Adventure games have a way of captivating gamers because they provide a sense of purpose and commitment toward a goal, which portrays life itself. Sonic Frontiers, developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega, is a game that embodies this feeling. As a longtime fan of the Sonic franchise, I eagerly anticipated its release and was not disappointed. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and has received updates since its release in 2022 to address bugs and improve the overall quality of life.

The Impressive Storyline Tells It All

I really like the story of Sonic Frontiers especially the uniqueness of this particular one. The franchise is known for the Save the World plot, but in this one, there is a little twist. Dr. Eggman has journeyed to a fictional world called Starfall Island where he plans to steal the secrets of the Ancients. Sage, his Artificial Intelligence personal assistant then launches a program that turns the entire game plot around. Eggman is eventually dragged into cyberspace for protection. Coincidentally, Sonic decided to go on an investigative mission with his friends Tails and Amy, but their adventures take a new turn as their plane is also sucked through a portal and they find themselves in CyberSpace. Sonic is as heroic and determined as ever, but he’s also given moments of vulnerability and doubt that make him feel more human.

It all starts off like a normal Sonic game. At the beginning of the game, you arrive in the city with your friends and team to investigate the mystery that is causing changes in the world. However, as things change, you will start noticing some remarkable twists and turns that add to the thrills and adventure of the game.

As you progress through the game, you will discover that Sonic Frontiers found a creative way to mix our favorite features from Sonic the Hedgehog with the new open-world features.

For instance, he runs at a really high speed, collects rings on the way, and grinds on rails. He can also home in on enemies during attacks as he did in Sonic the Hedgehog. Added to this, however, are the new skills and abilities that make Sonic Frontier more fun. He now has combat attack abilities, he runs on walls and uses the Cyloop for different amazing moves. 

The Open World Exploration is Just Perfect 

One of the biggest departures from previous Sonic games is the addition of an open-world environment. In Sonic Frontiers, players can explore a vast landscape filled with hidden treasures, side missions, and challenging obstacles. I loved the sense of freedom and discovery that comes with exploring the Frontiers. There’s always something new to find, whether it’s a hidden shortcut, a collectible item, or a breathtaking view. The world is also full of diverse environments, from rolling hills to dense forests to towering cityscapes. Exploring these different areas was a highlight of the game for me, and it added a sense of scale and depth that I hadn’t experienced in previous Sonic titles.

Dynamic Combat That Engages Players

Another standout feature of Sonic Frontiers is the improved combat mechanics. In previous games, combat was often a secondary focus, with most of the emphasis on speed and platforming. But in Sonic Frontiers, the combat feels more satisfying. Sonic and his friends have a variety of moves and abilities at their disposal, from spin attacks to homing strikes to special abilities unique to each character. The enemies are also more varied and challenging, with different attack patterns and weaknesses to exploit. I found myself actively seeking out combat encounters, rather than avoiding them as I might have in earlier games. The dynamic combat added a new layer of strategy and excitement to the gameplay, and it kept me engaged throughout the entire game.

Excellent Graphics And Simple Interface To Get You Going

From the lush greenery of the open fields to the towering skyscrapers of the city, the game’s environments are incredibly detailed. The textures are crisp and vibrant, and the lighting effects add a sense of depth and realism to the world. The characters themselves are also beautiful, with expressive faces and fluid animations that bring them to life. One of the standout features of the graphics is the use of weather effects. Rainstorms, thunderstorms, and snowstorms can all occur in the game’s world, and each one is visually stunning in its own way. The raindrops glisten on the pavement, lightning illuminates the sky, and snowflakes dance in the wind. These effects not only add to the visual appeal of the game but also provide a sense of atmosphere and intensity.

The game also includes a helpful tutorial system that guides players through the basics of gameplay and mechanics. One minor complaint I have about the interface is the font size of some of the text. During cutscenes or in-game dialogue, the text can sometimes be a bit small, making it difficult to read on smaller screens. However, this is a minor issue that doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the interface.

The Open World Feature Provides a Sense of Freedom

One of the things I loved about Sonic Frontiers was the sense of freedom and exploration that it offered. The open-world setting allowed me to roam around at my leisure and discover all sorts of hidden secrets and treasures. Whether I was speeding through the fields, soaring through the sky, or battling enemies in the city, there was always something new and exciting to discover. This made every playthrough feel fresh and engaging, as I was always finding new paths to take and new challenges to overcome. 

Also, I love the attention to detail that the developers put into Sonic Frontiers. From the vibrant visuals to the dynamic weather effects to the customizable outfits for the characters, there were so many small touches that made the game feel polished and well-crafted. The game was also packed with references and Easter eggs for longtime Sonic fans, which made me feel like the developers truly cared about the series and its history.

Conclusion

The game is a breath of fresh air for the Sonic franchise, offering a new take on the classic formula while still retaining the series’ core identity. With stunning graphics, tight controls, and a sense of adventure that’s unmatched in the series, Sonic Frontiers is a must-play for any fan of the franchise. New players will also love the sense of adventure and genius plot.