Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th anniversary celebrations continue with the release of Sonic Colors: Ultimate. Regarded by many as one of the blue hedgehog’s best 3D entries, the remaster sees the previously Nintendo DS/Wii exclusive release on Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation.
Dr. Eggman has built a theme park in outer space and claims to finally be on the straight and narrow. Sonic and Tails – rightly – have their reservations over Eggman turning over a new leaf, and decide to investigate this new theme park thoroughly. Sonic Colors: Ultimate features various worlds for Sonic to discover; mainly in 3D but with plenty of sections reverting to a more traditional 2D perspective.
Sonic Colors introduced Wisps to the Sonic metaverse that have appeared in many Sonic games since from Team Sonic Racing to Sonic Forces. In Sonic Colors Ultimate, they act as power-ups for Sonic to utilise and help traverse this intergalactic theme park. This remaster also introduces a new Wisp: The Jade Wisp that allows Sonic to phase through walls and objects to find new routes.
Also in this remaster are improved frame rates and resolutions – outputting in 4K to those with capable consoles – a remastered soundtrack and some cosmetic goodies that tie-in to the live action films.
Key features of the game include:
- Sonic Speed and Non-Stop Action – Accelerate to adrenaline-pumping super speed, zoom across challenging worlds, and maneuver through hazardous obstacles.
- Interstellar Amusement Park – Explore and adventure through immersive environments, like a Sweet Mountain filled with delightful sweets or an Aquarium Park filled with sea life and countless pools.
- Wisp Power-ups – Transform Sonic by using the alien power of Wisps and discover the secrets of the interstellar amusement park. Pass through solid objects using the new Jade Ghost Wisp.
- Better Than Ever – Now more colourful than ever with enhanced visuals and 4K graphics, Ultra-Smooth 60 frames per second performance, and many more gameplay upgrades.
- ‘Ghost Racer’ Mode – Experience the all new ‘Ghost Racer’ mode to post record breaking times and challenge friends online or reach supremacy on the global leaderboard.
As is seemingly the norm these days, Sonic Colors: Ultimate comes in two different options on the Xbox Store. The standard edition is priced at £34.99 whilst the Digital Deluxe Edition is priced at £39.99 but does come with Sonic Movie Icons, an additional Music Pack (£3.99) and the Metallic Pack cosmetic (£3.29).
There is still more to come from SEGA and Sonic this year with the Sonic Origins compilation on the way. For now though, let us know in the comments which is your favourite Sonic the Hedgehog game.
And keep an eye out for our full review of how Sonic Colors: Ultimate plays out on Xbox in the days ahead.
Game description
Join Sonic in the high-speed adventure of a lifetime! The evil Dr. Eggman has built a gigantic interstellar amusement park bursting with incredible rides and colourful attractions – but he’s powering it with a captured alien race called “Wisps.” Use Sonic’s lightning speed to free the Wisps and learn the secrets of their amazing powers as you explore six unique colourful worlds, each filled with dangerous enemies and hurdles to overcome. Now with stunning upscaled visuals, additional features, new game modes, and enhanced gameplay- it’s the Ultimate Sonic Colours experience. Sonic will be tested on this exciting journey to free the Wisps – but with their help, and yours, it’s a test he’ll pass with flying Colours!
