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A fan-favorite Sonic the Hedgehog game has new life on the PC, thanks to a fan project.
Unleashed Recompiled is an unofficial port of the cult hit Sonic Unleashed, a Sonic the Hedgehog game released for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, and Xbox 360. The project ports the Xbox 360 version of the game to both Windows and Linux via “the process of static recompilation,” according to the project’s GitHub page.
In Sonic Unleashed, players take control of the titular hero, Sonic the Hedgehog, as he travels the world to restore power to the Chaos Emeralds. There are two main styles of play: daytime levels, which are fast-paced and akin to other 3D Sonic games that are focused on platforming and speed; and nighttime levels, which are combat-focused and see Sonic transformed into a slower but stronger “Werehog,” a monstrous version of himself.
Unleashed Recompiled is merely a method of recompiling the game’s assets to Windows and Linux. The Project itself does not contain any game assets; these must be provided by the player through “[their] own legally acquired copy of the game.” This means that to play Unleashed Recompiled, you must have a copy of the Xbox 360 version of Sonic Unleashed.
It should be noted the game is still available for digital download via the Xbox online store for $14.99 and can be played on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. It should also be noted that Sega likely won’t be able to take down the project as it technically doesn’t infringe on any of Sega’s properties.
Unleashed Recompiled not only ports the title to PC; it also includes some quality-of-life improvements, such as ultrawide display support, higher resolutions, increased frame rates, and improved performance. The project also allows user mods. Full details and instructions are available via the GitHub page linked in the Sources section below.
Since the title is so old, the minimum system requirements are rather meager. The game requires either an Intel Sandy Bridge (2nd Gen) or AMD Bulldozer (FX series) CPU or newer, a GPU that supports either Direct3D 12 or Vulkan 1.2 (e.g., Nvidia GeForce GT 630, AMD Radeon HD 7750, or Intel HD Graphics 510), and either Windows 10 or a “modern Linux distro” (e.g., Ubuntu Linux 22.04). The game requires either 6 or 10 GB of storage, depending on whether gamers install DLC.
I’ve been a computer geek my entire life. After graduating college with a degree in Mathematics, I worked in finance and banking a few years before taking a job as a database administrator. I started working with Notebookcheck in October of 2016 and have enjoyed writing news and reviews. I’ve also written for other outlets including UltrabookReview and GeeksWorldWide, focusing on consumer guidance and video gaming. My areas of interest include the business side of technology, retro gaming, Linux, and innovative gadgets. When I’m not writing on electronics or tinkering with a device, I’m either outside with my family, enjoying a decade-old video game, or playing drums or piano.
