Summary
A talented group of fans has created an updated PC port ofSonic Unleashed, potentially paving the way for more upscaled versions of old Xbox 360 titles.Sonic Unleashedwas released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii in late 2008, with a PS3 version launching shortly afterward. It famously saw Sonic transform into a werewolf-like “Werehog” as he raced to gather the Chaos Emeralds and restore the shattered world after another one of Dr. Eggman’s schemes goes awry. As a result,Sonic Unleashedsplit its gameplay into day and night sections, with the regular Sonic speeding through the former and the Werehog smashing his way across the latter.
Sonic Unleashedreceived a mixed reception at launch, with some players praising the game’s impressive graphics and fast-paced daytime platforming sections while others decried the more sluggish,God of War-like Werehog segments. Later titles likeSonic ColorsandSonic Forceswould reuse the boost gauge mechanic introduced inSonic Unleashed, and the latter was alsorepresented inSonic Generationsthrough the Rooftop Run stage and Egg Dragoon boss battle. However, there was never a PC version ofSonic Unleashednor any rerelease on modern systems.
17 years afterSonic Unleashedwas released, a group of fans have taken it upon themselves to develop an unofficial PC port, as reported byIGN. This port, dubbedSonic Unleashed Recompiledis no simple PC emulation of the Xbox 360 original. Instead, it is a complete recompiling of the game from the group up, complete with new features like high-resolution support, high framerate support, support for ultra-wide displays, and mod support. It can alsorun on the Steam Deck, but there is a major catch for curious gamers who wish to try it out.
Unofficial Sonic Unleashed PC Port Enhances Xbox 360 Original
Sonic Unleashed Recompiledrequires a copy of theXbox 360 version of the gameto run, as it recompiles the original game files into a playable PC format through a technique called static recompilation. Despite this potential roadblock, Xbox 360 fans are excited about what this unofficialSonic Unleashedport could mean for other titles of the seventh console generation getting similar PC versions down the line.
Others are simply thrilled at thechance to playSonic Unleashed, already an impressive visual showcase on its native consoles, with modern hardware and updated graphics. It remains uncertain how Sega will react to this unauthorizedSonic UnleashedPC port, as companies like Nintendo have historically taken legal action against similar projects in the past.
