Dedicated Sonic the Hedgehog fans have united their efforts and released an impressive unofficial PC port of Sonic Unleashed, known as Unleashed Recompiled.
However, first and foremost, it’s worth emphasizing that this project does not include any game assets, meaning prospective players must utilize their own legally owned version of Sonic Unleashed.
Slew of Enhancements
The enhanced version of the game includes an easy-to-use installer and a new options menu that allows direct access to various quality-of-life features and graphics settings, all fully navigable with a controller. Achievements have also been recreated. Still, these do not work with Steam or RetroAchievements.
This version of Sonic Unleashed boasts high-fidelity visuals, preserving the vibrancy of the PlayStation 3 version while offering an optional filter to match the Xbox 360 release.
Enhancements include higher resolution support, advanced anti-aliasing (MSAA), improved depth of field, enhanced motion blur, and bicubic texture filtering.
Moreover, a new high-performance renderer was impressively built from scratch, optimizing draw calls, utilizing multi-threading, and eliminating Xbox 360 hardware quirks. Modern rendering techniques have also been implemented, such as bindless textures and shader specialization.
High frame rate support now allows gameplay at 60 FPS by default, with the option for higher uncapped frame rates. Most high-frame-rate glitches have been fixed, though minor issues may persist at very high frame rates.
Controller Support
This fan release features ultrawide resolutions, with adjustable UI alignment and an option to unlock cutscene aspect ratios.
Controller features include D-pad support, dynamic LED lighting for DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers, and touchpad integration for the world map. A quality-of-life menu introduces options to disable hint rings, tutorials, and the Werehog’s battle theme.
Steam Deck and Linux Support
The game includes native Linux builds optimized for the Steam Deck. Still, storage caution is advised.
Modding Support
The enhanced Sonic Unleashed is fully compatible with Hedge Mod Manager, supporting Sonic Generations-style mods and Unleashed Mod Manager files for backward compatibility. Still, code modding is not yet available.
Development Team
The project was helmed by Skyth, Sajid, Hyper, Darío, and several other contributors, with additional consultation for innumerable factors.
You can view many more details about this impressive mod and installation instructions via the Unleashed Recompilation Github page. Upcoming update plans are also specified.
About Sonic Unleashed
The narrative has Sonic transform into a form known as Werehog after a battle with Eggman. Then, as both Sonic and his Werehog counterpart, players must travel to different locations around the world in an effort to mend the fractured planet alongside his new companion, Chip.
During the day, players control Sonic’s hedgehog self across high-speed platforming levels, where boosting is the name of the game. On the other hand, at night, Sonic transforms into the Werehog where progression is slower and bolstered by combat.
