Despite having a generic open world with stage assets thrown in, reused level design and aesthetics for the Cyberspace levels, and one of the most disappointing endings I’ve experienced in a video game, Sonic Frontiers somehow manages to be a good game that is the best 3D Sonic game we’ve had since Generations.
The sense of speed and movement Sonic has, while not primarily momentum based, makes it fun to traverse the landscapes and break puzzles when utilized well. The addition of settings to turning speed and bounce height as well as a slight nerf to the boost among other things help to mitigate some of the shortcomings of the Physics. Although I’d much prefer a traditional momentum based system in a game of this design, this is the best controlling Sonic we have had in the Boost-era.
The writing is commendable too. With the addition of Ian Flynn to the staff (a well regarded Sonic comic writer) we now have the best characterizations of Sonic and Co. since the Adventure games. Dialogue is also littered with references to various titles in the series that fans will enjoy. Although the plot isn’t anything to write home about, it is engaging, expands the lore, and still a major improvement from what we have got in the Boost-era.
All in all, Sonic Frontiers feels like a good first step in the right direction for 3D Sonic after the limbo the character has been in for the past 15 years. If you are a Sonic fan, you will enjoy this game. If you aren’t but are a fan of platformers, pick it up when it gets a price drop.
The sense of speed and movement Sonic has, while not primarily momentum based, makes it fun to traverse the landscapes and break puzzles when utilized well. The addition of settings to turning speed and bounce height as well as a slight nerf to the boost among other things help to mitigate some of the shortcomings of the Physics. Although I’d much prefer a traditional momentum based system in a game of this design, this is the best controlling Sonic we have had in the Boost-era.
The writing is commendable too. With the addition of Ian Flynn to the staff (a well regarded Sonic comic writer) we now have the best characterizations of Sonic and Co. since the Adventure games. Dialogue is also littered with references to various titles in the series that fans will enjoy. Although the plot isn’t anything to write home about, it is engaging, expands the lore, and still a major improvement from what we have got in the Boost-era.
All in all, Sonic Frontiers feels like a good first step in the right direction for 3D Sonic after the limbo the character has been in for the past 15 years. If you are a Sonic fan, you will enjoy this game. If you aren’t but are a fan of platformers, pick it up when it gets a price drop.