sound borders is the latest installment of the flagship product of SEGA. Since Sonic Team he assured himself that it would be a revolution for the hedgehog; From a game more worked than the previous ones. It is true that since the switch to 3D, Sonic has been very inconsistent. He had great successes such as Sonic Adventure oh raging decibellsbut also big stumbles, like Sonic (2006) or the spin off of Supersonic Detonation. Are we facing a case like the first or like the second? Now let’s see. sound borders is available in the ecosystems of Xbox there PlayStation, nintendo switch and PC from November 8, 2022.
The story of Sonic Frontiers and its characters
sound borders represents a paradigm shift in the hedgehog journey that we have been living for Sonic colors. The change of writer is very noticeable, as the characters are better characterized than ever. Gone are the days of Ziphead Knuckles or Sonic not taking their own confinement seriously for months. All the characters, main and secondary, fulfill their role perfectly and evolve throughout the game. A point very in favor of this opus.
As for the story, it all starts with the arrival of Sonic, Amy and Tails to the Starfall Islands in the Tornado. The islands seem to have a very strong connection with the Chaos Emeralds. However, once they get close, they end up shipwrecked and separated due to cyberspace. Only Sonic is able to get out of this, and his task is to save his friends (Knuckles included). And it is that the Chaos Emeralds are at the center of the story, since it tells us about its origin and its relationship with the Master Emerald. This story will be told to us through scenes or dialogue points which will be optional, but which we strongly recommend that you know.
Exploring the Starfall Islands
The main change that sound borders is the appearance of open areas.
It is not an open world to use, as there will be different islands, each disconnected from the others (although we can move between them at will once we have overcome them), but each island can be traveled at our way. In this sense, the key will be to unlock the different pieces of the map, since at first it will be blank. We will have to overcome small mini-games and puzzles scattered on the ground to complete the areas therein. It should be noted that this will not limit our movement, just that we can see the terrain on our map. The freedom, with the exception of very specific areas which are unlocked by the progress of the plot, is total.
There are 6 Starfall Islands, each with their own unique twist, especially the first three. As we unlock parts of the map, it will be filled with more “sound elements” such as jumpers, rails or turbo panels. These will be present at the start, but will be developed as we explore. Speaking of exploration, our goal will be marked at all times, and we can put a second mark where we want to go, which will be seen at all times as beams of light. This is where the great strength of this game lies. Playing as Sonic in the open world is awesome, it’s so much fun. sound borders has found the perfect balance between 2D and 3D.
Cyberspace and fishing, two complementary results
A major element of the story and gameplay is cyberspace.. Thanks to small altars distributed throughout the map, we can access them. Cyberspace will be a reinterpretation of the classic hedgehog levels. So at this point we will have the gameplay that Sonic had had until now, with closed levels in which we must finish in a hurry. These levels are necessary for the advancement of the plot, since Sonic is the only one who can enter (not without cost) and leave cyberspace at will. Between the levels we will find reinterpretations of green hill oh chemical plant. For those who want to play it right away, after completing the game the Arcade mode will be unlocked, where we will only have cyberspace.
Another element more important than it seems is fishing. In altars similar to those of cyberspace (4 in total), one can travel in a very particular digital space. There Big the Cat will be waiting for us, who will leave us a rod to fish and disconnect. To fish, you have to throw the hook and complete a small rhythmic mini-game. Each capture will give us a specific amount of tokens, which we can then exchange for rewards of all kinds. Some will be very important to progress in the adventure, while others will be small improvements. In effect, It is thanks to fishing that we will have a greater perspective on the actions of Eggman, since he will have left voice notes that we will only obtain by exchanging them for fishing tokens.
In effect, neither fishing nor cyberspace is mandatory per se, Well, you can get the necessary items to advance on each side, although the ideal is to combine.
Skill tree and combat, the great advances
Another of the great novelties of sound borders is its renewed battle system. So far, except in Supersonic Detonation and in the part of werewolf of raging decibells, the fight was all about running and performing a remote attack. It’s f inish. Now, Sonic will be able to punch and kick, in addition to his usual abilities. The fight will be a fundamental part of the game, since we will have many enemies in each area, as well as many bosses throughout the adventure.
As we advance we will grow stronger, both ourselves and the enemies, so exploring this aspect is vital.
In addition to the basic punches, Sonic will learn new special abilities along our journey. When we defeat an enemy, they will give us skill coins, which we can exchange in a new skill tree. From a stomp or a counter attack to much more powerful blows, the truth is that the hedgehog has never been seen with so much skill. The combat is very dynamic. and we hope that this whole section will remain in the saga for a long time. There will be three skills that we will acquire as we progress through the storyThis, yes. We will also have, on the cyberspace loading screens or at any time, a simulator, where we can test our new skills.
Graphics and performance, lights and shadows
The main negative point of sound borders It is in its graphics and performance section. The character models are the best in the saga, looking spectacular in the scenes. The realistic environment also suits the Sonic elements very well. The lighting, meanwhile, is a very positive point, especially at night. However, while Sonic and the map elements are great, the environment is not. Trees, mountains or grass could be much more beautiful than they are.
The shortcomings, in this case, are more noticeable in performance. Don’t get me wrong, the game runs very smooth and is a joy to play. However, Sonic has one problem, his high speed. We will go so fast, especially with the increasethat on the map there will be a to burst visible a simple sight. Also, unlocking (and therefore loading) the map in parts didn’t help either. It’s not, by a long shot, something that spoils the experience or tarnishes the great experience that is this game, but it’s a blemish on a record that so far has been almost pristine.
The amazing Sonic Frontiers soundtrack
On the other side of the artistic section, we have sound. Sonic has always had very characteristic sound effects and very good soundtracks. Sonic Frontiers takes this sound section to another level. Without a doubt, it’s the best in a really good game. From the slower, more melancholic open-world themes to the cyberspace themes, all the songs are very good.
The palm is won by the fights against the final bosses of each island. By the time we get the Chaos Emeralds and We Face the Titans is insanely epic, and the music definitely lives up to it, being the main cause of said epic. A work inspired above all by a saga which accustoms us to great soundtracks.
Ultimately, Sonic Frontiers…
Ultimately, sound borders is the game Sonic needed. Gameplay changes have done the Hedgehog a lot of good, including freedom of movement and combat changes. If it weren’t for the graphics section, we would undoubtedly be talking about the best Sonic game since its move to 3D.
In his 20 hours of play, sound borders tells us a simple but effective story, making us love the characters very much, especially Sage. It’s an emotional game, but also a lot of fun. Clearly, this should be the line to follow now for the visible face of SEGA. Finally and as always, if you want to know more about games and news, we are waiting for you here, in Xbox area.
We thank PLAION for sending us the key to carry out this analysis.
sound borders
Graphics and performance
7.0/10
Pro.
characterization of characters
The story, although simple, is perfectly consistent and contributes a lot to the story of the hedgehog
Driving Sonic is so much fun
The soundtrack, both in the environment and against bosses
Perfect balance between 2D and 3D
Contra.
The graphics section is insufficient, beyond the characters and cutscenes
