MonsterCritic
Sonic Frontiers cover image
Links
Amazon Icon
Amazon
Steam Icon
Steam
Playstation Icon
Playstation
Twitch Icon
Twitch

69

MONSTER

Star Icon

Sonic Frontiers

2022
GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Open World, Side View Perspective, Single Player
AvailableNov 8, 2022
PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
DeveloperSonic Team
Overview

Worlds will collide in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest adventure. An experience like never before, accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high velocity open-zone freedom. Battle powerful enemies as you speed through the Starfall Islands - landscapes brimming with dense forests, overflowing waterfalls, sizzling deserts and more!

Elsewhere
Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

68

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers' story splits critics: lauded for mature themes, nostalgia, and character depth by some, but slammed for incoherence, clichés, and shallow execution by others, with fragmented storytelling and repetitive elements sparking debate.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

68

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Sonic Frontiers receives mixed but occasionally glowing praise, with several critics highlighting its narrative strengths. IGN Portugal notes it as a “refreshing story” compared to previous entries, while Vandal and ZTGD commend its well-crafted writing, character depth, and references to the Sonic universe’s lore. MeuPlayStation emphasizes the narrative as one of the game’s “strongest points,” praising its mature and surprising mystery involving Sonic, Amy, and Tails in a new dimension. Critics like Noisy Pixel and GameCritics laud the story for being “exceptional,” “thought-provoking,” and emotionally resonant, with themes of love and character development that enrich the experience. Additionally, Comicbook.com and We Got This Covered appreciate the narrative’s callbacks to past games, enhancing continuity and character interactions, while GameCritics calls it a “celebration of the series” with effective references to previous entries. However, many critics find the story lacking in coherence, depth, and engagement. The Jimquisition and Digital Chumps describe the plot as “flimsy,” “confusing,” and “directionless,” with a cyber-world narrative that fails to deliver a coherent or compelling storyline. IGN France calls it “bland” and predictable, while TrueGaming and Gameblog.fr criticize its weak presentation and convoluted execution, noting poorly structured conversations and repetitive mini-games. IGN Brasil and Hardcore Gamer highlight clichés about friendship and ancient civilizations, with the latter calling the plot “minimal” and focused more on exploration than narrative depth. Cubed3 and Atomix also point to a lack of clarity, with vague antagonists and underwhelming characterizations that fail to resonate. Critics like LevelUp and GameSpew further note the story’s underwhelming nature, suggesting it struggles to captivate players beyond surface-level intrigue. The overall consensus on Sonic Frontiers’ story is divided, reflecting both its ambition and its shortcomings. While some critics, such as IGN Portugal, Vandal, and Noisy Pixel, praise its maturity, character depth, and nostalgic callbacks, others like The Jimquisition, Digital Chumps, and IGN France criticize it for being incoherent, clichéd, or overly simplistic. The narrative’s reliance on exploration and fragmented storytelling—such as collecting memory tokens to uncover the plot—draws mixed reactions, with some finding it atmospheric and engaging (e.g., We Got This Covered) while others deem it slow or unstructured (Nintenduo). Despite these contradictions, the story appears to strike a balance between appealing to long-time fans through lore and character development while struggling to meet expectations for originality or narrative complexity. Ultimately, it is a polarizing element that reflects both the series’ potential and its persistent challenges in delivering a cohesive, impactful tale.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Sonic Frontiers' story splits critics: lauded for mature themes, nostalgia, and character depth by some, but slammed for incoherence, clichés, and shallow execution by others, with fragmented storytelling and repetitive elements sparking debate.

76

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers is an ambitious open-world experiment that blends classic Sonic speed with fresh exploration mechanics, earning praise for its fluid gameplay, inventive "open-zone" design, and nostalgic yet modern platforming. However, broken physics, a chaotic camera, repetitive tasks, and jarring technical flaws undermine the experience, leaving it stuck between innovation and polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

76

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

6%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Sonic Frontiers receives praise for its innovative open-world design and blend of traditional Sonic elements with new mechanics. Critics like The Jimquisition highlight enjoyable combat and environmental puzzles, while Games.cz and Inverse commend the Variety of activities and exploration opportunities. The introduction of "open-zone" exploration, as noted by Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo, allows players to navigate islands freely, with The Games Machine and WellPlayed praising Sonic’s new abilities like the Cyber Loop for adding depth to combat and exploration. Many reviewers, including Gamer.no and COGconnected, emphasize the game’s fluidity and engaging gameplay loop, comparing it favorably to Breath of the Wild in terms of freedom and progression. The mix of 2D and 3D platforming levels, as highlighted by PC Games and IGN Portugal, also earns praise for its nostalgic yet fresh approach. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. The Jimquisition and Malditos Nerds criticize broken mechanics, unreliable physics, and a disastrous camera system, while Digital Trends and Nintendo Life note frustrating control issues and repetitive tasks. Games.cz and NME describe the open world as poorly designed, with simplistic platforming and combat that lacks challenge. TrueGaming and iMore mention repetitive activities and a lack of substance, while Inverse and GamesHub point to unclear instructions and chaotic boss battles. Technical issues like poor button response (Malditos Nerds) and mandatory mini-games (Inverse) further frustrate players, with DualShockers and XGN noting that the gameplay can feel inconsistent or over-engineered. Despite these criticisms, there is a general consensus that Sonic Frontiers represents a bold step forward for the series, even if its execution is uneven. While The Jimquisition and Malditos Nerds highlight major flaws, others like COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming celebrate its exhilarating gameplay and fresh approach to open-world design. The game’s ability to blend exploration with classic Sonic speed and platforming remains a standout feature, as noted by Pure Xbox and Meristation, though the repetitive elements and technical hiccups prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Overall, critics agree that Sonic Frontiers is an ambitious experiment with moments of brilliance, but one that struggles to balance innovation with polish.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Sonic Frontiers is an ambitious open-world experiment that blends classic Sonic speed with fresh exploration mechanics, earning praise for its fluid gameplay, inventive "open-zone" design, and nostalgic yet modern platforming. However, broken physics, a chaotic camera, repetitive tasks, and jarring technical flaws undermine the experience, leaving it stuck between innovation and polish.

62

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers’ visuals were a mixed bag: ambitious scale, dynamic weather, and lush environments earned praise, but technical flaws like pop-in, dull textures, and jarring design contrasts plagued the experience, with Switch versions especially suffering. While some celebrated its open-world charm and artistic ambition, most criticized inconsistent execution, leaving a gap between its lofty goals and final polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

62

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Sonic Frontiers received mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its ambitious scale and aesthetic choices. Reviewers like PlayStation LifeStyle and We Got This Covered commended the game’s use of high-resolution environments, dynamic weather systems, and a day/night cycle, which contributed to a visually immersive experience. Attack of the Fanboy noted that the open-world design felt "alive" with obstacles and collectibles, while Twinfinite praised the lighting and texture work, calling the game “visually impressive.” The Hedgehog Engine 2, powered by Quixel Megascans, allowed for lush, detailed landscapes, as seen in Chaos Island (per XboxEra) and the varied islands described by Inverse. Even critics like SECTOR.sk acknowledged AAA-quality environments, with well-executed character designs and a seamless day-night cycle. These positives suggest that Sonic Frontiers aimed for a modern, expansive visual style, blending realism with the series’ signature energy. However, the negatives were widespread, particularly regarding technical flaws and inconsistent design. The Jimquisition criticized the “incoherent” visual design, calling it an “asset flip” with environments lacking personality, while Gaming Age and IGN Italia described the graphics as “dull,” “empty,” and “randomly generated.” Issues like pop-in, low-quality textures, and fuzzy visuals plagued multiple platforms: Pure Nintendo and Nintendo Life noted significant graphical downgrades on the Switch, and Vandal called the environments “uninspired” despite decent animations. Atomix highlighted a jarring contrast between Sonic’s stylized design and the realistic settings, while Hobby Consolas criticized the “melancholic” and “empty” environments that clashed with the expected vibrancy of a Sonic game. Even on higher-end platforms like PS5, MeuPlayStation and Twinfinite pointed to glitches and technical inconsistencies, suggesting the visual polish fell short of modern AAA standards. Overall, the consensus among critics was divided but leaned toward acknowledging Sonic Frontiers’ ambitious visuals while critiquing their execution. While some praised its scale, environmental Variety, and technical achievements (e.g., PlayStation LifeStyle’s “stunning visuals” or We Got This Covered’s dynamic weather), the majority highlighted persistent issues like pop-in, repetitive environments, and a lack of artistic cohesion. The Jimquisition and Vandal were particularly harsh, framing the design as technically weak and creatively unambitious, whereas Attack of the Fanboy and Inverse found moments of charm in the open-world exploration. Despite these contradictions, the game’s visual direction—balancing realism with cartoonish elements—was a notable departure for the series, even if it failed to fully satisfy fans expecting the vibrant energy of earlier Sonic titles. The mixed reception underscores a gap between the game’s aspirations and its technical execution across platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Sonic Frontiers’ visuals were a mixed bag: ambitious scale, dynamic weather, and lush environments earned praise, but technical flaws like pop-in, dull textures, and jarring design contrasts plagued the experience, with Switch versions especially suffering. While some celebrated its open-world charm and artistic ambition, most criticized inconsistent execution, leaving a gap between its lofty goals and final polish.

81

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers' soundtrack dazzles with atmospheric synthwave/orchestral fusion and emotionally charged boss fights, but struggles with inconsistency, forgettable moments, and a divisive shift from classic Sonic energy, sparking polarized reactions between innovation and nostalgia.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

81

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

5%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Sonic Frontiers received a mixed but largely positive reception, with many critics praising its atmospheric Variety and emotional depth. Several reviewers highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to adapt to different gameplay scenarios, such as the "phenomenal" (TheSixthAxis) blend of synthwave, orchestral work, and heavy metal, or the "gorgeous and smooth piano melodies during exploration" (Variety). The boss fight music was frequently lauded, with GAMINGbible noting its "generic" but effective energy in Cyberspace levels, while Switch Player praised its "impressive" intensity. Others appreciated the "chill soundtrack" (MGG) during fishing and the "melancholic and dreamy compositions" (GameOver.gr) that enhanced the game’s introspective moments. The inclusion of "memorable tracks" (GameCritics) and "adaptive music" (Pocket Tactics) further underscored its dynamic quality, with Universo Nintendo calling it "one of the best soundtracks of the year." However, several critics found flaws in the soundtrack’s consistency and originality. PLAY! Zine criticized the music as "uninspired and sometimes unpleasant," while Malditos Nerds noted a "lack of engaging music" that failed to elevate gameplay. Others pointed to specific issues: Softpedia called the music "forgettable" except for boss fights, and GAMINGbible found the Cyberspace levels’ "generic" tracks unremarkable. God is a Geek highlighted "dissonant atmosphere" from overworld music clashing with action, while Hobby Consolas lamented "melancholic tones that clash with the traditional upbeat nature of Sonic games." Vgames summarized the issue as music ranging from "terrible to mediocre," and GamingTrend noted that Cyberspace levels’ "subdued" music fell short of expectations. These critiques often centered on a perceived departure from the high-energy, nostalgic soundscapes of earlier Sonic titles. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for Sonic Frontiers’ musical experimentation and emotional range. While some critics felt the soundtrack occasionally strayed too far from classic Sonic vibes, many acknowledged its strengths in creating atmosphere and enhancing gameplay. The "exceptional" (GameGrin) orchestral elements, "solid" (Nintendojo) integration of music into exploration, and "outstanding" (Pure Xbox) emotional depth during key moments showcased its creativity. However, the divide between those who embraced its bold stylistic shifts (e.g., TheSixthAxis’ synthwave influences) and those who missed the "classic Sonic-pop" (GameCritics) highlights a polarizing yet ultimately nuanced reception. Ultimately, while not universally flawless, the soundtrack’s ambition and Variety earned it significant praise as a standout element of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Sonic Frontiers' soundtrack dazzles with atmospheric synthwave/orchestral fusion and emotionally charged boss fights, but struggles with inconsistency, forgettable moments, and a divisive shift from classic Sonic energy, sparking polarized reactions between innovation and nostalgia.

68

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers’ voice acting split critics: veterans like Roger Craig Smith and Mike Pollock shined, adding depth and charm, while others called it bland, inconsistent, or tone-deaf, with Sonic’s deeper voice polarizing fans and localized dubs faltering. A mixed bag of praise and frustration over execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

68

Positive Reviews (80-100)

37%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Sonic Frontiers received a mix of praise, particularly for its return of veteran actors and their nuanced performances. Critics like Atomix, Destructoid, and Vandal highlighted Roger Craig Smith’s portrayal of Sonic as strong and adaptable, balancing the game’s more serious tone with the character’s signature charm. GamingTrend and VGC praised Mike Pollock’s performance as Dr. Eggman for adding emotional depth, while Meristation and Multiplayer.it noted the quality of localized voice acting in Spanish and Italian, respectively. Additionally, The Mako Reactor, Hardcore Gamer, and Noisy Pixel commended the English voice direction, particularly for characters like Amy and Sonic, which felt natural and fitting for their maturity. These positive reviews underscored the effort to elevate character interactions and narrative engagement through familiar voices. However, several critics found the voice acting lacking in consistency or enthusiasm. AusGamers and Games.cz criticized it as bland and of lower quality compared to recent Sonic films, while Gamer.no and Softpedia described it as flat, stiff, or outright bad. Issues with tone were also raised: Checkpoint Gaming noted Sonic’s deeper voice felt jarring, and XboxEra and Twinfinite suggested the serious approach alienated some players. Language-specific critiques emerged too, with Jeuxvideo.com and MGG pointing out weak French and Italian performances, and GAMES.CH and Hey Poor Player criticizing Sonic’s English voice as unconvincing or inconsistent. Additionally, IGN Japan and TouchArcade noted issues with dialogue clarity and robotic animations, further complicating the reception. The overall consensus reflects a divided but nuanced perspective. While many praised the return of veteran actors like Smith and Pollock for adding depth and familiarity, others felt the voice acting failed to match the game’s ambitions, particularly in tone and consistency. Atomix and Destructoid emphasized the strengths of key performances, while AusGamers, Gamer.no, and Softpedia highlighted significant shortcomings. The mixed reactions to Sonic’s deeper voice—seen as either a deliberate artistic choice or a misstep—underscored broader debates about the game’s narrative direction. Ultimately, Sonic Frontiers’ voice acting was a polarizing element, with its quality often tied to players’ expectations for the franchise’s tone and character delivery.

TL;DR

voice acting

Sonic Frontiers’ voice acting split critics: veterans like Roger Craig Smith and Mike Pollock shined, adding depth and charm, while others called it bland, inconsistent, or tone-deaf, with Sonic’s deeper voice polarizing fans and localized dubs faltering. A mixed bag of praise and frustration over execution.

58

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers is technically flawed across all platforms, with PS5 and Switch hit hardest by frame drops, glitches, and unresponsive controls—despite minor positives on some versions, its lack of polish undermines the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

58

Positive Reviews (80-100)

9%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

26%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Sonic Frontiers varies across platforms, with some positive aspects noted despite widespread issues. On PS5, critics like GamesBeat praised its stable 60fps in Performance Mode, while IGN France acknowledged solid frame rates and load times, though others like DualShockers highlighted occasional pop-in. For the Nintendo Switch, Nintenderos and GameMAG commended its smooth performance with reasonable load times and minor graphical limitations, despite issues like draw distance problems. On PC, INVEN noted rendering issues but also recognized the game’s foundational stability, while Xbox Series X saw mixed feedback: Cubed3 praised 60fps mode, though The Jimquisition criticized glitches and camera flaws. Overall, some platforms showcased technical strengths, such as PS5’s performance settings and Switch’s optimization, even amid broader concerns. However, the negatives across platforms were more pronounced, with consistent complaints about technical polish. On PS5, multiple critics like Malditos Nerds, GamesHub, and Daily Star highlighted frame drops, texture issues, and "unfinished" feel, while The Jimquisition and SpazioGames criticized unresponsive controls and camera problems. The Nintendo Switch faced criticism for glitches (Nintendo Life), performance hiccups (Nintendojo), and frame rate dips (Vooks), though some like Nintenderos noted minimal draw distance issues. On Xbox One, ZTGD mentioned inconsistent physics, and on PC, INVEN criticized visual polish shortcomings. Even Xbox Series X had issues: NME pointed to awkward camera angles, and Cubed3 noted judder in 4K mode. These problems collectively painted a picture of a game struggling with technical consistency across platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that Sonic Frontiers suffers from significant technical flaws, particularly on PS5 and Switch, where issues like pop-in, frame drops, and control responsiveness overshadow its potential. While some platforms, such as the Switch and PC, received more balanced feedback—acknowledging optimization efforts alongside notable shortcomings—the game’s lack of polish and performance inconsistencies were widely criticized. Critics like IGN France and GamesRadar+ noted that these issues detract from the experience, even if they don’t entirely derail gameplay. Ultimately, while there were pockets of technical strength, the game’s technical performance was seen as a major hurdle, reflecting a need for further refinement across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Sonic Frontiers is technically flawed across all platforms, with PS5 and Switch hit hardest by frame drops, glitches, and unresponsive controls—despite minor positives on some versions, its lack of polish undermines the experience.

68

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers delivers varied collectibles and challenges for replayability, but repetitive gameplay loops and unengaging design flaws undermine its appeal, splitting opinions between dedicated fans and critics who find it tedious.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

68

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

7%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment toward Sonic Frontiers’ replay value begins with several positive aspects highlighted by critics. Many praise the game’s collectibles, challenges, and optional content as incentives for revisiting stages or exploring further. For instance, IGN Brasil notes that the game encourages players to return for exploration despite repetitive activities, while GameGrin highlights the ability to rechallenge levels to improve scores and the Variety of enemies and themes across islands. We Got This Covered and Attack of the Fanboy emphasize the freedom to explore at one’s own pace, with We Got This Covered suggesting that the journey itself is rewarding. Additionally, GamersRD points to the game’s potential for over 50 hours of content, appealing to completionists, and Cubed3 mentions it being the longest Sonic game yet, filled with side activities that keep players engaged. These elements collectively suggest a foundation for replayability through Variety and depth. However, several critics express significant concerns about the game’s repetitive design and lack of compelling reasons to revisit content. Digital Trends and PSX Extreme argue that the game lacks incentives for replayability due to monotonous gameplay loops and frustrating mechanics, while PC Gamer notes that the open world feels unengaging despite collectibles. XboxEra and NME criticize the repetitive nature of stages and the limited appeal of the open world, with XboxEra specifically mentioning that the gameplay loop becomes tedious after a few hours. Switch Player and GamePro Germany highlight issues like linear paths in Cyber Space and inefficient resource collection, which detract from exploration. Even MGG acknowledges that while arcade modes offer some replay value, the open world’s simplicity may not sustain long-term interest for all players. These critiques underscore a recurring theme of design flaws undermining the game’s potential for sustained engagement. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a balanced view: while Sonic Frontiers offers enough content and challenges to justify multiple playthroughs for some, its repetitive mechanics and unpolished systems limit broader appeal. Critics like The Mako Reactor and GamersRD express strong enthusiasm, with the former completing three playthroughs and the latter citing over 50 hours of content. Conversely, IGN France and NME emphasize that the game’s repetitive quests and unengaging open world hinder replayability. The divide reflects differing player preferences—those who prioritize exploration and collectibles (e.g., GameGrin, We Got This Covered) may find value in the game, while others frustrated by its design flaws (e.g., Digital Trends, PSX Extreme) will likely skip repeats. Ultimately, Sonic Frontiers appears to cater more to dedicated Sonic fans seeking Variety than to a broader audience, with replayability hinging on individual tolerance for its shortcomings.

TL;DR

replay value

Sonic Frontiers delivers varied collectibles and challenges for replayability, but repetitive gameplay loops and unengaging design flaws undermine its appeal, splitting opinions between dedicated fans and critics who find it tedious.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

69

MONSTER

Star Icon

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

69

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

5%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Sonic Frontiers is marked by a mix of enthusiasm for its ambitious direction and frustration over its execution. Many critics highlight its potential as a significant evolution for the franchise, particularly in introducing an open-world format while retaining core Sonic gameplay elements. Game Informer praises it as “the best 3D Sonic game in years,” noting its solid first attempt at the open-zone concept, while IGN Adria calls it “a unique and fun game that deserves attention.” Critics like Cubed3 and Pure Xbox laud its “fantastic experience” and “triumph for the series,” emphasizing engaging gameplay, a rich story, and nostalgic elements. The game’s ability to blend traditional platforming with exploration has been widely appreciated, with GameSkinny calling it a “step in the right direction” and Forbes awarding it a 9/10 for successfully revitalizing the franchise. These positives suggest that Sonic Frontiers is seen as a bold, if imperfect, attempt to modernize Sonic’s legacy. However, numerous critics point to significant flaws that detract from its overall experience. Issues like repetitive gameplay, technical shortcomings, and inconsistent pacing are frequently cited. PSX Extreme calls it a “disappointing experience with numerous flaws,” while Nintendo Life criticizes the Switch version for “control issues, repetitive gameplay, and poor graphics.” Digital Trends and GamesRadar+ describe the game as “confusing and frustrating” due to its lack of polish and unclear direction. The open-world design, though praised for innovation, is often criticized for feeling unrefined—Jeuxvideo.com notes it “struggles with repetitiveness and technical flaws,” while TheXboxHub mentions “frustrations of modern Sonic games.” Additionally, some reviewers, like Games.cz and AusGamers, argue that the game feels like an “unfinished prototype” or “average but ambitious outing,” suggesting that its potential was not fully realized. These criticisms highlight a recurring theme of missed opportunities despite the game’s aspirations. Despite these mixed reactions, there is a general consensus that Sonic Frontiers represents a meaningful step forward for the franchise, even if it falls short of perfection. While critics like Nintendo Life and Switch Player acknowledge its flaws, they also recognize its value as a “step in the right direction” and a “fresh open-zone experience.” The game’s ability to balance nostalgia with innovation has resonated with many fans, as noted by Variety and ComicBook, which highlight its appeal to longtime followers. However, the divide between those who see it as a promising evolution (e.g., Game Informer, IGN Adria) and those who view it as a flawed experiment (e.g., PSX Extreme, Digital Trends) underscores the polarizing nature of its design. Ultimately, while Sonic Frontiers is not without its issues, it is widely regarded as a necessary risk for the series, with many critics agreeing that it lays groundwork for future improvements—though not without significant room for refinement.

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers is a bold, if flawed, leap for the franchise: a thrilling open-world experiment blending nostalgia with innovation, but bogged down by repetitive gameplay, technical hiccups, and an unrefined design that leaves its ambition half-realized.

69

MONSTER

Star Icon

Reviews

201 reviews found

90

Movies Games and Tech

PC

Nov 21, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers is a perfect blend of open-world action adventure and 3D platforming, making it perhaps the best Sonic game since the original trilogy. It is fun to play, looks great, and offers something new to the franchise.

Read full review

Full review

90

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 5

Nov 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers is described as an ambitious and enjoyable entry in the franchise, marking a significant evolution while honoring its roots. The reviewer considers it the best Sonic game they've played.


90

Forbes

PlayStation 5

Nov 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers is praised as one of the best Sonic games to date, successfully combining open-world exploration with the traditional Sonic feel. The reviewer gives it a score of 9/10.


90

Attack of the Fanboy

PlayStation 5

Nov 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers revitalizes the franchise by staying true to its roots while successfully integrating new elements, making it appealing to both veterans and newcomers.

Read full review

Full review

90

GameCritics

PlayStation 5

Nov 22, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers is hailed as the best 3D Sonic game in the last decade, praised for its ambitious changes to the classic formula and exceptional music, making it a noteworthy title in the platforming genre.

Read full review

Full review

90

IGN Adria

PlayStation 5

Nov 21, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers successfully evolves the 3D Sonic formula into an open-world experience that is more enjoyable than expected, despite some technical flaws. It is a unique and fun game that deserves attention.

Read full review

Full review

90

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Nov 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers is a highly enjoyable and surprising 3D Sonic game that combines traditional elements with open-world exploration. Despite some technical deficiencies, it offers a fresh and engaging experience.

Read full review

Full review

90

Shacknews

PlayStation 5

Nov 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers is a refreshing entry in the franchise, delivering a solid open-zone experience despite some flaws. It meets high expectations and is worth checking out.


90

Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Nov 7, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers is a bold and enjoyable entry in the franchise, setting a new standard despite some flaws. It appeals to both fans and newcomers, making it a must-play.

Read full review

Full review

87

Hooked Gamers

PC

Nov 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Frontiers has the potential to revive the series and unite fans. The open world, skill tree, and customization options provide a new experience. Despite technical issues, the game offers a path forward for the franchise.

Read full review

Full review
Similar Games
left arrow
left arrow
sliderImage
Star Icon

90

Astro Bot

2024
sliderImage
Star Icon

69

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated

2020
sliderImage
Star Icon

76

A Hat in Time

2017
sliderImage
Star Icon

63

Kao the Kangaroo

2022
sliderImage
Star Icon

76

Yooka-Replaylee

2025
sliderImage

72

Pac-Man World: Re-PAC

2022
sliderImage

74

Biped

2020
sliderImage

67

Kukoos - Lost Pets

2022
sliderImage

42

Tamarin

2020
sliderImage

68

Onirike

2021
sliderImage

59

Micetopia

2020
sliderImage

56

Paperman: Adventure Delivered

2023
sliderImage
Star Icon

85

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

2021
sliderImage
Star Icon

82

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

2020
sliderImage
Star Icon

70

Yooka-Laylee

2017
sliderImage
Star Icon

86

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

2023
sliderImage
Star Icon

82

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

2022
sliderImage
Star Icon

90

Super Mario Odyssey

2017

About

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Navigation

Home

Search

Games


Follow Us

© 2025 MonsterCritic