Sonic Forces Review
Sonic Team
Release: November, 7th 2017
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One



"Fist Bump" : Introduction
Sonic Forces, was the next part in the new series of games released at the time. Connected to Mania, it would take the Ruby Emeralds on a new path, in the modern day. But Forces took on a different form, branching out from not just playing Sonic, but an avatar character, a Fursona if you will.  It was meant to be an experimental idea. Did it work? Some of us are still pondering that thought, even many years later



"Faded Hills"
Level design, and world building has been a mainstay for the series. Within Forces, it takes everything that made Sonic stand out against the competition. As an action platformer, the speed, velocity, and rush cannot be compared to anything else out there.

The downside? The boost mechanic became a crutch for the series, and in Forces it shows. Even though the game has a dynamic visual style, and the animation is amazing. It is the gameplay that holds it back. As the Fursona avatar character, you have a bit more freedom to bop around, but also use the wisps as weapons.

What makes Forces difficult to review, is that it tries to offer variety. With Sonic, you know it will be based on speed, and  taking jumps to narrowly make it through obstacles, or ride rails. Either Sonic or the Fursona avatar character can use the Wisps, to offer unique ways of getting through a stage, or even use the advantage of time, space, and gravity.



"Infinite"
The game itself tried its best to redefine what an action platformer was meant to be. Compared to its competition, there has not been innovation for quite some time. Mixing things, but also using the best ideas to create a unique game. The first time in the series, where things are getting darker, but there is a glimmer of hope with Classic and Modern Sonic banding together, even though on separate wavelengths this time around.

Side note: Infinite, was a deep hidden easter egg within Sonic CD. It was a creepy image, of Sonic with a funky mask on his face. "Fun is Infinite". But in Forces, that form took on a different face, a new baddie that was given powers thanks to the Ruby Emerald (the same ones you came across in Mania). Infinite's actual story, is tied to Shadow oddly enough, in the dlc there are extra chapters of how Infinite came to be, from a nobody into one of the most fearsome baddies in the universe.



"Virtual Enemies"
Music has always been a key part of this series. Forces takes on a different shade this time around. With the theme song "Fist Bump" being performed by the leader singer of Hoobastank. Yes you read that right. Plus numerous artists brought their best, and energy to the soundtrack. Including various stages that have hidden easter eggs to also enjoy as you progress.


Sonic Forces, is it worth playing? As a longtime fan, I would say, yes it is worth the journey. The votes from mainstream media brought the game down quite a bit. But there are times when a series has to take chances. And Sonic Forces is one those games that does that. It would lead to something even more special for years to come.

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