Launched in early November, Sonic Frontiers is already positioned as a reference point for future episodes in the Sonic series, a claim supported by SEGA. The company describes the installment as stepping into a role akin to Sonic Adventure from 1998, signaling that future titles may lean harder into expansive open-world design while keeping the franchise’s core energy. Takashi Iizuka, president of Team Sonic!, emphasized that the project aims to establish a new starting point for the series. He noted that this shift introduces a fresh perspective while still honoring Sonic’s roots, ensuring the game continues to feel unmistakably Sonic.
In Sonic Frontiers, this evolving identity shows itself as a blend of classic and modern design. The game retains the recognizable punch of Sonic’s stage-based roots, yet breaks new ground with cyberspace zones that introduce more linear platforming moments. Simultaneously, players roam broad, open landscapes where encounters with colossal foes and a diverse array of collectibles are possible. Iizuka observed that many players enjoy wandering through large, open worlds without a fixed path. He expressed excitement about Sonic joining immersive game worlds and highlighted the project as a revolutionary step forward for the series.
From a production standpoint, Sonic Frontiers is the most recent entry in the overall series chronology. The team describes the title as stepping forward from Sonic Forces and Team Sonic Racing, though the exact connections aren’t always crystal clear. Interestingly, SEGA has begun recruiting an expert in the history of the series, signaling that lore and lineage may play a more prominent role in upcoming installments. This hints at a future where the team deeply leverages the long-running canon to enrich new adventures.
The writing team for the latest chapter includes Ian Flynn, a choice praised by Iizuka for his deep understanding of the characters and his ability to heighten their emotional resonance. Flynn’s involvement is framed as a significant boost to how characters interact and feel within the story. In Sonic Frontiers, worlds clash in a high-velocity adventure that invites fans to reclaim freedom in vast spaces. Players sprint through the Starfall Islands, navigating dense forests, blistering deserts, and other striking biomes while facing formidable enemies and unraveling action-packed mysteries. The journey follows Sonic as he searches for lost Chaos Emeralds, only to crash-land on an ancient island inhabited by strange creatures. A malfunctioning aircraft and a dimensional portal compel him onward as he confronts waves of foes and untangles the mysteries of a world alive with danger and wonder. Sonic Frontiers is available across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Nintendo Switch, bringing this expansive adventure to a wide audience.