Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Links

Amazon

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

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

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate serves up a fun, lighthearted experience with a plot that's mostly fluff. Critics praise its humor and straightforward appeal to younger audiences, but many lament its lack of depth and originality, calling the writing painful and cliché. While the story is forgettable—with minimal substance—gameplay shines, bolstered by engaging mechanics and character dynamics that keep fans entertained.

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 a mix of opinions, with some critics highlighting its light-hearted and entertaining elements. For instance, IGN notes that the plot, while not the main focus, is well-acted and sprinkled with humor, which can enhance the overall experience. Similarly, Gfinity appreciates the game’s return to basics, emphasizing its appeal to younger audiences with a fun, straightforward narrative. Critics like Game Over Online and Metro GameCentral also mention the amusing aspects of the story and the enjoyable character dynamics, suggesting that the light-hearted tone resonates well with certain players. However, a significant number of reviewers have criticized the story for its lack of depth and originality. Noisy Pixel and Pure Nintendo both describe the writing as painful and atrocious, while BaziCenter refers to the narrative as superficial and cliché, revolving around familiar tropes of Sonic's battle against Dr. Eggman. The minimalistic nature of the plot is echoed by iMore, who points out that the game has hardly any story, and Trusted Reviews mentions the child-friendly dialogue that may not appeal to all fans. Overall, many critics agree that the writing and cutscenes are weak, with But Why Tho? noting that the cutscenes look terrible compared to the rest of the game. The overall consensus among critics is that while Sonic Colors: Ultimate provides a fun and lighthearted experience, the story itself is largely forgettable and lacks the depth that some players might expect. Many reviewers, including Nintendo Insider and TheXboxHub, acknowledge that the simplistic plot involving Sonic rescuing the Wisps from Dr. Eggman's amusement park is typical of the franchise, but may still entertain fans. Despite its shortcomings in narrative quality, the game appears to deliver an enjoyable gameplay experience, with the introduction of the Wisps adding a layer of engagement to the platforming mechanics, as highlighted by critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Pocket Tactics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate shines with vibrant level design and fun Wisp power-ups, but suffers from simplistic gameplay and imprecise controls, leading to a mixed reception. While it captures nostalgic elements for casual players, long-time fans may find it lacking in challenge and depth, making it feel more suited for a younger audience.

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.

In analyzing the gameplay of Sonic Colors: Ultimate, several positive aspects emerge from the reviews. Many critics, such as IGN and Comicbook.com, praised the game for its strong level design and the integration of the Wisp power-ups, which add variety and depth to the gameplay. The fast-paced nature of the game, with its mix of 2D and 3D platforming, is highlighted as a significant strength, with reviewers like GamingBolt and Malditos Nerds noting that the gameplay encourages chaining moves and exploration. Critics also appreciated the nostalgic feel of the gameplay, capturing elements reminiscent of classic Sonic titles while introducing new mechanics that enhance the overall experience, as mentioned by Nintendojo and Eurogamer Italy. However, the gameplay of Sonic Colors: Ultimate is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers, including BaziCenter and Trusted Reviews, pointed out that the gameplay can feel overly simplistic and lacks the challenge typically expected from a Sonic game. The controls were frequently described as floaty or imprecise, particularly in 3D sections, which detracted from the overall enjoyment, as noted by God is a Geek and Metro GameCentral. Additionally, some critics, such as iMore and Pocket Tactics, highlighted issues with sluggish jumping mechanics and glitches that can disrupt the flow of the game. The removal of lives and game overs was also criticized for making the game less engaging, as it diminishes the stakes of platforming challenges. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment regarding the gameplay of Sonic Colors: Ultimate. While many appreciate the vibrant level design and the fun introduced by Wisp power-ups, there are significant concerns regarding control precision and the overall challenge level. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Vooks emphasize that the game has moments of exhilaration but can also fall into periods of boredom due to its simplistic mechanics. Ultimately, Sonic Colors: Ultimate appears to cater to a younger audience or those seeking a more casual experience, which may not satisfy long-time fans of the franchise looking for the depth and challenge that characterized earlier Sonic titles.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate boasts vibrant visuals and enhanced graphics, especially in 4K, earning praise for its colorful environments. However, critics highlight inconsistencies, with issues like muddy graphics on PC, performance drops on the Switch, and outdated cutscenes undermining the overall experience. While the remaster has charm and potential, significant graphical flaws and bugs hinder it from being a standout visual upgrade.

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 received a mixed reception from critics, with several reviewers praising the vibrant and colorful environments. Critics like Pure Xbox and Destructoid highlighted the stunning vistas and neon aesthetics, noting that the remaster enhances the visual appeal, particularly in higher resolutions up to 4K on supported platforms. GamingBolt and Game Over Online echoed this sentiment, stating that the game features a clean visual update with improved lighting and character animations that contribute to the overall charm of the title. Many reviewers appreciated the colorful art direction, with Nintendo Enthusiast and Vandal noting the high-definition graphics and improved lighting that elevate the game's visual design. However, the reception is not without its criticisms. A significant number of reviewers pointed out that the visual enhancements do not extend uniformly across the game. For instance, Gaming Age criticized the visuals for appearing muddy and lacking clarity, particularly on PC. The Nintendo Switch version faced particular scrutiny, with Pocket Tactics and NintendoWorldReport noting performance issues, including frame rate drops and graphical glitches that detracted from the experience. Additionally, many critics, including IGN Spain and GamingTrend, remarked that the cutscenes, which were not significantly improved, looked outdated and poorly matched the rest of the game’s visual quality. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Sonic Colors: Ultimate features some impressive visual upgrades and maintains the colorful charm of the original, it falls short in delivering a consistently high-quality visual experience. The disparity between the gameplay graphics and the cutscenes, as highlighted by Comicbook.com and Gfinity, indicates a missed opportunity to fully modernize the game. Critics like MondoXbox and PC Invasion acknowledged that despite the vibrant environments, there are notable graphical compromises and bugs that detract from the overall experience. Thus, while the remaster has its strengths, it is marred by inconsistencies that prevent it from being a definitive visual upgrade.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate features a remixed soundtrack that excites many critics for its catchy tunes and nostalgic vibe, but it faces backlash for not living up to the originals. While some hail the music as a highlight, others criticize it for lacking energy and for serious sound design flaws. The inability to switch back to the original tracks adds to the disappointment, leaving a mixed consensus among reviewers.

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 positive feedback from various critics, particularly regarding the remixed soundtrack. Many reviewers, such as Attack of the Fanboy and Shacknews, praised the remixed tracks for enhancing the game's personality and nostalgia. The remastered soundtrack was noted for its energetic and catchy tunes, with critics like IGN and Eurogamer Italy highlighting the overall quality of the music and its ability to complement the gameplay. Additionally, the inclusion of Spanish dubbing received appreciation from Generación Xbox and Vandal, marking a significant improvement for Spanish-speaking players. Overall, the remixed music has been described as enjoyable, with some critics like Hardcore Gamer and Finger Guns calling it "earworms" that fit well within the fast-paced gameplay. However, the remixed soundtrack has not been universally well-received, with several critics voicing disappointment over the changes. Cubed3 expressed dissatisfaction with the remixes, labeling them as inferior to the originals and lamenting the lack of an option to switch back to the original soundtrack. Critics like Nintendo Life and Nintendo Insider echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the remixed tracks for being underwhelming and lacking the energy of the original compositions. Sound design issues were also reported, with MondoXbox and NintendoWorldReport pointing out problems with audio mixing and volume levels that detracted from the overall experience. The inability to adjust sound effects and music separately was highlighted as a significant flaw by multiple reviewers, including The Mako Reactor and GamingTrend. In summary, the overall consensus among critics regarding the sound design and music of Sonic Colors: Ultimate is mixed. While many appreciate the remixed soundtrack and its energetic qualities, there are notable criticisms regarding the quality of these remixes compared to the originals and the sound design issues that plague the game. Critics like Game Over Online and PC Invasion recognized the remixed tracks as a highlight, but the prevailing sentiment reflects a divide, with some reviewers feeling that the changes did not live up to the legacy of the original soundtrack. The lack of options to toggle between the original and remixed music further compounds the disappointment for fans of the series, leaving a sense of ambivalence regarding this aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The voice acting in Sonic Colors: Ultimate is largely praised for its high-quality performances and nostalgic actors like Roger Craig Smith and Mike Pollock, enhancing the game's charm and humor. Critics appreciated the Spanish dub and comedic dialogues, especially for younger audiences. However, some found the voice acting excessive and overly childish, leading to criticisms about audio mixing and clichéd dialogue that may alienate older players. Overall, it’s a strong point for the game, but not without its flaws.

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 garnered a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Many reviewers have praised the high-quality performances, particularly noting the return of familiar voice actors such as Roger Craig Smith and Mike Pollock, which helps maintain the continuity and charm of the franchise. Generación Xbox highlighted the addition of a Spanish dub, which was appreciated by Spanish-speaking players, while IGN Spain emphasized the well-executed comedic dialogues that resonate well with younger audiences. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Vandal also noted that the voice acting significantly enhances the overall experience, contributing to the game's cartoonish feel and humor, especially with characters like Dr. Eggman and the comedic duo Cubot and Orbot. However, not all reviews were entirely favorable. Some critics pointed out that the voice acting can sometimes be excessive or overly childish, which may detract from the experience for certain players. Meristation mentioned that the voice acting felt excessive, while Trusted Reviews criticized the tedious jokes aimed at a younger audience. Additionally, GamingTrend noted that the voice acting could get drowned out by the loud music during cutscenes, which could hinder the overall enjoyment of the dialogue. iMore echoed similar sentiments, describing some cutscenes as cringy with clichéd dialogue that felt targeted towards a younger demographic, which may alienate older players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Sonic Colors: Ultimate is generally well-received and enhances the game's charm, it is not without its drawbacks. The strong performances and the inclusion of various language dubs, as highlighted by critics like Hobby Consolas and Nintenderos, contribute positively to the game's appeal. However, the criticisms regarding excessive childishness and occasional audio mixing issues suggest that the voice acting may not resonate with all players. As a result, while the voice acting is a notable strength of the game, it is also a point of contention that could affect individual player experiences.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate shines on Xbox Series X and PS5 with smooth 60 FPS and stunning 4K visuals, but struggles on older consoles and the Nintendo Switch with significant frame rate issues, glitches, and longer loading times. While it shows promise, critics agree the game lacks the polish expected from a modern release, highlighting ongoing technical issues that hinder the overall experience.

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.

Positive Aspects of Technical Performance Across the various platforms, Sonic Colors: Ultimate has received commendations for its performance, particularly on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Critics like Pure Xbox and IGN noted that the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, showcasing impressive visuals and stability. Generación Xbox highlighted the game's ability to deliver a visually stunning experience at 4K resolution on these more powerful consoles. On the Nintendo Switch, while performance issues were noted, some reviewers such as Vandal reported that after updates, the game runs stably at 30 FPS, making it enjoyable in both handheld and docked modes. On PC, the game is generally well-received, with PC Invasion acknowledging that it runs well despite some frame drops and crashes. Negative Aspects of Technical Performance However, the technical performance of Sonic Colors: Ultimate is marred by various issues across platforms. On Xbox One, Cubed3 and MondoXbox pointed out noticeable frame rate issues and bugs, with some instances of freezing even on the more powerful Xbox Series X, as noted by TheXboxHub. The PS4 version also faced criticism, with BaziCenter mentioning unacceptable frame drops, while GamingTrend reported glitches that impacted the overall experience. The Nintendo Switch version suffered the most, with critics like MGG and Nintendo Insider highlighting significant glitches, long loading times, and lower frame rates that failed to meet the standards of other platforms. Even after patches, some issues persisted, as noted by reviewers like The Mako Reactor and Pure Nintendo, who pointed out ongoing bugs that affected gameplay. Overall Consensus of Critics In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that while Sonic Colors: Ultimate offers a solid gameplay experience with impressive visuals on more powerful platforms, it is hampered by technical issues, particularly on older consoles and the Nintendo Switch. The game shows promise with its remastering efforts, as indicated by Digital Chumps and Eurogamer Italy, but it lacks the polish expected from a modern release, especially when considering the performance discrepancies across platforms. Critics like Malditos Nerds and LevelUp emphasized the need for further improvements, particularly on the Switch, where the performance does not live up to the potential of the remaster. Overall, Sonic Colors: Ultimate is a mixed bag, with significant strengths overshadowed by notable weaknesses in technical performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate has a mixed reception regarding replay value. Critics praise features like Wisps and Rival Rush mode that encourage exploration and speedrunning. However, many express disappointment over shallow rewards and a short playtime (5-6 hours), which limits long-term engagement. While it appeals to completionists and series fans, its lack of depth may deter broader interest.

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 several positive aspects highlighted by critics. Many reviewers appreciate the inclusion of various gameplay features that encourage replayability, such as the use of Wisps to unlock new paths and the addition of the Rival Rush mode, which offers time attack challenges. Critics like Push Square and Worth Playing note that these mechanics provide players with incentives to revisit levels, discover hidden collectibles, and strive for higher ranks. The game’s design also appeals to speedrunners, as mentioned by NintendoWorldReport, who finds enjoyment in exploring quicker routes. Furthermore, the customization options and collectibles, as highlighted by Comicbook.com and Nintendo Enthusiast, add layers of engagement that can entice players to return for more. However, there are significant criticisms regarding the game's replay value that cannot be overlooked. Many reviewers, including BaziCenter and GameSkinny, express disappointment in the lack of engaging rewards and challenges, which diminishes the motivation to revisit levels once the main objectives are completed. The game’s relatively short playtime of around five to six hours, as pointed out by Destructoid and NME, is also a recurring concern, as it may leave players feeling underwhelmed, particularly if they are not interested in speedrunning or 100% completion. Additionally, some critics like Malditos Nerds and Checkpoint Gaming mention that while the added features are nice, they can feel like superficial additions rather than substantial enhancements to the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Sonic Colors: Ultimate does offer replay value through its various gameplay mechanics and collectibles, the execution leaves something to be desired. Reviewers like Vooks and IGN acknowledge the potential for replayability but also highlight the limitations imposed by the game's length and the perceived lack of meaningful content. The mixed reviews indicate that while the game can be enjoyable for completionists and fans of the series, its appeal may not extend beyond that demographic, leading to a sentiment that, despite its entertaining elements, the game may not have enough depth to sustain long-term engagement for all players.

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 showcases a blend of appreciation for its gameplay and nostalgia, alongside criticisms of its technical shortcomings. Many reviewers, such as Pure Xbox and Hardcore Gamer, highlight the enjoyable gameplay and engaging level design, noting that the game successfully captures the essence of what made the original Sonic Colors appealing. Critics like Digital Chumps and Game Over Online commend the remaster for its fun and engaging experience, making it a worthwhile title for both newcomers and fans of the series. Additionally, the game is praised for its vibrant visuals and soundtrack, with Meristation and SpazioGames noting improvements in gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience. However, the negatives surrounding Sonic Colors: Ultimate are significant and cannot be overlooked. Multiple reviewers, including NintendoWorldReport and GamingTrend, express disappointment with the technical performance, citing issues such as downgraded graphics, glitches, and sound design problems. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Metro GameCentral emphasize that while the game has its moments, it ultimately feels lackluster and fails to live up to the expectations set by the original. The remaster is often described as "half-assed" and lacking substantial new content, leading to a sense of unfulfilled potential, as noted by Trusted Reviews and iMore. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that Sonic Colors: Ultimate presents a mixed bag of experiences. While many appreciate the nostalgia and engaging gameplay, the technical issues and lack of significant enhancements detract from the overall enjoyment. Critics like God is a Geek and Everyeye.it suggest that the game may only appeal to dedicated fans or newcomers, while others, like NintendoWorldReport and Checkpoint Gaming, argue that it does not do enough to justify its existence as a remaster. Ultimately, Sonic Colors: Ultimate is seen as a title that, despite its fun moments, struggles to fully meet the expectations of both critics and players alike.

TL;DR

Sonic Colors: Ultimate delivers nostalgic fun with engaging gameplay and vibrant visuals, but suffers from major technical flaws like downgraded graphics and glitches. While it appeals to die-hard fans, many critics deem it a "half-assed" remaster that fails to meet expectations, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential. Overall, it's a mixed bag—enjoyable yet frustratingly flawed.

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.