Sonic Frontiers Update 2 Release Date Revealed
by A Maria
Updated May 27, 2023
Sonic Frontiers Game Info
Sonic Frontiers is a platform game released in 2022, developed by Sonic Team, and published by Sega. In this game, players take control of Sonic as he embarks on an adventure through the Starfall Islands in search of the Chaos Emeralds. The story begins when Sonic and his friends are separated after falling through a wormhole. Frontiers introduce a new twist to the Sonic the Hedgehog series by incorporating open-world gameplay alongside traditional elements like platforming, collecting rings, and utilizing grind rails. While exploring the vast open world, players can engage in various challenges, battle robotic enemies, and even access "Cyber Space" levels that pay homage to previous Sonic games.
After the release of Sonic Forces in 2017, Sonic Team started brainstorming ideas for their next game. Takashi Iizuka, the head of Sonic Team, envisioned Sonic Frontiers as a blueprint for future titles, similar to how Sonic Adventure had influenced the series back in 1998. The development team opted for an open-ended design, focusing on adapting Sonic's signature abilities to suit an expansive open world. The game's official announcement took place in December 2021, generating excitement among Sonic fans.
Sonic Frontiers was made available on various gaming platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, on November 8, 2022. Reviews from critics were mixed, with notable praise directed towards the game's visually appealing graphics, engaging storyline, and captivating soundtrack. However, some critics pointed out technical issues and had differing opinions on the controls and combat mechanics. On the other hand, the game found more favor among dedicated fans of the Sonic series. In terms of commercial success, Sonic Frontiers exceeded expectations, selling 3.5 million copies by May 2023.
Sonic Frontiers Update 2 Release Date
Although the provided informational image regarding the content of each Sonic Frontiers update didn't provide explicit details about their release dates, it did offer a significant clue. The image indicated that the second wave of updates would feature content specifically designed to celebrate Sonic's birthday. Sonic's birthday coincides with the anniversary of the entire Sonic series, which is traditionally observed on June 23. To ensure the timely delivery of the birthday-themed content, the update would need to go live a few days prior to June 23 or precisely on that date.
Gameplay of Sonic Frontiers
Sonic Frontiers combines elements of a 3D platformer and an action-adventure game. Players assume the role of Sonic as they explore the Starfall Islands, which encompass various biomes such as flowery fields, forests, ancient ruins, and deserts. The primary objective is to collect the Chaos Emeralds and uncover the islands' connection to them. Sonic retains his iconic abilities from previous Sonic the Hedgehog games, including running at high speeds, collecting rings, grinding on rails, and homing in on enemies to attack. The player can execute maneuvers such as double jumping, sidestepping, drop dashing, and boosting, provided they have enough energy.
New abilities introduced in Sonic Frontiers include combat attacks, running alongside walls, and utilizing the Cyloop. The Cyloop enables Sonic to create a circle of light around objects and interact with them, performing different tasks by drawing specific shapes. For instance, drawing an infinity symbol or an 8 grants Sonic the ability to boost indefinitely for a limited time. Additionally, Sonic gains temporary infinite boosting upon collecting the maximum number of rings. Players have the option to customize the controls and adjust Sonic's speed, turning, acceleration, sensitivity, and other settings. As they progress, they can upgrade Sonic's speed, attack, defense, and ring capacity.
The Starfall Islands serve as the series' first open world, drawing comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Within this expansive world, players encounter familiar Sonic elements such as springs, boost pads, and grind rails. Scaling towers and engaging in platforming challenges reveal different parts of the map while solving puzzles and completing speed runs allows players to obtain items. One of Sonic's main objectives is to rescue his friends, including Tails, Amy Rose, and Knuckles, who are trapped in Cyber Space. Tails and Amy initially accompany Sonic, while Knuckles was transported there earlier.
The rescue is achieved by collecting various in-game items scattered throughout the open world. Kocos enhance Sonic's moveset, while Memory Tokens trigger cutscenes and conversations with Sonic's friends, advancing the plot or deepening their relationships through side quests. Sonic's friends project themselves as holograms in the real world, offering guidance and interaction. Throughout the Starfall Islands, players engage in battles against various forms of robots.
Sonic can dodge and parry attacks and the Cyloop can be employed to make enemies vulnerable. Defeating enemies grants experience points that can be used to unlock additional combat moves and abilities in both combat and the open world. In addition to regular adversaries, players face formidable "Guardian" bosses. Overcoming these bosses rewards players with portal gears, allowing them to enter Cyber Space. Cyber Space comprises 30 levels that alternate between third-person and side-scrolling perspectives. Each level presents optional objectives, including time attacks, ring collection, and acquiring five red rings.
Completing these objectives awards players with the keys required to obtain a Chaos Emerald. Notably, Big the Cat hosts a fishing minigame in specific areas of the maps. Sonic can exchange purple coins found in the overworld to participate in fishing, catching fish, and objects to earn fishing tokens based on the quality of the catch. These tokens can be redeemed for items and collectibles. Collecting all seven Chaos Emeralds enables players to transform into Super Sonic, a necessary transformation to confront and defeat the game's major bosses, known as the Titans.
About Sonic Frontiers
Developer(s)
Sonic Team
Publisher(s)
Sega
Director(s)
Morio Kishimoto
Producer(s)
Designer(s)
Jyunpei Ootsu
Artist(s)
Yoshitaka Miura
Writer(s)
Composer(s)
Series
Sonic the Hedgehog
Platform(s)
Release
November 8, 2022
Genre(s)
Platform, action-adventure
Mode(s)
Single-player
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Sonic Frontiers Update 2 Release Date - FAQs
Sonic Frontiers is a platform game released in 2022, developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. Players assume the role of Sonic as he embarks on an adventure through the Starfall Islands in search of the Chaos Emeralds.
The story of Sonic Frontiers revolves around Sonic and his friends who become separated after falling through a wormhole. Players join Sonic on his quest to reunite with his friends and explore the Starfall Islands.
Sonic Frontiers introduces an open-world gameplay element alongside traditional Sonic the Hedgehog elements like platforming, ring collection, and grind rails. This combination adds a new twist to the Sonic series and provides players with a vast and immersive experience.
In the open world of Sonic Frontiers, players can engage in various challenges, battle robotic enemies, and explore different areas. They can also access "Cyber Space" levels that serve as a tribute to previous Sonic games.
Yes, Sonic Frontiers retains elements that fans of the series will recognize, such as platforming, collecting rings, and utilizing grind rails. These classic features are integrated into the open-world gameplay of Sonic Frontiers.