10 Video Games That Got Terrible Reviews But Were Actually Great

Sonic Unleashed didn’t have a high bar to compete against when it first released back in 2008. Whilst Sonic the Hedgehog’s transition to the 3D era started well with its Adventure series, reception gradually declined, culminating in the atrocity that was Sonic the Hedgehog (Best known as Sonic 06). Following the disastrous reception received with Sonic 06, SEGA took it upon themselves to restore Sonic’s platforming brand and Unleashed was their first major effort

Introducing a day and night cycle within a brand new game engine. The story follows Sonic attempting to restore the world after arch-nemesis Doctor Eggman shatters it with a powerful laser to unleash the ancient evil known as Dark Gaia. After coming into contact with Dark Gaia, Sonic then finds himself dealing with his “Werehog” form.

It’s the Werehog segments where most criticism was levied, taking place at night with a heavier action focus but slower pace. Critics found it boring and tedious and this wasn’t helped by the daytime stages, which by comparison made the Werehog gameplay look worse than it was. Seeing Sonic move through fast-moving stages between 2D and 3D segments, it was reminiscent of the Mega Drive-era and helped it become one of Sonic’s better modern outings.