Are you old enough to remember Sonic the first time round (way back in the early 90s)? If so then prepare yourself to be disappointed with this game… :(
You start the game (like most others) by going through some very easy levels to get you used to the controls and how the Wii controller is to be held and used.
The only thing you don’t have to do with the controller is run (as this is done for you). At first I thought this would spoil the game, but believe me there is enough to so with the controls as it is without having to hold down another button to get you running!
When you start the game Sonic will automatically start running and it is your job to tilt the Wii Controller left/right to move sonic around the screen to collect the rings on the way around the various levels.
If you pull the controller up Sonic will jump in the air. Whilst in the air if you thrust the controller forward he will then dart forward in to anything in his way like some of the baddies you will meet throughout the level!
On some parts of the levels you will find Sonic crawling on a ledge so watch out for this as if you are not paying attention (as you have to change how you use the controller) you may fall off!
The graphics and in-game music are reasonable but could be better and sonic doesn’t run as fast as I had hoped and overall I am disappointed with this game. :(
HOWEVER…
From a younger persons point of view I would say that right from the outset (when you first insert the game in to your Wii) the graphics are vibrant and the in-game music is great! Sonic whizzes around the screen with you having to push and pull the controller all over the place to direct sonic around the different levels! :razz:
Have I just contradicted myself? No, what I am saying is that this game is for a younger audience and like I said right at the start, if you are old enough to remember the first Sonic back in the early 90s then I think you may (like me) be disappointed in this game.
The multiplayer option is also geared up towards the younger audience and it certainly kept my mates four kids (aged between 5 & 12) entertained and busy over the weekend! I can still see them now (in silence) standing around the TV (jumping up and down) ‘flapping’ their controllers around as they were flying in the air trying to avoid the storm clouds.
In conclusion this is a great game (for kids). If you were looking for a game that would help relive your younger years then wait until this game is released as a budget title. If you have kids however, buy it now as it will keep them entertained for hours!
Wii Mans Game Rating
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Fun Factor: 6/10 - Disappointing for adults
Playability: 6/10 - Doesn’t always do what you want it to do.
Gameplay: 7/10 – A bit too repetitive for my liking
Graphics: 7/10 – Good, but not outstanding
Sound/Music: 8/10 – The in-game music is OK.
Overall 34/50
*** If you have kids then don't let the poor scoring of this game put you off buying it for them, for kids this game is great, for adults it is disappointing... ***
Wii Mans Reviews: Sonic & The Secret Rings (19th March 2007)
Linear Mode
