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MONSTER

Sonic Colors: Ultimate

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Sonic Colors: Ultimate
Item: Sonic Colors: Ultimate
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Comedy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 7, 2021

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperBlind Squirrel Entertainment

Overview

Sonic Colors: Ultimate will be arriving September 7th, 2021! Join Sonic on an intergalactic journey, fully remastered for a new generation -- with a few new features, too! Sonic Colors: Ultimate is being developed by Blind Squirrel Entertainment, a passionate team known for their AAA HD remasters.

Elsewhere

6.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate offers a lighthearted, engaging story praised for its charm and humor, appealing to younger fans. However, many critics slam it for lacking depth, originality, and creativity, labeling it clichéd and superficial. While it enhances the gameplay experience, the narrative is seen as a weak backdrop rather than a compelling tale, leaving some players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Sonic Colors: Ultimate has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its lighthearted and engaging nature. Many reviewers appreciated the simple premise that serves as a backdrop for the gameplay, with Sonic and Tails investigating Dr. Eggman's amusement park and rescuing the alien Wisps. For instance, IGN highlighted the well-acted voice performances and humor sprinkled throughout the narrative, which adds to the overall enjoyment. GamingBolt also noted that the story's lightweight and snappy cutscenes could appeal to younger players, while Gfinity mentioned the game's return to basics, making it accessible for a new generation of Sonic fans. The narrative's simplicity allows it to maintain a fun, cartoonish tone, which many critics found charming. On the flip side, a significant number of reviewers criticized the story for its lack of depth and originality. Critics like Pure Nintendo and BaziCenter described the writing as painful and cliché, with flat jokes that do not resonate well with players. The narrative's superficiality was a common theme, as highlighted by Meristation, who pointed out that the story is minimal and can be easily skipped without losing important context. Additionally, But Why Tho? criticized the cutscenes for their poor quality compared to the rest of the game, which detracted from the overall storytelling experience. Overall, many critics felt that while the story served its purpose, it fell flat in terms of creativity and engagement. The overall consensus among critics is that while Sonic Colors: Ultimate features a straightforward and lighthearted story, it lacks the depth and excitement that some players might expect from a Sonic title. Many reviews echoed the sentiment that the narrative is primarily a vehicle for gameplay rather than a compelling tale. Critics like Nintenderos and Screen Rant noted that the story is simple and serves as a backdrop for the core gameplay mechanics, which may not satisfy players looking for a more intricate plot. Ultimately, while the game successfully captures a fun and whimsical atmosphere, the narrative's shortcomings leave it feeling underwhelming to a portion of the audience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate impresses with its vibrant level design and engaging mechanics, blending 2D and 3D gameplay that appeals to both new and veteran fans. The introduction of Wisps adds excitement and encourages exploration. However, many critics raise concerns about floaty controls and a lack of challenge, leading to frustrating moments. While it captures classic Sonic charm, the execution leaves mixed feelings, suggesting it might not satisfy players craving a more polished platforming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Sonic Colors: Ultimate has garnered a mix of praise from critics, highlighting its vibrant level design and engaging mechanics. Many reviewers, such as TheGamer and GamingBolt, commend the game for its fast-paced platforming that successfully blends 2D and 3D elements, creating a sense of exhilaration reminiscent of classic Sonic titles. The introduction of Wisps as power-ups, which provide unique abilities and encourage exploration, is frequently noted as a positive aspect, with Comicbook.com emphasizing how these elements add an interesting dynamic to the gameplay. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Worth Playing appreciate the variety in level design and the replayability offered through collectibles and challenges, suggesting that the game caters well to both new players and long-time fans of the franchise. However, several critics express concerns regarding the gameplay's execution, particularly in terms of control and challenge. Trusted Reviews and BaziCenter point out that the platforming may feel overly simplistic and lacks the engaging challenge expected from a Sonic game. The controls are often described as floaty or imprecise, with Metro GameCentral and GameSkinny noting that the gameplay can feel clunky and unenjoyable in certain areas. Moreover, some reviewers, including NME and Finger Guns, highlight a disconnection between the exhilarating speed and the finicky platforming mechanics, leading to moments of frustration rather than fun. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Sonic Colors: Ultimate has its strengths in vibrant design and engaging mechanics, it is hampered by control issues and a lack of challenge. Many reviewers appreciate the nostalgic elements and the inclusion of Wisps, but the game also faces criticism for its inconsistent gameplay experience. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Pure Xbox acknowledge that the game maintains the classic Sonic formula, yet the mixed opinions indicate that Sonic Colors: Ultimate may not fully satisfy all players, particularly those seeking a more refined and challenging platforming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate impresses with vibrant, colorful environments and smooth 60fps gameplay on modern platforms, earning praise for its imaginative design. However, critics are let down by its lack of significant upgrades over the original Wii version, with issues like muddy visuals and outdated cutscenes. The game feels more like an enhanced port than a true remaster, leaving fans nostalgic but wanting more polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Sonic Colors: Ultimate have garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly regarding the vibrant and colorful environments that many found appealing. Critics like Everyeye.it and GAMINGbible noted the enhanced graphics, with Everyeye.it highlighting the vibrant and detailed environments and consistent 60fps frame rate. The game’s ability to run at 4K on supported platforms was also appreciated, with Push Square stating that the remaster revamps the game with improved visuals, running at a mostly flawless 60 frames-per-second. Furthermore, Nintendo Insider pointed out the visually distinct themed areas within the amusement park, which added a refreshing change from typical settings, showcasing the game’s imaginative level design. However, the negatives surrounding the visual design are hard to overlook. Many critics expressed disappointment with the lack of significant improvements over the original Wii version. For instance, NintendoWorldReport criticized the Switch version for its downgrades, including longer load times and missing graphical effects, while Gaming Age described the visuals as "muddy" with colors bleeding into each other. Critics like Cubed3 and Shacknews echoed similar sentiments, stating that the visual upgrades were not impressive and that the game still looked fairly old, especially during cutscenes. The consensus among several reviewers, including Malditos Nerds and Nintenderos, was that while the gameplay visuals had improved, the cutscenes felt outdated and detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Sonic Colors: Ultimate presents a visually appealing experience in terms of gameplay, particularly on modern platforms, but falls short in delivering a comprehensive remaster. Critics like IGN and Hobby Consolas acknowledged the improvements in lighting and character models, yet many pointed out that the game still feels more like an enhanced port rather than a full remaster, as noted by Nintendo Life. The mixed reviews highlight a divide between the game's vibrant level designs and the underwhelming quality of its cutscenes, leaving players with a sense of nostalgia for the original while wishing for a more polished visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate’s sound design and remixed soundtrack are a mixed bag; praised for fresh orchestral themes that enhance gameplay, yet criticized for not living up to the originals and suffering from audio mixing issues. While some find the new music energetic and catchy, others feel it's flat and lacking charm. The inability to toggle between old and new tracks is seen as a major flaw, leaving some players disappointed despite the game’s overall commendable audio presentation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Sonic Colors: Ultimate have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly regarding the remixed soundtrack. Many reviewers, such as Attack of the Fanboy and Shacknews, highlighted the fresh orchestral themes and energetic remixes that enhance the gameplay experience. Critics like Game Over Online and Worth Playing emphasized the overall sound presentation, noting that the remixed tracks complement the fast-paced action of the game effectively. Additionally, the inclusion of language options, such as Spanish dubbing, was positively received by critics like Generación Xbox and Vandal, adding to the game's accessibility and charm for diverse audiences. However, the remixed soundtrack has also faced significant criticism. Reviewers such as Cubed3 and Nintendojo expressed disappointment with the remixes, arguing that they do not measure up to the original tracks, with some even describing them as flat and dull. Issues with sound design were noted by critics like MondoXbox and NintendoWorldReport, who pointed out problems with audio mixing and the inability to adjust volume levels separately for music and sound effects. This inconsistency in audio quality has led to a less than satisfactory experience for some players, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a divide between those who appreciate the new remixes and those who prefer the originals. While many reviewers, including NME and GameSkinny, praised the energetic and catchy nature of the soundtrack, others criticized the remixes for lacking the charm of the originals. The inability to switch between the new and original soundtracks has been highlighted as a significant oversight by critics like IGN and Metro GameCentral. Ultimately, while Sonic Colors: Ultimate features a commendable soundtrack with some standout moments, the mixed reception of the remixes and sound design issues have left a portion of the player base feeling underwhelmed.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise the voice acting in Sonic Colors: Ultimate for its quality, humor, and improvements over previous titles, especially highlighting the new Spanish dub. While familiar voices and comedic elements add charm, some note that loud music can overshadow the performances, and the overly childish tone may alienate older players. Overall, it's a solid enhancement that resonates well with many, despite some drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Sonic Colors: Ultimate has received a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising the quality and familiarity of the performances. Notably, Generación Xbox highlighted the addition of a high-quality Spanish dub, which is a significant enhancement for Spanish-speaking players. Critics such as Comicbook.com and IGN noted that the voice work effectively captures the trademark humor expected from modern Sonic games, with characters like Cubot and Orbot adding to the comedic elements of the story. Furthermore, Hardcore Gamer emphasized that the voice acting is a marked improvement over previous Sonic titles, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The presence of well-known voice actors returning for their roles, as noted by Hobby Consolas and Vandal, further contributes to the game's charm and appeal. Despite the overall praise, some critics pointed out notable drawbacks in the voice acting. GamingTrend raised concerns that the voice work can be overshadowed by the loud music during cutscenes, which may detract from the intended comedic and narrative impact. Additionally, Meristation and Trusted Reviews criticized the voice acting for being excessively childish and aimed at a younger audience, suggesting that the humor and delivery might not resonate with all players. iMore echoed this sentiment, describing some cutscenes as cringy and filled with clichéd dialogue, which could detract from the overall experience for older gamers. The overall consensus among critics indicates a generally favorable view of the voice acting in Sonic Colors: Ultimate, with many acknowledging its improvements and contributions to the game's charm. While there are criticisms regarding the childish tone and potential overshadowing by music, the strong performances from familiar voice actors and the inclusion of localized dubs have been well-received. Critics like Nintenderos and Vandal reinforced this positive sentiment by praising the excellent quality of the voice acting, particularly in the Spanish version. Ultimately, while the voice acting may not appeal to every player, it appears to enhance the experience for a significant portion of the audience, aligning well with the game's playful and cartoonish aesthetic.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate's technical performance is a mixed bag. Xbox Series X and PS5 shine with 60fps and enhanced visuals, but Xbox One and PS4 suffer from bugs and frame drops. The Nintendo Switch struggles the most, despite post-patch improvements, with significant lag and loading issues. Critics agree the remaster fails to fully harness modern hardware, leading to a less-than-stellar experience across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Sonic Colors: Ultimate varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with notable strengths for each. On Xbox One, several critics, including Cubed3 and Pure Xbox, report that the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second (fps) on the more powerful Xbox Series X, with Pure Xbox highlighting a lack of bugs or issues on that platform. Generación Xbox praises the 4K resolution and smooth performance, while Xbox Achievements notes that the gameplay is stable, albeit with cutscenes that do not match the visual quality of the gameplay. On PlayStation 4, the game is generally well-received, with many reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and IGN praising its smooth performance at 60fps. Critics like Gfinity and Game Over Online also commend the technical improvements seen on PS5, such as enhanced lighting and character models. The Nintendo Switch version, while limited to 30fps, has received some positive feedback post-patch, with Vandal noting improved stability and fewer bugs, making it an enjoyable experience in both handheld and docked modes. However, the negatives across platforms are significant and varied. On Xbox One, Cubed3 mentions noticeable frame issues and lower resolution, while MondoXbox highlights bugs and design compromises that detract from the experience. TheXboxHub notes occasional freezes, even on the Xbox Series X, suggesting that performance issues are not entirely resolved on the newer hardware. For the PlayStation 4, critics like BaziCenter and GamingTrend report noticeable frame drops and crashes, indicating that the technical performance is inconsistent. Even though many reviewers found the game generally stable, there are mentions of glitches and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, as noted by Press Start Australia. The Nintendo Switch version suffers the most, with critics like MGG and Nintendo Insider pointing out significant technical issues at launch, including lag, dead screens, and long loading times. While some bugs were addressed in patches, the overall performance remains disappointing compared to other platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sonic Colors: Ultimate presents a mixed bag of technical performance across platforms. While the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions shine with smooth gameplay and enhanced visuals, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions have their share of bugs and performance hiccups, leading to a less than stellar experience. The Nintendo Switch version, despite some improvements post-patch, still struggles with significant technical issues that hinder its overall reception. Critics like Malditos Nerds emphasize the disparity in performance across platforms, suggesting that the remaster does not fully utilize the capabilities of modern hardware. Ultimately, while Sonic Colors: Ultimate offers enjoyable gameplay, the technical performance leaves much to be desired, particularly on the less powerful platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

TL;DR: Sonic Colors: Ultimate's replay value is a mixed bag. Critics praise collectibles, alternative paths, and modes like Rival Rush for enhancing longevity, while others point out a lack of meaningful rewards and technical issues that can dampen motivation. The game appeals to completionists but may leave casual players feeling less inclined to replay after the first run.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Sonic Colors: Ultimate is mixed, with many critics acknowledging several positive aspects that enhance the game's longevity. A significant number of reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and Pure Xbox, highlight the inclusion of collectibles, alternative paths, and modes like Rival Rush, which provide players with incentives to revisit levels. Critics like Vandal and Nintendo Life emphasize that the game encourages players to master challenges and improve their scores, which can lead to a rewarding experience for completionists. Additionally, the customization options and the ability to unlock new Wisps add variety to gameplay, as noted by GamingTrend and Digital Chumps, making the game feel fresh upon replaying. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the replay value of Sonic Colors: Ultimate. Reviewers like BaziCenter and GameSkinny express concerns about the lack of engaging rewards and challenges, which can diminish motivation to replay levels. The technical issues and glitches mentioned by GamingTrend may also detract from the overall experience, making it frustrating for players to engage with the game long-term. Some critics, such as The Mako Reactor and Checkpoint Gaming, feel that the cosmetic upgrades and customization options are not substantial enough to justify replaying the game, leading to a sentiment that the replay value may be limited for some players. In summary, while there are several elements that contribute to the replay value of Sonic Colors: Ultimate, such as collectibles and various gameplay modes, the overall consensus among critics is that these features may not be enough to sustain long-term engagement. Critics like Malditos Nerds and IGN Spain acknowledge the potential for replayability through exploration and challenges, but many also point out that the game’s shortcomings, including technical issues and a lack of meaningful rewards, could hinder players' motivation to return. As a result, Sonic Colors: Ultimate presents a mixed bag of replay value, appealing to those who enjoy completionist challenges while leaving others feeling less inclined to revisit the game after their initial playthrough.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Sonic Colors: Ultimate reveals a mixed response from critics, with several praising its gameplay and nostalgic value. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and IGN, highlight the game's engaging mechanics and the fun factor it retains from the original release. Critics like GameCritics and Attack of the Fanboy commend it as one of the best entries in the Sonic catalog, emphasizing its accessibility and the enhancements brought by the remaster, including improved graphics and new gameplay features like the Wisps. Reviewers such as Pure Xbox and Eurogamer Italy appreciate the game’s replay value and the enjoyable level design, making it a solid choice for both newcomers and returning fans. However, the negatives surrounding Sonic Colors: Ultimate are significant and cannot be overlooked. Many critics, including NintendoWorldReport and Checkpoint Gaming, express disappointment with the technical issues, bugs, and downgraded graphics, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Nintendo Insider mention that the remaster feels unambitious and lacks substantial new content, leading to a sense that it falls short of expectations. Additionally, reviewers like GameSkinny and Vooks point out flaws in the level design, such as slow platforming and unbalanced gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Sonic Colors: Ultimate is a remaster that has its merits but is marred by technical flaws and a lack of significant enhancements. While some reviewers, like TheGamer and Digital Chumps, find it a worthwhile experience that appeals to fans, others, such as NintendoWorldReport and Checkpoint Gaming, view it as a missed opportunity that fails to elevate the original game. The mixed reviews suggest that while there is enjoyment to be found in the gameplay, potential players should temper their expectations regarding the remaster's overall execution and technical performance.

TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate garners mixed reviews; praised for nostalgic gameplay and fun mechanics, but criticized for significant technical issues, bugs, and underwhelming enhancements, especially on the Switch. While it entertains fans and newcomers alike, many see it as a missed opportunity that doesn’t fully elevate the original, urging players to temper expectations.

MONSTER

Reviews

123 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Sep 3, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Colors: Ultimate is an excellent version of an already decent Sonic title. It is fun, challenging, reasonably priced, and a perfect title to celebrate Sonic The Hedgehog's 30th anniversary.

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TheGamer

PlayStation 4

Sep 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Sonic Colors: Ultimate is a colorful remaster that improves on the original game and passes the test with flying colors. The game receives a score of 4.5/5.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 4

Sep 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Colours Ultimate es un remaster que respeta la esencia del original, ofreciendo mejoras significativas y una experiencia divertida tanto para nuevos jugadores como para los fans de la saga.

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Game Over Online

PlayStation 4

Nov 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Colors Ultimate is a must-buy for fans of the original release or newcomers. It offers one of Sonic's finest adventures ever and his best 3D outing in history.

Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Sep 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Colours: Ultimate offers classic Sonic fun with added diversity from Wisps. Some classic issues with 3D Sonic games remain, but overall a great time for Sonic fans. Bright visuals, excellent audio, and high replay value make it a worthwhile experience.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Sep 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Colors: Ultimate is a strong remaster with crisp graphics, tight controls, and a good balance between speed and precision. It may lack new content, but it is a great option for those looking for a 'good' Sonic game.

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Hobby Consolas

Nintendo Switch

Dec 21, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some technical shortcomings on the Switch, Sonic Colors Ultimate remains a standout title in the Sonic franchise, offering a fun and colorful experience.

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Destructoid

PlayStation 4

Sep 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review overall praises Sonic Colors: Ultimate, mentioning its marriage of 2D and 3D Sonic, the optional mechanics, sneaky level design, and hidden areas. The levels are described as gorgeous, with some exceptions. The voice acting is praised, but the story is not mentioned. The game is considered to have good replay value. The review does not mention the technical performance or stability.

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Worth Playing

PlayStation 4

Sep 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Colors: Ultimate is a focused and enjoyable experience that captures the essence of 3D Sonic gameplay. While it may not surpass the highs of previous titles, it stands out as one of the best in the series.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Sep 15, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Colors Ultimate is a well-done remaster that brings a beloved 3D Sonic game to new platforms. It is recommended for Sonic fans and newcomers alike, offering a fun and engaging experience with various gameplay elements and replay value.