We still have major reservations though. Sonic on 360 certainly retains the trademark speed - in places, it's so fast it'll melt your face off. But in parts, especially in the Sonic sections, it seems to be a return to the messy 3D Sonic antics of old.
The levels are pleasantly non-linear, and seem to hold hidden depths, but the game also seems to have inherited the same uncontrollable woes here and there, with on-rails bits which don't invite the player to join in, and some uninspiring gameplay elements.
That said, it would be unfair to write it off at this point, especially with such appreciable variety between levels. It certainly looks especially attractive in places, a true step up in visual quality from previous efforts. But if Sega doesn't learn from previous mistakes, it looks bound to repeat them.
Above: Sonic Team seems to have moved away from the old foes. Where are Buzzbomber and Crabmeat?
