Buckle up, gamers.

I think this game was made with the intent to make amends to its fans after Sonic Forces. One thing I've always liked about this franchise is the experimentation. They're brave enough to try new things with Sonic, even though at times it may seem they get more duds than bangers. Blah blah blah just a fancy way of saying "Sonic had a rough transition to 3D" or any other statements told a thousand times. Sonic Team does this strange thing where they will take inspiration from their past works (sometimes even making a game based on levels from past games people liked; Sonic Generations).

But I digress, I'm coming into this game fresh off the heels of Sonic x Shadow Generations and that game is easily one of the best in the series. It had the passion woven into its game design, but it still had something missing when it came to Sonic himself or the rest of the cast. I was just listening to a Best Of album. Shadow's story did wonders to pump the game with more heartfelt story but I also don't think it delved deep into it like they did in the 2000s.

Sonic Frontiers is a return to form of those early years of Sonic stories. It may be complicated and obtuse but Sage, Eggman, Team Sonic all shine great thanks to their characterization. It almost seems like they're picking up right where they left off in 2009. I mean that in every aspect, some janky gameplay is back, but what really blew me away was the writing. Many have said that Sonic is a static character, but that's mostly because he serves as a catalyst. The plot doesn't happen to him. He happens to the plot.

Sonic is the vessel for that specific game's theme. In Adventure it was freedom, 06 was making your own path, Black Knight was living the life we have. Too much for a series about chili dogs guy? Maybe. But this is for me. The soundtrack is always bangin' and it serves to emphasize this game's new theme that Sonic embodies: I'm Here. Separated from the rest of the crew, everyone distraught and even Sonic shows fear and doubt. But no matter what, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, and Sonic are all there for each other. They'll suffer and overcome together. Eggman and Sage get their character moments as well and I'm interested to see what role Sage takes in the future.

This game's writing is not Shakespeare, but it doesn't have to be. Not to me, anyway. It just feels right to have something new with elements of what I grew up with. I get to see my friends again, not as corporate mascots, but as themselves. They grew and so did I.

It's peak. 5/5

5/5 Never Fade Away...

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, man. What a good game. Got into the roleplay as much as I did for Baldur's. And just like that, I have to go back in for more. New characters, new endings, everything.

There's always another way. I liked my V's story, and I'm sure you will too.