Welcome to TAG Roundup, Featuring Sonic!

Sonic is used to running side to side in a platformer, but Frontiers goes the open-world route for next year’s release! Early conversations will of course compare it to Breath of the Wild, but I think Sonic Frontiers can stand out as its own creation.

If you want even more gaming news, check out our entire TAG Roundup series! The last post highlighted the most recent update to Call of Duty’s battle royale mode! 

Sonic Frontiers Promises a Large Adventure – Metro

Since we don’t have many details about the game, I think it’s best to start with the official website’s description:

“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 desserts, and more!

This Holiday 2022 – Speed into new realms.”

While last week’s trailer didn’t show any gameplay, the visuals stayed true to the game’s description. We see vast landscapes, towering bosses, and Sonic prepared to take on the new challenges. 

I think the biggest challenge will be making a world that’s large enough for the speedster to fully appreciate while having enough small details for the players to discover. He is the fastest thing alive and the developers will either need to limit his top speed or create a massive map.

I haven’t played a Sonic game in at least a decade, but here are the things I remember that were really enjoyable:

• Saving those little critters called chao
• Running real fast to the point of the screen blurring
• Bouncing on bosses heads to kill them
• Surfing on rails and ledges like I was playing Tony Hawk

Aside from these, there’s usually really good level design in any Sonic game. Having to compete with Mario titles puts a nice bit of pressure on the Sonic devs to produce an appealing entry to the series. I don’t think there are as many unique game mechanics as the Mario franchise has used, so maybe Frontiers is their opportunity to experiment with added creativity.

We’re still a year out from actually getting to play Sonic Frontiers so I’m sure this won’t be the last time it’s covered. The game will launch on both console and PC so make sure to sign up for our mailing list to hear about the latest updates! 

Do you think Sonic Frontiers can distance itself from the BotW comparisons? What game mechanic do you hope to see in the upcoming Sonic game? Join the conversation in the comments section, below!

Honorable Mentions in Last Week’s Gaming World

• Game Rant – crafting, puzzles, and exploration in Wytchwood’s Animal Crossing-esque adventure
• Polygon – this year’s Game Awards had dozens of titles to look forward to!
• IGN – Game of the Year nominees have very few surprises
• Nintendo Life – When’s the last time you played a good hand-drawn game? Check out Afterimage if you’re interested in a visually-appealing platformer

That’s All For Now

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By Fred

Fred has been gaming since his dad brought home a recycled PC from work and installed Hugo's House of Horrors as a toddler. He continues to play games almost daily across PC, console and mobile and may have a slightly addictive personality.