This game is just baffling bad. Why is sega still reusing assets from Generations? Why include these when they obviously clash with the default unreal looking open world? Why is the new level design worse then Forces? Why are there random chunks of previous 3d sonic levels included with worse visual design and a lack of set pieces? Why is the open world just a collection of floating rails and platforms where you just hit a spring and enter a mostly automated section? Why can I just endlessly spawn progression gating items buy running in a circle? Why can you activate which time by just holding a parry regardless of timing? Why are there random springs and boost pads that lock you to 2D sections in the open world which lock you into these until you complete them? Why can these be activated while chasing a boss? Why do these randomly break causing sonic to fly out at the wrong angle in a scripted set piece? Why are some map challenges only available at night? Why is there a drop dash when the boost out classes it in every way? Why do you get your momentum halved when you jump? Why do some boost pads let Sonic carry momentum without player input while with others the second you let go of an up input sonic comes to a dead halt? Why is this game's idea of a story referencing past games, flashing up images of past games, and lamp shading how repetitive and tired its own arc with tails is? Why is there a pinball mini game which has physics on par with Atari 2600 pinball? Why is there a poor mans ikaruga? Why does an unskippable cutscene play every time you max out rings?

That's all I can say about this game is why? Well actually that is wrong I know why. Sega hasn't made a good 3D Sonic game since Sonic Adventure 1 and no amount of "soul" or "epic cringe" or "rawness" or "jank" or "creativity" or "peak fiction" will change that. This isn't a bold new direction its the same old automated boost trash bookended by copy pasted "open world" automated gameplay. The only positive I can give this game is that it isn't an actively malicious live service money sink. At least Forces had some fun character customization.