Gaming Journalism

Sonic Frontiers – More Of The Story Of An Open-World Journey

Sonic Frontiers has a lot of potential to begin an engaging new chapter for our blue hero near the Christmas break of 2022 aside from the record-breaking success of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 that honoured Sonic’s previous live-action success back in April and the fascinatingly re-established origins back in June [13] [36] [51] [52] [66] [67]. It has been over a year since the forthcoming instalment was teased as part of Sonic Central. Recently, more of the game’s storyline has been hinted at in previews of a few cutscenes, along with some more aspects of the gameplay and the mysterious new world that welcomes Sonic to an open-world adventure within a new trailer [18] [46] [49] [70]. Aside from hopes of Sonic Frontiers excelling, it will not be long until the SEGA Genesis Mini 2, also known as the SEGA Mega Drive Mini 2 outside of North America will be available for pre-ordering as another addition to Classic Sonic’s timeless cred in 2022 [12] [25] [33]. As the writer who got a shout-out from one of the official Bandai Namco Twitter accounts for my article on the 40th anniversary of the Pac-Man franchise two years ago [1], I have quite the appetite for discussing what else has been released for the outcome of Sonic Frontiers [18] [46] [49] [70].

It is time to hold onto hopes for Sonic Frontiers once again before Spider-Man: No Way Home swings back to cinemas and the live-action remake of Disney’s Pinocchio comes to life on Disney+ this September [53] [60]. [18] [49] [70]

The story trailer begins with an adorable rock creature called a “Koco” who is thankfully saved from danger by the speedy blue rodent [18] [45] [46] [49]. There is also slightly more to Sage’s character that can be told by her dialogue. Although she appears pacifistic, her red aura seems to have to ability to weaken an opponent as Sonic is seen in pain as the aura engulfs his right arm, which proves that she can be powerful. The way she calmly scolds Sonic for apparently being reckless in one scene and then blocks his homing attacks without expressing hot-headedness in another scene shows that she will be a very different kind of antagonist, compared to the Eggster, yet I still believe she could ultimately be a neutral character later on when it comes to further character exploration [66] [67]. A gigantic foe appears to side with her, leading to the possibility of the enemies being under her influence [18] [46] [49]. Surely, Dr. Eggman would know something about her and what lies in Cyber Space. As cute as the Kocos and the art style for a Valentine’s Day celebration at Sonic Café are [44] [45], things are sure to be tough when it comes to the confrontations between Sonic and Sage [18] [46] [49] [66] [67] [70].

Even though I consider myself an ex-fan of Sonic as if he was my ex-boyfriend [14], I shall root for him as he refuses to leave in favour of his captured friends. I do not doubt that my real-life boyfriend will root for him too. [18] [49] [70]

Aside from the foes that try to hinder the blue speedster, some of his old friends are yet to reunite with him and he ought to make some new ones. Amy Rose is seen frozen in position in a red sphere-shaped container [18] [46] [49] [70], meaning that Sonic’s prime goal is to rescue his friends from some form of petrification, quite like in Sonic Generations [31]. Who knows where Miles “Tails” Prower and possibly Big the Cat are held captive [36]? Speaking of Big, I am up for seeing him in a respectable more respectable role as haters are gonna hate [16]. As for some new allies that resemble Japanese haniwa statues, which are the Kocos [35] [45], they can be delivered to the Elder Koco and the Hermit Koco in exchange for rings, health and an increase in strength and speed. It can be stated that the Kocos are basically the Cyber Space equivalents of the Chao in Chao Garden but they will consist of various differences [26] [27] [35]. As brave-hearted Sonic would certainly be in Sonic Frontiers [18] [46] [49] [70], there is still for the incarnation of him voiced by Deven Mack in Sonic Prime to learn not to take his alliances for granted [39].

How does it feel to be the damsel-in-distress again, Rosy [27] [29]? We know how Deadpool feels about She-Hulk breaking the fourth wall sometimes [4]. [18] [49] [70]
At least these rock-like creatures will not anger an adorable red monster from Sesame Street [7] [24]. [18] [49] [70]

As previously stated, there will be familiar locations in Cyber Space [66] [67]. Additionally, there are new atmospheres in Starfall Islands besides the lush greenery of Kronos Island [36] [66] [67]. The new examples in the story trailer include a deserted island with many palm trees named “Ares Island” and some summery forts that resemble Sky Sanctuary as part of Cyber Space based on Sonic’s memories [34] [36]. There are a total of five islands to explore with the first one being Kronos Island and Ares Island being the second [34] [36] [43]. There appears to be a boss battle surrounded by a laser fence on Ares Island [18] [46] [49] [70]. Moreover, it would be no surprise that the other islands will provide some boss battles and more puzzles to solve to keep the form of challenge quite varied, yet the puzzles ought to be increasingly challenging throughout the gameplay experience [37]. I suppose there could be a sixth island and the playability of Knuckles the Echidna within a DLC pack that takes place after the events of Sonic Frontiers Prologue to welcome back the treasure-hunting gameplay from Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2 [26] [27] [48], which ought to consist of the likely vibes of the upcoming live-action miniseries starring Knuckles before the release of a third Sonic the Hedgehog film from Paramount [41] [42].

Do you not suppose a kaiju would look for love on one of Starfall Islands, no [63]? Aside from his feistiness against the enemies on the islands, I still believe Mr. Sonic would be an LGBTQ+ rights supporter and be way past supportive of an official same-sex relationship in the near future of his franchise, which would definitely not be “propaganda” or a “forced agenda” in the slightest as we need to keep fighting homophobia for LGBTQ+ rights [55] [56] [57] [58]. [18] [49] [70]
I am already wondering what could be there for DLC after the game’s release. Aside from Knuckles being playable in a new level, could Classic Sonic return in the game as part of DLC after learning to communicate in Japanese Sign Language within the side-scrolling quests similar to the ones in Sonic Generations and Sonic Forces [6] [30] [31] [48]? He will not appear in the game [36], but I am up for him appearing in DLC. [18] [49] [70]

Anything else to expect after the game’s release? In the new story trailer, Sonic has a new ability to spawn orbs and launch them at a foe [18] [46] [49] [70]. Another new ability allows him to strike at an enemy from a pulled-off loop the loop. Apart from these new abilities within the open-world elements, perhaps there can also be the option to change Sonic’s gloves and his shoes after unlocking several options as the game progresses, much like in Sonic Colours Ultimate [28], making him more stylish than Willow Pape from Kim Kardashian: Hollywood [10] [15]. It would be way past cool to bring back his attire from the Sonic Riders series and his soap shoes from Sonic Adventure 2 as Easter eggs [26] [40]. Seemingly, the individuality of Sonic Frontiers would help it stand out on its own accords whilst remaining faithful to what made the usual speedy platform gameplay memorable [65] [66], especially in Sonic Adventure [27]. It is possible that Sonic Frontiers will consist of several glitches, just like Sonic Origins and the Switch version of Sonic Colours Ultimate before the Glitchbusters were called [9] [17] [54] [59], but there can always be a patch within an update that can bust the glitches. 

Lastly, there will be a standard and deluxe digital edition, which must especially apply to its availability on the PlayStation 5 [22]. [37]
And apparently, Sonic Frontiers Prologue will be animated in 2D instead of 3D [38], much like how Team Sonic Racing Overdrive was animated in 2D [50]. [47]

Sonniku Furontia will be released this November [18] [36] [46] [70]. But before that, another blast from the past awaits within the SEGA Mega Drive Mini 2, including Sonic CD, Sonic 3D Blast, Earthworm Jim 2 and VS Puyo Puyo SUN as a follow-up to the SEGA Mega Drive Mini that was released in late 2019 [12] [25] [64]. In the meantime, some of us may still talk to Talking Tom and Talking Angela to this day without any sign of a certain frustrating rumour lurking through current social media posts [19] [20] [21] [62]. As for brand new future releases, there might as well be a port of Catherine: Full Body for the PlayStation 5, especially the digital edition [5] [22]. And what could be next for the speedy blue hedgehog aside from Sonic Prime and a third live-action film co-starring his antiheroic counterpart [39] [41] [51]? There may have been a suggestion to finally put the franchise to rest at some point after the failure of Sonic Boom: Rise Of Lyric and some unfortunate toxicity from being in his fanbase [8] [14], but many of us still see unlimited potential in his legacy that began in 1991, considering that Sonic Mania was considered the franchise’s saviour [32] [61]. Could Sonic Frontiers be another?

I suppose there ought to be a follow-up to the PlayStation Classic modelled after the PS One model from 2000 with more popular game titles and such, despite its negative reception and poor sales [3] [23]. I believe the PlayStation Classic deserves a second chance as its own follow-up named “PlayStation Classic 2”. [33]
I guess I ought to start a new chapter for myself soon to move on from a few hardships. Perhaps the new beginning can include a new edition of my two novellas and another compilation of stories in a new book [65], along with an analysis of the trailer for the first season of Hazbin Hotel [2]. During the wait for Sonic the Hedgehog to forge a new frontier, there is also the wait for four-legged fights on consoles that will be launched first [68] [69], along with the SEGA Genesis Mini 2 [33]. If you are still a fan of Sonic, I sincerely hope the way I was discouraged from being one will not discourage you. Gotta juice! [37]

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