This year has been filled with previews for the future of gaming across all consoles, from long-awaited titles like Bayonetta 3 to surprises like Knights of the Old Republic Remake. Gamers have also been treated to glimpses at changes for big platforming names,including the upcoming Sonic Frontiers. The next installment in the core Sonic franchise looks to take the blue blur on an open-world adventure like he's never had before, and many fans are eagerly awaiting the next Sonic Frontiers update from Sega and Sonic Team.
After a brief tease earlier this year, fans got an idea of what Sonic Frontiers will look like at The Game Awards 2021. It caused quite a stir with a portion of the Sonic fanbase, as the game's trailer showcases visuals that mimick games such as Breath of the Wild. Substantial gameplay remains to be seen, but many have already speculated on what traversal might look like in Frontiers. While Sonic will more than likely be running around in his own red shoes, there could be an opportunity to dig up gameplay elements from the racing series Sonic Riders for this next adventure.
The Hoverboards in Sonic Riders
Sonic Riders was a unique title that came out of the franchise's often questionable ventures in the early 2000s. It introduced a new trio of characters to oppose Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, as well as stylish hoverboards that were indicative of the many extreme sports games releasing around the same time. These hoverboards were capable of reaching incredible speeds, and they allowed Sonic and friends to perform sensational tricks. While Sonic Riders may have lacked some depth, these hoverboards opened up a lot of gameplay and lore opportunities.
How Sonic Frontiers Could Use Hoverboards
The hoverboards in Sonic Riders have been mostly secluded to the racing series, but there could be an opportunity for them to return in Sonic Frontiers. It's unclear what the traversal mechanics of this open-world game will specifically entail, but considering Sonic's main thing is running around at the speed of sound, Sonic Team might want to introduce some gameplay elements that keep things from getting bland. By using the hoverboards from Riders, Frontiers could give players unique ways to traverse the game's vertical obstacles. Whether it's with big ramps or grind rails that wrap around buildings, hoverboards could find a seamless place in Frontiers' design philosophy.
If Sonic Frontiers really wants to flesh out its open world, it could also use the hoverboards from Sonic Riders to introduce racing side missions. It's unclear which of Sonic's friends might appear in Frontiers, but the game could reintroduce Jet the Hawk from Riders as a sort of challenger to Sonic throughout the adventure. With games like Marvel's Spider-Man and Horizon Zero Dawn nailing much of their side content, little additions like this could help bring Frontiers up to the high standard that has been set by other open-world titles.
Even with a more substantial trailer out in the wild, there's still a lot that's unknown about Sonic Frontiers. It's unclear exactly where Sonic has found himself, who else is there with him, and what might happen as he adventures through the open world. With some fans buzzing about the potential release date for Sonic Frontiers, it has become clear that there are a lot of people who are excited for this experimental next step for the fastest thing alive.
Sonic Frontiers is set to release in 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
