My 100% not biased review.
Graphics: The graphics are amazing. I mean, I've heard people say GTA IV has the best graphics or whatever, but I'd much rather look at screenshots from this game.
Story: While slightly cliched and predictable, the story DOES give you a perfect reason to run around the world kicking ass and taking names at 300 MPH (or 10 mph, for the Werehog).
Gameplay: Now, I understand this game is in two, possibly three parts here, but I'll do a rundown as fast as I can. First off, I know newcomers to the franchise often have a hard time with this game. We get it, it's hard, but that doesn't mean it sucks, it means you've just got to get used to it. Anyway, the Sonic stages are AMAZING, although I felt like you lost some speed (or maybe it's a lack of adrenaline rush?) in the transition from 2-D to 3-D, but it was still very good. I'm not sure what the Gamespot reviewer was thinking when he said it had unresponsive controls, I mean, there is a glitch that occurs in the China stage that prevents you from using the homing attack, but other than that, the controls work just fine. Now, here's a subject of mass hatred for no reason, the Werehog. The Werehog is a standard beat-em-up character with Mr. Fantastic's unshaven arms. And, after mass testing (I have made 7 people play as the Werehog), I have deduced that the Werehog is fun and appealing to newcomers and does not detract from the game experience. In fact, 3 people out of the 7 said they preferred Werehog to regular Sonic gameplay-wise, simply because it was easier. Also, in regards to the "You'll learn plenty of obvious information from the townsfolk" and those complaints.... are you stupid? Do you have rocks in your head? Name one RPG that doesn't have incredibly stupid townspeople. Also, in that picture, where it says "Something's Amiss", go back there at night and take a picture of someone she knows, exorcise them, find some other people in need of exorcising and you might get an achievement. To wrap this up, the Sonic gameplay is hard, but very satisfying and very fun and if that's not your cup of tea, the Werehog might be for you. If not, go back to playing Halo.
*Remembered: Oh yeah, I must admit that collecting medals to access certain stages was the dumbest idea in the game.
Audio: While usually when I review Sonic games I keep the Voices and Music separate, but I must say, the voice overs for our lovable anthropomorphous characters have greatly improved... except for whoever voices Tails. She should be shot.
Also, the music is awesome, taking the pulsing action of Sonic and some international themes and mixing it together to make a wonderful soundtrack. Also, the final boss's theme was amazing, does anyone know where I can download that?
All in all, I give this game an 8.0
P.S I know I explicitly wrote non-biased review, but I have played over 20 hours of Sonic Unleashed since I purchased it, and I actually like the last few games before Sonic 06, does that make me biased? I admit this game has some very minor issues, but it's still very satisfying.
P.S.S Why did the Wii version get better reviews? I disliked that game. It almost made me cry out of frustration with the Werehog.