Summary
- Fans create an unofficial port of Sonic Unleashed for PC with higher resolution and mod support.
- The port requires the Xbox 360 version to run.
- It is uncertain how Sega will react to the project.
A talented group of fans has created an updated PC port of Sonic Unleashed, potentially paving the way for more upscaled versions of old Xbox 360 titles. Sonic Unleashed was released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii in late 2008, with a PS3 version launching shortly afterward. It famously saw Sonic transform into a werewolf-like “Werehog” as he raced to gather the Chaos Emeralds and restore the shattered world after another one of Dr. Eggman’s schemes goes awry. As a result, Sonic Unleashed split its gameplay into day and night sections, with the regular Sonic speeding through the former and the Werehog smashing his way across the latter.
Sonic Unleashed received a mixed reception at launch, with some players praising the game’s impressive graphics and fast-paced daytime platforming sections while others decried the more sluggish, God of War-like Werehog segments. Later titles like Sonic Colors and Sonic Forces would reuse the boost gauge mechanic introduced in Sonic Unleashed, and the latter was also represented in Sonic Generations through the Rooftop Run stage and Egg Dragoon boss battle. However, there was never a PC version of Sonic Unleashed nor any rerelease on modern systems.
Why Sonic Heroes' Team Chaotix is Perfectly Poised for a Spin-Off
Team Chaotix have been playing comic relief for Sonic since their reintroduction, but they have the potential to carry their own game.
17 years after Sonic Unleashed was released, a group of fans have taken it upon themselves to develop an unofficial PC port, as reported by IGN. This port, dubbed Sonic Unleashed Recompiled is no simple PC emulation of the Xbox 360 original. Instead, it is a complete recompiling of the game from the group up, complete with new features like high-resolution support, high framerate support, support for ultra-wide displays, and mod support. It can also run on the Steam Deck, but there is a major catch for curious gamers who wish to try it out.
Unofficial Sonic Unleashed PC Port Enhances Xbox 360 Original
Sonic Unleashed Recompiled requires a copy of the Xbox 360 version of the game to run, as it recompiles the original game files into a playable PC format through a technique called static recompilation. Despite this potential roadblock, Xbox 360 fans are excited about what this unofficial Sonic Unleashed port could mean for other titles of the seventh console generation getting similar PC versions down the line.
Others are simply thrilled at the chance to play Sonic Unleashed, already an impressive visual showcase on its native consoles, with modern hardware and updated graphics. It remains uncertain how Sega will react to this unauthorized Sonic Unleashed PC port, as companies like Nintendo have historically taken legal action against similar projects in the past.
- Released
- November 18, 2008
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Engine
- hedgehog engine, havok
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Beat 'Em Up
