System: Wii
Dev: Sonic Team
Pub: Sega
Release: Feb. 20, 2007
Players: 1-4
Rating: Everyone
Review by Matthew Walker

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

Unfortunately, Sonic has its faults, which are incredibly frustrating. You will fail to complete levels again and again in Secret Rings, not due to your skill level, but because the control mechanics are too loose and unresponsive. Another equally damaging problem is that the camera acts in a contrived manner that disallows it to shoot the action accordingly.

The camera system remains unchanged and continues to show the action from the same focal point, even as you have to attempt to guide Sonic backwards. This becomes increasingly difficult and frustrating. In some cases, you will not be able to see anything behind you. Unfortunately, you are left to pray that you do not bump into an enemy or fall off a ledge that you cannot see. With Sonic constantly moving forward on a non-linear path, you will be forced to frequently stop and jump backward; in fact, there are even entire character upgrades built around the function.

None of this, however, matters. The real question on everyone's mind is whether this latest addition into the pantheon of the Sonic library is fun.

I can honestly say that even with the downfalls of the game, no matter how huge or small, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. For hours, you will exert yourself in a manner that is both physically rewarding and game rewarding. The advantages to owning a Wii are becoming all the more apparent and with Sonic and the Secret Rings, several of those advantages are sprawled along your television screen. Just one thing before you start - bring some water for your workout.

By Matthew Walker
CCC Freelance Writer

Features:

February 5, 2007 -

Sonic doesn't need Chaos Emeralds to have real power! by Philip Hanan

Sega takes a leap onto Nintendo's new console with a style that truly emulates what Sonic has always been about: speed! Unlike the complex control scheme and camera control in Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic and the Secret Rings delivers a simple game formula with easy-to-use controls and a simple camera.

To pull off such a great flashback to yesteryear, Sega retooled the 3D Sonic game engine and converted it to a linear style game with a focus on speed and simple attacks, just like Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis for GBA. This works well in a simple Arabian inspired environment with high walls, empty streets, and hopefully some bouncy tarps. The main goal of each level is to race straight through the environment, collecting rings which are set up in straight patterns and defeating enemies that are blocking the path by dashing into them.

To do so, you must play with the Wii-mote which gives you all the power of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic appears to run automatically this time around, so there's more focus on the player keeping directional control rather than maintaining speed. To make Sonic dodge enemies and collect rings, simply tilt the Wii-mote in horizontal position to the left and right. This will also make Sonic run up nearby walls, but you'll have to hold the tilt in order to keep him on one. To jump over obstacles, simply tap the 2 button; but to attack enemies, tap 2 and then tilt the Wii-mote forward. There are no other moves in the game, simply running and jumping which have been the most entertaining moves for Sonic during his entire history.

The camera has less control than the one in Sonic the Hedgehog, but in this case, it's a good thing because the A.I. has less jerky automatic control as well. The camera is now fixed behind Sonic so you can't possibly lose him on screen for a second. Thank you, Sega!

The camera has less control than the one in Sonic the Hedgehog, but in this case, it's a good thing because the A.I. has less jerky automatic control as well. The camera is now fixed behind Sonic so you can't possibly lose him on screen for a second. Thank you, Sega!

Aside from the simple gameplay and magical story, Sega still tries to add depth to the game with some unnamed missions that can be completed during the levels. Perhaps they'll add a Time Attack mode or an Enemy Count mode to the game. Maybe they'll even have a Ring Count mode or they may copy the A,B,C ranking level runs from Sonic Adventure.

For those of you who enjoyed the simple style of gameplay that was used in Sonic Riders, I think you'll be pleased for this game features the same great action plus multiplayer gaming! Technically, there isn't a two player story mode at this time, but Sega does include around 30 mini-games for up to four players. There's no word if other characters can be picked for the mode, but hopefully Amy, Shadow, and Silver will join the action this time around.

I haven't had a chance to test the game out yet, but honestly, I can say that gamers don't have much of a choice when choosing a Sonic game this year. Yes, Sonic and the Secret Rings is a simple, one character adventure which ends pretty fast, but that's a lot better than the complex, hard-to-see, strange character switch-off game for the PS3 and 360.

If you prefer the style of the classic 2D series, then I'm certain you'll enjoy this title, but if you enjoyed SA1,2, and Heroes, then this game will surely fall short in your eyes. For those Wii gamers looking forward to an Excitetruck style of gameplay, pick up this game when it's released March 7th, 2007.

By Philip Hanan
CCC Freelance Writer

May 9, 2006 -

After 15 years, Sonic gets to star in his own game again....all by his lonesome by Vaughn Smith

Sonic has started so many gaming careers, it's not even funny. Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, Amy, Rouge, Big the Cat....and the list goes on and on. None of them really went on to fame and fortune, mind you, but they still owe Sonic whatever career they've been able to eek out via the games, cartoons, cheap Gashapon toys, DVD's et al.

In Sonic Wild Fire*, Sonic gets to hedgehog the limelight all for himself in this Wii exclusive title from Sega, although we wouldn't be surprised if Eggman showed his pudgy thieving mug.

Sonic's new adventure unfolds from a storybook of the classic tale, Arabian Nights, the last several pages from the book have gone missing, and it's up to Sonic to re-create the story. The vibrant environments provide for a refreshingly new look to the franchise filled with brightly colored mosaic tiles, glistening oases, swaying palm trees, and crumbling stone columns. Sonic activates specific areas in the prismatic environment to pull off new tricks and stunts, in addition to interacting head-on with various obstacles by jumping, dodging, and dashing.

"Sonic Wild Fire* and the innovative Wii controller changes the way gamers play interactive entertainment," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of SEGA of America, Inc. "SEGA is excited to lead the gameplay revolution through its support of Wii with a Sonic release built exclusively for this new system."

Players will be able to use the Wii controller to have the utmost control over Sonic. Turning it left and right will steer him in those directions, while flinging it forward will cause Sonic to perform a dash attack to take out ground and air enemies or break down barriers.

In addition to the main single player game, Wild Fire* will also contain a number of single player and multiplayer minigames designed with the Wii's controller in mind.

Expect Sonic Wild Fire to appear sometime in 2007.

By Vaughn Smith
CCC Former Site Director

* "Sonic and the Secret Rings" was formerly known as "Sonic Wild fire"