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Sonic Frontiers

NA/EU
JP

Development staff

Developer(s)

Sonic Team[1]

Publisher(s)

Sega[1]

Director(s)

Morio Kishimoto[2]

Producer(s)

Sachiko Kawamura[2]

Writer(s)

Ian Flynn[2] (Original Dialogue Writer, Scenario Support)
Morio Kishimoto[4] (Japanese localization, Original Scenario Conception)
Jyunpei Ootsu

Composer(s)

Tomoya Ohtani[3]
Rintaro Soma
Kenji Mizuno
Kanon Oguni
Takahito Eguchi
Kenichi Tokoi
Hiroshi Kawaguchi

Video game overview

Series

Sonic the Hedgehog series

Engine(s)

Hedgehog Engine 2[5][6]

Latest version

Version 1.1.1 (2 December 2022)

Release date(s)

INT 8 November 2022[7]

8 November 2022

Rating(s)

ESRB: E10+
CERO: A
PEGI: 7+
ACB: PG
ClassInd: L

E10+7+PG

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch
PC
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5
Xbox One
Xbox Series X and Series S

Media

Blu-ray
Digital download
Nintendo Switch Game Card

System requirements

Steam:[8]

CPU:
- Intel Core i5-3470
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400
RAM: 8GB
OS: Windows 10
GPU:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 2GB
- AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB
30GB of space

Switch:[9]

10.3GB of space

Journey into New Realms

— Tagline[8]

Sonic Frontiers[2] (ソニックフロンティア, Sonikku Furontia?) is a video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series that was released on 8 November 2022 in celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The game was developed by Sonic Team, and was published by Sega for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.[1] Sonic Frontiers follows Sonic the Hedgehog as he explores the mysterious Starfall Islands in order to recover the Chaos Emeralds after being separated from Tails and Amy when falling through a wormhole.[10]

The gameplay of Sonic Frontiers has the players engage in the Sonic series’ first open world-inspired gaming experience[11] that integrates platforming and traditional Sonic game elements into an “Open Zone” environment. The player solves puzzles to collect items and fights enemies with an expanded combat system while exploring lush and expansive landscapes using Sonic’s signature speed and abilities.[11] Sonic Frontiers began development after the release of Sonic Forces, with the intention by Sonic Team to have the game set a new template for future Sonic installments to follow, similar to Sonic Adventure.[12] The game’s English script was written by Ian Flynn, a long-time writer for several spin-offs media of the Sonic series, with Sonic Frontiers marking his debut within a main series title and interactive storytelling in general.[2]

Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot, ending details or any kind of information follow.

Prologue

Dr. Eggman arrives on an isolated island in the dark of night, where he discovers a mysterious artifact. Uploading his AI into the device, Eggman is certain that the secrets of Ancients will be his as strange robots begin appearing around him. Suddenly, the AI activates its “protection protocol” and sucks Eggman into the artifact.[13]

Some time later, Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles “Tails” Prower, and Amy Rose are taking the Tornado[13] to the Starfall Islands in order to investigate the disappearance of the Chaos Emeralds.[14] However, things take a turn for the dramatic immediately;[14] as they approach the islands, sudden trouble hits their plane, and they are all sucked into a wormhole.[10] Sonic soon finds himself separated from his friends in a strange, digital world – Cyber Space – which has taken the form of Green Hill Zone. Miraculously, he manages to escape Cyber Space, and awakens all alone on Kronos Island, one of the Starfall Islands, which is full of ancient ruins where strange enemies roam.[15][10] There, Sonic hears a mysterious digital voice,[15][10] claiming that he has done the “impossible” by escaping Cyber Space[13] and naming him “the Key.” It gives a baffled Sonic some cryptic direction about how to save his friends[15]: he must collect the Chaos Emeralds,[10] destroy beings called the “Titans”[13] and “tear down the walls between dimensions.” Deciding that this guidance is better than nothing,[13] Sonic sets out on a journey to discover all the mysteries of the Starfall Islands, rescue his friends, and discover how it all ties together,[14] which leads to Sonic becoming locked in a race against time to defeat Dr. Eggman…or so it seems.[16]

Kronos Island

As Sonic explores Kronos Island, he learns that he must collect Portal Gears by defeating Guardian robots; these can be used to activate Portals to Cyber Space around the island. Completing the challenges within Cyber Space rewards Sonic with Vault Keys, which he needs to reclaim the Chaos Emeralds from strange devices. He also discovers that he can manipulate certain pieces of ancient technology, such as turning statues in order to open a path forward.

Shortly after claiming the blue Chaos Emerald, Sonic finds Amy imprisoned in a container made from cyber energy. He uses Memory Tokens to destroy the container, absorbing the residual energy as Amy approaches him in a strange, almost ghostly state. Realizing that she is still partially trapped in Cyber Space, Sonic resolves to free her entirely as he continues exploring the island, battling enemies and collecting more items; unbeknownst to him, this exchange has been witnessed by a mysterious girl with a similarly “glitched” appearance as Amy.

After claiming the red Chaos Emerald, Sonic is intercepted by the mysterious girl and an enormous robot. The girl uses a strange red light to put the robot in a dormant state and demands Sonic to leave immediately, warning him “do not approach the Titan.” When Sonic ignores the warning, the girl reactivates the massive robot, which soundly defeats Sonic and throws him across the island. After recovering from the impact, Sonic concludes that he can only beat the Titans by using the Chaos Emeralds to attain his super form.

Meanwhile, Eggman finds himself stuck in Cyber Space, noting that it’s more advanced than even his own technology. He is also revealed to be commanding the mysterious girl from before, calling her “Sage” and tasking her with keeping tabs on Sonic and looking for a way to get him out of of the digital dimension. Sage explains that she has run many simulations, but none offer a way of getting him out of the digital dimension safely. Eggman tells her to keep looking and to make it her top priority; after he flies off, Sage comments that his safety is her top priority.

Back on Kronos Island, Sonic finds Amy accompanying a Koco trying to find their one true love. Amy explains that she can understand the Koco because the digital dimension she is stuck in is translating for her. At her urging, Sonic assists her in searching the island, finding other Koco to help along the way; this also allows Sonic to acquire the green and light blue Chaos Emeralds. The hedgehogs notice that helped Koco become inanimate, emitting energy that illuminates a strange glyph in the sky; after helping the first Koco, Sonic and Amy are suddenly transported into a memory of the past, where they discover that the Koco possess the spirits of those who came before. Afterwards, Amy expresses a desire to help others with her love, even though this means that she will have to spend time away from Sonic.

After finding six of the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic opens the path to the Titan he saw earlier – the fearsome Giganto. Unable to directly challenge the behemoth, he scales its body to find the final Chaos Emerald in a device on its head. With the final Emerald in hand, Sonic transforms into Super Sonic, finally allowing him to battle Giganto head-on; after a fierce battle, he destroys the Titan by charging straight through its chest.

When Giganto explodes, Super Sonic receives a brief vision of an Ancient shouting “No! We’ll find another way!” Shaking off the strange experience, he hears the mysterious voice inform him that the first seal is broken and that his next target is on “the sand-scarred island.” Amy tells Super Sonic that she feels more like her old self now, although she still seems to be half-trapped in Cyber Space; deducing that he needs to defeat all of the Titans to save her and Tails, Super Sonic takes off for Ares Island.

Ares Island

As Super Sonic approaches his destination of Ares Island, he’s hit by a laser beam that knocks him back to his base form; to his further annoyance, the emeralds promptly scatter across the new island. As he sets out in search of the gems, Sonic discovers Knuckles the Echidna trapped in the same sort of prison that held Amy. Upon rescuing him, Sonic snarkily asks what Knuckles is doing so far away from home; Knuckles explains that he was exploring some of the ruins when he was transported into the island and then trapped. Sonic asks Knuckles to help him search for the Chaos Emeralds so they can go home.

Further into the island, Sonic encounters the draconic Titan known as Wyvern. It ignores Sonic until Sage appears, stating that she cannot fully control the Titan, but she can make it aggressive towards Sonic. The hedgehog is forced to escape from Wyvern’s missile barrage, which Sage identifies as his “last warning” to leave – Sonic simply scoffs at the mysterious girl’s apparent concept of “warning” people away. Later on, Sage tries to attack Sonic directly, only for Knuckles to jump in and block her laser blast. However, Sonic refuses to attack Sage, realizing that she is trying to protect “something…or someone” from him; Sage seems shaken, but refuses to elaborate as she vanishes once more.

As the search for the Chaos Emeralds continues, Sonic and Knuckles assist a group of Koco soldiers that were separated from their commander; this eventually leads them to witness a memory of a battle between the Ancients and an unknown enemy. Another troop of Koco are taking refuge in a temple that reminds Knuckles of the ruins on Angel Island, making him wonder if the Ancients are related to his own tribe’s past. After Sonic helps him defend the temple from incoming Guardians, Knuckles admits that he envies Sonic’s free-living ways and resolves to explore the world himself once he’s returned to normal.

After claiming six of the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic makes his way to Wyvern, suspecting that the Titan is holding on to the last gemstone in an effort to stop him from going Super. After a dynamic ascent and aerial pursuit, he reaches Wyvern’s head and becomes Super Sonic once more to engage the Titan in battle. Destroying Wyvern gives him another vision of an Ancient; this one is lamenting on the unexpected demise of a comrade. Rendezvousing with Knuckles, who brags that he would’ve beaten Wyvern sooner if he were able to go Super, Super Sonic tells him that he has one more Titan to defeat so they can all return back to normal; he expresses worry for the missing Tails, but Knuckles assures him that the fox will be alright.

Chaos Island

Super Sonic flies to Chaos Island, only to be shot down and de-powered once more. As he begins exploring the new location, he discovers Tails trapped in a Cyber Energy sphere and frees him; this time, however, absorbing the dispersed cyber energy leaves him visibly strained. Tails becomes concerned about Sonic’s condition, which an observing Sage describes as “cyber-corruption”, but Sonic forces the energy down and tells Tails that he is fine; moreover, he needs this power to rescue him and his friends. Tails offers his help and Sonic asks him to track the chaos emeralds for him; the fox has barely left before his friend staggers, clearly less well than he claims to be.

Shortly after claiming the first Chaos Emerald, Sonic is confronted by Sage and the local Titan, a massive four-legged humanoid called Knight. Unlike previous encounters, Sage seems quietly interested in what Sonic intends to do against this new foe; after Sonic evades its assault with the help of a passing Squid, she deems his efforts “within parameters” before teleporting away.

Scouting the island, Sonic and Tails realize that it was formerly one of the Ancients’ military bases, dotted with cannons that Tails likens to the Eclipse Cannon, but as free-standing turrets far more advanced and efficient than the Space Colony ARK’s main weapon. They eventually find an environmental analyzer that networked the Ancients’ technology to Cyber Space. Activating the device transports Sonic and Tails to Cyber Space, where they see the Ancients’ weapon emplacements attacking an unknown enemy in the sky, only to be destroyed by a barrage of even stronger beams. Tails comments that whatever enemy the Ancients were fighting had power equal to Dark Gaia; a theory further supported when he and Sonic find the scrapped remains of a Death Egg Robot on the island, whose laser weapon they use to advance.

As Sonic continues finding Chaos Emeralds and assists a Koco engineer in collecting machine parts for one of the Ancients’ cannons, Tails expresses his concerns that he is a burden to his friends, citing his repeated moments of cowardice or otherwise requiring Sonic’s help. Sonic counters by pointing out all of Tails’ feats. Then admits that self-doubt is a part of growing up and reassures Tails that he believes in his capabilities. Reflecting on this, Tails resolves to strike out on his own and prove that he can be a hero just like Sonic; the latter is surprised but moved, commenting that Tails has grown on him even faster than he expected. Witnessing the camaraderie from a distance, Sage realizes that Sonic has formed true bonds of love instead of genetics; something that she herself yearns for.

Later, Sage appears in front of Sonic and asks him if he can trust the voice that is leading him, raising the possibility that it is leading him to disaster. Sonic says he will simply stop them if that is the case, which seems to confuse Sage; she then confronts Tails while Sonic is elsewhere, asking him why he believes in his friend despite the odds. Tails admits that Sonic isn’t perfect, but asserts that he will always come through in the end; he cites the hedgehog’s numerous past triumphs, which Sage admits is “empirical data” to support the point.

Back in Cyber Space, Sage tells Eggman that she has finally found a possible scenario for his escape out of Cyber Space: working with Sonic. Eggman immediately refuses, but Sage is quick to point out that they have worked together before, such as the incident on the ARK and when they overcame Neo Metal Sonic. Eggman explains that it was only out of desperation and demands Sage to find a different way. Soon after, a fleet of digital GUN helicopters try to attack Eggman, but Sage quickly stops them. Eggman admits that she’s done this multiple times at this point and expresses his pride in her capabilities, which seems to genuinely move Sage.

With six Chaos Emeralds in hand, Sonic infiltrates a large volcano on Chaos Island, using an Ancient device oddly resembling a pinball machine to create a lava flow that disperses the clouds concealing Knight’s lair. Confronting the Titan as he did Giganto and Wyvern, he claims the last Chaos Emerald from its head and defeats it as Super Sonic; afterwards, he sees a memory of an Ancient committing to an unknown plan. The disembodied voice tells him that the final lock has been revealed; he has to shut down the towers located on Rhea Island.

Rhea and Ouranos Islands

Reverting to his normal state, Sonic makes his way to Rhea Island, where he finds six massive towers emitting cyber energy. He scales each tower to shut them down, absorbing even more cyber energy in the process; Sage is both concerned and bewildered by his continued persistence as his condition rapidly worsens.

Furthermore, each tower gives Sonic a vision of the Ancients’ history, revealing that they once inhabited a distant world which was destroyed by an unknown threat. They escaped the apocalypse with ships powered by the Chaos Emeralds, only to land on Earth when their energies reacted with the Master Emerald on the planet. The destroyer of their world eventually found them on Earth, prompting them to use the Titans against it while evacuating a few Ancients to the resting place of the Master Emerald. The visions Sonic had after defeating each Titan were from their final battle against the mysterious enemy; with no other options, the leader of the squad, piloting a fourth, unknown Titan, sacrificed their life to seal the foe within their mech; in turn, the other three Titans trapped it in Cyber Space to ensure that it could no longer threaten Earth.

Unfortunately for Sonic, this last revelation comes after he shuts down the final tower, fully corrupting himself with cyber energy as everyone trapped in Cyber Space, including Eggman, is released. Tails realizes that Sonic is now trapped between realities as the mysterious voice reveals its true colors; it is the enemy that the Ancients sealed away, and now it’s free to resume its destructive ways. Sonic’s friends decide to sacrifice their physical forms to restore Sonic, sending them back into Cyber Space as he returns to normal; Sage desperately requests that Eggman forms an alliance with Sonic, which he reluctantly agrees to. After hastily making Sonic a member of the Eggman Empire, as a thinly-veiled effort to salvage his pride, Eggman tasks Sage with helping him find the Chaos Emeralds on Ouranos Island.

Sonic promptly begins his own hunt for the Emeralds, occasionally conversing with Sage along the way. After finding the sixth Emerald in a massive temple, Sonic meets up with Eggman and Sage, who have found the final emerald themselves. After Eggman tosses Sonic the final Chaos Emerald, he transforms into Super Sonic and fights Supreme, the final Titan which serves as their mysterious enemy’s final prison. When Supreme is defeated, the entity escapes to space; noting that it’s too powerful for even Super Sonic, Sage realizes that she must “leave” Eggman to help the hedgehog. Eggman somberly orders her to “fulfill her function,” quietly referring to Sage as his “dear daughter” as she merges with Supreme and joins Sonic in flying to space.

Beyond Earth’s orbit, the entity manifests itself, introducing itself as The End. Sage and Super Sonic battle it with Supreme’s power, undeterred by The End’s fierce barrages and repeated insistence that it is utterly beyond anyone’s ability to defeat. At last, the heroes block The End’s final energy beam before Supreme hurls Super Sonic at their foe; accelerating to his limit, the Chaos-fueled hedgehog smashes right through the entity and inflicts critical damage. However, The End attempts to blow itself up with enough force to take the Earth with it; in desperation, Sage flies Supreme into The End to contain its explosion. The resulting blast is still powerful enough to send Super Sonic back to Earth, with Sage asking him to “protect… Father” with her last words.

As a meteor shower begins over the Starfall Islands, Sonic’s friends are released from Cyber Space once and for all, having a joyous reunion with Sonic as he returns from space safe and sound. Elsewhere, Eggman is saddened by the loss of Sage, only able to clench his fist as he watches the meteors in the distant sky.

Later, everyone is preparing to leave as Sonic sarcastically jokes about how fun the adventure was, to the dismay of his friends. Tails claims that Sonic will barely recognize him once they meet each other again; Amy wonders if Cream the Rabbit and Sticks the Badger are free for a road trip; Knuckles says that it’ll be good to get back to his island, at least for a while. With their plans for the future set, everyone jumps aboard the Tornado and sets off for home.

The story ends in an unknown location, with Eggman hard at work at a computer. After several moments, he inputs a command, causing the symbol of the Ancients to appear on-screen. Sage’s voice comes from the screen as Eggman welcomes his “daughter” back.

Spoilers end here.

Characters

Image

Character

Biography

Sonic the Hedgehog
The world’s fastest supersonic hedgehog is second to none when it comes to speed!
He came to the Starfall Islands in search of the Chaos Emeralds, but now scrambles to find his lost companions, guided by a mysterious voice of unknown origin.[17]

Amy Rose
A lively and enthusiastic girl with spirit for adventure.
Her physical body became trapped in Cyber Space and now lives a virtual existence that cannot directly interact with the physical world.[17]

Miles “Tails” Prower
A genius mechanic who sees Sonic as a big brother.
While piloting the Tornado, he got caught up in some mysterious turbulence, lost control, and crash landed in Cyber Space.[17]

Knuckles the Echidna
A powerful hot-blooded warrior, and a fitting rival for Sonic.
He is thought of as being the last of the great Echidna tribe, and continues to protect the Master Emerald on Angel Island…[17]

Dr. Eggman
An evil genius scientist and Sonic’s nemesis.
His latest nefarious plan is to take command of a secret technology once harnessed by the mysterious Ancients of the Starfall Islands. Unfortunately, he now finds himself trapped in Cyber Space.[17]

Sage
A mysterious girl who appears before Sonic as he travels the Starfall Islands.
She warns Sonic to leave immediately, but what could be her true intent…?[17]

Gameplay

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This article or section may include redundant information, making it longer than it should be.

Sonic Frontiers is a 3D platforming/action-adventure hybrid video game, described by Sega as an “open zone”[11] game, taking massive cues from the open-world genre.[18] Akin to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which the game takes some inspiration from, the primary core of Sonic Frontiers features Sonic in a massive overworld, exploring the vast archipelago of the Starfall Islands, fighting the enemies within, completing missions and obtaining collectibles. Each of these factor into the player’s progression within the story, allowing them to unlock and gain access to smaller, bite-sized levels that are more in-line with the traditional Sonic platforming games, using level aesthetics from the classic Sega Genesis installments but with level design influenced by Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations. The game is rather lengthy, spanning 20-30 hours to finish the game, and about twice as long for those who truly want to complete it.[19]

The player takes control of Sonic the Hedgehog, who must use his signature speed and abilities to explore the lush and expansive Open Zone biomes of the Starfall Islands,[11] such as scaling towers.[20] The world itself is dotted with platforming challenges, combat encounters, puzzles, side quests and more.[15] However, the player has to option to choose which challenges to complete in the order that fits their own playstyle. Sonic himself retains his core abilities from previous titles; he can run at high speed, collect objects, grind, and perform moves like the Spin Jump, Homing Attack, Double Jump, Jump Stomp, Quick Step, Jump Dash, Trick Action and a “limited” form of the Boost that gives a short burst of speed if the player has enough energy.[21][22][23][15] In addition, he is able to run along walls in certain areas and climb specifically-marked vertical walls by hand or by running. He can also move around at notable walking speeds, giving the player better control when exploring small surfaces.[24][16][23] The game is also said to feature a tutorial.[21][22]

When starting the game, the player can choose between two player control styles: Action Style and High Speed Style. Action Style helps with more accurate platforming, which is great for players new to Sonic games. High Speed Style on the other hand offers more speed, which is great for players used to Sonic titles. The player can as well customize the controls and adjust Sonic’s speed, turning, acceleration, and resistance among other things.[15] Players are also given a speedometer, which can be upgraded, to indicate how fast Sonic is running.[19] Meanwhile, the HUD graphic contains a permanent waypoint and directional navigation system, in addition to the game’s map.[25]

The main element of the game is the exploration of the levels and their vast areas, but there are also platform challenges, fights with enemies and puzzles. Several large 3D playgrounds are present, taking place across multiple islands.[26] The environment also incorporates many signature gimmicks and gameplay elements known from past installments in the Sonic series, such as Springs, Grind Rails, Dash Panels, Dash Rings, etc., but transposed to an open-world environment to help explore the player’s surroundings better.[27][20][28] In addition, new gimmicks will gradually populate the areas as the power unlocks new ones. Returning gameplay elements also include Rings, Super Rings and Containers. Rings in particular lie scattered about, which Sonic can pick up by simply touching them. If Sonic takes damage, the player will drop their Rings, though some can be recollected before they disappear.[27] Notably, various spots around the Starfall Islands are as well given markers at points of interest. The Open Zone features as well changing weather effects and different times of day with certain events, which will affect gameplay, but not Sonic’s speed.[19]

Over the course of the game, the player will battle wandering robots and mini-bosses throughout the islands.[10][29] Combat in Sonic Frontiers however is more extensive than in the previous installments of the series and is one of the key elements in the game. Unlike previous games where Sonic can defeat lesser enemies in one hit, the enemies in Sonic Frontiers are more resilient and the player must use Sonic’s speed and skills to outsmart and outmaneuver enemies using different strategies and tactics, with the different enemies requiring certain strategies to be defeated, which can be carried out in multiple ways.[27][10] Furthermore, the gameplay blends Sonic’s traditional abilities with an all-new array of incredibly flashy and close-up, high-speed combat techniques when battling enemies, thus allowing Sonic to for example attack enemies with Homing Attacks and then follow them up with a series of quick hand-to-hand combat blows.

One ability in particular is Sonic’s new Cyloop move, which lets him create an updraft for launching opponents into the air and leaving them vulnerable by running in a circle around his target. That said, the Cyloop has many other applications, and displays a different effect every time it is used on something new.[19] Sonic is also able to quickly dodge and counter attacks and can even parry attacks with the right timing.[10] The Homing Attack’s combat mechanics have also been modified, keeping Sonic stuck to his enemy and allowing for a flurry of follow-up strikes.[10] If the player prefers more straightforward gameplay however, the game also has an Auto Mode where various attack combos can be executed with a single button. Defeating enemies will reward the player with collectable Experience Points that they can use to purchase new skills from a skill tree.[10][27] Some abilities in particular are unlocked through story progression while others are unlocked through the skill tree. A “level up” system is also present, which allows Sonic to gradually become stronger and faster over the course of the game by improving the following four parameters: speed, attack, defense and Ring capacity.[21][22][15] These parameters can be improved by finding hidden collectibles.[15] Sonic’s speed, ring count, or strength in particular can be upgraded by collecting lost creatures named “Koco”.[15][25] By finding these Koco, the player can also use them as fast travel points.

Occasionally, the player will also fight guardians that are near Shadow of the Colossus-esque in their scale in the open environments. As with regular opponents, there are many ways to defeat the bosses, but their strategies are more elaborate. More powerful bosses called Titans, however, cannot be beaten with Sonic alone and requires unlocking and playing as Super Sonic.[30] The player must hunt down and defeat guardians in order to collect Portal Gears.[10] Alternatively, the player can solve puzzles and complete other challenges to get Portal Gears as well.[31] Regardless, Portal Gears are needed to open up portals into Cyber Space, which can be accessed by presenting the Portal Gears at stone landmarks called Portals which can be found all throughout the maps.[31]

These locations contain bite-sized and fast-paced linear stages, done in the style of previous 3D Sonic games and inspired by locations from the Sonic series, which shift between third-person and side-scrolling perspectives.[32] These levels, which are labeled 1-1, 1-2, etc.,[25] each come with a handful of optional goals, like Time Attack, collecting all the Red Star Rings, etc., with each goal rewarding the player with a Vault Key, which are needed to unlock a Chaos Emeralds in Vaults.[10][27][31] Some Cyber Space levels feature as well unique challenges, like a fishing mini-game hosted by Big the Cat.[33] Participating in these minigames with Big grants Treasure Tokens that the player can use to buy items like Memory Tokens, Portal Gear fragments, Egg Memos, or Vault Keys.[25][34] After collecting all the seven Chaos Emeralds, Super Sonic is unlocked as a playable character which the player can use to fight against stronger guardians.[30]

Sonic Frontiers also introduces different kinds of objects that Sonic can collect from around the Starfall Islands, along with new gimmicks that include hamster-like wheels that Sonic can run on to trigger reactions in the environment.[35] Some of the former include heart-shaped items which the player can give to Amy Rose in exchange for a reward.[21][22] Another type of collectable featured are Memory Tokens, which are used to free Sonic’s friends.[15] Other collectable pieces and seeds can be traded with Koco.[25] Beyond that, there are also a wide variety of puzzles and platforming challenges that are littered throughout the levels. Completing them is how the player can uncover sections of their game map, which lie in a scattered, checkerboard order.[15][20] Most of these are very simple: some require Sonic to orient a statue the correct way, quickly cartwheel back and forth between colored tiles, walk on a specific number of tiles without touching others, or use Sonic’s Cyloop ability to draw circles around certain objects in the environment to interact with them.[10]

Solving them will unlock new paths, hidden parts of the map, trigger reactions in the environment, unveil new items that can increase Sonic’s power and defense, or unlock new ways to navigate the island at fast speeds.[10][35] Additionally, there are races against the clock where the player has to speedrun from point A to point B in a limited amount of time in the open levels.[10] Some puzzles are designed as brainteasers, while others will test the player’s actions or be more akin to minigames.[19] However, the puzzles are not necessarily mandatory to the progression with the game. Instead, the player might find other ways to progress with the game.[36]

Controls

Sonic

Skills

Super Sonic

Skills

Objects

Items

Fishing Spot items

Gimmicks and obstacles

Characters

Playable characters

Non-playable characters

Enemies

Bosses

Each island, except for Rhea Island, has several bosses known as Guardians.[48] Guardians are much larger than normal enemies and require special methods in order to defeat them. Larger bosses called Titans (labelled in bold) are found at the end of each Open Zone field and they cannot be defeated by Sonic in his normal form and thus require Sonic to find the Chaos Emeralds and turn into Super Sonic to fight them.[74]

Levels

This section requires an expansion.

There are a total of five Open Zone islands in Sonic Frontiers. Within each of those islands (except Rhea Island) are seven Cyber Space portals, nine in Ouranos Island, that lead to short levels that play similar to traditional Sonic stages. Each island also sees Sonic collecting Memory Tokens to save one of his friends. Upon completion of each Stage the player will be rewarded Vault Keys, with extra keys awarded for completing additional listed objectives, such as time taken, number of rings collected, and obtaining all five Red Star Rings.

Other modes

Map

Map (マップ[67], Mappu?) is a separate menu screen in Sonic Frontiers to help the player navigating on the Open Zone field. The player can enter the Map menu each time by pressing / on the controller.[75] As the player enter the Open Zone field for the first time, the map is completely empty. The player has to complete Challenges on the Open Zone field, as the Map menu will pop in each time to reveal surrounding areas and help the player locating guardians, Cyber Space Portals, and Memory Tokens.[75] Each Open Zone depicted on the Map screen consists of square tiles, as each cleared Challenge will reveal a limited amount of tiles at close range. The player has to continue exploring the Open Zone field and find more Challenges to unlock the rest of missing tiles on the Map menu.[76] Doing so will also minimize changes of getting lost on the Open Zone as well revealing different pathways to explore.[77]

The player can move the to move the marker around the Map screen. To get better view, the player can move to zoom in or zoom out the Map’s view, while pressing down will reset the Map screen to the default state. Pressing / in Nintendo Switch version, / in PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5 version or / in Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S version of the game, filters icons on the Map for the player to see; either showing all Map icons, specific icons, or make the Map screen empty. The fast travel option can be activated for different filter icons. Completing all Challenges in one of four Starfall Islands will reveal the full map for the player and the fast travel feature for Portals and Purple Portals is unlocked.[78] For the fast travel option dedicated to Elder Koco and Hermit Koco locations, the player is required to get Elder Koco’s scroll and Hermit Koco’s scroll from Fishing Spot minigames in each Open Zone field.[79] To use the fast travel feature, the player has to choose one of additional “Fast Travel” filters with varying Map icons, then place the map cursor on filtered Map icon in the menu and press // to quickly warp to the location in the Open Zone field.[80] Different icons found in the map are as follows:

When the player has wishes to visit a certain place when traveling on the Open Zone, it is possible to set a marker on the Map menu, that helps in navigating to said destination.[81] The player can place the marker on the map, then press // to confirm it, while pressing // again afterwards will remove that marker on the map.[82] When exiting the Map menu, a beam of light pointing upwards can be spotted on the Open Zone’s distance that guides the player to the direction where the marked destination is located.[82] After unlocking at least one more island after Kronos Island, the player can travel back to previous Open Zone fields by pressing the // on the Map menu and then choose one of five Open Zone fields available on a separate menu.

All current stats of the player are also displayed on the left side of the screen, which include the amount of collectible items the player has got such as Portal Gears, Vault Keys, Chaos Emeralds, Memory Tokens, Koco, Seeds, and Purple Coins. It also displays Sonic’s current level stats for Ring capacity and maximum speed, as well attack and defense stats from trading Red Seeds of Power and Blue Seeds of Defense, respectively.

Training simulator

Training simulator (仮想空間[83], Kasō kūkan?, lit. “Virtual space”) is a separate mode in Sonic Frontiers for the player to practice Sonic’s basic moves and Skills outside the main gameplay.[49] During the Open Zone gameplay, the notification appears to the upper right corner each time, when the player is encountering a new situation during the gameplay. Pressing down on the will give the player hint or lead to the training simulator to practice a new move or skill.[49]

Taking place in the white void with only Sonic and his targets, which are either Rings, red crystals, yellow energy bullets, Springs or chunk of cyan wall plates based on the executable action. Instructions and action prompts are stated on the bottom portion of the screen. Before the player enters or exists one of the Cyber Space stages, the game starts loading while each time Sonic is taken to the training simulator, where the player can alternatively take part in the practice challenge of executing consecutive actions in split sessions under the thirty second time limit. Each successful session is rewarded with yellow star seen on the top of the screen. In some sessions, the player has to execute multiple consecutive actions or combos in succession. When the time runs out, the practice challenge starts off again with stars on the top portion becoming gray icons to encourage the player practice these actions faster in the next challenge. During this time, the player can also enter the Options menu to configure settings in one of three sections during the training simulator: Game Settings, Sound, and Graphics.

When the game has finished loading the Cyber Space stage/Open Zone area or the player wants to exit the training simulator in the middle of the Open Zone gameplay, the player can press / button on the controller, when the button icon appears on the lower right corner of the screen.[85]

Skills

Skills (スキル, Sukiru?) is the first section of the Pause Menu in Sonic Frontiers consisting of all unlockable Skills for Sonic, that can be accessed during the Open Zone gameplay. After gaining a sufficient number of Skill Points or freeing one of Sonic’s friends during the Open Zone gameplay, a new Skill becomes available on a Skill Tree at a time to be equipped when entering the Skills menu.[86] Each Skill costs certain amount of Skill Points and each one of them enhances Sonic’s combat abilities in a different way during the Open Zone gameplay.[87] Pressing // unlocks the chosen Skill, that is available at the time and pressing // will transition back to the game. After unlocking the Skill, the player can then choose said Skill on the Skill Tree and then press // to enter the training simulator to practice it.[72]

Save Data

Save Data (セーブデータ, Sēbudēta?) is the second section of the Pause Menu to save or load game data or progress back to the title screen of the game.[88] There are four slots available; used save slot present the creation date and the overall spent play time. However, the game cannot be saved if the player is in the middle of the battle, solving puzzles, playing mini-games, or the cutscene is occurring at the time.[89] When the player enters the title screen shortly after starting up the game with the data slot saved, the player can choose the Continue option and pick up one of saved data slots present in the screen.[90]

Arcade Mode

Arcade Mode (アーケードモード, Ākēdo Mōdo?) is additional mode found in the game’s title screen, where the player can gain straight access to play Cyber Space stages. The mode becomes available once the player has cleared the main game. Pressing // on the menu makes the player start playing the chosen stage and pressing // will transition back to the title screen. Mission requirements are disabled and each time the player clears the stage, the fastest time is saved automatically to be seen on the Arcade Mode menu.

System

System is a separate option menu that is only present during the Cyber Space stages or Main Story quests.[91] Whenever the player pauses the game, the following options are included:

Continue the Stage: Close the menu and return to the game.
Retry the Stage: Start over from the beginning of the Cyber Space stage or Side Story quest.
Quit the Stage: Exit the stage/quest and return to the field. Choosing it will transition to the virtual simulator and/or back to the Open Zone gameplay.

Options

Options (オプション, Opushon?) is the third section of the Pause Menu in Sonic Frontiers that can be accessed during the regular gameplay and Loading screen.[92] Here, the player can adjust the game settings on four separate sub-sections: game settings, graphics, sound and controls. The player can easily access the menu by pressing on the controller.[93]

Game settings

Game settings (ゲーム設定[94], Gēmu settei?) is the first sub-section in the Options menu, that contains all basic settings for the game.[95][96][97] Some changes will not be reflected in some situations during the gameplay. The following options include:

Difficulty: Change the difficulty level to easy, normal or hard. This can also be adjusted in the title screen when the player starts off the game for the first time.
Training during loading/game over: Set whether to train during a loading screen or after Game Over.
Notifications: Set whether to see notifications while exploring the islands.
Starting speed: Set the starting speed.
Initial boost speed: Set the initial boost speed.
Turning speed: Set the turning speed.
Boost turning speed: Set the boost turning speed.
Top speed: Set the top speed. Adjustments may not reflect upgrades.
Steering sensitivity: Set the steering resistance.
Acceleration: Set the acceleration.
Bounce height: Set the bounce height for uneven terrain.
Camera speed: Set the camera movement speed.
Camera Y-axis: Set the vertical camera to Normal/Invert.
Camera X-axis: Set the horizontal camera to Normal/Invert.
Camera distance: Set the camera distance.
Camera angle: Set the camera angle.
Auto reset camera position: Set whether the camera will reset its position in certain places of the game.
Auto camera correction: Set whether the camera will automatically turn in the direction Sonic travels to.
Vibration: Set the vibration ON/OFF.
Restrict movement during a monologue: Set whether Sonic can move when commenting on his surroundings.

Sound

Sound (サウンド, Saundo?) is the second sub-section of the Options menu for adjusting the sound settings of the game.[98]

Master volume: Adjust the overall volume of the game.
Music: Adjust the music volume.
Sound effects: Adjust the sound effects volume.
Voices: Adjust the voice volume.

Graphics

Graphics (グラフィック, Gurafikku?) is the third sub-section in the Options menu containing graphical and performance settings.[99]

Item display: Turn the item display (Rings, Keys etc.) ON/OFF.
Compass display: Turn the compass display ON/OFF.
Goal display: Turn the goal display ON/OFF.
Upgrade display: Turn the upgrade display ON/OFF.
Combo display: Turn the combo display ON/OFF.
Skill points display: Turn the skill points display ON/OFF.
Speedometer display: Turn the speedometer display ON/OFF.
Center cursor display: Turn the center cursor display ON/OFF.
Blur effect: Turn the blur effect ON/OFF.
Subtitle display: Turn cutscene subtitles ON/OFF.
Graphics quality: Choose a batch setting for graphics quality.
Shadow quality: Set the shadow quality.
Frame rate limit: Set the frame rate limit.
Anti-aliasing: Choose a setting for anti-aliasing.
Ambient occlusion: Set the ambient occlusion.
Local reflection: Choose a setting for local reflection.
Bloom: Choose a setting for bloom.
Volumetric lighting: Choose a setting for volumetric lighting.
Rendering scale: Set the rendering scale.
Screen brightness: Set the screen brightness.
Resolution: Set the game resolution.
Screen mode: Choose how the game will be displayed.
Monitor: Choose which monitor will display the game.
VSync: Choose a setting for tearing.

Controls

Controls is the fourth sub-section in the Options menu in the PC version of Sonic Frontiers, featuring list of control settings of the game, that the player can adjust manually.[100] There are configurable options for keyboard buttons, secondary controller and separate settings for gamepad buttons for compatible Xbox Wireless Controller. The following table list below consists of all default control settings:

Control configuration

Primary

Secondary

Gamepad

ACT: Move forward

[W]

N/A

ACT Move back

[S]

N/A

down

ACT: Move left

[A]

N/A

left

ACT: Move right

[D]

N/A

right

ACT: Quick step left

[Q]

N/A

ACT Quick step right

[E]

N/A

ACT: Jump
[SPACE]

N/A

ACT: Boost
[SHIFT]

N/A

ACT: Cyloop
Right Mouse Button

N/A

ACT: Attack
Left Mouse Button

N/A

ACT: Stomp Attack
[CTRL]

N/A

ACT: Sonic Boom
[F]

N/A

ACT: Light Dash
[Z]

N/A

Press

ACT: Lock on
[C]

N/A

Press

ACT: Cyber-space

[H]

N/A

ACT: Stop slot machine
[Y]

N/A

ACT: Show Tutorial again

[G]

N/A

ACT: Pause menu

[P]

N/A

ACT: Map

[M]

N/A

UI: Move cursor up

[W]

N/A

Move up

UI: Move cursor down

[S]

N/A

Move down

UI: Move cursor left

[A]

N/A

Move left

UI: Move cursor right

[D]

N/A

Move right

UI: Tab left

[Q]

N/A

UI: Tab right

[E]

N/A

UI: Confirm

[SPACE]

N/A

UI: Cancel

[CTRL]

N/A

UI: Move to Cyber-space

[K]

N/A

UI: Return to default

[J]

N/A

UI: Reset map

[Z]

N/A

Press down

Controller sensibility: Set the controller sensibility.
Mouse sensibility: Set the mouse sensibility.

Language

Language (言語設定, Gengo settei?, lit. “Language settings”) is a separate settings menu that can be accessed from the game’s title screen.

Voice: Change the voice language. The player can choose between English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.[101][102]
UI text: Change the UI language. The player can choose between English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. However, the availability of languages differs between regions for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch versions:[note 3]
- Asian versions only support Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.[102]
- Western versions support all languages listed above except Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.[101]
Subtitle display: Turn cutscene subtitles ON/OFF.

Copyright (權利表記, Kenri hyōki?) is a separate sub-section in the title screen containing information regarding Open Source software used in the game.[103]

User manual

User manual (WEBマニュアル, WEB manyuaru?, lit. “WEB manual”) is a separate option menu in the game’s title screen, that instructs the player to go to the game’s official website to view the game’s web manual. If the player is using a smartphone or tablet, a QR code seen on the menu can be scanned to quickly gain access to the website on said mobile devices.[104]

Extras

This section requires an expansion.

Extras (エクストラコンテンツ, Ekusutora kontentsu?, lit. “Extra content”) is additional option in the game’s title screen and Pause menu where the player can find Update Patches and acquired downloadable content to be installed.[105] During the gameplay, the player can access the menu and adjust equipping settings for the DLC content.[103]

When downloading recent update patches, it is recommended to install the DLC content before starting the new game. Doing otherwise by passing through the tutorial portion of Kronos Island, the player cannot install the DLC content afterwards and becomes inaccessible.[106] – This only applies to the DLC content found in the Digital Deluxe Edition.[107] When pre-ordering the Digital Deluxe Edition on Xbox One/Xbox Series X and Series S, the player will not see the digital art book content and such, it has to be searched and downloaded manually in the app section of the Xbox Store.[108]

Downloadable content

This section requires an expansion.

Sonic Frontiers will receive additional content through 2023:

Update 1: Juke box feature, Photo Mode and new Challenge Modes.
Update 2: It will celebrate Sonic’s birthday, indicating that the update will be released in June. The update will add more Open Zone Challenges and Koco to collect.
Update 3: Third, final, and largest update for the game. Will include more playable characters and a new story expansion. Promotional imagery for the update depicts Amy, Knuckles, Tails, and Sage.[109]

Cast

Soundtrack

The game’s soundtrack was composed by Tomoya Ohtani, who worked previously with music for previous mainline titles such as Sonic Lost World and Sonic Forces.[3] Along Ohtani, the game has six composers Rintaro Soma, Kenji Mizuno and Kanon Oguni, Takahito Eguchi, Kenichi Tokoi and Hiroshi Kawaguchi as well two arrangers Takeshi Watanabe and Megumi Wada.[110] In an article on New Musical Express, Jun Senoue stated that he has been working on the game’s soundtrack and it was later clarified that he had been assisting in the game’s music production according to Ohtani.[111][112] In accordance to the tone of the game, the soundtrack of Sonic Frontiers has less focus on upbeat tracks that match a given stage and is “focused more on helping to create a mysterious feeling surrounding the islands.”[10][113] As such, the soundtrack has been noted to be “uniquely somber and serene” right from the outset, as well as melancholic with beautiful yet minimalist piano melodies.[10]

The music for the announcement trailer of Sonic Frontiers was composed by Tomoya Ohtani and Tee Lopes.[114] The game’s vocal ending theme named “Vandalize” was revealed on 7 September 2022, performed by the Japanese band One Ok Rock. It is also available in the band’s album “Luxury Disease” which was released 9 September 2022.[115][116] Shortly after, the official Sonic the Hedgehog social media account revealed the main theme called “I’m Here” being composed by Tomoya Ohtani with vocals provided by Merry Kirk-Holmes of “To Octavia.”[117][118][119] On 12 September 2022, both “I’m Here” and “Theme of Starfall Islands” were made available with an EP called Sonic Frontiers – Main Theme EP.[120] Ohtani describes the “Theme of Starfall Islands” centering around the theme of “loneliness,” while mentioning the string section of the track being recorded at the Ocean Way Nashville Recording Studios in Nashville.[121] In 7 October 2022, the six-disc soundtrack album titled Sonic Frontiers Original Soundtrack Stillness & Motion was revealed to contain 150 tracks and was released 7 December 2022.[122]

On 19 October 2022, Data Discs, in partnership of Sega and the game’s composer Tomoya Ohtani, announced a separate, vinyl album release of the game’s soundtrack titled Sonic Frontiers: The Music of Starfall Islands with pre-orders set to be made available on 22 October 2022.[123][124] The album comes with two sets with each one containing different lists of background music tracks centering around on each one of Starfall Islands.[125][126]

Achievements

These are the achievements for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC versions of Sonic Frontiers.

Promotion

On 7 June 2022, during the Sonic Central livestream presentation, it was revealed that Sonic Frontiers would receive an animated special, named Sonic Frontiers Prologue, featuring Knuckles the Echidna that takes place before the events of the game.[127] The animated short was released on 1 November 2022 prior to the release of Sonic Frontiers under the full title Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence.[128] On 14 October 2022, it was announced that a prequel comic titled Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Convergence would debut on 18 October 2022, featuring a script by Ian Flynn and artwork by Evan Stanley and Heather Breckel.[129]

Shortly after story trailer for the game arrived, Sonic Frontiers went up for pre-orders with two different sets. The Standard Edition worth of $59.99, comes with the physical or digital copy of the game and the pre-order bonus Adventurer’s Treasure Box (冒険者トレジャーボックス, Bōken-sha torejābokkusu?), containing a amount of 500 Skill Points, 10 Red Seeds of Power and 10 Blue Seed of Defense.[130][131][132] The Digital Deluxe Edition worth $69.99 consists of digital copy of the game with pre-order bonuses including Explorer’s Treasure Box (探求者トレジャーボックス, Tankyū-sha torejābokkusu?, lit. “Searcher’s Treasure Box”), Adventurer’s Treasure Box and Digital Art Book with a 25-track Digital Mini Soundtrack.[133][131] The Explorer’s Treasure Box bonus contains the amount of 40 Amy’s Memory Tokens, one Portal Gear, 10 Vault Keys and one set of additional shoes and gloves for Sonic in-game.[130][134] Pre-orders from Best Buy will also include a steelbook, that is also present in the Amazon.com’s Day One Steelbook Edition of the game available exclusively in United Kingdom.[131][135]

In Japan, the game is receiving the Limited Edition, that consists of the game along with the physical copy of “The Art of Sonic Frontiers” artbook, Koco omamori and acrylic diorama set. A separate DX Pack (DXパック, DX Pack?) contains goods including wall scroll tapestry with original illustration, postcard book, Koco stuffed toy pouch, small set of three types of magnet art and sticker sheet.[130] Pre-ordering the game exclusively in Japan via Sega Store and Amazon websites will include Adventurer’s Treasure Box bonus along with the booklet “The Speed of Sound Travel Book with Sonic” (ソニックと巡る音速旅BOOK, Sonikku to meguru onsoku tabi BOOK?) as a tie-in to the Japanese travel magazine Jalan published by Recruit.[130][132] A free DLC pack, as a collaboration with Monster Hunter series, is set to feature cosmetic skin for Sonic wearing either Rathalos Armor or Felyne Rathalos Armor, and an exclusive meat grilling minigame.[136][137] The free DLC is set to be released in 14 November 2022.[138][139][140] Later in November 16, 2022, Sega of Europe stated that several free content expansions will come next year.[141]

Purchasing the copy of the game from select Japanese retailers will also include exclusive DLC or merchandise as part of the collabaration with Inugami Korone, the Hololive Vtuber and the current ambassador of the Sonic the Hedgehog series.[142][143] These additional content from different retailers include:

A DLC consisting of the sound effects pack that changes in-game sounds into Korone’s voice clips. Exclusive to Amazon.co.jp.[130]
Original acrylic panel drawn by Mr. Fukahire, that comes in size of W100xH150xD3mm. Exclusive to GEO (Game Dealer/Geo Online Store).[130]
Character skin DLC with Sonic in-game model having Korone-themed gloves and shoes. Exclusive to Joshin Denki (game stores Joshin web shop).[130]
Additional DLC, that gives an exclusive skin for the Koco, changing their appearance to resemble Listener-san
リスナーさん

,

Listener-san

?

[130]

Also, by signing in to the Sonic Frontiers newsletter will give subscribers codes for free in-game content such as 2G Hi-Speed Shoes.[144][145] The game’s Steam page confirmed the PC version of the game containing Denuvo anti-piracy software.[146]

On 30 September 2022, Famitsu teased a guide book set to be released at the same time with the game in Japan, that includes stickers depicting some of the different islands.[147][148] Released on 10 November 2022, issue #1771 of Weekly Famitsu features a connected artwork of Sonic Frontiers on the front and back covers.[149]

In Japan from 15 November 2022, the lottery “Sega Lucky Lottery Sonic Frontiers” began in various hobby stores until supplies lasted.[150] With each purchase, customers were guaranteed one of six types of prizes, either being a canvas illustration, a Sonic plush toy holding a Vault Key, a Koco plush, an acrylic stand (eight versions), a hand towel (five versions), or a set of two clear files (seven versions). Customers who made three or more purchases at once received a Nintendo Switch download code that gives Sonic an in-game emote of a Koco plush. A seventh “lucky last” prize was also available, being a plush toy of Sonic sleeping and holding a sleeping Koco.

Reception

Pre-release

Nintendo Life characterized early Sonic Frontiers gameplay footage as divisive.[151] Kotaku felt the game looked fine but derivative and bland, lacking the series’ unique identity,[35] and Polygon and Nintendo Life found the open world desolate.[24][152] Conversely, Game Informer praised the speedy gameplay and visuals.[20]

After trying out a playable preview an early built of Sonic Frontiers by Sonic Team, IGN’s Mitchell Saltzman emphasized in response to the concerns about how the Sonic series would fare in an open-world setting by stating that he thinks “Crush 40 put it best:: ‘Open your heart, it’s gonna be alright.'” Saltzman would go on to praise the mysterious mood of the game and how well it played into the game’s soundtrack. He would also note that the Open Zone design of Sonic Frontiers “is very different from any other open world [he’s] ever played, comparing the levels to “giant playground” due to its many gimmicks and objects. While he pointed out that the random appearances of gimmicks are not out of place in a Sonic game, he criticized that their design was not implemented to match the natural world presented. He also noted that the best part of Sonic Frontiers were the occasional races between points, praising the Open Zone nature of the levels for forcing the player to improvise paths. When it came the combat gameplay, Saltzman praised it for being more than just “style and no substance,” the improvements made to the Homing Attack, and the multiple ways to take down different enemies. He also praised the game for the nice feeling of power progression as Sonic gets stronger and how Sonic Team has experimented with Sonic’s way of battling enemies. While he also praised the boss battles for being ambitious, Saltzman noted that they needed the most work due to certain glitches or the reliance on momentum. Saltzman concluded that Sonic Frontiers is an “exciting step forward” for the Sonic series into a new genre, and that Sonic Team may have hit a “winning formula”. However, he also criticized it for its distracting pop-in, bugs, and tweaks needed for the big boss fights. Regardless, Saltzman remained positive about the game and noted that the gameplay of the Sonic series translated well into the open-world formula in Sonic Frontiers.[10]

The GameSpot representatives, Johan Ramee and Dave Klein, who got to try out the Sonic Frontiers demos at the Summer Game Fest 2022 were unsure of whether Sonic Frontiers worked as intended or not, as the game had both attractive and unattractive qualities. Klein noted that Sonic’s controls felt “off,” as the open world worked with Sonic‘a speed, but lacked controls. However, they both praised the game’s combat system and how well it worked with the bosses, although they would criticize the fights with the smaller bosses, like the Ninja. They also found the plot of the story “curious” and were interested to see how it played out. When it came to the Open Zone concept, Ramee was “cautiously optimistic” about it while Klein claimed it was a “step in the right direction” for the Sonic franchise. Eric Switzer from TheGamer would criticize the game for its incoherent settings between the game’s points of interest, but praised Sonic’s controls and robust progression, as well as its “fairly impressive” battle system. He would also favorably compare it to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, feeling that both “attempt to reimagine a stagnating series in a modern way, and while there’s some questionable design decisions and plenty of frustrations to be found, they’re both a huge step in the right direction.”[15]

When the demo was presented in the video game expo Tokyo Game Show 2022, the game managed to reach max capacity for all three days at the expo.[153] According to Sega, the game director Masahiro Sakurai who previously worked on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, has expressed his liking of the game after playing the demo at the video game expo.[154] Around the same time in 15 September 2022, the ending theme “Vandalize” was nominated as the most popular game sound in “PlayStation Game Music Awards 2022”, as commented by the number of plays and downloads in Spotify and mora.[155] Towards the end of the expo, Sonic Frontiers as one of ten games, won “Tokyo Game Show’s Future Game Award” in 18 September 2022, that is given out to the games that attendees are most looking forward to in the future.[156][157] The game’s director Morio Kishimoto accepted the award at the public award ceremony.[158][159]

Post-release

Reception

Aggregate scores

Aggregator

Score

Metacritic

75% (PC)[160]
75% (PS4)[161]
71% (PS5)[162]
69% (Switch)[163]
tbd (Xbox One)[164]
61% (Xbox S/X)[165]

Review scores

Publication

Score

This section requires an expansion.

Sonic Frontiers has received generally favorable to mixed or average reviews from the critics.

Accolades

At Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards 2022, Sonic Frontiers was nominated for the Player’s Voice Award. The title began the event ranked at 29th place.[166] As a show of appreciation to Sonic Team for their work on the title, Sonic fans rallied support among the community for 2022’s Player’s Voice Award across social media. They successfully supported Sonic Frontiers beyond the first 2 rounds and had the game leading in the Top 5 until 2020’s Genshin Impact fans rose in support of their game. They quickly tied with Sonic Frontiers right until the voting site shut down. The results wouldn’t be heard of until the Game Awards.[167]

On 8 December 2022, the Player’s Voice Award was announced with Genshin Impact winning the category.[168] While Sonic fans were disappointed at the lost, director Morio Kishimoto tweeted acknowledgment of the event, thanking the community and the staff behind the scene for all of their support and taking the 2nd place “Award” as a form of encouragement.[169]

Date

Award