level design

p.s. Sonic 3 gets my support in best level design
njsykora's Avatar
Follow the old Sonic formula for gameplay. Holding right will get you through a level quickly, but the important stuff (extra lives, secret areas, special stages etc) will need some exploring to be done.

I have always maintained that Sonic could be recovered. I am begging Sonic Team, don't betray the confidence of me and everyone else that has kept the faith.
vn1977's Avatar
This actually reminds me a lot of the Crash Bandicoot mini levels that are above the real ones in Crash 2. If you skip to 1:19 in this video, you'll know what I mean. Linear gameplay in 3D.

@ChocoboKnight & Haxan: I really miss those multi-leveled playgrounds as well, but the 3D collision detection will thwart any real hiding of objects or return to that kind of gameplay... Unless we're going to have "Ghost Sonic".
Dan CiTi's Avatar
If they fuck this up they better just make another Billy Hatcher.
trunxkam45's Avatar
This Timbuktu esque level looks quite cool.
Cyberxion's Avatar
Hold Left: The Game!

If it's real, then at least it looks nice.
Cyberxion's Avatar
Erm, Hold Right: The Game, even. Fuck me.

I'm way too hung over to be bothering with this shit.
stevesan's Avatar
The graphics look great! Looks like they're going for the Mario Galaxy aesthetic - kicking ass.

I hope the gameplay is either a) slower or b) all 2D. I couldn't play the Dreamcast version for the life of me...maybe I'm just getting old.

2D FTW!
WDot's Avatar
1. I like what I see.

2. Here's hoping for a PC port. So many Sonic games have them, why not just make it all of them? I'm willing to put up with a crappy console port as long as it isn't buggy.

3. Please Sega, polish this. So many of your Sonic games are killed by releasing too soon. Take as long as you need on this one, seriously.
stevesan's Avatar
RANT BEGIN.

Non-linear gameplay can go fuck itself. When I play a Sonic game, I want to go from level 1 to 2 with no bullshit in between - except maybe a short, trippy bonus level. Don't make me run around in a fucking hub area just to get to level 2. I don't think there was anyone playing Sonic on the Genesis who thought, "man this is a great game, but it would be better if it was non-linear, with a Pokemon-like mini-game!". Fuck Sonic Adventure in the ass. IT WAS SHIT ADMIT IT.
Eschatos's Avatar
Just let him die already.
Cyberxion's Avatar
@Steve

Yeah, Sonic Adventure doesn't stand the test of time very well, but it was alright back when it was released. Too bad that Sonic Team hasn't made any progress with the series since. It's incredibly sad that the latest Sonic game plays even worse than the DC game. @_@
Foe's Avatar
2.5 D, at freaking last people. I just want a game that sidescrolls and that I barely have to controll for 5 min streaches because it's going to fucking fast.
WDot's Avatar
@stevesan: I loved Sonic Adventure. What are you talking about with the "Pokemon-like minigame" line? The hub world was cool because it let you explore for secrets a bit rather than just hold forward and jump. None of the levels were too terribly far away from each other, so it wasn't like Wind Waker travel times to get from place to place.

You're entitled to your opinion, but your reasoning is odd. Why not attack it because it was buggy or because the animation is awkward? Why not attack any of the other 3D Sonics, which were ten times worse (except perhaps Heroes)? Complaining about a hub world just seems silly since it didn't break the action THAT much.
Y0j1mb0's Avatar
Fake.
the GAMEGOBLIN's Avatar
Fake.
Release82's Avatar
It's awesome how some people are judging the entire game from this video. Saying that all you have to do is press right all the time, all about speed etc etc.

There could be some platforming sequences, hidden zones, easter eggs and other crap we don't know yet. THIS IS OUR FIRST GLIMPSE AT THE GAME! Some still think its a fake for goodness sake.

The fact that the game looks like its going to be 2.5 D gives me hope in Sonic Team or whoever is making it.
killatia's Avatar
looks promising, makes me wanna go get sonic and the secret rings for my wii (which i liked more then some of the ohter 3d sonic games.)
bluexy's Avatar
Whoever made it I have to give a thumbs up and a pat on the back. I simply adore the idea that the key to making Sonic "fast" isn't by giving him a shitty personality, a bunch of super power and a mustache.

It's the level, not just any level mind you, but a beautiful level with attention to detail and a goal in mind. And you know what Sonic need to do on this level? Completely fucking ignore it, and just run with all of his speed through it.

I don't want to see a damn part of that beautiful level for any more than half a second. That added a bit of "fast" back to the mix.
Blake's Avatar
----Amount of Hope for game

-----Expectations

-----Most likely quality of game

That sums up my views.
Unicorn's Avatar
@Bluexy


you're on to something.
Scary Womanizing Pig Mask's Avatar
Whats with all the hate for Sonic Adventure 1 and 2? Those games were incredible!
Rifter01's Avatar
The chao mini-game was just a distraction to give your little bro or sis to keep them occupied while you played that game.

Also, LOLOL @ Big Cat Sweetly Retarted comment by Myxiplk (sp)?
---AMARU---'s Avatar
please be good goddamnit
Orionsaint's Avatar
Sonic should never have a real deep storyline. Keep it simple! Don't turn Sonic into an adventure RPG. Keep it a simple platformer.
mikemil828's Avatar
//Where are the secret nooks and crannies to find secret ring powerups and invincibilities? //

You expect them to show all that in a leaked 1 minute trailer? Relax. Man Sonic Team has it tough. While Mario fanboys fall over themselves to praise videos of Mario flying from one microplanet to another. Sonic fanboys are doom and gloom over a trailer not even meant for public release. Heck they can't even agree if the music is good or not.
SmDFrylock's Avatar
One thing I've learned about Sega as of late is they can make a preview that makes even the worst game look awesome.

The only way I'll touch it is if I play it first. Considering the last 3 sonic titles, you know in the back of your mind you should too, because it's going to have some crappy storyline, introduce yet another unnecessary character to the list of 15 or so that are out their now, and probably have some speed boost system based on how many Tony Hawk inspired 720 nose manual crooked rail grinds you can do on your boogieboard going down a 3 mile long rail grind 3000 ft in the sky with gaps and switches that if you don't jump and hit dead on, will result in pitfall death. (which explains the 99 lives.) Which you must do at least 12 times down the rail to get the S+++ grade at the endstage to unlock Knuckles so he can go on a scavenger hunt to dig up the first Chaos emerald once he reads a clue written on a fish that Big the cat just spent 30 minutes catching.

If it's for the Wii, I can pretty much guarantee it will suffer from Wiitardation. So I hope you liked Seven rings "shake the controller like a guy with muscle spasms" gameplay cause it will play just like that. Maybe they will get some brains and use the wiimote in its sideways NES configuration and drop motion controls altogether, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

If it's for 360 or PS3, you might have a better chance, but it'll probably suffer from either extremely long and frequent load times, or feature Hot Hedgehog on Human action.
mistic's Avatar
w00000000000000000t this looks awesome!!!!

DO WANT DO WANT DO WANT!
Upgrayedd's Avatar
Wow, I actually have, could it be..., HOPE.
HarassmentPanda's Avatar
I really hope the actual game (if it exists) is a lot slower than that video. Watching a blue blob run really quickly and jump for me just isn't fun. I want to play a platformer where I either use speed to solve puzzles or get it as a reward.
liquidninja's Avatar
@Unicorn hear, hear about the Chemical Zone from Sonic 2.

Also, I liked Sonic Rush but it could've been more complex then "just hold down forward, idiot" and it should've had more then 7 zones.

This looks like a real game. I'm pleased. If it ain't real then Sega just has to take notes. I mean really.
DaedHead8's Avatar
It's.....so beautiful.

Please let this be real Sega!
AgentMOO's Avatar
Looks like sonic team is bringing back FMV
bmaupin's Avatar


Can the cycle be borken?
Unicorn's Avatar
@bmaupin

LMFAO.

i hope so. i never fell back into the cycle after SA2, but this is the first time dipping my hope back in.
Feigro's Avatar
"So how do you play, Bob?"

"Just press forward, Jim. Starting running."

"Anything else? How do you beat the game?"

"Just press forward... Just keep running..."


Sonic the Hedgehog - Destroying Childhood Memories since... Childhood.

R.I.P.
PeZ's Avatar
WHYYY does the camera have to be so close? This is a problem that is plagued EVERY sonic game since Adventure. And those camera angles... I'm pretty sure this thing will be close to unplayable, as have the other Sonic games of late.
altrus's Avatar
I think this is annother fake by psyco3ler.

He did Nintendo ON and Super Mario Galaxy DS.


-altrus
Bacchus's Avatar
i want a sonic to be good again

please be good again sonic
liquidninja's Avatar
This is on Gametrailers now so if it is by psyco3ler then Sega is gonna look even more sad & pathetic (if thats possible) then they already do.
Necros's Avatar
It looks...better. But I just can't get my hopes up anymore.
CJSchmidt's Avatar
Father Ted!

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