This game has received a lot of negative reviews both by regular players and professional game critics. The primary complaint seems to be that the werehog levels are too slow and the combat is mindless. Other complaints are that the controls are difficult to use, or that one has to button mash ([...], amazon.com). I, however, feel quite the opposite.The night stages (werehog) are much slower than the day stages (hedgehog), but not worse. These stages are reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or Super Mario 64, so much so that when I was recently playing SM64 I shook the N64 controller accidentally trying to punch. The combat is not long at all if you don't button mash. Yes, one can usually make it through combat by swinging with reckless abandon, but to win with lots of health left and win quickly? No. The combos can be tricky and challenging, as well as using the proper combat maneuvers.The 3D platforming in this game is made so much more fun by the werehog's stretchy arms. Jumping from the molding on a crumbling building to a teetering platform full of bad guys over a giant vortex can be pretty exhilarating! The use of the Wii remote is excellent in pulling levels, swinging on poles, climbing, and throwing crates! In the upper levels especially, the puzzles are very well thought out. None are frustratingly hard to solve. All are fun. If you don't like 3D platformers though, this game isn't for you. (n00b)As day breaks, so does the sound barrier. Sonic in his normal form (day stages) is faster than ever before. These stages are amazing as far as the amount of detail that goes into the stages' graphics. While playing these stages you will see the countryside whip by in a blur of color, but if you slow down you can see advertisements for Japanese style haircuts, flowers, and houses with 3D objects inside.These day stages are much shorter but (maybe I was just not as good) have to be replayed several times to complete with the best ranking. They make up a smaller part of the game but are similar to Sonic advance 2 (not really like the genesis titles), or a racing game where you beat up badniks on the track. Even my most flawless runs (take the best secrets, avoid damage, etc.) have room for improvement making the re-playability value for these VERY high. Fun to play with friends too, I just wish it had online high scores or something!The storyline has so many cinematic scenes with great graphics and funny writing that I really didn't notice that you can't skip them! There is really only one new character in this game, Chip, and longtime fans will be pleased to note that even he probably won't ever be seen again. He is a fun maroon colored comic relief that waves farewell at the end of the story. A bit of chatting with the townspeople to find the next level adds an interesting reference to RPGs but does not go into great depth with it.The only other thing I need to say before concluding is that it plays to a wide array of players. If you spend way too much time playing video games, looking for all the secrets, and refusing to use a strategy guide (like me), than you will find hours of enjoyment unlocking everything to get the cut scene at the end. If have a life outside of video games (like my spouse), then just playing through the main game should give you your money's worth (especially since it's cheaper than $20.00!). So if you are an average or experienced player, this is the game for you.Overview:Graphics: 100% (best graphics on Wii)Music: 84% (some pieces are close to perfect whereas the town music is like elevator music)Story: 90%Day stage game play: 97%Night stage game play: 93%Re-playability: 91% (I have logged over 70 hours on it and still play it)Overall: 97%