This is how a 3D Sonic game should be!
Graphics 7/10
The graphics in this game are very nice to look at, especially since we are talking about the PS2 version. Even though it is a last generation console, it still looks very spectacular. Sonic himself looks like a vamped up version of the Sonic Adventure model, which is fine. However, if this was the XBOX 360/PS3 version, I'd be giving it a 10/10, because that game just looks beautiful.
Game Play 7/10
The day stages are spot on. This is how a Sonic game should play. Fast-paced action, multiple paths, and a feeling of not having to stop. It's a rollercoaster ride that can be enjoyed by many. Although starting off I feel like i have trouble keeping him going straight unless I have my thumb on the joystick perfectly, you all know what I'm talking about.
The night stages are fun, but can be a bit much. Although it is fun to explore and it adds some difficulty to the game, I still feel the werehog stages slow things down a lot. Theres nothing more dissappointing than that gap between day stages, where we have to endure a bunch of night stages in a row constantly waiting for the chance to be the true sonic again.
Sound 8/9
The background music of this game is very well done. I can definately feel the different culture varieties when I listen to it, and each perfectly fits with the stage. The only problem I have is with the werehog fight music. What the hell is that? I feel more like i'm in a casino rather than I'm gonna be laying a smack down. Last time I checked we typically found werewolves in horror movies, so why is the music all cheerful?
Replay Value 6/10
After finishing the game, it is fun to go back and play the day stages, and the night stages if you REALLY want to. There is also the mission of collecting art, movies, music, and secret documents, as well as sun and moon medals that open up doors in the Gaia temples. This can all be fun up to a certain point, when it gets too tedious. When I get a sun/moon medal, I like that feeling of accomplishment, and after a while, it gets harder and harder to achieve that again. When it comes down to collecting every single damn thing in the game to get one moon medal when you are one away from opening the rest of the doors, it gives you the feeling, "well, what else can I REALLY get out of this anyway?" I haven't played the game in a few weeks just because I got tired of looking for everything... A little multiplayer would have helped, could have at least brought Shadow or Medal Sonic for the soul purpose of playing with a buddy. So other than finding everything to get that last few medals, there really isn't any other reason to pick it up again unless I want a quick Day Stage run.
Story 9/10
Best thing about the story is that they kept it simple. Simple meaning, only one story. Different viewpoints of the story just remind me of Vantage Point, which was one of the most annoying movies of all time. The Sonic Unleashed storyline definately kept my interest, it had comedy, and plenty of action when it called for it. There was only a few supporting characters, so it wasn't hard to keep up with everybody's back story.
Overall 8/10
This was definately a step in the right direction for Sonic Team. Keep games like this and keep making them better. Stick to fast Sonic, stick to a simple, interesting story. And stay away from spin-off games! I'm sorry, but a Sonic RPG? Stick to what sonic is known for! THIS!!