Over the past 30 years of games, Sonic the Hedgehog has consistently proven that it isn't afraid to reinvent itself. On the contrary, the series has constantly dabbled in new plot devices and twists on its gameplay, from Sonic and the Black Knight's hack and slash elements to Sonic Unleashed's werewolf-like transformation. While not every one of these somewhat experimental Sonic the Hedgehog titles has been received warmly, the principle behind Sonic Team's constant innovation is good, helping keep the IP fresh and exploring new angles on Sonic gameplay. That's why it's great to hear that Sonic Frontiers will bring its own innovations to the table.
Although Sega and Sonic Team are keeping most Sonic Frontiers details under wraps for now, there's already word that it's an "open-zone" game, giving players greater freedom to explore than most Sonic games do. What's more, the new trailer for Sonic Frontiers and the game's plot synopsis indicate that Sonic Team has a different tone in mind for Sonic's next adventure. This game seems a little more grounded and serious than recent titles, although not quite grim and gloomy. Between a slightly more mature tone and a pretty realistic setting in the Starfall Islands, Sonic Frontiers might open up a new chapter in the Sonic franchise.
The Potential in Sonic Frontiers' Tone
While many Sonic games use unique settings and supporting characters, the franchise generally isn't focused on long-term world building or major character arcs. Sonic himself stays largely the same between games, and his objective is often the same: defeat Dr. Eggman or a great threat related to Sonic's nemesis. While Sonic Frontiers' plot does involve Eggman, his scheme seemingly goes wrong at the very beginning of the game, leaving Sonic to pick up the pieces by discovering the history behind the Starfall Islands' ancient technology. High stakes from the outset and a mysterious setting with a realistic design suggest that Sonic Frontiers is a little more serious than its predecessors.
That tone is great because it gives Sonic Frontiers a lot of new storytelling options. For instance, Sonic Frontiers could put an emphasis on character arcs for both Sonic and his usual friends that'll show them in a valuable new light. The plot synopsis says that Sonic may have to "save himself" along the way, so maybe Sonic has a significant emotional journey to go on in Sonic Frontiers. A serious tone also means that Starfall Islands can be more complicated than before, getting deep, moving lore about its lost society and making broad use of environmental storytelling. Sonic Frontiers' new tone enables a newly compelling plot.
It's also worth noting that Sonic Frontiers' indicated tone works wonders for its place in the overarching Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Unfortunately, many recent Sonic games have been received negatively, particularly the Sonic Boom subseries. Because the Sonic Boom games used a more colorful, cartoony art style that accentuated their largely goofy and lighthearted tone, Sonic Frontiers' style is a major step in a different direction. By making a game so different from Sonic Boom, Sonic Team creates an opportunity to open a new chapter in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, giving it a fresh start after a few difficult years.
A New Direction for Sonic
Things are certainly looking up for Sonic the Hedgehog right now. Although the Sonic Boom games marked a low point for the IP, the more recent Sonic Team-guided Sonic Mania received praise and inspired optimism for the future, even if its classic sidescrolling gameplay makes for a very different game from Sonic Frontiers. Known Sonic comic writer Ian Flynn is also writing for Sonic Frontiers, bringing a cherished perspective to the game franchise for the first time. It's clear that Sonic Team has decided that change is what Sonic the Hedgehog needs, and hopefully that decision will pay off next year.
Sonic Frontiers releases in late 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
