[P.P.A.]

Okay, so I downloaded the Unleashed demo on Live and ugh. I sincerely hope that single stage (Atropos Act 2 I think) is not a good example for the rest of the game. Because what I played was awful; the level was incredibly restrictive , in the 3D parts you'd only run in narrow paths about 2 Sonics wide without anything to do but going forward. The one or two times there was enough space to move around relatively freely that was hardly possible because Sonic accelerates FAR too quickly and is extremely nervous to control (which can be fixed by only tilting the control stick slightly though). The 2D parts are even more restrictive and allow for even less freedom than any of the Rivals or Rush games!
However when playing the game as the game dictates you to (with the stupidly fast acceleration and the speed pads EVERYWHERE) it's at least just as bad with you having nothing to do but pressing forward/right and holding down X, jumping once in half a minute. It's fast I'll admit, but at the expense of any interaction whatsoever. And who took away the "center the camera behind Sonic" button that was finally included in Sonic 06?! :( :( :(

The only redeeming value I've found was the charming details. There were pelicans in the 3D areas that reacted if you touched them, the large place with the tables and houses was really charming and there was a single staircase that led up to a small terrace from which you could view onto the plaza, completely apart from the main route and void of any relevant gameplay elements. Too bad that seems to have been the only such thing there.

[Bilan]

No, Windmill Isle 2 is one of the levels with no challenge at all.

Also Im guessing the demo has no werehog then?

A shame, because the werehog levels are a lot better than you'd expect.

[Eis Makai]

I hope so. Or I will be dissappointed.

[P.P.A.]

No, Windmill Isle 2 is one of the levels with no challenge at all.

Yay!

Also Im guessing the demo has no werehog then?

No. :(

A shame, because the werehog levels are a lot better than you'd expect.

Secretly I have been expecting this.

[Alondite]

The levels do get more complex and interesting, but the fundamental gameplay barely differentiates from what you described :(.  The 360 version seems to be much more "autopiloty" and imo, more restrictive, despite having longer, more interesting levels.  Also, as RPG said, the werehog levels aren't fantastic, but are not as bad as one might think.

[Waxwings]

The Wii's stages are more open, but they don't really utilize the space they give you. This makes the stages feel empty and pretty bland. It reminds me of a Sonic themed traditional racer: you have a lot of area to run around in, but the levels don't have enough obstacles in your way to make it interesting and fun.

This is just impressions from videos, though. And there are a few stages which use the gimmicks creatively, like Holoska and Chun-Nan.

[Aitamen]

I thought it felt like a racer, somewhat... 

I personally feel that, without the same level design as earlier games, the closest things to "shortcuts" we're going to get will be loop cuts... (dodging a gimmick that's otherwise slower...)

Werehog levels offer a lot of interesting bits, but that's about all...

I personally think (WiiS2 version, at least) will be maxed before long...

[F-Man]

I share your feelings on those god awful controls, but believe me. That's the best half of the game.

I never understood the complaints about the sadistic controls of, say, Sonic Heroes or STH06, but this werehog stuff will kill you repeatedly. Then it'll kill you some more. Mmmm pitfalls.

[Alondite]

Yeah, the controls are stiff.  You nudge the stick and jump ahead like 5 feet, it's annoying.

[Thorn]

However when playing the game as the game dictates you to (with the stupidly fast acceleration and the speed pads EVERYWHERE) it's at least just as bad with you having nothing to do but pressing forward/right and holding down X, jumping once in half a minute. It's fast I'll admit, but at the expense of any interaction whatsoever.

[Thorn]
(It might not be hard evidence...
...but I've gotta risk it!)

Er, sorry, I felt like I never got to make a proper Ace Attorney post. Anyway, if you can complete this level only jumping every half a minute, you'll have spent DAYS finishing it.

[EngiNerd]

HOLY...
That looked HARD.

[Selphos]

It did look hard, but it also looked like complete epic.

[Aitamen]

I thought that Thorn's run looked REALLY bland, and sadly, I think it supports the arguments against him more than it helps him...

Unless I'm mistaken, there's ONE WAY to clear most of the segments of that level... and that's kinda sad...

Where are the multiple routes that makes speedrunning fun?

[Thorn]

^In the types of levels that this topic was opened to argue with, naturally.

The wide-open levels have multiple routes, and TC says "boo no interaction". I post a platform-heavy level with nonstop interaction - one that can't have multiple routes in 2D, else there wouldn't be a giant pit o' doom due to path overlay - and I get the reply "boo no multiple routes".

Now we see why Sonic Team has an unpleasable fanbase and is destined to get low reviews for the rest of eternity.
Granted, there's a hell of a lot of other issues, but this one hits home.

[Selphos]

I don't see how "multiple routes" make a level awesome.

Especially one filled with platforms.

[HyperMephiles]

Wow the Demo I played was different than yours My level WASNT RESTRICTIVE

[Aitamen]

Thorn, it's 3D... if I can find ANY problem with it, I shout it out at the top of my lungs... you know this, already, I'm sure

However, the buggy-ness of other games doesn't bother me at all (S1MMv4, for example)

I did find this game fun, and I wholeheartedly admit to such a thing, however it does not feel "gratifying" as it should be...

getting sub-2 on EC made me smile... it was enjoyable and it was a smile and sigh... as I began to find shortcuts, it was more and more enjoyable...  when I sub 1:30'd it, I was totally happy ^_^

However, I don't find ANY of this to be the case when I annihilate the S-rank pre-req in my first few tries...

I honestly think that this game will be maxed before too long...

[lucasthelegend]

No, Windmill Isle 2 is one of the levels with no challenge at all.

Also Im guessing the demo has no werehog then?

A shame, because the werehog levels are a lot better than you'd expect.

The Warehog missions are brilliant alot of reviews say how they are terrible they seriously aren't terrible i enjoy them as well as speeding through all the normal sonic levels.