Sonic Frontiers: Everything We Know

If there's any one particular video game series that will never succumb to the pressures that tie in with modernization, it's Sonic the Hedgehog. Even today, thirty years after its conception, Sonic Team continue to hoist an almost identical flag, which just goes to show the IP for exactly what it is: undeniably popular, wondrously unique, and effortlessly timeless. That said, it seems Sonic Frontiers could just alter this traditional format by introducing a whole new design, and one that, quite frankly, looks almost nothing like its predecessors.

In spite of all the mixed responses that have come to light since its 2021 reveal, Sonic Team is still going ahead with the next leg of the 3D platforming journey, which will take its travelers to a whole new realm of wonder and lore, a place in which—surprise, surprise—will see Sonic, Tails, and Amy pilot a whole new journey jam-packed full of golden rings, rails, and rockets. But what else do we know about Sonic Frontiers, and when can we expect to see it roll out on consoles and PC? Well, here's everything you need to know about it.

5. What Is Sonic Frontiers?

Sonic Frontiers is an upcoming third-person action-adventure game by Sonic Team, the globally renowned studio that brought Sonic the Hedgehog to life way back in 1991.  Frontiers, which will pilot the first open world setting since the series' debut, will look to integrate several classic elements from past Sonic games, including grind rails, golden rings, and sky-high canons, while also onboarding a non-linear sandbox-like structure.

Sonic Frontiers coincides with the series' 30th anniversary, and is set to launch on November 8, 2022 on all major platforms. At the time of writing, neither Sonic Team nor SEGA has brought to light any news about the game coming to Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. With that said, there are still a few weeks left before its official launch, so best take everything with a slight pinch of salt at this rate.

4. The Story

Sonic Frontiers follows Sonic, Tails, and Amy as the trio embark on a new quest to Starfall Islands, a cluster of colorful biomes that supposedly house the Chaos Emeralds, unique and ancient relics that possess unlimited power. After the mystical gems go missing and the plane providing passage to the islands gets sucked into a wormhole, Sonic is led to Cyber Space, a place in which he must escape in order to reach Starfall Islands to reunite with his friends.

Over the course of the journey between dimensions, Sonic must work to uncover new areas connected to Starfall Islands, scout for the lost Chaos Emeralds, and search for his missing friends, all the while an advanced robotic army invades the land and works to drive back his progress.

3. Gameplay

Unlike past instalments, Sonic Frontiers will look to take on a whole new approach in terms of setting, effectively dropping the linear format and following up with an open world version of Starfall Islands, a network of unique biomes that will take you across a series of 3D dynamic territories. Like its earlier episodes, the goals will remain mostly the same: collect golden rings, explore vast new zones, and parkour your way through a whole bunch of ever-evolving playgrounds.

Sonic Frontiers will also incorporate a leveling system, with XP and new abilities becoming available for each level you climb. Combat will also return, allowing for you to string together combos, parry, and sidestep your way to victory over a series of wickedly fast bouts with armies of enemy robots. And lastly, Sonic Frontiers will introduce the Cyloop, a customizable light trail that can be created to boost Sonic's abilities and help tackle objects around Starfall Islands.

2. Development

Sonic Team established the foundations for Sonic Frontiers following the 2017 release of Sonic Forces. After receiving mixed feedback due to the lack of creative control and lackluster level designs, studio head Takashi Iizuka made the call to remove the linear format and opt for an open world structure. According to Iizuka, the previous format left the series with “little room for evolution,” which, in turn, coerced the team to take the series in an entirely different direction.

Sonic Frontiers was first revealed last year, with Sonic Team showcasing a relatively short but punchy minute-long trailer. Since then, the entry has received two additional trailers, both showing parts of the gameplay and the story. These will be, at least to our best knowledge, the last pre-launch previews to roll out before its release date.

1. Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Sonic Frontiers will be coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC on November 8, 2022. At the time of writing, neither Xbox nor PlayStation have mentioned anything about the game coming to Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. This is subject to change, of course, though it appears highly unlikely that it will be a day-one exclusive on either subscription-based platform.

You can pre-order Sonic Frontiers in one of two editions: Standard Edition, and Digital Deluxe Edition. You can check out what comes included in each version down below.

Standard Edition — $59.99

• Sonic Frontiers (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, PC) 

Digital Deluxe Edition — $69.99

• Sonic Frontiers (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, PC) 
• Explorer’s Treasure Box (skill points, red seeds of power, and blue seeds of defense)
• Mini Digital Soundtrack and Art Book

For more information on Sonic Frontiers, be sure to follow the official social handle here. You can pre-order your copy of the game today from any major retail outlet.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up Sonic Frontiers later this year? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.