Personal Rating: 8.5/10
Official Website: frontiers.sonicthehedgehog.com
Price Range: $25-$30 on Amazon (depending on console/platform)
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 & PS5, Xbox One & Series X
Publisher: SEGA
Developer: Sonic Team
Release Date: 8 November 2022
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Sonic Frontiers, one of my top 4 Sonic games of 2024, is a fresh take on the classic franchise. It offers an expansive open-world experience that invites you to explore new horizons, and it brings traditional Sonic speed blended with modern gameplay mechanics that are refreshing. Even though it’s the first time we see a Sonic game represented in this manner, the experience is packed with potential – it has plenty of fun elements! However, like any creative approach, Sonic Frontiers shows noticeable areas for improvement, especially on the technical front.
The new formula adds creativity to both exploration and combat without losing the essence of what makes Sonic games enjoyable. If you’re wondering if Sonic Frontiers is worth it, my take is that the game provides a solid experience that lays down a promising foundation for future titles. It might not be perfect, largely due to some technical hiccups and design choices that feel questionable in certain areas, but it definitely takes the series in an engaging direction.
Before jumping deeper into the specifics, it’s good to remember the overall structure of Sonic Frontiers. As you explore its vast islands and mysterious ruins, the game challenges you to not only be fast but also think about your combat strategies and platforming puzzles. This guide will look at different aspects of the game, including gameplay mechanics, story elements, and the impact of DLC updates.
Gameplay
Combat
The combat system is one area where the game shows both promise and room for growth. The mechanics build on ideas from Sonic Unleashed and add a variety of attacks and dodges. For example, parrying is an important defensive strategy that can help you counter enemy moves. Don’t be fooled by it though – it’s not based on correct timing so you can just happily hold down the buttons as long as you want!
Critics mention that while some gameplay elements are still a bit unrefined, particularly the combat, the overall mechanics provide a dynamic and refreshing experience. You can level up and experiment with different combos to speed up battles or maximize damage to enemies – even to the Titan bosses. Each boss fight requires a little trial and error where you learn the enemy’s attack patterns, giving each encounter its own unique flavor.
Open-World/Zone
As for the puzzle and exploration elements in the open-zone, they’re designed to be engaging though their difficulty often skews on the easy side. This encourages players to complete them in order to stumble upon secret paths and hidden areas across the map. The intuitive design of these puzzles minimizes frustration, even if it might lull some experienced players into thinking they’re overly simplistic at first.
Cyberspace
The Cyberspace levels – the traditional Sonic action levels – are a mixed bag. On one hand, they do a great job of adding a bit more excitement if you want a break from the open-zone exploration. On the other hand, there have been complaints about reused aesthetics such as Green Hill Zone and rehashed level design from games like Sonic Adventure 2.
Story
The narrative in Sonic Frontiers isn’t as deep as what you might find in traditional linear Sonic games. Instead, it emphasizes connecting with Sonic’s friends and stumbling upon details over a well-defined storyline. The lore behind the mysterious Starfall Islands mixed in with the re-establishment of some previous game lore adds an intriguing depth.
The dialogue and character interactions are a highlight, carrying some of the charm we’ve come to associate with the Sonic series. The conversations Sonic has with his friends recontextualize some of their previous and very-much-missed character development. Still, a bit of humor is added to the setting, making it familiar for players accustomed to the more light-hearted tone to Sonic. The music and sound effects further turn up the experience, providing an energetic backdrop that syncs well with the overall theme of self-discovery.
DLC
Sonic Frontiers doesn’t only rely on its base game for longevity. There have been several DLC updates that step up and expand the original experience. These updates bring new challenges and offer more variety in gameplay. The DLC effectively rounds out the package, making the overall offering feel more complete even if the core game has areas that are still rough around the edges.
One noticeable aspect of the DLC is how it attempts to step up some of the combat and exploration elements that felt less refined in the base game. The extra content introduces new platforming and collectible challenges, as well as a fun Boss Rush game mode which gets you to fight all the types of enemies and bosses from a particular island in a limited amount of time. I think these features do a brilliant job in counterbalancing some of the early game’s shortcomings.
Overall, the DLC updates have generally been well received. They tackle some of the feedback issued by early players—like improving combat depth and readjusting enemy difficulty. Although they may not address all the technical issues, the DLC provides a refreshed perspective on the structure and flow of the game. It adds a layer of extra content that really makes Sonic Frontiers one of the more enduring entries in the Sonic series, especially for fans looking for a long-term experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many hours does it take to 100% Sonic Frontiers?
On average, fully completing the game can take between 25 to 35 hours, depending on your play style and how much time you invest in side quests and exploration. I personally spent 26 hours to complete everything, so the play time is well worth the money!
Was Sonic Frontiers well received?
Reception has been generally positive, especially for its creative leap into new gameplay territory. Critics and fans point out its shortcomings, but many agree it’s one of the best Sonic games since the original Sonic Generations.
Does Sonic Frontiers run bad on Switch?
Performance on the Switch has received mixed reviews. The game experiences frame drops and lower graphical fidelity. I’ve played this version of the game, but I personally don’t mind the issues and the game remains very enjoyable if you overlook some of them.
Does Sonic Frontiers have DLC?
Yes, the game features 3 DLC updates that step up the gameplay experience with new challenges, story content, and refined mechanics. In particular, the 3rd update (the Final Horizon) revamps the original ending to the game in an attempt to deliver a more complete and climactic conclusion – which is significantly more difficult to beat than the base game!
How to beat Wyvern in Sonic Frontiers?
The key to beating the Wyvern Titan boss lies in learning its attack patterns and timing your dodges and parries properly. Use Sonic’s speed to dodge initial strikes, then plan your counterattacks during openings. Experimenting with different combat moves can help in finding the right balance between aggression and defense. Patience and adaptation play important roles here.
Can you spindash in Sonic Frontiers?
Certainly, the iconic spindash is still part of the gameplay. It retains the classic feel and helps you charge through in a satisfying burst of speed. You can reach insane traversal distances with it – some veteran players have managed to get from one side of an island map to the other in seconds!
Closing Thoughts
Sonic Frontiers may have some rough edges, yet the game stands out as a testament to the series’ next stage. It presents a mix of classic Sonic charm with a bold attempt to think outside the box. Its expansive open world, mixed combat mechanics, and potential for growth set a foundation that could shape future Sonic games.
Even with technical imperfections like occasional graphics pop-in and glitches that can lead to frustrating deaths, the overall experience is engaging. The balance between narrative exploration and fast-paced action is thoughtfully designed, and the supplementary DLC content only works to deepen that experience.
Much like older Sonic titles acted as stepping stones for the next stage of the franchise, Sonic Frontiers shows great promise as a blueprint for what might come next. With some refinement in both technical performance and game design, it can be remembered by many as a pivotal moment in moving Sonic into a grand era – whether you’re new to the Blue Blur or a veteran fan.
Discover the secrets of the Starfall Islands 3D open-zone in Sonic Frontiers – available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 & PS5, Xbox One & Series X!
About Julianne
Julianne is the founder and writer for the blog articles here on Power Player Zone – a nurturing online space for gamers to learn more about their passion, no matter their background or identity. As an introverted female gamer for the past 5 years, Julianne strives for inclusivity in her mission to spread the joy of video games to everyone; for her, games aren’t just for fun – they allow us to gain insight into ourselves and the vibrant cultures and communities in which we live.
This review really captures the fresh take Sonic Frontiers brings to the franchise! It’s awesome to see Sonic exploring a more open world style, and the mix of classic speed with new mechanics sounds like a fun evolution. The combat and exploration elements seem like a big step forward. I am excited to give this one a try!
Thanks, Randi! This game is definitely a top 5 for me! It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s packed with a lot of ambition and it executes a lot of things right. I’m glad to hear you’re excited to try it out. 😁
Julianne, your review of Sonic Frontiers is both insightful and engaging! You do a great job balancing praise with constructive critique, making it clear why this game stands out while acknowledging areas for improvement. The way you break down the gameplay, from combat mechanics to open-world exploration, provides a well-rounded perspective that both new and longtime Sonic fans can appreciate.
Your discussion of the DLC is especially thoughtful, highlighting how it enhances the experience rather than just extending it. It’s refreshing to see a review that doesn’t just focus on the games strengths but also considers its potential for growth. Sonic Frontiers may not be perfect, but your review captures why it’s an exciting step forward for the franchise. Looking forward to more of your insights!
Thank you very much for reading my article and for this feedback, Dan! I will definitely ensure I keep using this approach in the future when writing video game reviews – most importantly not forgetting the passion and drive!