The blue dude with the attitude returns for his umpteenth outing in Sonic and the Secret Rings, another 3-D, path running, platform-hopping, baddie-bashing, bauble collecting sort of thing with Arabian Nights-type trappings. A yawner of a title if it weren't for the cool new way to interface with the way-old Sega mascot, himself iconic within the genre and the genre itself well-represent (run, die, memorize path w/pitfall, get further, repeat), so maybe that's okay.

For the most part, you control Sonic (or others) as if you were driving him, holding the Wii remote controller (Wii-mote) like a steering yoke, buttons for brake and jump, thrusting the whole kit and caboodle at the TV to actuate lunge attacks. He's a slow speedmiester to start, gaining rapidity and prowess as you progress through the levels for a nice gentle learning curve. It's all rather effective; a thick disguise over otherwise totally derivative -- and homely looking -- gameplay.

Better still, Secret Rings also includes a whole different game which, while completely out of context with the platform-hopping adventure bit, is completely in tune with the fresh controls for knock-off schlock presented by the main game. It's a multiplayer party game and a clean steal from the illustrious Mario Party games (like there aren't enough of those around). Up to four players can have at it on a map-like game board, seek out randomly placed treasure turn by turn and also activate little mini games like spear the fruit, roll a boulder, row a boat, etc.

Again, using the still-novel Wii-mote, it's all a lot of stupid fun, especially considering the level playing field for all involved as everyone will have to learn their Wii-mote skills from scratch.

Still, not particularly original. Oh well.