《音速小子 索尼克與秘密的戒指》（英文名：Sonic and the Secret Rings，日文原名：ソニックと秘密のリング）是由SEGA開發並於2007年在Wii平台推出的動作冒險遊戲，是音速小子系列的分支作品之一。是系列首次完全針對Wii平台量身打造的作品，並以中東童話《一千零一夜》為靈感來源，將索尼克帶入神秘奇幻的阿拉伯風格世界，在保留高速動作核心的同時，也試圖將Wii的體感操作融入遊戲系統中，創造不同以往的體驗。

劇情方面，脫離原系列的主線時間軸，採取「異世界穿越」的敘事方式。故事開端，索尼克正在閱讀《一千零一夜》，卻被突如其來的魔法精靈「莎拉（Shahra）」召喚進入書中的世界。原來這本魔法書正受到邪惡魔人「伊雷澤（Erazor Djinn）」的威脅，他企圖將書中世界焚毀，並釋放黑之焰的力量。為阻止災難擴散並恢復書中世界的秩序，索尼克答應莎拉的請求，展開一場在神秘阿拉伯幻想世界中收集七枚「世界之戒」的冒險。

在這個世界裡，會遇見許多熟悉的角色，但他們都扮演著童話書中人物的身份。例如，蛋頭博士變成貪婪的商人，塔爾斯成忠誠的少年僕從，而納克魯斯則變身為勇猛的阿拉丁式戰士。這樣的設定保留系列角色魅力，同時也透過戲劇化改編帶出嶄新的互動與故事節奏。

遊戲操作方面，完全圍繞Wii遙控器的體感設計。需要將遙控器橫握，像握方向盤一樣控制索尼克左右移動與跳躍。前進是自動進行的，類似於「跑道式」動作遊戲，專注在閃避障礙、攻擊敵人、掌握節奏與反應時機上。揮動Wii遙控器可進行攻擊或衝刺動作，透過連續操作可啟動「魂之加速（Soul Surge）」與「時間減速」等特殊技能。

遊戲進程以「任務關卡」方式組成，每個主場景都包含數十種挑戰任務，例如限時抵達終點、擊倒特定敵人數量或收集指定物品等，這些挑戰可逐步解鎖主線劇情。成功完成關卡後可獲得經驗值，索尼克會升級並解鎖「技能戒指」，這些戒指提供不同的強化能力，如更快的衝刺、較短的反應時間、更寬的攻擊範圍等，玩家可自訂搭配，形成屬於自己的行動風格。

畫面方面，儘管硬體受限於Wii的性能，仍展現華麗的特效與奇幻場景。從燃燒沙漠、漂浮遺跡、熔岩洞窟到神殿宮殿，場景的建構強烈呼應中東幻想主題。特別是「魂之加速」發動時的高速殘影特效，營造出高速疾馳的爽快感。角色動畫表現略帶誇張與卡通風格，符合整體輕快奇幻的氛圍。

音效方面，音樂製作由SEGA系列常見的作曲團隊擔綱，融合中東樂器與搖滾節奏，打造出既異域又富有動感的背景音樂。主題曲〈Seven Rings in Hand〉由Crush 40演唱，是系列少數以中東音階搭配搖滾風格的經典曲目之一。配音方面則保持一貫的英文與日文雙語配音選擇，角色個性鮮明，演出風格頗具戲劇性。

在市場評價方面，獲得中等偏上的評價。IGN給予6.9分，稱讚遊戲風格新鮮、場景設計亮眼，但指出操作反應不夠精準，有時會影響玩家節奏。GameSpot給予6.7分，認為體感操作雖有創意但略顯笨拙，尤其在需要精細動作時會讓人感到不便。不過許多玩家與評論者仍肯定本作在劇情風格與音樂上的嘗試，以及成功營造出非傳統的索尼克冒險氛圍。Fami通則給出29/40分，認為是有趣的風格轉型，適合尋求不同於傳統音速小子玩法的玩家。

總結而言，這是結合童話敘事與體感操作的創新之作，在Wii平台上嘗試突破傳統動作遊戲的操作界線。雖然操作手感和設計節奏在某些方面仍顯粗糙，但其獨特的世界觀、活潑的音樂和角色重塑，為老玩家與新接觸者帶來色彩繽紛又充滿異國風情的動作旅程。對於喜歡奇幻風格與節奏挑戰型玩法的玩家來說，這是值得嘗試的系列番外篇作品。

Sonic and the Secret Rings (Japanese title: ソニックと秘密のリング) is an action-adventure game developed by SEGA and released in 2007 for the Nintendo Wii. It is a spin-off of the Sonic the Hedgehog series and marks the franchise's first title designed exclusively for the Wii platform. Inspired by the Middle Eastern folktales of One Thousand and One Nights, the game transports Sonic into a mysterious and fantastical Arabian-style world. While retaining the series’ signature high-speed action, the game also experiments with Wii’s motion controls to deliver a unique gameplay experience.

The story deviates from the main timeline of the Sonic series and adopts an “isekai” (otherworldly travel) narrative approach. It begins with Sonic reading One Thousand and One Nights when he is suddenly summoned into the book’s world by a magical genie named Shahra. She pleads for Sonic’s help to stop the evil Erazor Djinn, who threatens to burn the book’s world and unleash the power of the “Flame of Judgement.” To prevent the destruction and restore order, Sonic agrees to help Shahra by collecting the seven “World Rings” scattered throughout this enchanted realm.

Within this storybook world, Sonic encounters familiar characters, all reimagined as figures from Arabian folklore. For instance, Dr. Eggman becomes a greedy merchant, Tails takes on the role of a loyal young servant, and Knuckles transforms into a brave Aladdin-like warrior. These re-castings retain the charm of the series’ iconic cast while injecting fresh dynamics and whimsical storytelling elements into the adventure.

The gameplay is built entirely around the Wii Remote’s motion capabilities. Players hold the remote horizontally, using tilt-based movements to steer Sonic left and right, as well as to jump. Sonic moves forward automatically, similar to an “on-rails” platformer, allowing players to focus on dodging obstacles, attacking enemies, and mastering timing and rhythm. Shaking the Wii Remote triggers attacks or dashes, while a sequence of precise motions can activate special abilities like “Soul Surge” or “Speed Break,” adding layers of intensity to the gameplay.

Progress is structured around mission-based stages. Each main area contains dozens of unique challenges, such as reaching the goal within a time limit, defeating a certain number of enemies, or collecting specific items. Completing missions gradually unlocks the story’s progression. Players earn experience points to level up Sonic, unlocking new “Skill Rings” that grant various upgrades like faster dashes, shorter reaction times, and wider attack ranges. These skills can be freely customized to suit different playstyles.

Visually, despite the Wii’s limited hardware, the game features vibrant effects and imaginative environments. From blazing deserts and floating ruins to lava caves and opulent palaces, the stage design strongly evokes a Middle Eastern fantasy theme. The “Soul Surge” effect, with its rapid-motion blur, delivers a thrilling sense of speed. Character animations lean toward a slightly exaggerated, cartoonish style, which matches the game’s playful and whimsical tone.

In terms of sound design, the music is handled by SEGA’s familiar composers and blends Middle Eastern instruments with rock elements to create an exotic yet energetic soundtrack. The main theme, Seven Rings in Hand, performed by Crush 40, is one of the series’ rare songs that fuses Arabic scale melodies with rock, earning it recognition among fans. Voice acting is available in both English and Japanese, with performances that highlight each character’s distinct personality and lend a dramatic flair to the narrative.

Reception-wise, the game received generally above-average reviews. IGN gave it a score of 6.9, praising the fresh stylistic approach and well-crafted environments, though criticizing the imprecision of motion controls, which could sometimes disrupt gameplay rhythm. GameSpot rated it 6.7, noting that while the motion-based mechanics were creative, they could feel clunky during segments requiring fine control. Nevertheless, many players and critics appreciated the game’s bold artistic direction, engaging soundtrack, and deviation from traditional Sonic formulas. Japan’s Famitsu gave it a 29 out of 40, calling it an interesting stylistic departure that would appeal to fans looking for something different from the usual Sonic experience.

In conclusion, Sonic and the Secret Rings is an innovative fusion of fairy tale storytelling and motion-based gameplay. It pushes the boundaries of traditional action platformers on the Wii, offering a vibrant, exotic journey through an imaginative world. While its controls and pacing may feel rough at times, its unique setting, lively music, and reimagined characters provide both long-time fans and newcomers with a colorful and culturally rich Sonic adventure. For players who enjoy fantasy themes and rhythm-based challenges, this is a spin-off well worth exploring.