Sonic Colors Ultimate test: what is the return of the "least worst" of Sonic 3D worth?

You will no doubt have noticed that we are currently celebrating the 30th anniversary of SEGA's mascot, Sonic, who first appeared in 1991 on a Mega Drive connected to a small cathode-ray TV. Without really knowing why, ten years after its launch on Nintendo Wii and DS, Sonic Colors is back, in Ultimate version. But was it really useful? (Spoiler: no…)

Sonic Colors Ultimate test: what is the return of the See PriceRead ConclusionSonic Colors: Ultimate

It's colorful...
Interesting Wisps
Mmmmm...

...but it's ugly
Heavy and imprecise gameplay...
No challenge
Zero fun (or almost)

If there is a video game hero who had a terrible time managing the transition from 2D to 3D, it is undoubtedly Mega Man Sonic. Indeed, apart from the stunning Dreamcast opuses at the time (despite a host of bugs…), we remember with sadness (and pain) Sonic the Hedgehog on PS3/Xbox 360, Sonic Heroes, Sonic Unleashed, of Sonic Forces… Fortunately, Sonic Mania or even Sonic Generations came a few years ago to restore the image of the license. In 2021, while waiting for a new “next-gen” episode for 2022, Sonic Colors is back, in Ultimate version.

Sonic Colors Ultimate…. but why in fact?

On the synopsis side, Sonic Colors features the timeless Dr. Eggman (Robotnik) who has hatched a diabolical new plan to subject the whole world to his whiskers. For this, he created… an interstellar amusement park. The latter obviously contains a diabolical secret, based on extraterrestrial entities (the Wisps) whose vital energy the scientist absorbs. In short, Sonic and Tails decide once again to thwart the plans of this dear Robotnik, with, for once, the help of his famous Wisps, which will offer various powers specific to the blue hedgehog. The scenario is what it is, but it's actually almost everything else in this Sonic Colors Ultimate that is problematic...

Indeed, you should know that this Ultimate version of Sonic Colors is not some "remake", but an updated version of the 2010 game. Understand that the game now runs in 4K and 60 fps on PlayStation and Xbox, that it incorporates few new features, and that SEGA has promised some optimizations on the playability side. However, from the launch, we realize that the “remaster” turns out to be very (very) lazy…

It's the poop, it's the cata, it's the….

As a general rule, the first level of a title like Sonic must attract the player, with neat environments, the discovery of pleasant gameplay, and if possible, generate immediate fun. In the case of this Sonic Colors Ultimate… it's the complete opposite. Indeed, the first steps in Tropical Resort are particularly detestable, and we find in a handful of seconds all the defects of a Sonic 3D, which we hoped to see corrected in this version.

Understand by this that the game is quite ugly visually speaking, with extremely simple decorations and a little (if not) inspired level design. Added to this is clumsy handling like never before, with a Sonic that is far from enjoying the same nervousness and the same precision as in its infancy.

JVFR

Because yes, it's clumsy, it's atrociously rigid… and it's devilishly imprecise, what's more. Added to this is an escalation of visual elements (ugly) sometimes, and we can only widen our eyes in (bad) amazement once we reach the end of the first level. The game alternates gameplay phases in 3D and 2D, but neither seems able to provide real pleasure with the controller in hand. Ouch….

The colors of boredom….

Willy-nilly, we link the different levels (really because it's Sonic huh), with some courses that are completed in just a minute. But beyond visual poverty and clumsy, imprecise gameplay, what is sorely lacking in this Sonic Colors Ultimate… it's fun. Indeed, apart from rare passages, I took almost no pleasure in browsing the different levels offered. Added to this are many speed sequences supposed to impress the player who not only never turn out to be exhilarating, but which also impose a “non-game” side, since you then become a simple spectator of a very sad spectacle.

JVFR

Also note, on the contrary, phases of 2D platforms which are played almost at a standstill (a shame for Sonic!) which, not content with not bringing any form of amusement, are weighed down by the disastrous maneuverability raised more high. In addition, you should know that the various cutscenes of the game have remained "in their own juice" from 2010...

JVFR

Fortunately, Sonic Colors Ultimate retains some good ideas, starting with the presence of Wisps, these small extraterrestrial entities that will give the hedgehog new skills. These will obviously make it possible to reach certain specific areas in each level, and it will also be essential to replay the previous levels, with the Wisps unlocked later, to discover all the secrets. Some will say that this Sonic has a little "Metroidvania" side, but still it will be necessary to have the courage to restart the levels already finished...

New stuff though

Compared to the 2010 version, Sonic Colors Ultimate incorporates a few new features/optimizations, starting with Tails, which can put Sonic back on his feet in the event of a fall, without necessarily having to restart the level (provided you have dedicated tokens) . There is also a “Personalization” side in exchange for tokens to be collected along the way. What modify various aesthetic elements (gloves, shoes…), in other words that the interest is close to nothing. Added to this is a new mode to face Metal Sonic, not to mention a new Wisp exclusive to this version. Some "new" always welcome therefore, but not enough to enhance the general interest of this Ultimate version.

JVFR

On the content side, Sonic Colors Ultimate offers a total of six main worlds, which themselves consist of six stages. Obviously, each stage is full of bonuses, and the player is rewarded at the end of the course with a note according to his score and his speed. For the player who simply wants to know the end of the story, Sonic Colors Ultimate will require between 4 and 6 hours maximum. A little more obviously if you aim for 100%...

Ultimately, if Sonic Colors was perhaps "the least worst of Sonic 3D" ten years ago, this Ultimate version highlights many flaws that are hard to forget today. Even the biggest fan of the blue hedgehog will have a hard time getting past clumsy and imprecise handling, old-fashioned graphics, and ultimately settling for a series of levels that are mostly tasteless, in a game that doesn't only provides a very (very) relative fun. If you want to celebrate 30 years of Sonic with dignity, relaunch Sonic 2 on Mega Drive, Sonic Adventures on Dreamcast, Sonic Generations or even Sonic Mania, but especially not this Sonic Colors Ultimate…

Sonic Colours : Ultimate

With this ultra-lazy Ultimate version, SEGA offers a very dispensable replay of Sonic Colours, the "least worst of Sonic 3D". A game with abominable gameplay, dated technique and almost no fun from start to finish. What a bitter disappointment...