Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Links

MONSTER

Sonic Frontiers

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Sonic Frontiers
Item: Sonic Frontiers
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Open World, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableNov 8, 2022

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X

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

7.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

TL;DR: Sonic Frontiers offers a mixed bag of storytelling, with some critics praising its emotional depth and character development, while others slam it for lack of ambition and coherence. Despite attempts at a serious narrative, it often falls flat with muddled plots and pacing issues, leaving many fans disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The story of Sonic Frontiers has garnered a mixed reception among critics, with some praising its attempts at depth and emotional engagement. For instance, Push Square highlights the narrative's sombre tone and emotional moments, suggesting it is a significant improvement over previous Sonic stories. Similarly, Nintenderos notes the engaging nature of the story, emphasizing its exploration of various islands and the emotional arcs introduced through new characters. Critics like GameOver.gr and Noisy Pixel also commend the narrative for its pacing and thematic depth, with the latter appreciating its mature character writing and continuity with past games. This suggests that while the story may not be groundbreaking, it has elements that resonate with some players and fans of the franchise. Conversely, a significant number of critics have pointed out various shortcomings in the story of Sonic Frontiers. Many reviews describe the narrative as lacking ambition, depth, and coherence. For example, PSX Extreme criticizes the story for relying too heavily on nostalgia without meaningful development, while Gamer.nl describes it as nonsensical and confusing. Critics like IGN France and Digital Trends echo these sentiments, labeling the story as bland and often laughable, with pacing issues that detract from its potential impact. Furthermore, Softpedia and Gfinity mention that the story is uninspiring and muddled, indicating a general consensus that the narrative struggles to engage players fully. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Sonic Frontiers attempts to introduce a more serious and engaging narrative, it ultimately falls short in execution. Many reviewers, such as Dexerto and IGN, highlight the story's confounding nature and lack of clarity, suggesting that despite some positive elements, the narrative is riddled with clichés and disconnected plot threads. Critics like TierraGamer and Game Rant acknowledge the emotional weight and thematic attempts, but they also point out pacing issues that hinder the story's effectiveness. Thus, while there are moments of intrigue and character development, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment in the narrative's ability to deliver a cohesive and compelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers impresses with its open-world design, innovative mechanics, and engaging exploration, but suffers from broken gameplay, unreliable physics, and clunky combat. Critics are divided—some praise its RPG elements and character progression, while others lament its repetitive nature and unbalanced execution. Ultimately, it’s a mixed bag: promising yet flawed, delivering both excitement and frustration for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Sonic Frontiers has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting its engaging exploration and innovative mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Game Informer and GameMAG, commend the open-world design that allows players to traverse five islands filled with diverse challenges and collectibles. The introduction of new abilities, like the Cyloop, has been noted as a significant enhancement to both combat and exploration, adding depth to the gameplay experience. Critics from The Games Machine and Attack of the Fanboy appreciate the blend of traditional Sonic gameplay with RPG elements, which enriches character progression and maintains the franchise's core focus on speed. Overall, the game is described as fun and engaging, with a Variety of activities that keep players entertained. However, the gameplay is not without its flaws, as many critics point out several issues that detract from the overall experience. Reviewers like The Jimquisition and Digital Trends highlight broken mechanics, unreliable physics, and a problematic camera system that hampers player control. GamesRadar+ and Vgames echo similar sentiments, describing the gameplay as exhausting and repetitive, with rudimentary platforming mechanics and tedious combat. Critics such as IGN Italia and Player 2 emphasize that while the open-world format offers potential, it often feels unbalanced and lacks the excitement expected from a Sonic title. The consensus among several reviews indicates that despite enjoyable elements, the gameplay suffers from design issues and a lack of meaningful evolution throughout the game. The overall sentiment among critics regarding Sonic Frontiers is mixed, with a clear divide between appreciation for its innovative aspects and disappointment in execution. While some reviewers, like Generación Xbox and Metro GameCentral, acknowledge the improvements in controls and the engaging nature of the gameplay loop, others, such as Hey Poor Player and Screen Rant, express frustration with the clunky combat and navigation challenges. The game is seen as a step forward for the franchise, yet many critics agree that it falls short in delivering a consistently polished experience. As a result, Sonic Frontiers is viewed as a title with potential that is hindered by its shortcomings, leaving players with a blend of excitement and frustration.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers showcases visually stunning environments on next-gen consoles, but suffers from bland, generic designs, technical issues, and inconsistent graphics, especially on the Nintendo Switch. Critics agree that while there are engaging moments, the overall aesthetic falls short of modern AAA standards, leaving many players disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

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 visual design of Sonic Frontiers has garnered a mix of opinions, with several critics acknowledging its strengths. Reviews from Pure Xbox, Movies Games and Tech, and VGC highlight the game’s visually appealing environments, particularly on current-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Critics have noted lush landscapes and a well-designed open world that enhances the overall experience, with Movies Games and Tech even describing the graphics as "visually stunning" and featuring next-gen quality. The open zones are praised for their engaging exploration, providing a playground that offers a fresh take on the Sonic franchise, as noted by Game Informer. However, the majority of reviews also point to significant shortcomings in the game’s graphics and visual design. Critics like The Jimquisition and GamesRadar+ criticize the environments for lacking personality and being generic, often resembling rehashed designs from older Sonic games. Many reviewers, including Nintendo Life and Metro GameCentral, have expressed disappointment over technical issues such as pop-in effects, low-quality textures, and inconsistent graphical fidelity across different platforms. The Nintendo Switch version, in particular, has been highlighted for its grainy textures and significant performance issues, leading to a less favorable visual experience as noted by iMore and Nintendojo. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Sonic Frontiers has moments of visual appeal and engaging design, it is marred by technical flaws and a lack of cohesive artistic direction. The game’s environments are often described as bland and lifeless, with many critics, including Hey Poor Player and Everyeye.it, pointing to a lack of creativity that detracts from the overall experience. Despite some positive remarks about the character designs and certain environments, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game fails to meet the visual standards expected from a modern AAA title, leaving many players and critics feeling underwhelmed.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers delivers an ambitious and diverse soundtrack praised for enhancing gameplay, particularly during intense boss battles. However, criticisms arise regarding uninspired compositions and bland voice acting, with some fans feeling it lacks the nostalgic energy of earlier titles. The reception is mixed: while many celebrate its innovation, others feel it strays too far from the franchise's roots, leading to a polarized response among critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Sonic Frontiers have garnered a Variety of positive responses from critics, highlighting the game's ambitious approach to its audio landscape. Many reviewers, such as Shacknews and Push Square, have praised the soundtrack as one of the best in the series, noting its diverse range of styles that include upbeat electronic tunes, orchestral pieces, and atmospheric tracks that enhance gameplay. Critics like Gamersky and Xbox Achievements emphasized the engaging nature of the music, particularly during boss battles, which contribute to the overall excitement and immersion. The Variety in the soundtrack, as noted by NME and The Mako Reactor, showcases a blend of genres that cater to different gameplay scenarios, from serene exploration to high-energy action, allowing for a rich auditory experience. However, despite the praise, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music in Sonic Frontiers. Some reviewers, such as PLAY! Zine and Vgames, found the music to be uninspired or mediocre, detracting from the overall experience. The voice acting has also faced scrutiny, with critics like GAMES.CH and AusGamers describing it as bland and lacking quality. Additionally, several critics mentioned that the music fails to evoke the nostalgia associated with earlier Sonic titles, leading to a feeling of emptiness in the gameplay experience, as highlighted by Malditos Nerds and TrueGaming. This mixed reception indicates that while there are standout moments, the overall quality of the audio elements does not consistently meet the expectations set by previous entries in the franchise. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the sound design and music of Sonic Frontiers is one of division. While many reviewers celebrate the ambitious and varied soundtrack, others express disappointment in certain aspects, particularly the voice acting and some compositions that fail to resonate. Critics like Easy Allies and IGN Brasil pointed out that the music can enhance the gameplay experience, yet others, such as Atomix and TrueGaming, lament the departure from the franchise's traditional energetic sound. This dichotomy suggests that Sonic Frontiers offers a unique auditory experience that may appeal to some fans while alienating others, reflecting the challenges of evolving a beloved franchise's sound identity.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The voice acting in Sonic Frontiers offers a mix of praise and criticism. While veteran actors like Roger Craig Smith and Mike Pollock elevate the game's narrative with nuanced performances, some critics argue the overall quality is flat and lacks the energy expected from the franchise. The shift to a more serious tone has sparked mixed reactions, suggesting a disconnect with long-time fans. Ultimately, improvements are noted, but many believe the voice acting needs refinement to align with past standards.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The voice acting in Sonic Frontiers has garnered a range of positive feedback from several critics, particularly praising the performances of veteran actors like Roger Craig Smith as Sonic and Mike Pollock as Eggman. Critics from Atomix and Destructoid emphasized Smith's ability to adapt Sonic's voice to a more serious tone while still retaining the character's charm, which they found to enhance the game's overall appeal. Other reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and Noisy Pixel, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the depth added to character interactions through effective voice direction and performances that feel natural. Additionally, the inclusion of fully dubbed conversations in various languages, as noted by GamersRD and Nintenduo, has been seen as a positive step toward accessibility and immersion in the game's narrative. Conversely, many critics have pointed out significant drawbacks in the voice acting quality. AusGamers and Gamer.no criticized the performances as flat and bland, suggesting that they lacked the energy and enthusiasm expected from a Sonic game. The deeper tone of Sonic's voice, described by Checkpoint Gaming and Xbox Achievements, has been perceived as jarring for some players, leading to mixed feelings about the character's portrayal. Furthermore, critics like Games.cz and TrueGaming expressed disappointment in the overall quality of the voice acting, claiming it detracted from character depth and engagement, which is particularly concerning in a franchise known for its vibrant characterizations. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided opinion on the voice acting in Sonic Frontiers. While some reviewers celebrate the return of familiar voices and the depth they bring to the narrative, others lament the perceived decline in quality and energy, which has led to a less engaging experience. Critics like VGC and Twinfinite have noted that the more serious tone may not resonate well with long-time fans, indicating a potential disconnect between the game's direction and audience expectations. Ultimately, while there are commendable performances and improvements in certain areas, the mixed reviews suggest that the voice acting in Sonic Frontiers may require further refinement to fully meet the standards set by previous titles in the franchise.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers delivers a mixed bag of performance across platforms. PS5 and Xbox Series X show stable gameplay and engaging environments, but suffer from severe issues like pop-in graphics and camera glitches. The Switch version struggles significantly with frame rate drops and stutters. Overall, critics agree the game feels unfinished and needs major improvements to unlock its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

26%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of Sonic Frontiers across various gaming platforms, it's evident that there are some positives worth noting. On the PlayStation 5, several critics, including CGMagazine and IGN Italia, highlighted that the game runs smoothly at 60 fps, providing a stable performance overall. Critics like GameMAG and Attack of the Fanboy also mentioned that the game feels populated and engaging, with no major technical issues reported, suggesting a generally solid experience. The Xbox Series X version has its share of praise as well, with Pure Xbox acknowledging that it performs well, despite some minor hiccups. On the Nintendo Switch, while performance issues are noted, some reviewers like Comicbook.com and Universo Nintendo mentioned that the game maintains stability during gameplay, indicating that it is playable despite its limitations. However, the negatives are significant and cannot be overlooked. On the PlayStation 5, a large number of reviewers, including The Jimquisition and Daily Star, pointed out severe technical issues such as pop-in graphics, glitches, and camera problems that detract from the overall experience. Critics like Gfinity and Press Start Australia echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that pop-in issues disrupt gameplay, particularly in fast-paced sections. The Nintendo Switch version faces even harsher criticism, with reviewers like Vooks and Nintendo Life reporting frame rate dips, stutters, and frequent glitches that lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. On the Xbox Series X, The Jimquisition and NME highlighted problems with unreliable controls and awkward camera angles that also hinder enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms is that Sonic Frontiers suffers from notable technical shortcomings that impact gameplay. While there are moments of praise for its performance on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the overwhelming feedback suggests that the game feels unfinished and lacks polish, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Critics like Games.cz and Digital Trends pointed out that the game is plagued with fundamental design issues that affect the overall experience, indicating a need for significant improvements. The technical performance issues, especially the frequent pop-in and camera problems, appear to overshadow the game's potential, leading to a mixed reception that highlights the need for further refinement and optimization across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers receives mixed reviews on replay value. Some critics praise its optional challenges and extensive content, appealing to completionists and explorers. However, many others highlight design flaws, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of compelling incentives for revisiting, making it less enticing for casual players. Overall, while it has replayable elements, its engaging value may disappoint some.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Sonic Frontiers has garnered a mixed response from critics regarding its replay value, with several reviewers highlighting positive aspects that may encourage players to revisit the game. For instance, GameSpot and Hardcore Gamer noted that the game offers replayability through optional challenges in Cyber Space levels, which allow players to improve their times and collect keys. Additionally, reviewers like We Got This Covered and Gfinity emphasized the Variety of activities and collectibles that enhance the exploration experience, suggesting that players can enjoy the game at their own pace. Critics such as Shacknews and Cubed3 also pointed out that the game provides a significant amount of content, with gameplay lasting upwards of 20 hours, which could appeal to completionists looking for a thorough gaming experience. Conversely, many critics expressed concerns about the game's lack of compelling replay value. PSX Extreme and Digital Trends articulated that the game offers little incentive to revisit stages, citing design flaws and frustrating gameplay mechanics as deterrents. Nintendo Life and IGN France echoed this sentiment, noting that the repetitive nature of quests and gameplay could dissuade players from returning. Furthermore, critics like XboxEra and Player 2 highlighted that while there are enjoyable elements, the overall gameplay loop tends to become monotonous, diminishing the desire to replay. The grind mechanics and low difficulty level mentioned by MeuPlayStation and PSX Brasil also contributed to the perception that the game may not hold players' interest for long. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sonic Frontiers presents a mixed bag in terms of replay value. While some reviewers, such as Meristation and Game Rant, acknowledged the potential for replayability through collectibles and side quests, many others, including TrueGaming and Easy Allies, pointed out the repetitive gameplay and lack of engaging content that could limit players' willingness to return. The game appears to cater well to completionists and fans of the franchise who enjoy exploration, but the repetitive nature and design flaws may leave others feeling less inclined to revisit the experience. Thus, while Sonic Frontiers does offer some replayable elements, the overall sentiment suggests that its replay value may not be robust enough to satisfy all players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Sonic Frontiers has garnered a mixed reception from critics, with several reviewers highlighting its potential and innovative aspects. Many critics, such as Cubed3 and Checkpoint Gaming, have praised the game for its engaging gameplay, fresh open-world design, and a well-crafted story. The soundtrack has also received commendation, with reviewers like The Mako Reactor noting it as a standout feature. Additionally, some critics, including IGN and PlaySense, have pointed out that despite its shortcomings, Sonic Frontiers represents a significant improvement for the franchise, successfully blending classic elements with new gameplay mechanics. This sentiment is echoed by GamesBeat, which considers it Sonic's best 3D effort to date. However, the game is not without its flaws, as numerous critics have pointed out various shortcomings that hinder the overall experience. PSX Extreme and Gameblog.fr describe Sonic Frontiers as a disappointing entry, citing technical issues, generic gameplay, and a heavy narrative that detracts from the fun. Digital Trends and Gamer.nl echo these concerns, labeling the game as mediocre and lacking depth, which may alienate seasoned players. Critics like NME and AusGamers have also noted that while the game has moments of potential, it often feels unfinished and unfocused, leading to a frustrating experience for many. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sonic Frontiers is a game caught between ambition and execution. While there are numerous positive elements, such as its engaging gameplay and fresh ideas, the technical flaws and lack of polish have left many reviewers disappointed. Critics like Gamer.no and Easy Allies suggest that the game is enjoyable and worth trying, particularly for fans of the franchise, but it ultimately falls short of its potential. The mixed reviews indicate that Sonic Frontiers is a step in the right direction for the series, yet it requires further refinement to fully realize its ambitions and satisfy a broader audience.

TL;DR

Sonic Frontiers has a mixed reception; praised for its innovative open-world design, engaging gameplay, and standout soundtrack, but criticized for technical issues and generic gameplay. While some see it as a significant step forward for the franchise, others find it disappointing and lacking polish. It's a game of potential that ultimately falls short, appealing mainly to die-hard fans but needing refinement to attract a wider audience.

MONSTER

Reviews

201 reviews found

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.

Read full review

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Read full review