Sonic Frontiers Release Date, Trailer And Gameplay - What We Know So Far
Since debuting on the Sega Genesis in 1991, the "Sonic the Hedgehog" series has become nothing short of one of gaming's most storied and iconic legacy franchises. Known for its original take on the platforming genre, the series follows Sega's beloved mascot as he takes on the villainous Doctor Eggman while traversing high-speed levels and collects rings. This is a gameplay loop that has been omnipresent in virtually every major "Sonic" game over the last three decades, though there have been some outliers. And now, the newly announced "Sonic Frontiers" seeks to reinvigorate the series by introducing a fresh new take.
"Sonic Frontiers" was formally announced by Sega at the 2021 Game Awards. Since then, players have been given small glimpses into what this new title is and how the developers intend to build upon the classic "Sonic" formula. Finally, some major new details on the game have been officially disclosed. Here's everything we currently know about "Sonic Frontiers."
What is the release date for Sonic Frontiers?
On August 23, 2022, it was announced that "Sonic Frontiers" would be released on November 8, 2022. The latest entry into the famed "Sonic" series will be available virtually all platforms upon its initial release: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. The official website for "Sonic Frontiers" also shows that the game will eventually be available for the Epic Games Store as well. Currently, players can only pre-order digital versions for the PS5, PS4, Switch, and Steam. Physical copies will also be available in the near future.
Two editions of "Sonic Frontiers" will be available: the Digital Standard Edition and the Digital Deluxe Edition. Both versions of the game contain the Adventurer's Treasure Box, which includes bonus skill points, Red Seeds of Power, and Blue Seeds of Defense for those who pre-order. The Digital Deluxe Edition will offer a bit more bonus pre-order content including a digital art book and a 25-track digital mini soundtrack. The Deluxe edition also contains the Explorer's Treasure Box containing some extra in-game goodies and unlockables.
Is there a trailer for Sonic Frontiers?
The official story trailer for "Sonic Frontiers" was released as part of the Gamescom opening night livestream event on August 23, 2022. The trailer shows off the predicament that Sonic currently finds himself in after exploring the mysterious Starfield Islands. While browsing what appears to be ancient ruins, Sonic is confronted by a mysterious figure who claims that the hedgehog's powers are a liability to the world. Sonic also comes across a dome-like cocoon object with longtime companion Amy encased in it.
After showing off some of the general story beats the game will contain, the trailer then showcases what players really want to see: gameplay on the five different areas of the Starfield Islands. The diversity of the various zones — including CyberSpace — will no doubt be exciting for Sonic fans who are used to seeing various biomes and design elements across each new adventure.
Upon the trailer's release, many fans of the series lauded the game's graphics and gameplay. Meanwhile, others were quick to point out that the gameplay shown in the story trailer appeared to be far superior to earlier looks at the game.
What is the gameplay like in Sonic Frontiers?
The selling point behind "Sonic Frontiers" is by far its new approach to gameplay. In Sonic's new adventure, players will be able to experience an all-new kind of gameplay referred to as "Open Zone" design. This is not to be confused with a traditional open-world title like "Breath of the Wild." According to game director Morio Kishimoto, "Open Zone" is a new type of genre in which the traditionally level-based series can be played in less restrictive areas.
Outside of this new "Open Zone" descriptor, "Sonic Frontiers" seems like it will hit on all the classic tropes associated with the series since its birth. Loops, highway roads, and classic platformer levels are all shown in the cinematic trailer and should inject a good dose of nostalgia into the updated tone of the game. "Sonic Frontiers" will also feature big boss battles and puzzle elements to keep things exciting.
According to the game's official website, players will be given unparalleled freedom across the Starfield Islands, a new skill tree based completely around "cyber-powered combat," and the ability to enter the Cyber Space — wildly designed levels accessible portals that allow you to put your platforming abilities to the ultimate test.