Sonic Colors arrived on Wii in 2010 with a simple pitch: Sonic racing through a colorful, wacky alien world built around a strange new power-up system. The game still holds up as a bright, fast platformer, even if its ambitions outstrip its execution in a few places. This review weighs the strengths and weaknesses of a game that tried to do something different while keeping the core Sonic formula intact.
Trailer, via IGN.
The Setup
Sonic Colors drops the character on a floating alien planet populated by cheerful robots. The story is thin, a framing device for a series of races and platforming stages. Players collect energy spheres and ride boosters to speed through levels packed with enemies, rings, and secret paths.
The premise is a step up from earlier Sonic games in the series, which leaned heavily on familiar settings and villains. Here, the setting itself becomes a character of sorts, full of oddball citizens and strange architecture.
The New Power-Up System
The central mechanic is a new item that lets Sonic absorb energy from the environment and fire it back at enemies. It adds a layer of strategy beyond simple running and jumping. Players can hold back, gather charge, and unleash it in mid-air or during a run.
It is a clever idea, and it rewards players who experiment with timing and positioning. The problem is that the system is not always consistent, and some stages feel like they expect you to know exactly when to fire without much warning.
The Level Design
The levels are generous in length and packed with variety. Each stage introduces a new hazard or gimmick, from magnetic floors to moving platforms. The best levels weave these elements together into smooth, flowing runs that reward careful timing.
The worst levels feel cramped and repetitive, forcing players to backtrack through sections they have already mastered. This is a recurring complaint across the series, and Sonic Colors does not fully escape it.
The Look and Sound
The Wii version runs at a steady frame rate and handles well, though it shows its age compared to newer hardware. The colors are bright and distinct, making it easy to spot hazards and paths at a glance. The music is energetic, blending rock and electronic styles into tracks that push the pace of each level.
The presentation is the game’s strongest asset. It is a joy to look at, even when the action beneath it stumbles.
The Wii Remote Controls
Sonic Colors uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk for control, and the setup mostly works. Players move Sonic with the Remote and jump with the Nunchuk. The controls are precise enough for most players, though some motion-based actions feel awkward and unnecessary.
The game also supports motion-based aiming for the new power-up system, which can be frustrating during tense moments. Aiming with the buttons is far more reliable, and players who avoid the motion controls will likely have a smoother experience.
The Length and Replay Value
The game is long by platformer standards, with multiple acts and a final set of stages. Players who complete the main story will find additional challenges and secret characters to unlock. The replay value comes from collecting all the energy spheres and reaching the top rank in each level.
The game does not offer a large multiplayer component, which limits its appeal outside solo play. Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy, but the lack of extra modes means the game does not extend far beyond its main campaign.
The Final Word
Sonic Colors is a solid, if uneven, entry in the franchise. Its new power-up system and level design show ambition, and its presentation remains a highlight. The game stumbles in places, particularly with inconsistent difficulty and a few weak level designs, but the overall package remains enjoyable.
For players who grew up with the series, it offers a familiar loop with fresh twists. For newcomers, it is a good introduction to the fast-paced, action-driven style of Sonic games.
The game’s strengths outweigh its flaws, even if it does not reach the heights of the series’ best entries.
| Section | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Power-Up System | Creative, rewarding experimentation | Inconsistent timing, awkward aiming |
| Level Design | Generous length, varied hazards | Cramped sections, forced backtracking |
| Presentation | Bright colors, energetic music | Shows age on older hardware |
| Controls | Precise motion-free aiming | Awkward motion-based aiming |
| Replay Value | Multiple challenges, hidden content | Limited multiplayer |
Sonic Colors earns a score of 7.5 out of 10.
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