Sonic Forces is a 2.5D/3D platformer developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. It was released on November 7, 2017, for various platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. The game is part of the Sonic the Hedgehog series and follows the events of Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations, acting as a continuation of the franchise’s more recent 3D adventures.

Story and Setting:

Sonic Forces is set in a world where Dr. Eggman has managed to conquer most of the planet with the help of a mysterious new villain, Infinite, a powerful being with the ability to create illusions and control chaos. Eggman’s forces, along with Infinite’s army, have almost taken over the world, leaving Sonic and his friends to fight back in an all-out war.

The game’s main storyline focuses on Sonic and a group of resistance fighters working to free the world from Eggman’s rule. Sonic has been captured early in the game, and the story revolves around the efforts of the resistance and a new hero (the player-controlled character) to defeat Eggman, Infinite, and restore peace. Along the way, players experience battles and challenges that lead to multiple twists in the plot, while Sonic’s friends, such as Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and others, join the fight.

Gameplay:

Sonic Forces features a blend of 2.5D side-scrolling and 3D platforming gameplay, with some levels adopting a more traditional side-scrolling perspective while others allow players to explore in a fully 3D environment. The game’s core mechanics center around speed, quick reflexes, and platforming challenges.

• Classic Sonic: One of the major gameplay features in Sonic Forces is the inclusion of Classic Sonic, who controls similarly to his original 2D platforming games from the Sega Genesis era (e.g., Sonic the Hedgehog 2). In the levels featuring Classic Sonic, players experience classic side-scrolling platforming with the familiar spin dash and jump abilities.
• Modern Sonic: The main gameplay segments feature Modern Sonic, whose levels are built around fast-paced 3D action. These stages have players zooming through levels at high speed, dodging obstacles, and defeating enemies. Modern Sonic can use a homing attack to hit enemies and obstacles, and his speed is a central part of the experience.
• Custom Hero Character: A unique feature of Sonic Forces is the introduction of a customizable hero character known as the Avatar. Players can create their own character, choosing from various species (e.g., hedgehogs, wolves, birds) and customizing their appearance. The Avatar uses a special weapon called the Wispon, which grants different abilities such as a grappling hook, flamethrower, or laser attacks. This character is used in specific levels throughout the game, adding a fresh dynamic to the gameplay.
• Stages and Environments: The game has a variety of stages set in different environments, including cityscapes, lush forests, and high-tech facilities. The stages combine fast platforming with quick reflex puzzles, enemy encounters, and hidden collectibles. Each level is designed with an emphasis on speed, but also with challenges that encourage exploration.
• Abilities and Power-ups: Throughout the game, players can unlock abilities for Sonic, the Avatar, and others. In addition to the Wispon powers, the characters have special abilities that can be used to gain advantages in levels, such as the ability to perform a “boost” for extra speed or combat enhancements.

Features:

• Multiple Playable Characters: Players can control not only Sonic and the Avatar but also some of Sonic’s iconic friends like Tails, Knuckles, and Amy in select stages. These characters offer different abilities, such as flight (Tails), strength (Knuckles), or hammer-based attacks (Amy).
• Boss Battles: Sonic Forces includes several boss battles that involve unique mechanics, often requiring players to learn attack patterns and find the right moment to strike. The final battle against Infinite is a key climactic moment in the game.
• Chaos Emeralds: As with many Sonic games, players can collect Chaos Emeralds in the game. Obtaining all the Chaos Emeralds unlocks the Super Sonic transformation, where Sonic can gain invincibility and increased power.
• Online and Time Trials: The game includes online features where players can compete in time trials, ranking on leaderboards. Players can race through levels to achieve the fastest times, adding a competitive element to the experience.