When I first heard Sonic was going open-world, with Sonic Frontiers, I was skeptical. Sonic’s strength has always been speed, not sprawling landscapes. Could SEGA’s blue blur really thrive in a format designed for exploration and freedom? But Sonic Frontiers isn’t just another 3D experiment—it’s a bold leap into uncharted territory and the most ambitious Sonic game in years.
This is a game that blends the series’ signature platforming with a sprawling, open-world structure. It’s a risky move, but one that feels like a turning point for the franchise. At the same time, Frontiers pays tribute to Sonic’s legacy, keeping just enough of its roots to feel familiar. You’ll race across vast islands, tackle challenging platforming stages, and uncover a deeper narrative steeped in Sonic’s mythology.
What stands out most is how Frontiers balances the old and new. The open zones are expansive playgrounds for Sonic’s speed, while the Cyber Space levels offer bite-sized throwbacks to classic stages. It’s an approach that caters to both longtime fans and newcomers.
From the ruins of an ancient civilization to battles against towering Titans, Sonic Frontiers pushes the series in new directions. Does it mark the start of a golden age for Sonic, or is it another ambitious misstep? Let’s find out.
Unraveling the Mystery of Starfall Islands
When I started Sonic Frontiers, I wasn’t expecting the story to draw me in as much as it did. Sonic games have always leaned on a simple formula: stop Eggman, save the world, and move on. Sonic Frontiers flips the script, weaving a story that feels deeper, more connected, and surprisingly emotional.
Sonic, Tails, and Amy arrive at the enigmatic Starfall Islands searching for the Chaos Emeralds. Their mission is quickly derailed when a mysterious force separates them, trapping Tails and Amy in Cyber Space. Sonic escapes, guided by a cryptic voice urging him to save his friends and uncover the truth about the islands. This setup introduces an air of mystery that keeps you invested from the start.
What sets this story apart is its tone. The usual lighthearted banter is there, but it’s paired with a sense of melancholy and discovery. Sonic interacts with ancient ruins, learning about a lost civilization tied to the Chaos Emeralds. These moments are reflective and quiet, contrasting with the high-energy gameplay.
The character dynamics are great, too. Tails, Amy, and even Eggman feel more fleshed out, with their personalities rooted in their histories. Eggman’s logs, found through a fishing mini-game, reveal surprising depth, offering a glimpse into his thoughts and even vulnerability.
Longtime fans will appreciate the subtle callbacks to Sonic’s past, from offhand mentions of forgotten characters to connections with established lore. Sonic Frontiers doesn’t just tell a story—it expands the world, making it feel alive and evolving.
Speed Meets Exploration
The first time I sped through one of Sonic Frontiers’ open zones, I was amazed by how natural it felt. Zipping across Starfall Islands at top speed, I leapt from grind rails to springs, then landed in the middle of a puzzle. It wasn’t just about going fast—it was about finding my own path through the landscape.
The open-world design is the biggest change in Sonic Frontiers. Each island is a giant playground filled with loops, ramps, enemies, and collectibles. You’re free to explore at your own pace, whether that means hunting for Chaos Emeralds or completing side challenges. These zones feel alive, with plenty of opportunities to test Sonic’s speed and agility.
The Cyber Space levels offer a sharp contrast. These short, linear stages are classic Sonic experiences, combining 2D and 3D sections. Completing challenges here unlocks keys to access the Chaos Emeralds, keeping progression tied to both exploration and platforming. My favourite was a Green Hill-inspired level where tight turns and perfectly timed homing attacks kept me on edge.
Combat introduces variety, with Sonic facing off against standard foes, mini-bosses, and towering Titans. The Cyloop mechanic is versatile, letting you stun enemies or reveal hidden items. During one Titan battle, I had to dodge massive attacks while using the Cyloop to weaken its defenses. Finally, after collecting all the Chaos Emeralds, I transformed into Super Sonic for a high-flying finale.
Sonic Frontier’s flashy moves and dynamic battles stand out, but combat has some issues. Standard enemies and mini-bosses can feel repetitive, and the skill tree unlocks so quickly that it loses impact later on. While the flashy moves are fun, fights rarely demand much strategy. Similarly, puzzles in the early zones often feel too simple, acting more as filler than meaningful challenges.
A Sonic Feast for the Senses
When I first started playing Sonic Frontiers, I couldn’t help but notice how massive everything felt. From Kronos Island to Ares Island, each area has its own atmosphere. The environments may not be the most detailed, though their design complements Sonic’s speed perfectly.
The soundtrack, though, is where Sonic Frontiers truly shines. Whether it’s the serene piano melodies during exploration or the adrenaline-pumping heavy metal tracks during Titan battles, the music consistently sets the tone. The variety in the soundtrack is impressive, with each piece enhancing the moment.
Unfortunately, Sonic Frontier’s visuals don’t always keep up with the game’s ambitions. Pop-in is a frequent issue, with platforms and rails often appearing too late. Despite these technical hiccups, the art direction deserves praise for its bold choices. The contrast between the open islands and the digital Cyber Space stages keeps things visually interesting. Green Hill Zone and other familiar locales are lovingly recreated, adding nostalgic charm.
Overall, Sonic Frontiers delivers a mixed bag when it comes to presentation. The soundtrack and creative art direction stand out, but technical issues like pop-in and inconsistent frame rates are noticeable. Still, the game’s visual and audio design shows clear ambition despite its flaws.
Sonic Frontiers Races into a Bold New Era
Wrapping up Sonic Frontiers, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far Sonic has come. It’s not perfect—few games are—but it feels like the start of something exciting. This game took risks that paid off in some areas and didn’t in others.
The open-world design breathes new life into the franchise, creating a sense of freedom that Sonic’s speed naturally fits. Exploring the islands and diving into Cyber Space levels captures both new ideas and nostalgic charm. The soundtrack stands out as one of the game’s strongest features, elevating every moment with its variety and energy.
However, the game’s flaws are hard to ignore. Pop-in issues, repetitive combat, and simplistic puzzles are noticeable throughout. These setbacks, while noticeable, don’t overshadow the creativity and ambition driving Sonic Frontiers.
I’ll admit, I didn’t know what to expect when I started the game. By the time I battled my last Titan and listened to the final track, I was hooked. This is a game that dares to push Sonic in a bold direction while honouring the series’ roots.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to believe in 3D Sonic again, Sonic Frontiers might just be it. It’s a significant step forward for 3D Sonic that gives me hope for what’s next.
Sonic Frontiers
Summary
Sonic Frontiers reinvents the franchise with open-world exploration, nostalgic Cyber Space levels, and a fantastic soundtrack. While technical issues and repetitive combat hold it back, its bold direction and creative ambition make it a promising step forward for Sonic’s 3D future.
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