Sonic Forces

 Switch
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 694 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 336 out of 694
  2. Mixed: 195 out of 694
  3. Negative: 163 out of 694
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  1. TheMarioFan
    Nov 7, 2017
    10
    this game is pretty fun just like colours and generations
    although im more of a mario fan but i can sense the biased ratings on the game

    the story is great , graphics are great , gameplay is great and well the music is the best part
  2. Untitled94
    Nov 30, 2017
    7
    Sonic Forces, while disappointing, is still a good game. I just wish it would've been better. To see my full review on this game, look at my PS4 review of it. The only difference with this version is the frame rate isn't as good. Otherwise, it's about the same to me.
  3. Alzz
    Nov 13, 2017
    6
    Sonic Forces is one of those games that isn't perfect, but isn't terrible. I think the reviews have been a bit too harsh, because it really isn't a bad game. It's vibrant and colourful and the controls work perfectly. The different playable characters add for some unique gameplay, and the bosses are fun, even though the final boss was a disappoint. Sonic Forces definitely has some flaws asSonic Forces is one of those games that isn't perfect, but isn't terrible. I think the reviews have been a bit too harsh, because it really isn't a bad game. It's vibrant and colourful and the controls work perfectly. The different playable characters add for some unique gameplay, and the bosses are fun, even though the final boss was a disappoint. Sonic Forces definitely has some flaws as well. It feels too short, and some of the levels are more linear than I expected. The story started strong but started to fall as the game continued. But overall it really isn't a bad game, and is worth giving a shot.… Expand
  4. SuperMatt777
    Nov 10, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic Forces is meant to be Sonic's second part of his 25th anniversary, being his next big 3D game. I'll admit, the game is pretty good and it is an enjoyable experience. But it does have a few glaring issues. I know I gave the spoilers box a check, but a second reminder that this contains big spoilers so read at your own risk. Let's dive into Sonic's most recent 3D game.

    Starting with the story, the game centers on the idea of Dr. Eggman getting closer than he ever has to his lifelong goal; turning the world into Eggmanland. For the first time in, probably ever, Dr. Eggman has managed to conquer the world. The story follows the Resistance (consisting of Sonic's friends) as they try to take the world back from Eggman. Along for the ride are Classic Sonic and the custom avatar. Tasked with freeing Sonic and fighting off villains of the past and a new villain known as Infinite, the Resistance inflitrates Eggman's territory to set things right. The story's greatest point is that it's vastly different from the norm. It's not every day that the villain actually wins, even if the point of the game is to undo the villain's win. That's what strikes me as interesting, it's got a unique feel to it. While the story is pretty good, I think there are some problems with the characters, some may be minor nitpicks though. Classic Sonic comes kinda out of nowhere, for no reason and with a pretty flawed explanation too. The returning villains, Shadow, Chaos, Metal Sonic and Zavok, all just turn out to be mass produced copies, with Chaos not even being faced once. Infinite is a mysterious character with lots of potential that is essentially wasted on an incredibly simplistic backstory that only explains how he got his powers and a very weak and cliche drive for said power. Those three points all tie in with one important thing that Sonic Forces kinda bombed; they were all interesting concepts with very poor backgrounds. Trailers prior to release really hyped these things up, making me personally guess how the villains returned, how you'd face them and whether or not Eggman was really controlling all four of them. Playing through it revealed that everything I was hyped for was explained in a single cutscene and was barely touched since. Infinite's character looked amazing, he looked like he could have lots of potential, given what he could do. But his backstory was wrapped up in a single cutscene in the Shadow Episodes and while his role in the main story was huge, after his final fight, he disappears and is not seen or heard from again.

    The gameplay aspect is one of the better parts of the game. Classic Sonic, Modern Sonic and the avatar all have their own unique gameplay; Classic Sonic being the original 2D styled gameplay, being pretty much reused from Generations, Modern Sonic having the usual boosting 3D stages and the Avatar makes use of a device known as a Wispon to use Wisp powers and a grappling hook. The Avatar and Modern Sonic stages are by far the best of the three, having good controls and fast pace gameplay Sonic is known for. Classic Sonic is okay in his own sense, but feels a bit underwhelming compared to his gameplay in Sonic Generations. And while the levels themselves are okay, therein lies the second problem; not only are the levels rather short and easy, despite being 30 stages, but they all take place in the same four areas. You're essentially playing different layouts of the same level. Kinda feels more like a New Super Mario Bros. game in terms of level variety.

    In the end, Sonic Forces is not a terrible game. It ranks well above Sonic Boom and even outranks Sonic Lost World, but it can't compare to past installments like Sonic Colors or Sonic Generations. The good aspects in the unique story and good gameplay are kinda rivaled by the lack of level variety and half baked concepts that the story has. It's not the next big Sonic 3D title, but it's still a decent game. If you're a hardcore fan of Sonic, then it's a game you'll likely enjoy. But in all honesty, skipping it wouldn't be, dare I say, the end of the world.    … Expand
  5. MattiazG
    Nov 11, 2017
    5
    I never needed to know what the feet in this universe looked like.
    Sandals were a mistake.
    Some levels were fun but most are pretty linear. Classic Sonic feels real clunky. The games physics feels very floaty but also incredibly heavy, it's really confusing. Also they removed the drift from modern Sonic for some reason. Customizing your oc the animal is pretty fun. Most musical    I never needed to know what the feet in this universe looked like.
    Sandals were a mistake.

    Some levels were fun but most are pretty linear. Classic Sonic feels real clunky. The games physics feels very floaty but also incredibly heavy, it's really confusing. Also they removed the drift from modern Sonic for some reason. Customizing your oc the animal is pretty fun.

    Most musical tracks in this game were pretty good with the exception of some of classic Sonic's tracks.

    Get the game if you can like find it for under 10$.

    For real though why did they show their feet.    … Expand
  6. Stlouzilla
    Dec 1, 2017
    6
    In ways both good and bad, Sonic Forces is certainly a Sonic game. It features the stylish, blazing fast gameplay that fans of the series love but also the questionable level design and inconsistent quality control that critics often point to.

    Unsurprisingly, the game is at its best when you're tearing through levels as Sonic (in either his modern or retro form) and at its weakest when    In ways both good and bad, Sonic Forces is certainly a Sonic game. It features the stylish, blazing fast gameplay that fans of the series love but also the questionable level design and inconsistent quality control that critics often point to.

    Unsurprisingly, the game is at its best when you're tearing through levels as Sonic (in either his modern or retro form) and at its weakest when you're not. Although the create a character component has some degree of charm to it and it is fun to craft your own anthropomorphic super critter, these levels are just never as fun as the Sonic ones, despite the game's wise decision to mostly keep to speedy gameplay and entirely eschew the slow, plodding platforming of supporting cast in previous games.

    The story is unintentionally hilarious with dialogue and plot beats that would be cringe worthy if you weren't too busy laughing out loud at them. The tone is completely scatter shot, jumping from flat jokes to mundane chatter and then sometimes even surprisingly dark developments, often all within the same cinematic. The whole Resistance/Knuckle's Army angle feels contrived and by-the-numbers and the introduction of yet another generically named villain is superfluous, even though the character himself isn't that bad.

    I had some fun with Sonic Forces, and it is by no means a low point for fans of the troubled series, but there is just really no reason to play it when we already got Sonic Mania, a far superior game, earlier this year.    … Expand
  7. sonicworld2006
    Dec 2, 2017
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic Forces is not an amazing but not bad ether, The game is fun before you beat the game you could download the DLC but it only has 3 games. The story is like Generations but now a little dark you can play as Modern Sonic, Classic, and your OC. The music is great it mixes Dubstep music and electronic and if you play as Classic Sonic you get some Genesis like music. The controls are not so great you could see your self fall off ALOT in the Modern and Avatar stages. In all Forces is a good game but not a Sonic generations but as the Mario Fandom says Mario odyssey is better then Forces.… Expand
  8. Hamza_gh
    Nov 23, 2022
    0
    the worst **** game in existance every sonic level is boost to win classic sonic plays like trash and the avatar is boring and slow to play as DO NOT RECCOMEND
  9. AlecFair
    Nov 14, 2017
    7
    I went into sonic forces with no expectation whatsoever but came out surprised in the time I played this titie for both good and bad.

    The gameplay of this game is clunky. The three chracter types (classis, boost sonic, and avatar) feel floaty and have the tendency to either go fast or move slugishly slow for some reason. Classic sonic comes equiped with his jump spindash mechanic from    I went into sonic forces with no expectation whatsoever but came out surprised in the time I played this titie for both good and bad.

    The gameplay of this game is clunky. The three chracter types (classis, boost sonic, and avatar) feel floaty and have the tendency to either go fast or move slugishly slow for some reason.
    Classic sonic comes equiped with his jump spindash mechanic from mania and his gameplay is all as well as the odd feel that the enemy hitboxes feel off.
    Boost sonic (modern sonic) is pretty much a mix of 3d and 2d with hold boost button to win finish the stage at times.
    The avatar character is a mixed bag of different species with different abilities in the map and use different weapons infused with the wisps from colors called wispons, they control the same as sonic minus the speed and light double jump and boost with different methods of attacks and special abilities depending on the wispon you use at the time unless you play a bird character which allows the use of a hardly existant double jump or the bear which can allow you to hit one enemy and if hit right, have the chance of knocking into other enemies.
    Another thing for the avatar side is the slew of customization options for your OC from hats to special fur skins on the accessory side of things which you can unlock by finishing stages, getting S ranks, finishing their strict time trials on some stages and other mission types. The chracter making on the other hand is somewhat lacking and basic with no hair styles besides what you unlock in the outfits and other options but too bad as to detract you from enjoying your character in the game.
    There are also stages that gets the Sonic Heroes touch where Sonic and your Character tag team and you both use your skills and abilities which is interesting as well.
    While the controls are clunky and floaty, its not entirely hard to get used to at the least and the gameplay can be pretty fun if you are not focusing on finishing the stage as fast as possible.
    I played the game on both easy and hard and there really isn't much difference between the two difficulties besides the fact that ring limit for some reason is swapped since it seems where you are capped at 100 on normal and uncapped on hard it just feels switched.
    Side challenges and stuff include getting all 5 red rings per stage after which you get enough red rings you unlock extra stage challenges. But oddly enough after you get a stages red rings, you also unlock 5 checkpoints and afterwords moon coin. The odd thing is you don't get anything for collecting these at all.
    There is also a Shadow story but its only three stages long but with the dlc you can play as him in boost sonic stages after completing those stages which is a nice touch.

    The graphics for the switch handheld are pretty good with no problems whatsoever for being on a smaller screen. The console version is the same but little more better. But with the new engine they made the stages look fantastic but its a shame that stage length is below 5 minutes for most of the stages in game. Sounds pretty much what most people are used to if they played a sonic game. The music fits the game for the most part of it being a modern sonic game and actually enjoyable.

    Story is bland. They went for a dark theme this time around like sonic SAT AM style theme on steroids. To summarize, Eggman defeats sonic with his new ally Infinite, an edgelord mercenary who hates everything around him and has the power over mental realities or something causing all of sonics enemies from past games (including shadow) to come back and go for revenge. After Sonics defeat Eggman declares him dead, tails runs off to the mountains, while knuckles and the gang form a freedom fighter group to oppose Eggman and your character is the new recruit. Freedom Fighters discover sonics alive, Your chracter busts sonic out of the death egg, and tails gets saved by classic sonic and doing things with him until everyone meets up again at the freedom fighter base.
    The characters in the story has really no character or personality and they are constantly in a dark place even after busting sonic out. Even more annoying Tails, after his development from past games, goes straight out the window he goes back to being whiny and just weak when you would think he would be the one leading the rebellion. Even Amy acted more developed than Tails did in this game.
    And classic sonic just seems so out of place in this game. He really had no need to be in the story at all and could have been easily replaced with a second custom character and his stages replaced by bonus stages.

    Besides all the cons and stuff the game is still ok on any platform and $40 really isn't bad for a hedgehog engine tech demo. The custom character thing is a nice addition, its fun in small bursts, and would love to see what this engine could really do if they do another installment with the custom character thing as well as any future games    … Expand
  10. Aletheboss
    Feb 26, 2018
    5
    The avatar feature is pretty nice and has a lot of options, and the graphics are impressive, but the game is no where near as fun or polished as the previous boost games. The level design is way too linear and most of the gameplay is automated. The story is weak and was clearly rushed, and all of the characters do nothing but rely on Sonic. Classic Sonic shouldn’t even be here, he’s onlyThe avatar feature is pretty nice and has a lot of options, and the graphics are impressive, but the game is no where near as fun or polished as the previous boost games. The level design is way too linear and most of the gameplay is automated. The story is weak and was clearly rushed, and all of the characters do nothing but rely on Sonic. Classic Sonic shouldn’t even be here, he’s only here for nostalgia, which is pointless since Mania came out only 3 months before. The controls are awful, since acceleration isn’t smooth, jumps are too heavy, and the only challenge from the game is trying platform. Worst of all, this game is really short. There are 30 levels that are usually 1-2 minutes long, and the game is only about 3-4 hours long. This game is inconsistent, and it wasn’t even made by “The team that brought you Colors and Generations” which Sega said in the first trailer. Just buy Sonic Mania, it’s half the price, and better in every way.… Expand
  11. Douglas702
    Dec 6, 2017
    7
    I have been a Sonic fan since the genesis era. I played every Sonic game ever, and enjoyed most of the games. Even as a big Sonic fan, I will admit there's been a few not so great Sonic games in recent history lol. and I have to say, this game is definitely not the worst Sonic game I ever played, but neither is it close to the best. The level design in Sonic Force does leave a bit to beI have been a Sonic fan since the genesis era. I played every Sonic game ever, and enjoyed most of the games. Even as a big Sonic fan, I will admit there's been a few not so great Sonic games in recent history lol. and I have to say, this game is definitely not the worst Sonic game I ever played, but neither is it close to the best. The level design in Sonic Force does leave a bit to be desired. The level design is definitely not terrible, it is just "eh". The levels just don't feel very inspiring or that a lot of thought was put into them. The best part about this game is by far Original The Character (the Avatar you create) Honestly His/Her levels seem to have the most thought put into them, and thats the same with His/Her controls. Original the Character controls pretty good, compared to modern Sonic and 2D Sonic. Sadly the same cannot be said for 2D sonics levels..... man they were quite dull. and 2D sonic controls really badly in this game. Everytime I jump with 2D Sonic, he feels like he weighs as much as a tank. Heck just moving him period feels like he weighs a ton.and for Modern Sonic, I lie that they brought back the boost formula, but like SomeCallMeJohnny said, you really never feel like you get to use the boost formula to it's fullest potential and he completely feels like he is on total autopilot for a good portion of his levels. In the end though, this game is definitely not a bad game, it is just an average mediocre game. PLease understand, I do not hate this game. There is certainly some enjoyment to be had in this game, but at the same time it is filled with control issues (mainly with 2D Sonic) and level design issues. Is this game worth $40? for a big Sonic fan like myself, I would say yes, but for the average gamer? I would say wait for a price drop before buying it. It is definitely a one time playthrough game.… Expand
  12. TJones0924
    Nov 22, 2017
    7
    This game is an interesting case. I personally did enjoy my time spent with Sonic Forces. But that didn't blind me to the flaws. The level design for both the modern Sonic and avatar stages is quite good, and the controls are probably the tightest they have ever been in a 3D Sonic game. The story might be a little dark at times, but for the majority of the game, it works well. And for onceThis game is an interesting case. I personally did enjoy my time spent with Sonic Forces. But that didn't blind me to the flaws. The level design for both the modern Sonic and avatar stages is quite good, and the controls are probably the tightest they have ever been in a 3D Sonic game. The story might be a little dark at times, but for the majority of the game, it works well. And for once in a Sonic game, the bosses are actually a highlight. I loved every single boss fight there was to play through. But despite all of these great things, the game still had problems. For one, the worlds feel very uninspired when you compare them to the awesome worlds of games like Sonic Colors. And it feels like there's a lot of lost potential in the game. I won't spoil anything, but near the end of the game there is this one stage that introduces the prospect of this really cool idea (people who played the game will most likely know what I'm talking about). But about ten seconds into this stage, they instantly ditch the idea and throw you back out into the normal gameplay. That was super disappointing. But the biggest disappointment of all was classic Sonic. The gameplay for classic Sonic was superb in Generations, and Sonic Mania was an excellent way to revive that form of gameplay in it's own title. But Forces provides the most sluggish 2D Sonic stages I have ever played. The stages often feel pointless, and mostly like an afterthought. These stages honestly range anywhere from mediocre to the worst stages in the game. It's not even like classic Sonic has that big of an effect on the game. Sonic Team could have left him out and solely focused on modern Sonic and the avatar, and I think the game would have turned out much better. But despite these flaws, there is still an enjoyable game in here. If you are a Sonic fan, then this is definitely worth your time. If you're not a fan of the series, you still might find some enjoyment in here.… Expand
  13. User1125
    Nov 30, 2017
    7
    I love sonic but there are things I dislike about forces like classic sonic.I don't know what it is but he feels so heavy unlike modern sonic and the avatar and moves at a more normal pace and his controls feel different than in generations in my opinion.when I would jump and make the landing it would sometimes just break my momentum and the acceleration on the avatar at first was to fastI love sonic but there are things I dislike about forces like classic sonic.I don't know what it is but he feels so heavy unlike modern sonic and the avatar and moves at a more normal pace and his controls feel different than in generations in my opinion.when I would jump and make the landing it would sometimes just break my momentum and the acceleration on the avatar at first was to fast for my taste but got more control as I got more experienced with the game.The bosses are decent,if you're trying to go for a perfect run like me then some of these bosses can be challenging but easy enough for a beginner or to get through the game as fast as possible.The graphics are amazing in my opinion compared to recent games like sonic boom...but not mania.The gameplay is a bit basic,you would most likely be holding down the boost button until it ran out and that's it for modern sonic,the avatar can take different paths depending on which wispon you're using and classic sonic is hoping you don't fall off because you undershooted your jump.The story is okay but short I mean you can beat this game in almost under an hour if you know what you're doing and infinites origin is not what I was hoping for.The music is good in my opinion and I definitly have some favourites in store,you will have to buy the game for yourself to see if you like the music.I hope this review was helpful to someone.… Expand
  14. Andrewolf
    Dec 8, 2017
    7
    Sonic Forces isn't the worst 3D Sonic game I have played. However, that doesn't mean it isn't without fault: The levels are short, the game itself is short, Classic Sonic handles horribly now, and the story isn't very good I feel. The good parts of the game are very few: the music is alright (not a whole lot that got stuck in my head but there were a few tracks that stuck with me), theSonic Forces isn't the worst 3D Sonic game I have played. However, that doesn't mean it isn't without fault: The levels are short, the game itself is short, Classic Sonic handles horribly now, and the story isn't very good I feel. The good parts of the game are very few: the music is alright (not a whole lot that got stuck in my head but there were a few tracks that stuck with me), the graphics are the best from the boost games and the gameplay from the modern stages are quite fun.

    The Switch version runs very well, 30fps is disappointing but it runs very smooth. It also looks decently nice but if you want the best graphics possible play on PC, PS4 Pro or Xbox One X.

    Overall Sonic Forces isn't horrible, but it isn't fantastic by any means. I'd say pick it up if you're a hardcore Sonic fan.    … Expand
  15. leetl1
    Mar 4, 2019
    5
    It has all the problems of the PS4 version, plus worse graphics. Go buy Sonic Mania. It's way better than this nonsense.
  16. Rayrabid
    Jan 3, 2019
    6
    Its disapointing sonic is meant to be a game about momentum but this is about speed an average player can beat this title in 3 hours time this game is more watching then playing alot of the game is automatic when it should be maual for moths i watched gameplay and reviews they were mostly 4-6 in scores But im a sonic fanboy so i was still gonna pick this up if you have a switch dont get itIts disapointing sonic is meant to be a game about momentum but this is about speed an average player can beat this title in 3 hours time this game is more watching then playing alot of the game is automatic when it should be maual for moths i watched gameplay and reviews they were mostly 4-6 in scores But im a sonic fanboy so i was still gonna pick this up if you have a switch dont get it go buy a ps4 and play ps4 has a sweet 60 fps but the switch version has a sour 30fps unless you have been playing on a ds for the last few years your gonna die... Alot the cover is kind of misleading it has knuckles and tails on the hero side wifh you may think there playable theres sonic shadow (wich is sonic just with a different skin now) classic sonic (harder to use then sonic and shadow and dosent belong here) and finally the oc (the best charachter in the game (gameplay wise) ) this guy/girl is suprisingly good to control the wisp are back (read my classic sonic in forces statement just with the wisps) and you use them in these gun like things called wispons

    WHAT THE ****    … Expand
  17. Super0
    Dec 22, 2019
    5
    the game was to easy and short and i didn't really feel the urge to replay the game for collectables because the game just doesn't have much going on the bosses are short and easy so are the levels with there being only 30 levels even though they are 1 to 3 minutes at most each he story is a little cliche and the custom avatar didn't really ad much other than memes and deviantartthe game was to easy and short and i didn't really feel the urge to replay the game for collectables because the game just doesn't have much going on the bosses are short and easy so are the levels with there being only 30 levels even though they are 1 to 3 minutes at most each he story is a little cliche and the custom avatar didn't really ad much other than memes and deviantart creations.
    but overall the game was pretty painfully average and it was an okay 3 hours playing this game until the end.    … Expand
  18. Castegamer1812
    Jun 30, 2019
    5
    I know that sonic games are usually quite regular, but they are still fun and you can have a good time, but not in this one. This title despite having better graphics, the gameplay worsened in a brutal way, being more boring and disappointing, although I did not agree before when they said that: "Sonic games are passed alone" But with Forces now, if that's the case, the wisps fill theI know that sonic games are usually quite regular, but they are still fun and you can have a good time, but not in this one. This title despite having better graphics, the gameplay worsened in a brutal way, being more boring and disappointing, although I did not agree before when they said that: "Sonic games are passed alone" But with Forces now, if that's the case, the wisps fill the boost bar completely and it becomes automatic while you play, i don't nave fun as before, The same happens with the avatar, Even if it's fun to create your own character, it's useless if the gameplay is as boring as sonic, it does not offer anything better and when the wispon sucks a wisp it works infinitely, and it makes the experience ruin, the classic sonic in addition to be fan service and does not have anything to do with the plot is filled and the worst is that its gameplay is worse than in generations. Although the story is not very well made and the music is really good, in my point of view the most important thing is the gameplay and if this does not work the rest does not work, this is what makes a game good, and sonic Forces is far from being up to his previous games.… Expand
  19. yubboi
    Oct 3, 2019
    5
    I don't like this game. It is so boring and the levels are terrible. I liked 2 of 30 levels. The designs for the levels just don't work and they don't work for speed. I wouldn't say anything if it was just another meh sonic title but I feel it went out of its way to be the best boost formula game. My least favorite part has to be classic sonic as he is just shoehorned in for money. He hasI don't like this game. It is so boring and the levels are terrible. I liked 2 of 30 levels. The designs for the levels just don't work and they don't work for speed. I wouldn't say anything if it was just another meh sonic title but I feel it went out of its way to be the best boost formula game. My least favorite part has to be classic sonic as he is just shoehorned in for money. He has no influence on the plot and is super clunky to control. It is only fair to compare this game to sonic mania as they came out so close to each other. There is no saving this one. At least it isn't as bad as 06 and boom.… Expand
  20. SwitchReviewer
    Jun 19, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic Forces is a failure for Nintendo switch. I got this game thought it was going to be fun as seen in the E3 trailers but no. Broken mechanics, You can speed of the map, 2D Levels are slow, Mediocre story, ETC. I refunded this game to game stop already. What a waste of 60 bucks. SEGA really failed at making their mascot a good icon yet again with Broken 3D Games.… Expand
  21. JayPasta3
    May 8, 2022
    7
    It was a Sonic game. I don’t have many words here, it’s a Sonic experience for Switch & PS4. I commemorate the attempt at a darker story (it was much darker than Lost World) but it didn’t really deliver. The level design can be pretty good as well. I don’t have many words for this game, it’s just okay.
  22. Invader9
    Aug 20, 2018
    1
    Horrible level design, lousy "story", boring gameplay, forgettable music, lackluster animations (isn't it sad that Unleashed, a game from 2008, is still the best looking Sonic game?) and a dark tone that just comes off as forced more than anything else. This might not be the absolute WORST Sonic game, but of all the ones I've played, it's defiantly the one I've hated the most.
  23. P4rz1v4l
    Nov 7, 2017
    7
    I went into Sonic Forces looking for it to expand upon or at least be better than the already amazing Sonic Colors and Generations before it, finding only disappointment. The game lacks anything to really say it is better or worse than the two, it really is just the same, just that it makes you feel epic or that you have accomplished something.

    Okay, first of all, the gameplay. The    I went into Sonic Forces looking for it to expand upon or at least be better than the already amazing Sonic Colors and Generations before it, finding only disappointment. The game lacks anything to really say it is better or worse than the two, it really is just the same, just that it makes you feel epic or that you have accomplished something.

    Okay, first of all, the gameplay. The gameplay is just like Gen/Colors except the Modern's playstyle is fun and not so linear, while the Avatar stages feel forced and try to hide the fact that they are linear through "multiple paths" and quicktime events. The only fun I really had with the Avatar was pulling of chains with the wispons to take different paths to completing a level and the customization of the character itself. Classic Sonic is just like how he was in Generations, he's fine to play as and offers many paths to follow through on the stage, being very fun to play throughout the progression of the game.

    Next, the story. The plot of Sonic Forces itself has to be its strongest component since it does an excellent job in developing characters, their goals, and setting a very dark and gritty tone that you feel sucked into at times. Personally, I found the story to be amazing really well written at times, even though there are some cheesy puns and some very clever ones scattered throughout. Overall I just found the story to be very fun to experience and to watch how it unfolded.

    Now, the graphics. I myself do not go into video games for their graphics, but mainly their framerate. I played this game on the Nintendo Switch and have seen some footage from the PS4, playing/watching both until completion. The Nintendo Switch definitely is not the best way to go if you are looking for that crisp 60 fps with beautiful shading and textures throughout. It could only run at 30 fps a with little dips up and down. On the other hand, the PS4 offers everything your eyes are looking for and is truly a great visual experience with a nice framerate. If you prefer the on the go experience like I do though, you would want to go with the Switch port of this game.

    Finally, we come to all the negatives I have about this game. The game's animations can feel very stiff and poorly executed with some looking like wood when watching movement in cutscenes. Some of the level design can also come to very linear and fall into a lot of 2D platforming. A LOT of 2D platforming. The boss fights were also very easy to defeat with some being beatable within 20 seconds of the boss even starting, plenty of them feeling like they recycle too much from the previous bosses or that they are just boring to go through in general. The controls for the Avatar are also very complicated and not very fun to really even use, most combat sections feeling like they are only there to consume your level time and artificially extend the gameplay.

    In conclusion, Sonic Forces is an okay, but not great video game with fun gameplay that had a very detailed and well-written plot with plenty of dark overtones and EdGe. If you are looking for a Sonic game that tells a great story, has good gameplay, and has an overall good visual style (depending on your console of choice) then this in the Sonic game for you. There is plenty I still did not cover in this review, but I feel it is worthy of improvement, feeling rushed for the release date (again) and in total just being just kind of disappointing.    … Expand
  24. S5658
    Nov 10, 2017
    7
    Sonic Forces is by no means a bad game, but it's also by no means outstanding. The music is great, probably the best I've heard out of any Sonic game, which says a lot considering how great Sonic music is. The gameplay is okay, but it feels a bit more sluggish than your average Sonic game, the modern stages are pretty great, the custom hero stages can be quite fun, however, the classicSonic Forces is by no means a bad game, but it's also by no means outstanding. The music is great, probably the best I've heard out of any Sonic game, which says a lot considering how great Sonic music is. The gameplay is okay, but it feels a bit more sluggish than your average Sonic game, the modern stages are pretty great, the custom hero stages can be quite fun, however, the classic stages feel underwhelming. They don't feel right and you'll find that jumps are a bit hard to make because classic sonic jumps like he's on the moon. I've yet to finish the game yet, but so far the story is actually quite interesting, I'm happy to see SEGA going for a darker story like SA2 but still keep the child friendliness of the newer games, it's a nice middle ground.… Expand
  25. dislexicpotato
    Jul 30, 2020
    4
    Probably the most shallow and uninspired Sonic game to date, Sonic Team evidently have no idea whatsoever what to do with the Sonic franchise and somehow managed to take the almost perfected boost formula and ruin it. Classic sonic is also a chore to play, the only decent part of the game is the character creator which is fun and could be good if used in a game that is actually fun toProbably the most shallow and uninspired Sonic game to date, Sonic Team evidently have no idea whatsoever what to do with the Sonic franchise and somehow managed to take the almost perfected boost formula and ruin it. Classic sonic is also a chore to play, the only decent part of the game is the character creator which is fun and could be good if used in a game that is actually fun to play. The Switch version of this game is also by far the worst with a 720p resolution and 30 fps on a game that isn't even very demanding. Save your money and buy Sonic Mania Plus.… Expand
  26. Alone1sAgain
    Nov 10, 2017
    3
    The SONIC Team proves, once again, that they just can't simply put enough "force" into their own Sonic titles to make them a real, worthwhile experience. If you go into this game expecting something a' la Mario Odyssey quality, you'll be severely disappointed. As for it being a Sonic game, well, the downward spiral of 3D Sonic games is still as apparent as ever. This title doesn't evenThe SONIC Team proves, once again, that they just can't simply put enough "force" into their own Sonic titles to make them a real, worthwhile experience. If you go into this game expecting something a' la Mario Odyssey quality, you'll be severely disappointed. As for it being a Sonic game, well, the downward spiral of 3D Sonic games is still as apparent as ever. This title doesn't even add up to the quality of Generations or Colors, which is ridiculous. Sonic Mania is half the price, and clearly the better option.

    The first point is the frame-rate issues. This game goes in a 30fps on the Nintendo Switch, and it even struggles with that. The level design is better, to say the least, but still as random as ever. What I mean by that is that there are points that make you enjoy it, but then you're brought back to the harsh reality that it's terrible again. Red rings and character parts (costumes) are littered throughout the levels, but the diverging paths are downright dumb. Unless you wish to "collect 'em all", it didn't keep me playing the same levels over and over again. They "force" you to play as Sonic, classic Sonic, and your own character creation during different parts of different levels, seemingly randomized in the story (at least to me). At the end of the story, it seems that your character simply had no impact on the turnout other than just simply existing. It's just borderline "okay" and "mediocre", and I wouldn't suggest this title except to the Sonic "enthusiasts". In my own opinion, go grab a GameCube and get Heroes or Sonic Adventure... you'll have more of a blast playing those than this title.

    Another point is the amazing reviews from users I'm seeing. "It's not Mario Odyssey, but it's SONIC!!! It's not a great game, has frame-rate issues, I've fallen through the world once, yet... I'll give it a 10/10!!!" This title is nowhere in any way possible a 10/10. Mario Odyssey is a 10/10. Zelda Breath of the Wild is 10/10. This title shouldn't even clock in at a 3 for me because there is just too many issues with the game.

    The cleanup from the Sonic fan-base is ridiculous. Save yourself $40-50 and buy another game. Black Friday is just around the corner, I'm sure you'll be able to find games on sale that are much more polished. Not to mention Doom, Rocket League, L.A. Noire, and Skyrim all coming soon. Just not worth it. At. All.    … Expand
  27. PyroProductions
    Jan 23, 2018
    4
    _________________________________________________
    And that is the level design of Sonic Forces. This game is so uninspired that I can't even make a long review on it. This game has so much potential to be great.
    But no. It was just playing it safe, but way too much. I wish it was more like Unleashed or Lost World. Even though I dislike the latter, at least they tried to vary their    _________________________________________________
    And that is the level design of Sonic Forces. This game is so uninspired that I can't even make a long review on it. This game has so much potential to be great.
    But no. It was just playing it safe, but way too much. I wish it was more like Unleashed or Lost World. Even though I dislike the latter, at least they tried to vary their content. All in all, I give Sonic Forces a 4/10.    … Expand
  28. nrj6490
    Nov 7, 2017
    7
    I really wanted to like this game. As a fan of all the old 3D Dreamcast and Gamecube/Xbox/PS2 Sonic games, I was actually looking forward to this. After the disaster that was Sonic Boom, I thought Sonic Team would turn it around and cater to the fans once again. Sonic Mania was, of course great, but given the bright spots in the previous 3 "next gen" Sonic gamesI really wanted to like this game. As a fan of all the old 3D Dreamcast and Gamecube/Xbox/PS2 Sonic games, I was actually looking forward to this. After the disaster that was Sonic Boom, I thought Sonic Team would turn it around and cater to the fans once again. Sonic Mania was, of course great, but given the bright spots in the previous 3 "next gen" Sonic games (Unleashed/Colors/Generations), I thought this time they'd perfect the formula. All in all, it isn't a bad game, and was pretty fun to play, but is nevertheless a disappointment in terms of what it's doing for the Sonic series (although I did have high expectations). The story is fine (although I would've really appreciated any presence of Chaos Emeralds at all, which for me completes a true Sonic game), music is excellent as always, and even the script was a pleasant surprise (save for the classic corny speeches), but it all boils down to gameplay. Starting with Modern Sonic, he probably has the most fun levels IMO, where players will find similarities to the other next gen Sonic games. However, there are a few of examples of straight terrible level design. Most of these examples are oversights, like a bridge where dashing is encouraged, yet if you try, falling off immediately is unavoidable. Additionally, a few levels are also ridiculously short, under a minute and a half, which can really only be explained by laziness or mismanagement of priorities at Sonic Team (as there are plenty of "challenge levels" to go around). Classic Sonic comes second in level consistency. He has a few of the best levels in the game, but again, some are just poorly designed. Mostly though, I had no idea why they even included him in this game. It just felt unnecessary, and he didn't really contribute to the main plot (some excuse about a dimensional disturbance was the reason for his presence). He didn't detract from the game, but it feels like a lot of the effort spent putting him in could've been used better elsewhere (like extending the relatively short levels and campaign). Maybe (hopefully) they could've just saved him for Sonic Generations 2, but he really didn't have a place in what could've been a self-contained good old fashioned Sonic story. Lastly, the avatar stages. Overall they were trying to combine the high speed and homing attacks of Sonic and a smash em up platforming style of gameplay. Sometimes it worked well (especially in the Sonic + Avatar stages), sometimes it didn't. When it didn't, it was because there were too many oversights, unnecessary obstacles or puzzles, and random gameplay elements that stop us from going fast, even in Modern Sonic stages. I actually thought Unleashed did this the best in their Day stages, with gorgeous levels and smart design, that, even in the 2D sections, never felt like it slowed the player down. That'd be my key complaint about the design: at its worst, it forcibly slows you down.

    Now for what they do right. Like I said, music is amazing. The plot does its job (I actually really liked the plotline of the first 6 or so levels). Sometimes it gets lost between upbeat and dark, but the war-esque tone is a good fit. The script was actually really good. There were the occasional corny puns and cringy speeches about friendship and whatnot, but I thought that the writing for characters like Eggman and Sonic was much improved, and Infinite makes for a very good antagonist. Like I said before, the level design isn't always all the way there, but when it goes right, it feels like the best levels in Colors, Unleashed and Generations do, some of the most entertaining video game platforming levels out there. The issue is consistency. Customizing the avatar was surprisingly fun, and is very in depth, with a ton of unlockable outfits and accessories. When I wasn't forced into a smash-em-up with awkward weapons, I thought the high speed, more Sonic-esque portions of the avatar levels were pretty fun. The final few levels were kind of a jumble, with a kind of run-on story, but they were actually relatively challenging, which was welcome after a few levels that felt like walkthroughs.

    A common reaction to this game that I've seen is "fans of the series will enjoy it", and I think that's pretty accurate. If you think you will, I recommend buying it, it's only $40, which is $20 cheaper than most console or PC releases. It has 30 levels in the campaign, plus a few more challenge levels, PLUS a free DLC called "Episode Shadow", with some fun levels, so there's plenty to keep busy, even though a bunch of levels are too short. I don't regret buying it, but I just wish that they learned from their mistakes in designing this game. It doesn't feel improved from the errors of past Modern Sonic games at all. I hope Sonic Team can reinvent themselves more for Sonic's next title, as I think the Unleashed/Colors/Generations/Forces formula is getting worn out. All in all though, I had fun.    … Expand
  29. landon9228
    Nov 7, 2017
    7
    It's not perfect, especially on Nintendo Switch, but it's still enjoyable and a good time. Cool story, cool cutscenes and solid gameplay. Just a solid game.
  30. bigblaccbepis
    Nov 8, 2017
    7
    The game isn't bad. I have heard so much about people just trashing the game, but I honestly think this is just decent. The game is fun, if you liked generations/colors gameplay. The soundtrack is mind blowing (Seriously, aqua road, so great), the graphics are nothing special, but still good. The artstyle is good sometimes and off sometimes, being interesting with park avenue, but weirdThe game isn't bad. I have heard so much about people just trashing the game, but I honestly think this is just decent. The game is fun, if you liked generations/colors gameplay. The soundtrack is mind blowing (Seriously, aqua road, so great), the graphics are nothing special, but still good. The artstyle is good sometimes and off sometimes, being interesting with park avenue, but weird with "Sand Hill" and mystic jungle. Oh yeah. Mystic Jungle. Perhaps one of the worst groups of stages in the game. Modern Sonic's version is filled with sections where you will fall off of bottomless pits, and the custom hero version has the best music in the game, but the worst gimmick in the game, again relating to bottomless pits. As for Classic Sonic, it was just fine. Classic Sonic was actually perhaps the best part of the game, especially compared to Generations. Classic Sonic stages were the ones with the most length. Length, that is a huge problem with the game. This game is 40 dollars. And it's very short. That combined with Level Design really brings the game down. The level design can be really really fun (one later modern sonic stage and a lot of classic sonic stages are great), but it can be boring or just straight up bad (around half of the custom hero gameplay/tag team). Overall, the game is fun. I would give it a 6.5-7.5 because it was fun, it just needs more polish. If someone for SEGA/Sonic Team ever reads this, you all should learn to stop rushing games. The more time you spend making a game, the better it is. Look at Breath of the Wild. Delayed for years. Came out to Critic praise. The game has some really bad forms of a lack of polish, such as some stages that seem unfinished. There is so much to love, but there is still a lot to hate. Ultimately, if you have an interest in Sonic games such as Generations or Colors, this game is good, but wait until it goes on sale for like 20-30 dollars. If you have never tried a Sonic game or just aren't interested, don't. Just don't buy this game. if you have to buy a Sonic game, buy Generations, Colors, or Unleashed in terms of Modern Sonic. All in all, this game has some great parts and some horrible parts, but not enough horrible parts to call the game trash.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
12
#12 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Jan 7, 2018
    75
    It's not a bad game, but after four or so years, it just feels like it ought to be better. [Issue #31 – January/February 2018, p. 35E]
  2. GamingTrend
    Dec 7, 2017
    60
    Sonic Forces may be a misstep from this year’s Mania, but it’s still an enjoyable title. While it suffers from a host of problems with pacing and performance, it still is worth a weekend rental with its surprisingly entertaining plot and great music.
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  3. FNintendo
    Nov 17, 2017
    40
    Sonic Forces may have created some hype but unfortunately, it mostly falls flat on its face as it quickly becomes obvious that this game is an exercise in disappointment. While the action runs smoothly whether on a television screen or on handheld mode, the game's short and unimaginative levels, the absence of gameplay mechanics that had become a staple of 3D Sonic games, the unreliable controls and the mediocre soundtrack all add up to a very flawed game from which a lot more was expected.
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