System: Wii
Dev: Sega
Pub: Sega
Release: November 16, 2010
Players: 1-2
Screen Resolution: 480p	Cartoon Violence

While this is a pretty minor complaint, particularly given the nature of Sonic games since Sonic Adventure, it can actually be a stumbling block at times. 3D Sonic games have always struggled to one degree or another to maintain a balance of speed and challenge, and Colors is no exception. The very nature of moving at comparative breakneck speeds through a level means that from time to time you may run headlong into an obstacle or challenge that you're not expecting, like a jump that you weren't prepared for or a sudden change in the level that will send you hurtling to your death if you mess up. Reaction time here is key, and sometimes it's just not clear enough where exactly you're going or what you're supposed to be doing. Similarly, the game occasional presents you with an odd camera angle or seeming dead end with little guidance. Again, this isn't a huge deal, particularly since for the most part the game moves at its decidedly quick clip with few major hitches. Still, some younger players may have a hard time at points with this one.

However, when measured against the varying degrees of travesty we have been subjected to in our Sonic games over the past decade, these "problems" pale in comparison. The only noteworthy absence is the use of Sonic's trademark spin-dash, though that's a small price to pay for the mostly unadulterated hedgehog experience you're given here (there's a boost button, anyway).

The game's aesthetics are worth mentioning too: this isn't just a gorgeous Wii game. It's one that flaunts its wild color palette with aplomb. Tropical forests, deep space, underwater passages, and candy-coated worlds jump out of the screen in one of the most (go figure) colorful and vibrant games his side of DKC Returns (complete with a generally great bluesy soundtrack). It's nice to see companies other than Nintendo pushing the Wii's hardware.

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Overall, the Sonic fans that have endured the punishment Sega has been dishing for the past several years are going to really enjoy Sonic Colors. It's better than Sonic 4—though Dimps' retro revival still has the chance to pull ahead in upcoming episodes—and its quality gameplay easily makes it the best modern Sonic game. Those of you that have been following the hedgehog since he went 3D know well how significant that is.

By Steve Haske
CCC Freelance Writer