So today I had the chance to play the full game for the first time. Until now, my only playing experience was through the PS3 demo and oh my Reece's, this game is phenomenal. This is now my favorite 3D Sonic. Everything I had issues with when it came to Colors has been fixed and polished to a gleam. Aesthetically, Modern Seaside Hill is exactly what I want future Sonic games to look like. Everything just works, and I'll be honest, I had a much more fun time with Modern Sonic than Classic.
My biggest issue is the story. I don't mind a bare bones story, but when cutscenes take place, I at least expect them to forward the plot! here, the dialogue-based cutscenes offer nothing at all. Cutscenes that do work however, are the pre-boss/rival cutscenes with no dialogue; it just creates an establishing point that shows what's going on and shows off how cool Sonic is when he acts and keeps his mouth shut. the Shadow and Silver cutscenes are perfect examples of this.
And I may be in the minority in this, but I think it's time to cut the slapstick humor after Generations. I like the more light-hearted style they're going for lately, and I think the premise surrounding the game could have been good, but the dialogue and the go-nowhere cutscenes damaged it for me. I think Sonic Team should attempt to go for a more in-depth plot, but not a serious one, per-se. I don't know, just looking at how Mario Galaxy took their bare-bones plot and approached in with sincerity, but not seriousness would be my ideal concept for a Sonic story in the future.
Graphics are phenomenal, and the animations are top notch, Sonic looks fantastic and I love how he's portrayed in his movements, both as classic and modern. One thing I miss though is the super high-contrast lighting from Unleashed. I loved how everything was basked in light and shadow in that game, it brings my view of this game's look down ever so slightly.
