69
MONSTER
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!
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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68
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.
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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76
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.
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
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62
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.
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.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
81
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.
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.
Voice Acting
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68
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.
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.
Technical Performance
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58
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.
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.
Replay Value
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68
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.
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
69
MONSTER
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.
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
Reviews
201 reviews found90
Movies Games and Tech
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.
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90
We Got This Covered
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
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
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.
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90
GameCritics
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.
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90
IGN Adria
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.
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90
TheSixthAxis
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.
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90
Shacknews
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
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.
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87
Hooked Gamers
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.
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