Sonic Frontiers' shift from a level-based structure to an open-world affair marks the biggest gameplay change in the blue blur’s 3D career. This has been compared by fans to Nintendo’s own implementation with theZeldaseries inBreath of the Wild, with the two games sharing many similar elements. Fans have been getting extensive looks at the game ever since it was fully revealed, withSonic Frontiers' release date fully unveiled at Gamescomto boot.
Gamescom also featured aplayable demo ofSonic Frontiers, where fans could get to grips with an early build of the game. This demo gave players the chance to run around in the open world, as well as try the combat and heavily touted Cyber Space levels. Overall impressions of this demo have been positive, with many players satisfied with the gameplay. More of these elements were shown off in a new gameplay video from IGN Japan, showing direct gameplay of a new area known as Ares Island.
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This gameplay video ofSonic Frontierskicks things off with a charged homing attack, where Sonic can zip to a nearby enemy, which can be followed up with an attack that’s similar to the Blue Tornado fromSonic Heroes. It also shows off Sonic collecting a few medallions and rings that are trapped inside capsules. Players can also find Kocos on top of various platforms in this desert area. Parts of the combat were also shown against normal enemies, where Sonic can use his Cyloop to stun multiple enemies, and then use his Spin Slash Kick attack as a follow-up. The slashes also seem to switch between enemies after one has been defeated.
A brief showcase against a boss titan was also included in this video, where it seems Sonic can fire a wave of Ki blasts to attack this enemy. The video also shows the Cyloop being an integral action against the boss, where it will inflate the enemy once the trail has been connected. From there, Sonic can use a homing attack to bounce off the enemy, allowing him to use the cage to strike the boss multiple times. It’s a similar attack to the one Sonic uses at the end ofthe firstSonic the Hedgehogmovie.
This showcase from IGN Japan also features an extensiveCity-themed Cyber Space level, showing off a multitude of alternate paths the player can take to reach the goal, with aesthetics similar to Speed Highway fromSonic Adventure. Another lush area of Kronos Island was also shown off, where players can find the Kocos out and about, along with Hearts to collect.
Sonic Frontierswill launch on November 8 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
