Man, playing this game is such a weird experience. For everything they got right, they seem to have done something wrong to counteract it. Granted, this still is probably the best 3D Sonic game released (not that this means much).
+Sonic levels are ace very well-designed. Loads of branching paths make replays much more interesting.
+Graphics are AWESOME. I honestly was expecting the screenshots I saw online to be bullshots, I was pleasantly surprised. Everything is sharp, clean, and colourful. Everything seems to have a high polygon count. They did something right with the Hedgehog Engine, because it's one of the most nicest looking multiplatform titles this generation (imo). I didn't think Sonic Team had the talent anymore. Here's hoping they use it for the next PSO title.
+Music is fantastic. I want to get this game's OST. It's
that good.
+Art direction is realized and inspired you could say. It's very stylized and fits perfectly with the Sonic universe.
-Werehog levels. It's not so much the mechanics that I have a problem with. They would have been a decent distraction if the levels were half as long and enemies died faster. Playing those levels became a chore for me rather quickly. It's more of a Kung Fu Panda clone than a God of War one.
-While the sense of speed is exhilarating, Sonic sometimes runs too fast making it seem like you have no control over the hedgehog.
-It's a personal preference, I'd rather have the progression a bit more linear that having to enter and converse in hub stages. It works better with Sonic. It's not an RPG ffs!
-Control still feels a tad too twitchy (liked 2K6).
-I actually like Chip despite him being a shitty friend.
Overall, this is a C+ game for me from what I have played so far. It would have been better if it was all Sonic obviously.