Sonic Frontiers

 PlayStation 5
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2952 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,382 out of 2952
  2. Mixed: 167 out of 2952
  3. Negative: 403 out of 2952
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  1. SantodomingoLOp
    Nov 11, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un buen juego, simple pero a la vez sólido, muy entretenido buenos jefes pero, peca en no ser bastante repetitivo en casi todos los mundos que visitamos y la creatividad de sus niveles al final del día se ve bastante limitada y pese a ser mundo abierto la verdad no es mucho lo que podamos hacer todo eso junto con varios problemas de Pops, glitches y Bugs y errores de renderisados hace a Sonic Frontiers un buen juego pero no tanto.… Expand
  2. megamangomon
    Nov 14, 2022
    6
    Exciting for the future of sonic, game gives you some hope for the next installment. Other than being a good start, the game is very repetitive and empty. And lacks polish. Overall 6/10 game is a decent enough for a passing grade, but by no means a masterpeice.
  3. PastryOutbreak
    Nov 15, 2022
    6
    Pretty good at times but held back by a malicious camera that wants you dead, terrible pop in for assets, lack of variety, and buggy/janky open zones.

    The cyberspace missions are pretty neat and nostalgic of previous Sonic games but sometimes this results in near total reskins of old levels. Creatively lacking at times, this game really needed either more side content to engage with    Pretty good at times but held back by a malicious camera that wants you dead, terrible pop in for assets, lack of variety, and buggy/janky open zones.

    The cyberspace missions are pretty neat and nostalgic of previous Sonic games but sometimes this results in near total reskins of old levels. Creatively lacking at times, this game really needed either more side content to engage with (such a chao garden-like feature with the Kocos) or a much more polished experience with the core gameplay.    … Expand
  4. Brandon_A456
    Nov 30, 2022
    7
    The story in Sonic Frontiers was a major step up from the last few stories we've had in years. It isn't all that perfect, but it is way better than Forces or Lost World, by far. The characters are done at its best, as they really feel true to their character, no character ever feels ruined in the slightest. The open world itself was a good idea, and was fun at first, but it became a choreThe story in Sonic Frontiers was a major step up from the last few stories we've had in years. It isn't all that perfect, but it is way better than Forces or Lost World, by far. The characters are done at its best, as they really feel true to their character, no character ever feels ruined in the slightest. The open world itself was a good idea, and was fun at first, but it became a chore after the first world which slowly became annoying to get around, especially the second world for me. The second world and after was really annoying to get around and I wanted to rip off my hair, and the physics, movement, the camera were all annoying to deal with. The things in the open world itself like the challenges were easy, the same, and just boring. Collecting the Koco in the open world was cool, but it was annoying to try and find them since they are extremely small. Trying to avoid the enemies you don't want to fight was annoying because sometimes the camera would focus on them, when you don't want to fight them and want to focus on getting to your destination. The Cyber stages were the worst part of the game for me. The levels are the same thing we've seen over and over again and would've been better if we've gotten other levels that isn't Green Hill and Chemical Plant over and over again, and the level designs aren't that original either as they are bits and pieces of other Sonic levels. Sonic Frontiers overall is good experience to sit through but is far from perfect.… Expand
  5. Combatking42
    Aug 5, 2023
    6
    Its mid for me, boring, and not fun at all. But I do like the soundtrack and the way it looks tho. Sega if your reading this I love and respect you! But this game isnt that good in my opinion, I'm sorry but its my opinion.
  6. FireBroFilms
    Nov 13, 2022
    7
    Gameplay works fine, but needs lots of polishing still. Overall i enjoyed the Game.
  7. Lucania
    Nov 13, 2022
    7
    I think a lot of the elements in this game are great in premise. The story could be amazing (the dialogue between characters is incredible), the presentation could've been breathtaking, the ending could've been so epic, settings varied, etc etc.. in the end it feels like the game just needed more time. Despite the flaws, I still very much enjoyed my time with Sonic Frontiers... TheI think a lot of the elements in this game are great in premise. The story could be amazing (the dialogue between characters is incredible), the presentation could've been breathtaking, the ending could've been so epic, settings varied, etc etc.. in the end it feels like the game just needed more time. Despite the flaws, I still very much enjoyed my time with Sonic Frontiers... The exploration was a ton of fun, movement was at times so fluid that it brought me back to SA1, and some of the platforming challenges were a ton of fun. The cyberspace stages towards the end were genuinely really fun, and I think the blend of all these elements really made the game better. I'm very excited for a sequel that will build upon the flaws of this title, and really nail down what the future of Sonic can be.… Expand
  8. Lenlenbell
    Nov 11, 2022
    6
    SONIC FRONTIERS it's Fun and ok, but the game has junky physics, glitches, and pop in problems!!
  9. superbasedman
    Nov 14, 2022
    5
    Based man here.
    Open world is decent.
    Boss fights are fun.
    Cyberstages are mid.
    Ending is bad.
  10. TheBard009
    Nov 14, 2022
    5
    This is truly one of the Sonic games ever made
    Insert filler here in order to fit the 75 character quota
  11. Rtheom
    Nov 13, 2022
    7
    This is a great Beta for a future game. It has A LOT of great aspects that are pretty much all implemented haphazardly, but could be downright awesome with enough thought and planning. They clearly spent all of their programming time getting the open world movement/controls down but just ran out of time to make the world(s) actually feel real. I'm a lifelong Sonic fan, so this was a decentThis is a great Beta for a future game. It has A LOT of great aspects that are pretty much all implemented haphazardly, but could be downright awesome with enough thought and planning. They clearly spent all of their programming time getting the open world movement/controls down but just ran out of time to make the world(s) actually feel real. I'm a lifelong Sonic fan, so this was a decent game for me. I appreciated the callbacks, references, and cheeky nods scattered throughout that you'll only pickup if you've actually played nearly all of the other Sonic games out there. I'd probably recommend any non-fans just wait for the next game, though.… Expand
  12. Blump
    Nov 14, 2022
    6
    It's a good proof of concept for an open-world Sonic game, but it falls short in some key areas. If nothing else Sonic controls wonderfully in the overworld, which is what made me finish the game despite its flaws.

    My biggest issue would have to be the actual content in the open zones. Much of your time playing Sonic Frontiers will be spent locating keys, gears, and memory tokens. These    It's a good proof of concept for an open-world Sonic game, but it falls short in some key areas. If nothing else Sonic controls wonderfully in the overworld, which is what made me finish the game despite its flaws.

    My biggest issue would have to be the actual content in the open zones. Much of your time playing Sonic Frontiers will be spent locating keys, gears, and memory tokens. These collectibles are found by fighting enemies, completing cyberspace levels, and going through short obstacle courses in the overworld. While this sounds like a fun gameplay loop I found each of these elements lacking.

    The obstacle courses are scattered everywhere throughout the islands. Each one is a quick 20 to 30-second challenge that rewards the player with a memory token or vault key. Given how fun it is to control Sonic I figured these would be my favorite parts of the game, but they ended up being my least favorite. The vast majority of these sections tend to require very little player input. There is an abundance of springs, dash pads, and grind rails that require little control from the player and guide them to the end of the challenge. Most of the player input involves holding forward and using the homing attack on a string of three balloons. It's disappointing how little platforming actually needs to be done (in the open zones) considering Sonic's smooth controls.

    Fighting enemies was also disappointing since it was hyped up in many of the game's trailers, but in the end, most enemies can be defeated by mashing the attack button. When mashing doesn't work the solution is usually to use Sonic's new Cyloop ability. Like the combat, the Cyloop was hyped up in marketing to be more impressive than it actually is. For both puzzles and combat, the Cyloop involves running in a single circle around an enemy or object and that's about it for the majority of the game. Besides the Cyloop, you can also use other special attacks by pressing one of the other face buttons during your button mashing. These look cool and flashy, but I quickly realized that most of the special moves were effectively short cutscenes that did massive damage for little effort. As far as I'm aware, Sonic has invincibility during these animations, so using them is usually more efficient than dodging or parrying. Boss enemies do offer short puzzles before you can button mash, so those were typically the most engaging. The Sumo enemies in particular were great. The true bosses of each island were also cool for the spectacle alone, but the combat was mostly more button-mashing.

    The cyberspace levels were consistently my favorite part of the game. Though I'm sick of seeing Green Hill and Chemical plant the corrupted aesthetic made them visually interesting, unlike the dull overworld that lacks a distinct visual identity. The same sentiment applies to the music which was pretty good. These levels are where you can actually put Sonic's movement potential to use. You can explore the level for Red Rings or alternative paths and push yourself to the limit trying to get faster and faster as you master the stage. My only real complaints are the reused stage themes (there are only four themes btw) and the short length of each stage.

    Overall Sonic Frontiers is okay, but it kinda feels like a tech demo at times meant to show how cool it would be to run fast in a grassy field. They were right, running fast in a grassy field is fun, but that can only go so far. If you like Sonic you have probably already bought this game and it's now your game of the year. If you don't like Sonic you'll find a middling open-world game with some cool movement. I'm somewhere in the middle. I love Sonic, but I think the game ranges from lackluster at worst and okay at best.    … Expand
  13. FredtheMole
    Nov 13, 2022
    6
    I think there's parts of the game that work, and it's definitely a step in the right direction of Sonic, but, overall, it feels extremely unpolished and unfinished. It's not hard to come by bugs and glitches completely naturally, without even trying to look for them. The worlds themselves are pretty bland design-wise, especially considering how many interesting settings Sonic has had overI think there's parts of the game that work, and it's definitely a step in the right direction of Sonic, but, overall, it feels extremely unpolished and unfinished. It's not hard to come by bugs and glitches completely naturally, without even trying to look for them. The worlds themselves are pretty bland design-wise, especially considering how many interesting settings Sonic has had over the years. The bosses are fun, at least. It's a good improvement, but we shouldn't reward a game simply for being better than a lot of the ones that came before it. Sonic Frontiers has a long ways to go, and it's frustrating how many diehard Sonic fans seem to think people criticizing the game are doing so unfairly.… Expand
  14. eggroegg
    Nov 13, 2022
    5
    Really Eh. Like REALLY REALLY Eh. It's janky and I didn't care much for the story. Maybe if you're a diehard sonic fan you'll like it, but for a game to be good, it needs to appeal to a wide audience. I've only ever played Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Mania, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and around half of Sonic Forces, and it just didn't click for me.
  15. Alcebad
    Nov 13, 2022
    5
    Does the job. Neither good nor bad, ppl says it's the best sonic they've ever played, well it's maybe time to check something else to get other points of comparison. The sonic games never really succeeded in doing a good 3d game like every mario game did, and this one confirms the trend. The part where the controls works are when the game forces only a 2d movement, which defies theDoes the job. Neither good nor bad, ppl says it's the best sonic they've ever played, well it's maybe time to check something else to get other points of comparison. The sonic games never really succeeded in doing a good 3d game like every mario game did, and this one confirms the trend. The part where the controls works are when the game forces only a 2d movement, which defies the purpose. The colors are all greyed out which doesn't invite the player to engage with the environment. I'll not mention the bugs as they are just patches away from being fixed, but the fake open world where you're told you can go anywhere only to be stopped by invisible walls or blocked by your current progression is laughable.

    All inn all, a meh game that will be forgotten.    … Expand
  16. Rica435
    Nov 14, 2022
    6
    In my opinion sonic frontiers is a enjoyable sonic game but it has plenty of glaring flaws. The first thing you may notice with the game is really bad although bareabke pop in nothing game breaking. My second gripe with the game is how simple the combat is I feel sonic team could have made it a little more in depth and actually balanced some of the moves. Other than that cyber space is funIn my opinion sonic frontiers is a enjoyable sonic game but it has plenty of glaring flaws. The first thing you may notice with the game is really bad although bareabke pop in nothing game breaking. My second gripe with the game is how simple the combat is I feel sonic team could have made it a little more in depth and actually balanced some of the moves. Other than that cyber space is fun and soo is the open world props to sega for making steps forward from sonic forces.… Expand
  17. lebbi
    Nov 14, 2022
    5
    i like the game as a concept. this feels unfinished and glitchy. the open world is great, but feels slow and boring, like the designer copy pasted in the obstacles, instead of designing them for the level. the pop-in is horrendous, and they cant figure out how to incorporate DLC. i hope the next entry builds off this.
  18. bulborbplushie
    Nov 13, 2022
    6
    It was alright, that's about as much as I can say, there are a lot of good things in the game, I thought a lot of the character interactions were really nice, but I also didn't like a lot of the optional things just being kinda bland and boring, like I get that they are optional but why do they have to be so dull? There are also a good handful of bugs, in my first play-through I got a goodIt was alright, that's about as much as I can say, there are a lot of good things in the game, I thought a lot of the character interactions were really nice, but I also didn't like a lot of the optional things just being kinda bland and boring, like I get that they are optional but why do they have to be so dull? There are also a good handful of bugs, in my first play-through I got a good amount of moments of sonic just getting stuck in things he shouldn't be in but the major parts of the game that I really liked is sonics movement, the only complaint on that is jumping slows momentum and that's about it, the movement is really fun for me I just get the right to run around and enjoy my time taking in the sights, another thing I absolutely adored was the fishing bits with big the cat, the one optional part of the game I really really enjoyed. So in conclusion, its the shape of a good game just rough around the edges… Expand
  19. Seppukuma451
    Nov 14, 2022
    7
    Iv played about 5 hours of this game. Which is more than dunkey played lmao
  20. LBPLevelBoy
    Nov 14, 2022
    7
    Sonic Frontiers is a good game and that is for sure. However there are a few issues that keep it from being a great game. A few of these issues are:

    * Pop in * A disappointing ending * The reuse of old level themes and level layouts for cyber space * The system for upgrading with the Elder Koco * The way none of your control settings carry over to the cyber space levels * And the lack of    Sonic Frontiers is a good game and that is for sure. However there are a few issues that keep it from being a great game. A few of these issues are:

    * Pop in
    * A disappointing ending * The reuse of old level themes and level layouts for cyber space
    * The system for upgrading with the Elder Koco
    * The way none of your control settings carry over to the cyber space levels
    * And the lack of momentum (more so how jumping or boosting kills your speed)

    I will say that there are many improvements in this game from the previous Sonic titles. Some notable improvements and cool things are:

    * The story (more so how each character feels so much more in character)
    * The art direction
    * The controls (which are very customizable and responsive)
    * The open zone (which is fun to explore and discovering new enemies is fun too)
    * The music
    *And the boss encounters! (The boss encounters have to be the coolest part of the game)

    I would recommend this game if you’re looking to get into sonic. They try many things with this title. Some things work well and some are maybe underwhelming. But the good mostly outweighs the bad I would say.

    If they update the game hopefully they fix some of the issues I mentioned. Some small quality of life changes could also be:

    * Option to remove super speed cutscene after 400 rings
    * Option to remove boost sound filter when boosting
    * Ability to replay end island boss encounters
    * Feature to leave 2D section when desired
    * Making the game detect you beat the final boss after beating it
    * and of course revamping the systems for upgrading your speed and ring capacity with the elder Koco

    As a Sonic fan it’s an 8 but overall as a videogame fan, with its issues I have to give Sonic Frontiers a 7.    … Expand
  21. Fatal_Baguette
    Nov 14, 2022
    7
    While not perfect this is a solid game that is a step in the right direction. Story is pretty solid but the presentation of it is lacking and leaves more to be desired. Sonic feels the best he's ever been, and in my opinion he controls leagues better than Adventure 1 and 2. Combat is basic but entertaining, the moment where the combat really shines is with the Titan fights. And while I'mWhile not perfect this is a solid game that is a step in the right direction. Story is pretty solid but the presentation of it is lacking and leaves more to be desired. Sonic feels the best he's ever been, and in my opinion he controls leagues better than Adventure 1 and 2. Combat is basic but entertaining, the moment where the combat really shines is with the Titan fights. And while I'm on those, the titan fights are the new standard for Sonic boss fights, they are epic with some of the best boss music a Sonic game has ever had. Really hope Sonic Team and Sega takes what worked with Frontiers and rolls with it, cause if they do then Sonic has a bright future ahead of it.… Expand
  22. Manic_06
    Nov 15, 2022
    7
    as a sonic fan, i like this game, but some flaws can't be avoided, cyberspace is just slower generations levels, and pop-in is insane. i feel like sonic team should of made a new engine insted of reusing hedgehog engine 2. Combat and boss fights are from metal gear rising: revengeance, and feel excellent. exploration is fun in the begining, but becomes a chore very quickly.
  23. OkayLol
    Nov 13, 2022
    5
    Game left much to desire. Subpar story, the combat was essentially just how fast you can spam one button and the pokemon rangers loop drawing, you are very limited on the areas you can go (despite the game being open world), etc…

    If you really want this game, wait for a sale for half off or less (coincidentally, the game is already being sold for half off at gamestop and amazon, even    Game left much to desire. Subpar story, the combat was essentially just how fast you can spam one button and the pokemon rangers loop drawing, you are very limited on the areas you can go (despite the game being open world), etc…

    If you really want this game, wait for a sale for half off or less (coincidentally, the game is already being sold for half off at gamestop and amazon, even though it literally just launched a couple days ago…)

    Extremely overhyped and disappointing    … Expand
  24. SteinyMo
    Nov 9, 2022
    7
    It is by no means a perfect game but it's definitely good if you're looking for a fun and casual game to play. The combat and traversal in the open world is enjoyable however the movement seems to lend itself to the open world rather than the linear more classic sonic levels. The linear levels were still fun just because of the visuals. The game is unfortunately just buggy enough to remindIt is by no means a perfect game but it's definitely good if you're looking for a fun and casual game to play. The combat and traversal in the open world is enjoyable however the movement seems to lend itself to the open world rather than the linear more classic sonic levels. The linear levels were still fun just because of the visuals. The game is unfortunately just buggy enough to remind me I'm playing a Sonic game. I would find my self hitting ledges at weird angles to go slowly floating in the air despite going top speed a decent amount. The camera also feels odd as it drifts away from enemies even when locked on making it hard to use the cyloop mechanic on bigger bosses and just making the boss battles harder in general. The plot is relatively basic but that's what I would expect from a Sonic game. Overall it's a fun game if you don't take it too seriously.… Expand
  25. Awkylold
    Nov 9, 2022
    6
    It's definitely not GREAT, but the most problematic stuff is just "technical jank", the gameplay itself is incredibly solid, albeit a little unpolished.
  26. Hinzoto
    Nov 9, 2022
    7
    A mediocre game with interesting purposes, but it fails during execution. A lot of flaws of collisions, terrible physics and soulless environment. Cyber levels are short, very linear and repeating the assets of Sonic Generations and Forces. The positive point goes to the Original Soundtrack (maybe the major point). If you like generic Open World game and avoiding this is a Sonic game, youA mediocre game with interesting purposes, but it fails during execution. A lot of flaws of collisions, terrible physics and soulless environment. Cyber levels are short, very linear and repeating the assets of Sonic Generations and Forces. The positive point goes to the Original Soundtrack (maybe the major point). If you like generic Open World game and avoiding this is a Sonic game, you can love this, but if you're a root fan and understand the essence, avoid this, it's another test of laboratory using the franchise.… Expand
  27. Kidderaang
    Nov 13, 2022
    5
    As a long time sonic fan, sonic frontiers has disappointed me. I think ian flynns story was overhyped and not much happened. Sonic & Knuckles characterization was great! Tails was cool too, but maybe too on the nose with the writing. And amy...is fine but a little boring. I miss her Sonic X days. She had a lot more personality when Lisa Ortiz was voicing her. The open world is superAs a long time sonic fan, sonic frontiers has disappointed me. I think ian flynns story was overhyped and not much happened. Sonic & Knuckles characterization was great! Tails was cool too, but maybe too on the nose with the writing. And amy...is fine but a little boring. I miss her Sonic X days. She had a lot more personality when Lisa Ortiz was voicing her. The open world is super repetitive and the cyber space levels are even worse than forces. I do think the next game can be better, but they've got a ways to go. Vocal songs and titan bosses go hard tho.… Expand
  28. SilvrSez
    Nov 13, 2022
    5
    Sonic Frontiers is not a game I had very high expectations for. The game did surpass those expectations but not by much. The open zone feels incredibly lifeless. They are empty, filled with what feels like randomly placed rails, springs, dash panels, and other various sonic assets. They don't really feel like places, more like test stages with themes. It's not entirely unfun though, it canSonic Frontiers is not a game I had very high expectations for. The game did surpass those expectations but not by much. The open zone feels incredibly lifeless. They are empty, filled with what feels like randomly placed rails, springs, dash panels, and other various sonic assets. They don't really feel like places, more like test stages with themes. It's not entirely unfun though, it can be a little fun sometimes. What isn't fun at all are the cyberspace levels. A complete downgrade from the boost levels we saw in Unleashed, Colors, Generations, and somehow even Forces. While the levels can have decent design sometimes (mostly because they take them from better games) Sonic does not control well in the slightest. Everytime I jump I feel like I'm fighting with the game, and Sonic is not fast at all in these levels. These are easily the worst parts of the game, and in my opinion, some of the worst Sonic gameplay we have ever gotten in the history of this franchise. There are some things I do love about this game though. The boss fights at the end of each island are AMAZING and are just super hype, especially with the music they used. The fishing minigame with Big the Cat is also very nice and relaxing, and I enjoyed doing it a lot. Overall, Sonic Frontiers is a game with some highs, but insanely low lows. I do think a casual fan would enjoy this a lot, but if you're a hardcore fan, it's a 50/50 chance you may love or hate this game.… Expand
  29. Jakedematteo
    Nov 14, 2022
    5
    Just boring to me. The worlds generally feel empty with nothing of note in them. The cyberspace stages are fun but the controls are god awful in them. This could be good, but isnt.
  30. dharma
    Nov 21, 2022
    6
    At this point, Sonic Team should simply give up its flagship franchise to a third party developer, who can do the job better. The ideas are there: an open world Sonic. The gameplay loop is also better than previous entries, but heck, the game looked so bland in comparison to its main 'competitor', the Mario games that you will be essentially bored to death. It is a step in the rightAt this point, Sonic Team should simply give up its flagship franchise to a third party developer, who can do the job better. The ideas are there: an open world Sonic. The gameplay loop is also better than previous entries, but heck, the game looked so bland in comparison to its main 'competitor', the Mario games that you will be essentially bored to death. It is a step in the right direction and at the very least the game engine is solid enough for the next game to be better.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 90 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 90
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 90
  3. Negative: 6 out of 90
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 24, 2024
    60
    The idea and vision of the game is absolutely fabulous. In practice, however, the game is brought down by its execution, which you can see through after a short while and then the game has nothing to surprise you with. [Issue#324]
  2. PSX Extreme
    Feb 22, 2023
    30
    There is nothing remotely redeeming about this game. Nothing that even the most die-hard loyal Sonic Fans would or should advocate for. I hope that one day someone who cares enough about this franchise could give us something-anything of substance. A fan can hope, can’t they? A fan can hope.
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  3. GameOver.gr
    Feb 4, 2023
    80
    Finally, after almost 25years of half measures and mostly mediocre titles, Sonic has finally reached the 3D levels of gameplay it needed to reach. Yes, the pop in is absolutely inexcusable and the ancient gatekeeping grindy methods damage the flow of the game for no reason, but a wonderfully built base exists here, with a highly entertaining adventure in wonderfully melancholic world and a surprisingly well founded story, thankfully clean of Sonic’s annoying 3rd tier friends!
    Read full review
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