Sonic Frontiers, on PS4 and PS5, promises a fresh take on the classic blue blur. After spending countless hours exploring the Starfall Islands, battling robotic hordes, and mastering new combat moves, I’m ready to share my in-depth experience. Does this open-world adventure recapture the magic of classic Sonic games, or does it fall short? Let’s dive in.

Sonic Frontiers throws you into a vast, interconnected world unlike anything seen in previous Sonic titles. The five massive islands each offer unique environments, from lush forests and cascading waterfalls to scorching deserts. The exploration is a key component, encouraging players to uncover hidden areas, solve puzzles, and discover the secrets of the ancient civilization that once thrived here. The new combat system provides a welcome change, allowing for strategic battles against the robotic enemies using a combination of speed and upgraded abilities.

Cyber Space levels, accessed through portals scattered across the islands, provide a nostalgic nod to classic Sonic gameplay. These fast-paced, 3D platforming sections are a welcome break from the open-world exploration and offer a familiar sense of speed and precision.

Performance on the PS5 was generally smooth, with only minor frame rate dips in the most densely populated areas. The graphics are a significant step up from previous Sonic titles, with detailed environments and smooth character animations. Loading times are minimal, ensuring a seamless transition between exploration and combat. The PS4 version, however, showed more noticeable slowdown, particularly in the more demanding Cyber Space levels. The visuals also took a slight hit, though still presented a pleasant and playable experience.

Pros:

• Vast and varied open-world environments.
• Innovative combat system with skill tree progression.
• Nostalgic Cyber Space levels.
• Improved graphics and performance (on PS5).

Cons:

• Occasional frame rate issues on PS4.
• Some puzzles may be overly simplistic.
• Open-world can feel somewhat empty at times.

Sonic Frontiers is a bold and ambitious step forward for the franchise. While not perfect, its strengths – stunning visuals (especially on PS5), engaging combat, and a truly massive world to explore – far outweigh its shortcomings. If you’re a Sonic fan looking for a fresh experience, or even a gamer intrigued by an open-world take on a classic platformer, I highly recommend giving it a try, particularly on the PS5. The PS4 version is still playable but suffers from some performance issues that may detract from the overall experience.