《音速小子 失落世界》（日文名：ソニック ロストワールド，英文名：Sonic Lost World）是由Sonic Team開發、SEGA於2013年在Wii U平台推出的3D動作冒險遊戲，亦是音速小子系列專為任天堂平台設計的幾部獨佔作品之一。這款作品試圖在遊戲玩法上做出創新與轉型，融合傳統高速跑酷與全新立體地形的設計，並導入更自由的動作控制系統，帶來耳目一新的體驗。

劇情方面，背景設定在一個漂浮於天空中的神祕地帶「失落六面體」（Lost Hex）。音速小子索尼克與他的夥伴塔爾斯在追擊宿敵蛋頭博士（Dr. Eggman）的過程中意外來到這裡。然而，在這片神秘土地上，遭遇來自當地的強大反派組織「死亡六魔」（Deadly Six），這群造型各異的敵人原本是蛋頭博士控制的部下，卻因某種意外擺脫束縛，轉而要毀滅世界。為阻止這場災難，必須在失落六面體的多樣區域中穿梭，擊敗六魔、破解謎題、並重新阻止蛋頭博士的陰謀。

在操作與玩法設計上，明顯受到《超級瑪利歐銀河》的啟發，導入大量圓柱形與球體地形的重力環境設計，可以在360度空間奔跑、跳躍與戰鬥。這樣的變革使得關卡設計變得更具立體感，不再只是橫向衝刺，而是進入更具空間探索性的冒險體驗。此外，首次加入「跑步按鈕」的概念，按住特定按鍵才能以高速奔跑，這與過去一貫的全時高速風格不同，改變節奏感，也讓操控更具精確性，適合平台跳躍與近戰攻擊。攻擊方面則加入「踢擊」與「螺旋攻擊」等新招式，提升戰鬥的多樣性。

Wii U版本的特色還包括對GamePad的活用。透過觸控螢幕來選擇道具、操控Wisp特殊能力，甚至在特定關卡中進行重力或方向的操作。支援離電視遊玩（Off-TV Play），可完全在GamePad上體驗。此外，支援本地雙人合作與對戰模式，讓另一位玩家能透過Wii Remote輔助或操控敵對單位進行競賽。

在市場評價方面，收到的反應相當兩極。許多評論稱讚遊戲在視覺表現上色彩鮮明、風格活潑，並對其嘗試革新的關卡設計與立體重力系統表示肯定，認為這是音速小子系列嘗試擺脫過去瓶頸的勇敢之舉。然而，另一方面，操作手感與節奏變化則引發不少爭議。有些老玩家認為「跑步按鈕」與多段跳機制破壞音速小子一貫的流暢性，導致操作變得生硬、不自然。部分關卡設計也被批評難度突兀、節奏不穩，尤其在後期關卡出現過多強迫精準控制的場景，使遊戲難以長時間保持樂趣。IGN給予本作5.8分，批評其玩法雖具潛力但執行不足；而GameSpot則給出6.3分，認為雖有亮點但整體體驗表現平平。

總結來說，《音速小子 失落世界》是充滿實驗精神的系列嘗試。試圖透過重塑操作系統與引入全新空間設計來打破傳統音速遊戲的框架，雖然結果不盡完美，但仍展現出Sonic Team尋求突破的誠意。對於Wii U玩家而言，是視覺吸引、創意十足的作品，特別適合對新玩法感興趣、或希望以不同角度重新認識音速小子的玩家。

Sonic Lost World (Japanese title: ソニック ロストワールド) is a 3D action-adventure game developed by Sonic Team and released by SEGA for the Wii U in 2013. It is one of several Sonic the Hedgehog titles designed exclusively for Nintendo platforms and represents a bold attempt to innovate and transform the franchise’s gameplay. Blending traditional high-speed platforming with new, three-dimensional terrain design and more flexible movement controls, the game aims to offer a fresh and dynamic experience.

The story is set in a mysterious, floating region in the sky called the Lost Hex. Sonic and his companion Tails arrive there unexpectedly while chasing their nemesis, Dr. Eggman. However, they soon encounter a powerful new enemy force known as the Deadly Six—a group of bizarre and diverse villains who were once under Eggman’s control but have since broken free and now threaten to destroy the world. To prevent catastrophe, Sonic must travel through the varied regions of the Lost Hex, defeat the Deadly Six, solve environmental puzzles, and ultimately thwart Eggman’s renewed plans for domination.

The gameplay and control design show clear inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy, introducing cylindrical and spherical terrain with gravity-defying level mechanics. Players can run, jump, and fight across 360-degree environments, bringing a new dimension to level design. Instead of the series’ traditional always-on speed, Lost World introduces a run button—players must hold it down to accelerate, which slows the game’s usual frantic pace but allows for greater control, especially during platforming and close-quarters combat. Combat itself is expanded with new moves such as kicks and the spiral attack, enhancing gameplay variety.

The Wii U version takes advantage of the GamePad’s unique features. Players can use the touchscreen to manage items, activate Wisp powers, and even manipulate gravity or direction in specific stages. The game also supports Off-TV Play, allowing the entire experience to be played directly on the GamePad. Furthermore, local multiplayer is available—either for cooperative play, where a second player assists using the Wii Remote, or competitive modes where one player controls enemy units.

Reception to Sonic Lost World was highly mixed. On the positive side, critics praised the game’s vibrant visuals, energetic style, and willingness to experiment with level design and gravitational mechanics. Many saw it as a bold step away from the formulaic constraints that had burdened recent Sonic entries. However, the new control scheme and pacing changes sparked controversy. Some longtime fans felt that the run button and multi-stage jump mechanics disrupted the franchise’s signature fluidity, making movement feel clunky and unnatural. Certain stages were criticized for erratic difficulty spikes and over-reliance on precise control, especially in later areas, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. IGN gave the game a 5.8/10, citing its potential but flawed execution, while GameSpot awarded it a 6.3/10, acknowledging some strengths but noting that the overall experience was underwhelming.

In summary, Sonic Lost World is an ambitious, experimental entry in the Sonic series that tries to redefine the franchise with new mechanics and spatial design. While not all of its innovations land successfully, the game reflects Sonic Team’s genuine desire to break new ground. For Wii U players, it stands out as a visually engaging and imaginative title—especially appealing to those curious about new gameplay directions or looking to experience Sonic from a fresh perspective.