Sonic Colors: Ultimate

The story of Sonic Colors: Ultimate is generally praised for its lighthearted tone, accessibility, and ability to serve as a fun backdrop for gameplay. Critics like IGN noted that the narrative focuses on Sonic and Tails stopping Dr. Eggman’s plan to harness alien energy for a mind-control weapon, with the story being "not the main focus but... well-acted and sprinkled with humor." Similarly, GameCritics highlighted its appeal as a straightforward adventure where Sonic and Tails free an enslaved alien race, while VGC emphasized its simplicity and suitability for all ages. The introduction of Wisps—aliens granting Sonic unique abilities—was seen as a creative element that ties into the gameplay, with Jeuxvideo.com praising the engaging levels and "pleasant cinematics." Many reviewers, such as Nintendo Life, acknowledged the story’s humor and its alignment with the game’s playful style, making it appealing to younger audiences or fans of the series. However, several critics criticized the narrative for being overly simplistic, clichéd, and lacking depth. iMore and BaziCenter both called the plot "simplistic" and "superficial," with the latter describing it as a "cliché" involving Sonic and friends stopping Eggman. Pure Nintendo and Noisy Pixel criticized the writing as "painful" and "atrocious," while Trusted Reviews noted childish dialogue and a lack of narrative complexity. The cutscenes were also frequently panned, with But Why Tho? calling them "terrible compared to the rest of the game" and Xbox Achievements noting that the story felt "not particularly exciting." Even Finger Guns, which mentioned the story’s presentation and humor, acknowledged it as a secondary element rather than a standout feature. These critiques highlight a recurring issue with the narrative feeling more like a vehicle for gameplay than a compelling tale. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sonic Colors: Ultimate’s story is a mixed bag—acceptable for fans of the series but lacking in originality and depth. While many praised its charm, accessibility, and role in supporting the game’s platforming mechanics (as noted by IGN Portugal, GameSpew, and VGC), others found it unimpressive or even frustrating. The narrative’s simplicity and reliance on familiar Sonic tropes, such as Eggman’s schemes and the Wisps’ powers, resonated more with casual players or longtime fans than with those seeking a complex storyline. Despite the criticism, several reviewers, including Nintendo Insider and Hardcore Gamer, acknowledged that the story’s light-hearted approach aligns with the game’s overall style, making it a worthwhile experience for its target audience. Ultimately, while not a standout narrative, it serves its purpose as a fun, if unambitious, entry in the Sonic franchise.

The gameplay of Sonic Colors: Ultimate receives praise for its blend of 2D and 3D platforming, which many critics highlight as a refreshing evolution of classic Sonic mechanics. Reviewers like Shacknews and Nintendojo commend the integration of Wisps as power-ups, which add variety by granting Sonic unique abilities for combat and exploration. The game’s emphasis on speed and precision is another standout feature, with Xbox Tavern noting its “high-octane action” and “rollercoaster-type set pieces,” while Nintenderos praises the intuitive controls and focus on improving times through varied level design. Additionally, the inclusion of new modes like Rival Rush and the ability to revisit stages for collectibles (e.g., red coins) are seen as engaging additions by GamingTrend and Malditos Nerds, reinforcing the game’s replayability and depth. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the gameplay mechanics. Trusted Reviews and BaziCenter criticize the floaty controls and lack of speed, arguing that the game fails to capture the exhilarating pace expected from a Sonic title. The transition between 2D and 3D segments is also problematic, with GAMINGbible and Pocket Tactics noting that it “overcomplicates” the gameplay and disrupts flow. Issues like unbalanced difficulty, glitches, and awkward level design surface in reviews by Vooks and iMore, while IGN Portugal and NME express frustration with Wisps feeling more like quick puzzles than meaningful enhancements. Additionally, the removal of traditional game-over mechanics is seen as diminishing engagement, as highlighted by Trusted Reviews, who argue that it makes the experience less challenging. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the game’s ambition and nostalgic elements despite its flaws. While GameSpew and Meristation acknowledge the “variety and depth” introduced by Wisps and hybrid 2D/3D gameplay, others like Vooks and IGN Portugal feel these mechanics are inconsistently implemented. The core formula of fast-paced platforming remains a strength, with Xbox Tavern and CGMagazine praising the level design and sense of speed. However, the game’s technical issues and uneven execution—particularly in control responsiveness and pacing—prevent it from fully satisfying all players. Ultimately, Sonic Colors: Ultimate is seen as a flawed but enjoyable entry that captures the spirit of classic Sonic while experimenting with new mechanics, leaving its success dependent on individual tolerance for its imperfections.

The visual design of Sonic Colors: Ultimate receives praise for its vibrant art direction, colorful environments, and technical upgrades on higher-end platforms. Critics like Digital Chumps and GameSkinny highlight the remaster’s improved lighting, 4K resolution, and 60fps performance, noting that the game’s “vibrant and stimulating” levels and “mesmerizing environments” elevate its aesthetic appeal. Nintendojo acknowledges the Switch version as “the prettiest” despite its limitations, while GamingBolt and SpazioGames commend the clean, modernized visuals and smooth frame rates on PS4 and Xbox One. The remaster’s ability to enhance the original’s cartoony charm—such as Noisy Pixel’s praise for “gorgeous aesthetics” and Game Over Online’s mention of “bright colors and detailed environments”—underscores its success in revitalizing the 2010 title’s visual identity. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. iMore and NintendoWorldReport criticize the Switch version for “dated” visuals, “longer load times,” and “glitches that disrupt graphics,” while BaziCenter and Pocket Tactics note frame drops and inconsistent performance. MGG highlights major technical issues on the platform, including resolution drops and slowdowns during boss fights, and Hobby Consolas observes that the Switch version falls short in resolution compared to other consoles. Even on PS4 and Xbox One, some reviewers like GamingTrend and CGMagazine point out “visually inconsistent” areas and “aged 3D models,” while Xbox Achievements and God is a Geek criticize dated cutscenes that clash with the game’s improved in-engine visuals. These issues reveal a disconnect between the remaster’s technical ambitions and its execution on certain platforms. Overall, critics agree that Sonic Colors: Ultimate succeeds in modernizing its visual design for newer hardware, particularly on PS4 and Xbox One, where 4K resolution, 60fps, and enhanced lighting create a polished experience. However, the Nintendo Switch version faces notable compromises, with Nintendojo and Vooks acknowledging its “sharper resolution” but lamenting the lack of 60fps support. While many praise the game’s colorful art direction and nostalgic charm—GAMINGbible and Noisy Pixel highlight its “vibrant” and “memorable” levels—the consensus is that the remaster’s visual improvements are uneven, with cutscenes and technical performance often lagging behind. As IGN Italia and Eurogamer Italy note, the game shines in some areas but struggles to fully reconcile its 11-year-old core engine with modern expectations.

The Sound Design and Music of Sonic Colors: Ultimate received generally positive feedback from multiple critics, with many praising the remixed soundtrack and its ability to enhance the gameplay experience. Reviewers like IGN and Shacknews highlighted the "fresh remixes" that blend nostalgia with new energy, while Xbox Tavern called the remixed audio "excellent with a banging soundtrack." The original tracks also retained their charm, as noted by Generación Xbox, which emphasized the remastered quality of the original score. Additionally, the inclusion of Spanish dubbing (e.g., Generación Xbox and IGN Spain) and new cosmetic elements added value for some players. Critics like GameSkinny and NME praised the soundtrack’s catchiness and enthusiasm, with Siliconera calling it "one of the game’s best parts." The remastered audio on platforms like PS4 and Switch was often seen as an improvement, with BaziCenter noting that classic sound effects added "charm" to the experience. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the sound design and music. Cubed3 criticized the remixes for being "inferior to the originals," while Nintendo Life and Nintendo Insider argued that the remixed tracks lacked the "weight" and energy of the original soundtrack. Issues with audio mixing were a recurring complaint, such as MondoXbox’s frustration over the inability to adjust volume levels between gameplay sounds and music, and NintendoWorldReport describing the sound design as a "mess" due to inconsistent volumes and stereo channel issues. Some reviewers, like GamingTrend, found the remixes "hit or miss," while Nintendojo and Pocket Tactics noted that certain tracks felt "flat" or failed to capture the original’s personality. The lack of an option to switch between original and remixed soundtracks was a major disappointment for fans, as highlighted by Cubed3 and IGN, who called it a "missed opportunity." Overall, the critical reception of Sonic Colors: Ultimate’s Sound Design and Music is mixed but leans toward appreciation for its nostalgic elements and technical improvements. While many critics, including Shacknews and Vandal (Switch), celebrated the remixed tracks as a successful evolution of the original score, others like Cubed3 and Nintendo Life felt the changes diluted the game’s auditory identity. The consensus seems to hinge on personal preference: fans of the original may find the remixes underwhelming, but those who enjoy fresh interpretations or the added polish (like Xbox Achievements’ "jaunty tunes") will likely appreciate the effort. Despite technical hiccups and divisive remix choices, the soundtrack remains a standout aspect for many, with IGN Spain and Siliconera emphasizing its role in enhancing the game’s charm and pacing.

The voice acting in Sonic Colors: Ultimate received widespread praise for its quality, humor, and localization efforts. Critics highlighted the inclusion of high-quality dubs, such as Generación Xbox’s appreciation for the Spanish version, which added value for non-English speakers. IGN noted that characters like Cubot and Orbot brought comedic flair through their performances, while Comicbook.com and GameCritics both praised the voice work for enhancing the game’s trademark humor. Destructoid specifically commended Roger Craig Smith and Mike Pollock, emphasizing their contributions to the game’s charm. Additionally, the Italian dubbing by Everyeye.it and IGN Italia was celebrated for improving accessibility for younger players, while Hobby Consolas and Vandal highlighted the return of familiar voice actors and the overall polish of the audio design. These positives underscored the effort put into making the dialogue engaging and immersive across different regions. However, some critics found aspects of the voice acting less appealing. Meristation criticized the dialogue as "excessive and somewhat childish," potentially detracting from the experience for older players, while Trusted Reviews described the humor as "tedious" with jokes that felt aimed at a younger audience. iMore echoed this sentiment, calling the cutscenes "cringy" and "clichéd," which could alienate those seeking more mature content. GamingTrend also noted that voice acting sometimes got drowned out by loud music in cutscenes, diminishing its impact. Meanwhile, MGG expressed concerns about the French dub’s humor not resonating with all players. These critiques suggest that while the voice work was generally strong, its tone and style might not universally appeal, particularly to audiences seeking more nuanced or sophisticated dialogue. Overall, the consensus among critics leaned heavily positive, with most acknowledging the voice acting as a significant improvement over previous Sonic games. The inclusion of localized dubs, returning voice actors, and comedic performances were frequently cited as standout features that enhanced the game’s charm and accessibility. While some reviewers pointed out minor flaws—such as overly childish dialogue or technical issues like audio mixing—the majority viewed the voice work as a key strength. Critics like IGN, Nintenderos, and Vandal emphasized its role in elevating the experience, while others, like Hobby Consolas and IGN Spain, highlighted how it enriched the game’s storytelling for specific audiences. Despite varied opinions on tone and style, the overall sentiment reflected appreciation for the effort and quality of the voice acting in Sonic Colors: Ultimate.

The technical performance of Sonic Colors: Ultimate varies significantly across platforms, with several reviewers highlighting positive aspects on higher-end systems. On Xbox Series X|S, Cubed3 noted that the game plays better on more powerful hardware, citing smoother performance and improved resolution compared to Xbox One S, while Pure Xbox confirmed smooth 60fps gameplay without bugs. For PS4, Eurogamer Italy praised its 60fps at 1080p, and Gfinity acknowledged stable performance with minor framerate drops. The PlayStation 5 version received praise for maintaining 60fps in 4K, as noted by IGN, while the PC version was described as generally smooth despite some frame drops (PC Invasion). On Nintendo Switch, initial issues were mitigated by updates, with Hobby Consolas and Vandal noting improved stability post-patch. Critics like Malditos Nerds also highlighted that higher-end consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X avoided many of the technical shortcomings seen on older hardware. However, several platforms faced notable technical challenges. On Xbox One, Cubed3 criticized frame issues and lower resolution, while TheXboxHub reported occasional freezes even on Series X. PS4 reviewers like BaziCenter noted unacceptable frame drops, and GamingTrend highlighted glitches such as music cutting out during credits. The Nintendo Switch version struggled the most, with MGG describing major technical issues including poor resolution and combat performance, while Nintendo World Report criticized long load times and missing graphical effects. Even on PS4, some critics like Vandal pointed to low-resolution cutscenes, and Video Chums called the game "clunky" with freezing visuals. These issues were often attributed to hardware limitations, particularly on the Switch, where Nintenderos noted unstable performance and Nintendojo acknowledged graphical glitches despite updates. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sonic Colors: Ultimate performs best on modern consoles like Xbox Series X|S and PS5, where it maintains stable frame rates and visual fidelity. While older systems like Xbox One and PS4 saw mixed results—ranging from smooth 60fps (e.g., Eurogamer Italy) to frame drops (BaziCenter)—the Nintendo Switch version faced the most significant hurdles, with many reviewers criticizing its lower resolution, longer load times, and persistent bugs. Despite these issues, updates and hardware upgrades helped mitigate some problems, as noted by Vandal and Hobby Consolas for the Switch. Ultimately, while the game’s technical performance is uneven across platforms, it generally delivers a polished experience on newer systems, with critics like IGN and Gfinity emphasizing its stability and visual improvements compared to older iterations.

The majority of reviewers highlight several positive aspects that contribute to the replay value of Sonic Colors: Ultimate. Many praise the inclusion of collectibles like Red Star Rings, Chaos Emeralds, and hidden paths unlocked by Wisps, which encourage players to revisit levels for exploration and optimization. For instance, NintendoWorldReport notes the game’s appeal to speedrunners due to multiple routes, while Siliconera and Malditos Nerds emphasize how Rival Rush mode and alternate paths add variety. Customization options, such as Park Tokens for cosmetics and unlockable characters like Super Sonic, also feature prominently in reviews from Vooks and Gfinity, who see these as incentives for repeated play. Additionally, Xbox Achievements and Digital Chumps highlight the abundance of challenges, including S-ranks, bonus stages, and achievements, which extend engagement beyond the main campaign. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that limit the game’s replayability. The short runtime—cited by GameSkinny (6 hours) and NME (5 hours)—is a recurring concern, with some feeling the content is insufficient for sustained interest. BaziCenter and Vooks argue that the lack of engaging rewards and unbalanced gameplay diminishes motivation to replay, while GamingTrend notes technical glitches that could hinder enjoyment on subsequent playthroughs. Additionally, The Mako Reactor criticizes cosmetic customization as "pointless," and Trusted Reviews suggests the repetitive nature of core gameplay may alienate players not deeply invested in the Sonic franchise. These issues create a divide between fans who appreciate the game’s mechanics and those who find it lacking in depth or longevity. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging Sonic Colors: Ultimate as a game with decent replay value for its target audience, despite notable flaws. While IGN Italia, Xbox Achievements, and Shacknews commend the collectibles, challenges, and modes that encourage multiple playthroughs, others like GameSkinny and The Mako Reactor express disappointment in its brevity and underdeveloped features. The game’s appeal seems to hinge on player preferences: completionists and series fans may find it rewarding, while casual players might feel it falls short. Ultimately, the combination of exploration-driven content and optional challenges balances out some criticisms, but the lack of substantial depth or innovation prevents it from achieving universal acclaim for its replayability.