I do genuinely think Sonic Unleashed’s daytime stages have slowly become my favorite incarnation of Sonic. I remember coming away from a level like Arid Sands actually, physically trembling from how intense it was my first time through. Once I got on top of the game’s difficulty curve it became incredibly rewarding.
Which also explains why I didn’t really find Sonic Colors or Sonic Generations to be as fun. Both of those games are more about trying to get you to slow down a little, and they surround you with safety nets that kind of neuter the thrill of how insane later Sonic Unleashed levels get.
So Sonic Unleashed remains in this weird perfect moment where I went in being super cautious, came out the other end loving the daytime stages, and never having Sonic Team even dare touching that level of white-knuckle thrill in anything else.