10 Video Games That Are Flawed Masterpieces
1. Sonic Unleashed (2008)
This article's author will go to the grave defending Sonic Unleashed as one of the best titles in the series since its jump to 3D.
Context is key when it comes to tackling Sonic Team's 2008 masterpiece. Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic 06, Unleashed's two major predecessors, had almost buried the franchise once and for all, and the game was set for a tough proving ground on an experimental new engine, the Hedgehog Engine.
And it's safe to say Unleashed is about a polarising game as anyone is ever likely to find. Dedicating half of the game to the never-seen-again Werehog mode, Unleashed's nighttime stages drew in plenty of criticism for its clunky camera, button-smashing combat and troublesome platforming.
But whilst we fully appreciate such a radical change to the Sonic formula was never going to be to everyone's taste, the overall look, feel and themes of Unleashed are undeniably brilliant. The different hub worlds and stages dedicated to different parts of the world make for a perfect homage to the old Sonic Adventure titles, and the Hedgehog Engine was able to deliver some of the most exhilarating daytime stages the franchise has seen to date.