One thing I will get out of the way first is that I don't quite agree with how this game is often framed as being "the best Sonic game in years" as people tended to call it at least when it released in 2014, and for the simple reason that this doesn't really quite feel like a Sonic game. There's definitely inspiration, and that can be seen in the character design and level design (especially since this did start out as a Sonic fangame), but I'd say this game to Sonic is a lot like what Overwatch is to Team Fortress 2 - a game that does take inspiration, but has quite a different philosophy regarding it's core gameplay style.
The biggest thing is that this game has a combat system that really didn't exist in any of the classic Sonic games. Enemies don't exactly go down with a single jump, but you have moves to "battle" them. The characters don't even really play that much like Sonic characters - Sash Lilac does have a similar control style to Sonic himself but even then she doesn't feel quite the same.
That aside, I mean... what do I really have to say? Freedom Planet is definitely one of my favorite platformers and indie games and at least in my Top 10 of all time. I don't go back to it as much as my favorite Sonic games, but when I do, I'm almost always sure to have a good time with it.
The levels are overall really well designed, with a lot of content within them. The level design is definitely the most Sonic-y element of this game, and frankly, I feel like every level in this game is both well structured in design and really good to look at, with my favorites being Fortune Night and Jade Creek. But all of them are just fun to play through in their own way, and ultimately full of content and replay value.
The controls are also really good, feeling overall really fluid and snappy. The combat admittedly isn't the most in-depth thing out there, but it does help give the game more of it's own identity, and especially makes a lot of the bosses feel pretty engaging. It can also be pretty challenging, especially on a first playthrough, but I feel like it does help make replaying the game feel more satisfying.
I also really love the main characters and their designs. The story itself isn't anything too particularly special - but I do really like the personalities of Lilac, Carol and Milla and how they tend to sort of bounce off of each other.
Overall, I definitely still really like this game and am looking forward for the sequel. I wouldn't go into it expecting a 1:1 replica of/successor to the classic Sonic games like some people make it out to be, but if you're a fan of platformers, including Sonic itself, I would definitely recommend giving it at least a try.
The biggest thing is that this game has a combat system that really didn't exist in any of the classic Sonic games. Enemies don't exactly go down with a single jump, but you have moves to "battle" them. The characters don't even really play that much like Sonic characters - Sash Lilac does have a similar control style to Sonic himself but even then she doesn't feel quite the same.
That aside, I mean... what do I really have to say? Freedom Planet is definitely one of my favorite platformers and indie games and at least in my Top 10 of all time. I don't go back to it as much as my favorite Sonic games, but when I do, I'm almost always sure to have a good time with it.
The levels are overall really well designed, with a lot of content within them. The level design is definitely the most Sonic-y element of this game, and frankly, I feel like every level in this game is both well structured in design and really good to look at, with my favorites being Fortune Night and Jade Creek. But all of them are just fun to play through in their own way, and ultimately full of content and replay value.
The controls are also really good, feeling overall really fluid and snappy. The combat admittedly isn't the most in-depth thing out there, but it does help give the game more of it's own identity, and especially makes a lot of the bosses feel pretty engaging. It can also be pretty challenging, especially on a first playthrough, but I feel like it does help make replaying the game feel more satisfying.
I also really love the main characters and their designs. The story itself isn't anything too particularly special - but I do really like the personalities of Lilac, Carol and Milla and how they tend to sort of bounce off of each other.
Overall, I definitely still really like this game and am looking forward for the sequel. I wouldn't go into it expecting a 1:1 replica of/successor to the classic Sonic games like some people make it out to be, but if you're a fan of platformers, including Sonic itself, I would definitely recommend giving it at least a try.
Lex
2 years ago