After finally getting the chance to play Frontiers, the question has to be asked: Where was this level of quality 10 years ago, SEGA?! I don't want to be that guy, but it's really pathetic that it took a decade for you guys to say "Gee, maybe we should hire competent writers and give fans actual good stories. Maybe we should stop half-assing our games. Maybe we should treat the characters like actual characters." Seriously, comparing Frontiers to Forces, the difference is night and day. With that little rant out of the way, let's get to the actual review.
Gameplay: While it's no Bayonetta or Devil May Cry, the combat is really solid and truly demonstrates how powerful Sonic and Super Sonic really is. And it's pretty easy to pick up and play, making it accessible for newcomers and veterans alike. However, while the fights with the Titans were awesome, they weren't as challenging as I thought they'd be. I had a harder time fighting the Guardians. Also, the Cyber Space stages were the worst part of the game. Boring, tedious, and repetitive.
Music:Sonic has always had great music regardless of the game's actual quality. And Frontiers is no exception. From the blazing heavy metal of the Titans' themes to the relaxing calm of the overworld music, plenty of memorable tunes all around.
Story: The story is simplistic at first glance. Sonic and Co end up on a mysterious set of islands and he must rescue his friends. But like Breath of the Wild, as you progress through the game, a much larger story begins to unfold, one that completely expands on the lore of Sonic.
Characters: By far Frontiers greatest asset is that the characters actually feel like characters and not one-dimensional caricatures.
Sonic is back to being a cocky, impulsive, but well-meaning Jerk with a Heart of Gold instead of an obnoxiously snarky and arrogant blowhard.
Tails and Amy wanting to step out of Sonic's shadow and go on their own journeys is some much needed and long overdue character development.
Knuckles is back to being a competent badass again instead of the Dumb Muscle he's been portrayed as. And him wanting to explore the world is also good character growth.
With Eggman taking a backseat in the villain role, we get to see a brand new side of him through his heartwarming father/daughter relationship with Sage, resulting in the most human portrayal of the good doctor to date. Also, Sage is one of the best written characters I've seen in a Sonic game and THE END is a far more intimidating villain than Infinite despite its limited screen time. (Pity its boss fight is a glorified Bullet Hell game)
Conclusion: Frontiers is Sonic done right. True to its name, it has opened up a new frontier of endless possibilities for the Blue Blur. And I can't wait for the updates that are set to release, particularly the new story and playable characters.
What Actually Caring About Making Good Sonic Games Does to a MF (Spoilers)
After finally getting the chance to play Frontiers, the question has to be asked: Where was this level of quality 10 years ago, SEGA?! I don't want to be that guy, but it's really pathetic that it took a decade for you guys to say "Gee, maybe we should hire competent writers and give fans actual good stories. Maybe we should stop half-assing our games. Maybe we should treat the characters like actual characters." Seriously, comparing Frontiers to Forces, the difference is night and day. With that little rant out of the way, let's get to the actual review.
Conclusion: Frontiers is Sonic done right. True to its name, it has opened up a new frontier of endless possibilities for the Blue Blur. And I can't wait for the updates that are set to release, particularly the new story and playable characters.