19:27 There actually IS somewhere for you to go here! If you go on the leftside of the bridge, there lies a firework on one of the islands on the edges which brings you to the end of the section - clearly a well hidden secret!
W H A T I had no clue. Best part about making these vids is learning all this stuff I missed haha. Thanks for pointing that out! (and the comment, appreciate it!)
And fun fact: If you take the firework rocket, then take it again, your distance will be doubled for some reason I wanted to see if it doubled my velocity every time I used it, but I couldn't stop dying after the second rocket
My favorite part about these level analyses is definitely how the camera plays into the experience. Probably because it’s a Sonic game and you’re going super fast, but I’ve never acknowledged the camera’s movements even if I’ve probably subconsciously noticed them and let it influence how I felt about the level. Thanks for sharing all of your observations with us!
This is some Egoraptor Megaman X levels of game design analysis. I would have never thought for a second that stuff like the eagles representing the height sonic is at or the light on the wall highlighting a jump were details that the game devs took into account to help guide the player through the level. This is an INSANE amount of analyzation that manages to perfectly explain what about the boost formula makes it so appealing and thrilling in games like Unleashed and Generations. keep making these videos man, they are genuenly some of the best sonic videos I have seen.
Rewatched some Sequelitis recently, and realized I kinda copied them lol. I probably made these videos in that style instinctively because I watched them so much when I was younger. They def rubbed off on me, love those videos. Fun and informative! Thanks for the comment!
At the large boundry bridge, if you run on the water and keep running the second island with that large building on the left, there is a firework that you can take to skips the entire section
I’m glad I’m not the only one who really enjoyed this level and getting through to the end just to get an E-Rank and hear that off key main theme play. Never in my life have I had a game laugh in my face and call me trash like that before, I love it
Fun fact: the main theme of Sonic Unleahsed was one of the the few songs in the game recorded with a live Orchestra, and yes they got the Orchestra to play the 'E' rank theme as well.
Your Rooftop Run video is what introduced me to your channel, and I LOVE the idea of covering Unleashed and Generations levels in the future (as those are my 2 favorite Sonic games, Unleashed slightly on top) and my favorite level in the entire franchise is Jungle Joyride I loved the asthetic and music, but the more I played it (trying to get all S ranks) the more I loved it, to the point that it's become the level I've spent the most time speedrunning to better my time (4,23 for now), and because of that I instantly knew what you meant by the music synching when leaving the docks I would love to see it covered, especially with both of these level analysis being so detailed and fun to watch, giving it some representation In any case, I'll be happy whenever it comes, keep up this video idea, I love it!
Jungle Joyride was the first day level I ever S ranked... also the first country I fully S ranked. When that video comes... prepare yourself. I will NOT shut up. Anywho, thank you!
I think Planet Wisp Act 6 has some of the coolest camera position-y stuff in all of Colors, the start with that "dark indoors to bright outdoors" effect that's also in act 4, the way you can see the alternate path while heading to the first enemy homing attack chain, the way you can briefly see the pillar at the end of the level and the planet's tractor beam at the peak of a grinding loop-de-loop, its so cool and i'd definitely recommend it for a future video!
I love in depth videos of individual levels like these, really excited for the rest you manage (given these probably take a lot of effort) to make! Some random notes: For the large boundary bridge there is some purpose to the open area, at least to the left side where there is a firework which as a safety net to those who fall off the main paths. Given how the drift works in unleashed I assume the area was so big to allow players to make U-Turns on the water; the drift also replenishes the boost gauge so theoretically you could stay on the water for eternity if you really wanted to. I find it a bit of a shame you didn't give mention to Dragon Road act 1-2, there I find the snappy movement and anticipation of the Unleashed-hop really benefits the chaotic and brutal level design changes of the first platforming section. All of it timed to be completable in only one cycle if done flawlessly, it's great. That said though the final platforming section in 1-2 put me in the psych ward. Rlly happy to see someone mention how in-sync the music feels with the levels, as you mentioned it can be pretty easy to find 'something' in music that is so fast, but it really adds to the experience. My favourite of these little moments has to be the saxophone intro of Skyscraper Scamper and its sax outro during the skybridge ascent later in the level.
Hang tight on those bonus level mentions, the more I make these vids, the more I could see myself maybe tackling all of them + DLC per country, (aka an Adabat Adventure Pack video) as they're a bit shorter plus we'll have the OG level videos to compare on those Act 1-2 levels. Also originally for large boundary bridge, my hypothesis was that the extra space was used for Dragon Road Act 5, until I replayed that and things didn't match up lol. Glad I learned about that firework tho, because whenever I fall off the bridge I just tank it as a death. Didn't know I could save myself! Appreciate the comment dude 👍
these deep dives really put into perspective how much care and detail the developers and the whole team put into a level we're going to blast through in like 4 or 5 minutes. love your videos, man, keep up the great work! :)
I love the way you analyze level design, and that one moment at 22:32 totally blew my mind, I’ve been playing this level for years, over and over, and I never knew about that other path! I had seen the pillar and wondered if I had already gone there or not but now I actually know how to get there! I hope you analyze all the levels in unleashed like this, even if they’re all 3 hours long. This is my favourite game, it deserves it!
I only learned of that through speedruns, which prompted me to ask "how the hell would you naturally discover that??" Turns out an NPC literally tells you if you give him an item lol. The more ya know! Thanks for the kind comment, excited to tackle all of Unleashed!
This video is SO good!!! I never realized how much work goes into the camera placement in Unleashed to make the gameplay feel as exhilarating as possible!!! I think it does a lot to help Unleashed's levels feel so fucking cool!!! This video further cemented my opinion that Unleashed's day stage level design is the best in the entire series. GOD I love this game AND this video!! AMAZING WORK!!!!
It's such a cinematic game, sometimes I can't blame them when they switch the camera around on me, I fully trust they're just gonna make me look cool lol. Thanks for watching dude!
I think Eggmanland would be a brilliant level to analyse, such a divisive level; one of my favourites of Unleashed; represents a lack of hand holding that is a far, far cry from any Sonic Game from Generations onwards really - as someone who loves the sonic games for their high skill ceilings, among many other things - I'll never forget the level that really pushed what I had learned in the game, for reasons that, unlike in some of the more brutal stages of 06, felt mostly fair, and very much adaptable. The atmosphere too, absolutely menacing, like any level in a world where Eggman won would be
Hoooo man, if you asked me months ago I would've said NO WAY. But after digging more into Unleashed, I'm starting to come around. Feels like one of the most purposefully challenging levels in all of Sonic, it's shocking how difficult it is compared to all the other levels in Unleashed (not a bad thing imo). It wasn't even on my radar for this series... but I guess if I'm doing them all, right?...
Super excited to see more of these videos about my favorite Sonic game of all time. Unleashed's levels are insane with all the little details and these videos have really reinvigorated my love for it. Keep up the great work dude!!!
I always knew this game had so much attention to detail but this takes my appreciation of it to a whole new level. Everything from the differing heights of the merlons to enhance your sense of speed, to the eagles that help you get an idea of just how high you are and the camera omg the camera I did not notice just how much the camera adds to the spectacle like it’s so subtle but it makes such a big difference. I can’t explain how much I love this video and I’m so excited to see the rest of the videos that you do. This is fantastic stuff man I love it!
One thing I love about this level (and a couple of other levels in unleashed) is the fact that this level acts as a way for the player to get comfortable with thier new ability (in this case the air boost) by having a lot of the levels shortcuts be accessible via the air boost as well as giving players sections where they can air boost with little to no time loss such as the starting ramp.
@@Ajakes I almost have the 100% of the game, and Eggmanland is BY FAR the level with the most tricks, deaths, paths and bullshit I've ever seen in a Sonic game. It's pretty normal that one doesn't wanna ever come back lol. I just need the two last Eggmanland hot dogs to finally finish that hell
I'm so glad you popped up for me. I was just telling my friend that Unleashed pioneered the modern 3D Sonic levels while he feels that Lost World showcases the best level design. I haven't played it yet so I've yet to see what Sonic Galaxy feels like. Your style of review was such a treat to listen to. I'm looking forward to more!
Thank you, I haven't played Lost World either, so it looks like it's on both of our backlogs lol. Very curious to try that one, I don't even know how to approach it. But if there's any standout levels, I'll be sure to make a vid. Thanks for watching!
First video of yours I’m seeing. Unleashed on PS2 was my first Sonic game I completed, so your track analyses will be very interesting to watch. Your editing style with the stick characters is so fun and engaging too!
the funny thing about the rotating platforms section in this level is that i think that it's actually pretty fun in the frontiers version of the level thanks to the bounce, homing dash, and air speed
19:15 you actually missed something in this part of the level; if you boost left of the bridge and run along the water for a WHILE, there'll be a rocket sitting next to one of the tall shrines that takes you back to the main path. i actually didnt know this existed until i saw someone use it in a playthrough. i love all the obscure paths you can take in this game just for fun
Been playing a lot of Shadow Geberations as that came out today and I'd love for you to tackle some of its level design. I'm personally at this place where I'm not sure how to dissect it, not that it is a bad thing. I think Unleashed has a clear philosophy of "go slow to discover alternate paths, then master the fastest path through reaction time". Like a lot of people complain about the medals as they feel going slow is counterintuitive to the boost style, but I feel like the medal are intentionally placed to make the player look for alternate paths. Some times the gane tease you about a path by showing it in the background, but the medals feeds into that philosophy. Then you have to memorize the fastest path and try to maintain the boost and keep momentum through quick button inputs which is why the game constantly have quick time events (to give you practice for maintaining speed on difficult paths). Can't remember who, but someone compared Unleashed to a rythm game and I totally get that comparison because once you found the path you want to optimize it very much becomes a matter of timing button inputs. Generations strays away from the linear and leans way more into the exploration segment. The red rings serve a similar function as the medals, but where as the medals could all be collected in a single run usually by taking the most difficult path, the red rings are placed more with the intention of highlight the scope of the level design. To show its verticality and the amount of paths you can take. The fastest path becomes more obscure as I think the game wants you to just explore more. Take Chemical Plant Act 2. That level also places you in a very similar position to Dragon Road, but where Dragon Road diverts from its first linear section by having a "blink and you'll miss it" faster path through the hole in the wall and that path clearly being faster because it's hard to miss (again encouraging going slow first to find your path before trying to master going fast on the found path), Chemical Plant has 2 divertions almost immediately with little to no signposting and I believe the fastest one is the right path, but the left path is just as much highlighted as the right path. It's not always clear what the fastest route will be and that does leab into a philosophy of exploration. I personally prefer Unleashed's philosophy as I find optimizing faster routes way more fun there, but there's no taking away from how much deeper Generations can feel with its design. Shadow Generations however I feel like is doing both as its collectibles are often on the fastest hidden path, but the less rigid controls also allows you to more freely roam the level. As in Unleashed you're constantly on rails trying to maintain the momentum from being on rails (not literal rails just try to highlight the linearity), while Generstions is more explorative, but through its more rigid controls can also sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. Shadow Generations does both and neither at the same time. I don't know if this makes any sense at all. As I said I'm really struggling with finding the level philosophy here, but I hope it resonates somewhat when you play Shadow Generations and I'd love for you to tackle it some day!
That's really well thought out, you should make a video on that lol, I never thought about the collectibles incentivizing different directions in the level, but I totally see what you mean. I just beat Shadow Generations this morning, and I think I'm gonna make a quick video with my initial thoughts on it later in the week, if you have any observations over that time you should let me know in the comments! I'm still trying to pin that game down too, my biggest takeaway being that it puts a lot of emphasis on combat (which I appreciate, as it's a Shadow game), but they use the combat to gather your momentum, instead of using runways. And I think that's a very interesting switch up. Moments where I'm simply boosting forward as Shadow don't feel as fast as me chaining together 5 robots and launching forward. I've never enjoyed combat so much in a Sonic game, as I typically avoid enemies, but in this one, I'm always looking for enemies as they can lead towards an alternate route. Now, how they incorporate that into the level, I might need to think harder on. So far, Kingdom Valley has felt the strongest in that regard, both Acts 1 and 2. Excited to get more in depth about it later. Thanks for the comment and insight!
YES. PLEASE. MORE OF THIS. This and the rooftop run videos are the type of videos Ive always wanted for sonic levels yet I could never find them. thank you!!!
Honestly, I think you hit the nail on the head when talking about the "Patterned Platform" segments. I was never really a big fan of Unleashed's 3D platforming bits as well so it's nice to feel some validation there!
Thanks, I hope I explained myself correctly in that section haha. I think it would be fine if there were some apparent ways to speed through it for new players.
These level analyses videos are very detailed and informative! I love listening to the ramblings in this video and anything said always keeps me interested! Cant wait for the next one!
I love how you focus on the little details it's so cool like the music in the beginning and the little tiptoe sound of sonic running on wood running to the music i thought only i appreciated these details
Great video again! Love the dissections and the analysis of how everything plays into the level rather than just any 1 thing. More of these'll be great.
Dude, INSTANT subscribe after you mentioned how Unleashed music brilliantly syncs with the levels progression. One of the most overlooked aspects of the level design, and my favorite example of this is in Jungle Joyride, where the water running section of the level, is tied directly to the second bridge of that song, if you stay reasonably on pace in the level. Keep up the amazing content my dude 👍
The music syncs in Jungle Joyride are my favorite, I gotta use another section to talk about it once we get to that level lol. Thanks for subscribing! 👍
The aesthetics of Dragon Road are pretty reminiscent of Kingdom Valley. The muted palette, the brick architecture, the cloudy skies, the large pools of water; some of the zones in Unleashed feel like they're revisiting level ideas from 06, which I find fascinating. Great analysis! I love how much you focus on the camerawork throughout the level. It can do a lot to convey the feel of the scenes, which is something that I think is weaker in Forces with its limited camera set up. Especially with how intimate it is with Sonic, really making you feel the speed of his running!
When they push in so close that we lose Sonic's feet in the shot, I KNOW they want us to feel that speed haha. When it happens in Dragon Road (at the start/on the rail) it's great, it also doesn't linger too long, it gives you just a taste while you're enjoying the speed, instead of looking out for obstacles. When Unleashed's camera adapts in that way, it's fantastic. Thanks for the comment!
This was the perfect video to amp me up further on Sonic hype for tomorrow! I've been craving relaxing, positive sonic content and the way you appreciate what you're talking about, even if you don't particularly enjoy it is JUST the nice energy I've been missing from this fandom as of late! I'm just here for the fun vibes and drawings (which I appreciate how dynamic they manage to be even as fun doodles!) Idc what level you talk about next tbh (sorry for not answering the question rip), the analysis is so good I'll hear about anything LOL
HA that just gives me the freedom to pick, not a bad thing with so many great levels! I'm so pumped for SXSG (should unlock for digital owners tonight right? I'm beyond hyped). Happy to stay positive about Sonic, thanks for watching!!
No prob, seaside hill would definitely be a big one to take on, there's so many different path ways that I'm still discovering new ones now haha😂 that's what makes it an amazing level tho @@Ajakes
I clicked this first, but i went to warch the Rooftop Run video before this one, and I thoroughly enjoyed both, your style of analysis is really entertaining. As for Dragon Road, it's one of my two favourite Unleashed levels. I actually really like the brief 3D platforming interludes, I can see how they're a sharp break of the pace, but for me, I like the breather they give in between the fast-paced action of the rest of the level. If there's any other levels I'd love to see you look at, Speed Highway would be my pick for a Generations comparison, since I'm such a huge SA1 fan and all the callbacks in the Gens version are so well done. And for single stage analyses, I'd love to see my other favourite Unleashed stage, Skyscraper Scamper. I love just how much that stage has to offer, and how huge it makes Empire City feel
Thank you, and interesting to hear from someone who DOES enjoy the platforming interludes! Nice having a different perspective, ours are kinda swapped haha. Thanks for the suggestions too, both of those levels are fantastic, and some of the first that popped into my mind when making the series.
I love seeing those analysis of Sonic stages, I've learned a lot thanks to many of them, more than just the superficial level of having fun and enjoying the gameplay, finding why they're so engaging even in the most small ways possible in ways that you'll most likely not even notice but it will create a better experience and even unconsciously will make you happy and satisfied The things that you mentioned here about how the music drops at the start of the stage when you do certain actions like boost for the first time, quickstep or hit a dash pad Or what you said in the last video of Rooftop Run about the camera work when showing spectacle in Sonic games, and how they're so good in giving the right feeling, pointing the camera up to show how high something is, pointing the camera down to show how high you are, zooming out to show how big something is by showing a small Sonic in comparison, etc. This, and more things I've seen in more videos analysing things like this, like how in Sonic CD in Collision Chaos if your timing is right, the music will drop in the exact same time Metal Sonic takes Amy away and flees from the screen, or how in City Escape the song kicks in just as Sonic lands with his board on the ground, and the lyrics of the song comes as soon as the GUN lady stops talking on her radio Those details are just so cool
The City Escape drop is an all-timer, not only is that song incredible but they blast it at you in the best way possible. Once I get to City Escape, I got a lot to say about it lol. All great points, thanks for commenting!
Definately one of the more eventful levels in unleashed. Fun fact there is a glitch in this level that makes him jump twice as far as normal. It's called chaser or interceptor glitch, if you restart the level during the giant blue interceptor chasing sonic, your jump becomes much further. This trick works for RR, DR, EC, JJ. It is very helpful for doing a 3d in 2d trick in the first 2 d section where sonic runs down the dragon😂
Oh another excellently made easy to consume video! Again, really makes me appreciate these levels so much more than I already did just running through them quickly! That Spring under the dragon's tail blew my mind! Although you're probably going to eventually do all of Unleashed regardless, I'd love to see Jungle Joyride tackled! I used to not be a big fan of the stage but recently I've been much more into it on a level design perspective. Now, what makes it work (or not) as a spectacle? I'd love to hear about it! Also a quick note, when you see a "U" spelt out in English in an Asian language it's probably your best bet to default to an "oo" sound rather than "Ah" sound. There might be some exceptions but it has much more of a chance to be correct.
Thanks for the pronunciation help, I don't wanna butcher any of these Unleashed names lol. I'm very hyped to do Jungle Joyride (the best level? I'll have to make my case in the video, but I think so)
This video came out at the perfect time for me as I'm REALLY trying hard to not get spoiled on Shadow Gens. It's been rough the past few days but as of the time I'm writing this, we have only about 2 hours left until the Digital Deluxe version releases! I definitely agree that the boost games can get kinda annoying with tight platforming. I heard some people compare the boost games to rhythm games and in a weird way, it kinda works. The best boost levels are based on testing your reaction time and it's great when your run just flows together perfectly. Tight platforming basically halts your progression to do precise jumps with a moveset that isn't really built for that. This is also coming from someone who likes the towers in Sonic Frontiers, where Sonics moveset finds a really good balance between being precise and being fast. I'd love to see an analysis of Seaside Hill next in the Gens comparisons, Heroes was my childhood game after all and I'd love to see what cool level design references I missed like you did multiple times in the Rooftop Run video.
Sonic games compared to rhythm games is something I wanted to bring up but had no way of articulating well lol (maybe in a future vid) but, coming from a guy who LOVES rhythm games, I think that comparison really works with some of these boost games, especially Unleashed. Your route is essentially a lane highway and you're performing actions to the "beat" of the setpieces. I also will casually play levels in Unleashed the same way I play them in Rock Band, not for a high score, just to have fun / look cool. Levels have "solos" and "difficult choruses" the same way songs in Rock Band would have, but they're consistent if you want to play them that way. It's something I want to speak further on in a future vid. Thanks for the comment, was wondering if anyone was ever gonna bring that up and let me start YAPPING. Appreciate it!
I can't wait to see more of this video content, there's still a ton of shortcuts I'm missing, I presume, from games like Unleashed and I can't wait to see it be pulled apart and analyzed
Man, I did NOT know about Professor Pickle giving you hints on how to find secret areas! I really need to see more of the oodles of side-content in this game! As for level suggestions, I would recommed you analyse the differences between the original Speed Highway and it's generations counterpart!
I did have a lil' gamer rage way back when thinking that spring was all luck. Then I did some research and realized a lot of the "luck" shortcuts actually WERE pointed out by Pickle. We owe that guy another Urn. Also WOOO SPEED HIGHWAY WOOOO i wanna do that one too
Can’t believe how fast you worked on this, the effort and detail is amazing. Still watching and loving it so much. As for another video, i see some others saying it, but I’d love to see jungle joyride and eggmanland, as they are very in depth with a ton of pathways and mechanics. Keep cooking!
unleashed is still one of my favorite sonic games, my sister and I only played the WII version so seeing what the other console versions are like is honestly super great! Seeing the analysis of just why is so good is just incredible idk seeing people genuinely get enjoyment out of it makes my teen self feel super validated
Dying to try out that Wii version of Unleashed. People keep bringing up their own comparisons in the comments, its great. Making this series is genuinely a thrill, so I appreciate the watch!
Bro, your videos are insane! I hope you stop being underrated to youtube's algorithm so that you could shine here, you totally deserve it. By the way, the edit at 17:48 is so good and it must've taken some minutes to make 🥲
I hope you keep doing more videos on unleashed, its one of my favorite sonic games and seeing you talk about the levels in depth is super sick and you should keep at it!! it would be also cool if you did this with other sonic games
Completing the docks in Jungle Joyride fast enough so that the song kicks off when you reach the mainland... probably my favorite example, it feels so good.
completely unrelated: 0:55 SONIC RUSH MENTION RAAHHHHHHH. unfortunate sufferer of dimps' bottomless pits, questionable writing choices, and sonic 2 special stages but everything else is amazing and cool and blaze is also there and the MUSIC! edit: oh i got to the part where you played back 2 back. technically another rush mention, i'm counting it!
one of these days i need to find a group of like minded unleashed lovers and be autistic about the game in a 12 hour long vc where all we do is play the game and talk about how cool it is
There's a LOT more Unleashed lovers than I realized, I grew up thinking everyone hated this game, but it def imprinted on some people, and others finally catching it now (me) are starting to really dig it
@@Ajakes i ended up growing up with the game, almost quite literally as the game is only about a year or two older than i am lol absolutely glad people are getting to experience one of the most amazing 3d sonics (in my opinion at least) and about thinking everyone hated it, ABSOLUTELY get it people as far as i can remember only really complained about the werehog being bad and the boost gameplay being the good part of unleashed, which i heavily disagree with, but maybe my nostalgia bias blinds me a little bit, hehe
@@ratnip_x Yeah, years ago all I knew was "No no, you don't wanna play that one, they can't decide over 2D and 3D plus werehog is the worst thing in Sonic history." But werehog was alright! I'll admit I raged here and there, but going back to levels now, I'm starting to enjoy seeing how I can complete those as fast as possible. But, this is a much later perspective, people coming off of 06 probably didn't want any switch ups, and Unleashed did a LOT of experimenting (for good reason, look where we are now!) so I can understand why people raged. Once you calm down though and give it a fair shake, man, you cannot deny they gave it their all on that game.
Probably the most excited I was grinding for medals to unlock a stage, only rivaled by Jungle Joyride which I am very excited to hear your analysis on 😺
Someone else mentioned the camera in this level, and one thing I'd like to point out about older titles versus new ones is how it moves from shot to shot. Unleashed, Generations, and older titles like Heroes would slowly ease in and out of shot, making it seem like a drone was following you. In contrast, Forces, Frontiers, and Shadow Generations have more abrupt camera shifts, as it the camera is suddenly being pulled into position. I think the smoother camera plays a part in why I like the older titles more, as not only does a smooth transition make the camera changes during gameplay less jarring, but it's also one of the less talked about yet more pleasing elements of the presentation that helps make it feel more like you're running alongside Sonic rather than just watching him on a TV.
Good point, we do kinda get drone/raceway angles of Sonic, where the perspective will change so we can see him take the full extent on turns, while also keeping us zeroed in on his movements. Never really thought about the differences there
@@Ajakes Could be worth pointing out if you ever compare Frontiers' Cyberspace levels to the SA2/Un/Gen originals, as I found the new camera often made the experience less engaging and more distracting.
Your videos made me realize how the Unleashed/Generations Sonic Team is actually possibly the most talented Sonic Team that has ever existed, like holy shit.
W upload. Just played SxS generations. I like the modern controls, but it just doesn't feel the same like how it was for when we all first played Sonic Unleashed. Luckily enough, they gave us "Legacy controls" (literally Unleashed controls) as an option. Went with that and it's such a dream to relive my childhood. 😭
Been playing it too! Idk if the speed is matched to Unleashed, but the spectacle and thrill of Shadow is at an all time high, plus a lot of those levels flow your movements together really well! Hope to talk more about it soon.
@Ajakes you're definitely telling the truth. Unleashed had better maps In my opinion. I'm not a fan of doing so much Parkhour in generations. I rather have it being lengthy running from unleashed as intended. BUT I see spagonia being that
Dragon Road is probably my favorite Daytime stage besides Jungle Joyride, and it goes very very fast, which is something that later games kind of fail to replicate, like Forces and even Frontiers. Unleashed is my favorite game of all time (my pfp is the OST cover) and even with the werehog stages getting all the hate, i think this is an extremely underrated game, and i love to see it getting some love.
These videos are super cool!! It's really amazing to understand how the game design makes some of these moments from the game feel so grand. When I play through these levels I'm subconsciously processing all of these things, but it's really nice to see them pointed out and explained so well. Also, these vids are showing me details that I've just never noticed when flying through the stages. Specifically, at 25:50 there's a spring right in front of the interceptor chase that I've never noticed. I really wonder how to get there now and I'm wondering if you noticed it but just didn't include it in the video.
oh my god you aren't kidding, there IS a spring there loooool, I NEVER picked up on that. I assume it would let you spring over the entryway to the interceptor chase, if you fell down during the jump? Windmill Isle has a similar strange hidden dash pad underneath the building where you circle the roof and take the zipline. Might have to go back and try that spring... Nice catch!
Mania, followed by Unleashed were the first Sonic games I played extensively This specific level is the one that made me realize just how perfectly they captured the fundamentals of Sonic level design in 3D, and how that applied to the whole of the game. I feel that people who don’t see that are just too narrow viewed, they don’t remember what it was like to learn how to play Sonic, and that prevents them from learning new things with that same ideology. Sonic games are designed with a specific type of learning curve, Sonic Unleashed captured that perfectly in both its gameplay styles.
Well said! I also feel like this is your first "difficult" level in Unleashed with all the opportunities to fall off. If you learn a lot of parts on Dragon Road, it should help you with future levels down the line.
I would love to see a video describing Jungle Joyride, it really does feel like one of the more unique levels, especially with how it goes through the town on stilts in the water, through jungles and through platforms that feel like ancient ruins. I think it makes for one of the best levels possible for the semi-final level of the game, and final traditional level for Modern Sonic.
Not sure if you already know, but at 22:49 you can actually skip the spring poles if you slide under the wall. I was not expecting another of these videos to drop so soon. It would be so cool to see a level analysis on Seaside Hill (Sonic Generations,) as it is easily one of the most expansive boost stages with new things I am discovering all these years later.
This one I actually DID know about! I didn't keep it in so I could show off the purposed verticality of that 1 bridge, but it would've been good to mention. Appreciate it
after your first video I wiped my save and played through the game again. Dragon Road while majestic is also frustrating because most of the level has great flow and fair challenge but the platforming sections bring the pace to a screeching halt and have no flow to them what se ever, And the last one punishes you for waiting. I like the level but the issues present make it one of my least favourite to play. Fantastic video, again I can't belive you held me for half an hour! I'd like to see you talk about Final Rush from SA2. =)
I’m loving this series I really am. In fact I think this might be my current favorite series on RU-vid! It’s such a simple concept, talking about and explaining the level design of sonic levels. But it’s just so fun. Really keep it up! Side note: at some point do you think you could cover levels from the storybook series? They’re a guilty pleasure of mine
Thank you! You're getting in on the series early, let's see how far we can TAKE it. Speaking of level design, I don't know much about the storybook games, but I picked up both of them to try out later. Is there a level in either of those that you think stands out the most?
@@AjakesI’d say for black knight you should check out either titanic plain or Camelot castle those two have always captured my attention and intrigued me and then for secret rings you should look at Skelton dome and levitated ruins I’ve always thought their themes were really cool and just really nice to look at
Definitely did not notice the sunken barrier side so we can see sonic better, and also the middle path either. Been loving these videos so far! With sonic x shadow generations coming soon maybe a comparison of radical highway would be cool!
I would also have the 3DS version for that comparison too, right? Maybe I could do all 3, that could be interesting. Thanks for watching and suggestin!
