7/1/2023 0 Comments Sonic frontiers render![]() ![]() ![]() As a result, this layered piece of art has a real identity to it. In contrast, Sonic Frontiers has several identities, several gameplay formats moulded into one project. The 2017 title fell to mediocrity as a result, taking few risks and having little substance. ![]() With Sonic Forces, as an example, a darker tone together with character customisation were advertised changes that promised to mix up the Sonic formula, yet Sonic Forces lacked a true identity, failing to provide a unique or engaging lens. Variation is key because it showcases a level of ambition and experimentation that we’ve rarely seen from Sonic Team previously. From a plethora of boss and sub-boss battles (some of which have you play as Super Sonic) to puzzles, to the traversal of towers to fishing with Big the Cat, the gameplay loop is impressively varied. While Cyberspace is certainly this, there is so much more meat on the bones of Sonic Frontiers. While there’s some variety in terms of paths to take, for the longest time this has remained the Sonic formula it’s far too linear to maintain any longer. Most prior Sonic games are straightforward: complete this series of levels to advance the story – and maybe attempt to beat your previous times. Sonic Frontiers experiments a bunch in relation to its gameplay loop. Sonic Team have somehow laced these layers of gameplay together so that a player can seamlessly explore. Integrally, this prevents the adventure from being a chore. They often connect so sharply and precisely, and before you know it, you’ve traversed half of an island! It’s so easy to be lost in the flow of climbing a tower or reaching a Chaos Emerald too. Jump pads, rails and other obstacles combine for a sublime flow. But, it’s nonetheless fun to take part in mostly everything throughout the Starfall Islands. Could obstacles and puzzles have been integrated better into said environments? Of course. Could the environments feel more lively? Sure. Fortunately, the space is utilised thanks to puzzles, enemies and obstacles. Scepticism was rife in the early gameplay footage of Sonic Frontiers due to the world’s sheer emptiness. With regards to the expansive landscape, being able to explore anywhere in sight makes the world feel evermore open – something that many video games still struggle to accomplish.Īs I rolled around at the speed of sound, I was impressed with the sheer detail across all five Starfall Islands. Thus, Sonic feels appropriately minute in this vast world. Having landscapes render so far in the distance is impressive, improving the aesthetic and atmospheric design. Initially, it appears bizarre sky rails and jump pads occupy the skyline (we’ll come back to this), but in the context of a Sonic game, this hardly feels out of place. Thus, it’s a pleasure to stand at the top of a mountain and simply look out at the horizon. Once the preliminaries are concluded – including a slightly tedious tutorial – the first Starfall Island is there to explore! It’s swiftly evident that this is the most beautiful Sonic the Hedgehog game to date! While certainly not on par with God of War, Death Stranding or Red Dead Redemption II among others, the landscapes are mesmerising at times. It’s also an interesting juxtaposition to the open-world gameplay that covers the majority of Sonic Frontiers. While I wish they hadn’t used Green Hill Zone for what feels like the millionth time, Cyberspace is here to offer the traditional Sonic gameplay and, subsequently, traditional Sonic environments. Most levels are completed within a short spell of 90 seconds or under, but if anything, this is for the best because they never outstay their welcome. Generally, Cyberspace levels are entertaining. They are attacked Sonic is transported into Cyberspace to a brief yet enjoyable first level. Next, we see Sonic, Tails and Amy, who have tracked the Chaos Emeralds to the Starfall Islands. Sonic Frontiers provides the context to our journey in our opening cutscene. So, does Sonic Frontiers make up for past blemishes, painting a promising path for the future? With Sonic Frontiers, Sega can finally complete the resurgence of our favourite spiky mammal following two successful films. However, there have been undoubtedly more negatives than positives for the past 20 years. There are solid installments out there, such as Sonic Generations and Sonic Mania (both definitely rely on nostalgia). For the longest time, Sonic the Hedgehog has been merely existing, relying very much on nostalgia and past successes. ![]()
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